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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Porsche
The Porsche Boxster is one of the most rewarding used sports cars you can buy, and the American market holds a deep, well-kept supply of them.
Model profile
The mid-engined Boxster roadster launched in 1996 as the 986, the car that arguably saved Porsche. The 987 followed for 2005 with a stiffer shell and sharper looks, updated in 2009 with direct-injection engines and the PDK dual-clutch option. The 981 arrived for 2012 on a lighter, longer-wheelbase platform with electric steering and a much-praised chassis. From 2016 the 982 generation adopted the 718 branding.
Powertrain and equipment
Early 986 cars used 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2-litre flat-six engines. The 987 ran 2.7 and 2.9 base units with 3.2 and later 3.4-litre S engines, the post-2009 cars gaining direct injection.
The Boxster is a two-seat convertible in essence. The hierarchy runs base, S, GTS and the special Spyder, plus the track-focused Boxster Spyder RS at the very top of the 718 range.
Vehicle selection
Supply is strong and varied.
The Boxster suits a driver who values balance, steering feel and open-top usability over straight-line drama. It is a genuine sports car that also works as a comfortable daily.
Vehicle data
| Length (981) | Detail (generation-dependent): approx. 4,374 mm |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase (981) | Detail (generation-dependent): 2,475 mm |
| Curb weight | Detail (generation-dependent): approx. 1,310-1,450 kg |
| Body style | Detail (generation-dependent): Two-seat mid-engine roadster |
|---|---|
| 986/987/981 engines | Detail (generation-dependent): Flat-six, 2.5-3.4 L |
| 718 base/S engines | Detail (generation-dependent): Turbo flat-four, 2.0 / 2.5 L |
| Power range | Detail (generation-dependent): approx. 204 hp (986 2.5) to 400 hp (Spyder RS) |
| Transmission | Detail (generation-dependent): 5/6-speed manual, Tiptronic, or PDK dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | Detail (generation-dependent): Rear-wheel drive |
| Roof | Detail (generation-dependent): Powered fabric folding top |
| Fuel | Detail (generation-dependent): Petrol |
| Generations | Detail (generation-dependent): 986, 987, 981, 982 (718) |
|---|---|
| 718 GTS 4.0 / Spyder | Detail (generation-dependent): Naturally aspirated flat-six, 4.0 L |
| Assembly | Detail (generation-dependent): Germany (Stuttgart) and Finland (Uusikaupunki) depending on year |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The great caveat with older flat-six Boxsters is the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing on 986 and early 987 cars up to roughly 2008, which can fail and cause catastrophic engine damage; many cars have had an upgraded bearing fitted, and proof of that work is worth paying for. Rear main seal (RMS) leaks are common on the same era.
Germany and Europe
American Boxsters run different lighting: expect no rear fog lamp and US-pattern headlights that require ECE adaptation. Side marker lights and the mph speedometer need addressing at inspection.
Typical work includes fitting a rear fog lamp, adapting headlights to ECE beam pattern, correcting side markers and documenting the odometer conversion to kilometres.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
The 981 is widely regarded as the sweet spot for chassis and flat-six sound; the 718 GTS 4.0 is the enthusiast pick if budget allows.
Only on 986 and early 987 flat-six cars up to about 2008. Cars with a documented IMS upgrade, or the later 981 and 718, avoid the issue.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Both are common in the US pool. Manuals suit purists; PDK is faster and easier in traffic.
Many southern-state cars are very clean, but always inspect the underbody and radiators regardless of climate claims.
Import candidates typically show 40,000 to 120,000 km, often as former weekend cars.
Yes. It is the most economical choice and avoids the older flat-six failure modes, though it sounds different.
Yes, as an independent broker we cover sourcing, escrow, freight, customs, TUV and registration.
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