Join me for Part 2 of my cross-America road trip in my 2002 Porsche Boxster S! In this episode, I deal with the battery/alternator issue and head in to the desert.

The 2002 Porsche Boxster S, while a fantastic sports car, isn’t without its quirks and issues. Some of the most common problems include:

1. **IMS (Intermediate Shaft) Bearing Failure**: This is the most infamous issue with older Boxsters, including the 2002 model. The IMS bearing supports the intermediate shaft that drives the camshafts, and when it fails, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage. While not every car suffers from this, it’s a well-known risk that can lead to engine failure if not addressed.

2. **Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks**: Another common issue is oil leaking from the rear main seal. This can lead to messy oil drips and, if left unchecked, more serious engine issues over time. The fix typically involves removing the transmission, making it a labor-intensive repair.

3. **Convertible Top Mechanism Failure**: The Boxster’s soft top mechanism is known to have problems over time, particularly with the motor and cables that operate the top. If the top becomes slow or stops working altogether, it’s usually due to wear and tear on these parts.

4. **Coolant Tank Leaks**: The plastic coolant expansion tank in the Boxster S is prone to cracking, leading to coolant leaks. This is often tricky to detect right away and can result in overheating if not repaired promptly.

5. **Suspension Wear**: Due to the sporty nature of the Boxster, suspension components, particularly the control arm bushings and drop links, can wear out faster than in a typical car. This leads to clunking noises, reduced handling performance, and the need for replacement parts.

6. **Clutch Wear**: The clutch in manual transmission models tends to wear out relatively quickly, especially if the car has been driven aggressively. Replacing the clutch can be a costly job.

Despite these issues, many owners still find the 2002 Boxster S a rewarding car to drive, especially when maintained properly.

In this episode (part 1 of the adventure), I drive from New York to Colorado, via Chicago and Omaha… before running into some issues in the Rocky Mountains.

The 2002 Porsche Boxster S is like that friend who shows up to a casual dinner party wearing a tailored suit—effortlessly cool and unapologetically classy. With its mid-engine layout and 3.2-liter flat-six engine, this car was a statement that Porsche didn’t just reserve its best engineering for the 911. It pumps out 250 horsepower, which in 2002 felt like a mini rocket on wheels. The Boxster S hugs the road like it’s trying to give it a romantic embrace, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution. Driving it feels like an experience—no, an event—where every curve is an invitation to push a little harder.

Inside, it’s quintessentially Porsche: minimalist but refined, with all the buttons and knobs you need and none of the ones you don’t. The soft top is ready to drop at a moment’s notice, letting you hear that sweet engine note in full stereo. The car’s design has aged well—its sleek, rounded body still turns heads even as it gets mistaken for more recent models. The Boxster S isn’t just a sports car; it’s a declaration that sometimes, the road is best enjoyed with a little wind in your hair and a flat-six engine singing behind you.