There’s a growing appreciation for the first-generation Porsche Boxster as one of the best deals out there for an entry-level sports car. I’m not sure if the Boxster was dragged down by the initial distaste for the water-cooled 996 or if it was the manufactured hysteria over the IMS bearing failure rate, but the mid-engined sports car has been shockingly cheap for years despite being a phenomenal driver’s car. The Boxster shown here is an earlier example and it has a scant 21,000 miles on the clock. The seller notes it belonged to his father who no longer drives it and it’s listed here on craigslist for $23,000.

This is still such a pretty car. But it does suffer from the “entry level Porsche” syndrome, which seems to affect every model that isn’t a 911. And it’s tough, because other products essentially exist to support the 911 and keep it financially viable. Still, unlike the 924 and the 944, the Boxster got his with the dreaded IMS failure syndrome that also affects the 996-chassis cars. What’s incredible is looking back through message board posts from the early and middle 2000s and seeing how many owners didn’t know or didn’t care about the IMS and were simply enjoying their cars. The fear mongering that has been drummed up since that time is significant.

And while I understand the IMS can be a real paint point, there’s no denying that a certain group of shops and service providers have made a very healthy living telling owners of these cars that it’s ticking time bomb. The seller of this Boxster makes no mention of his father proactively replacing the IMS but does reference a thick stack of records. Given the mileage is so low, I’m curious what work has been done despite conceivably not needing much of anything with just 21K on the clock. Even the soft top was redone, I’m guessing just to make the car even more cosmetically perfect, and the seller notes the factory hardtop is included and was never used.

The leather looks outstanding, as do the carpets and dash. There’s little reason to doubt the mileage given the condition on display here, and the seller notes it’s kept secure and dry in underground parking. The 1997 Boxster is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-six engine producing 201 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s a terrific car to drive hard with no fear of getting in too much trouble with law enforcement, and if you can past the IMS fears, annual upkeep is quite reasonable for a mid-engined sports car. While there are legions of cheaper examples out there, this isn’t much to pay for what is likely one of the best first-generation Boxsters left. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.