The Porsche Boxster was introduced in 1997 and modified in 2003. The original Boxster convertible top fabric was a special German Sonnenland canvas called "A-5 Sonnenland." This Boxster top fabric has the highest wear rating of any of the German canvas fabrics. Owners wishing to maximize their Boxster top longevity should specify this convertible top fabric.

Boxster tops are fastened at their sides with embedded cables built into the convertible top. Usage history indicated premature failure at these areas due to "pull through" of the cables in the Boxster top. Only utmost care and quality control in the factory can reduce the possibility of early failure due to this design question. Germanex and Robbins are two factories that have taken pains in their Boxster convertible top manufacturing processes.

Owners should also be wary of "seconds" sold at discount without proper labelling or identification. Boxster tops that fail quality control tests are sold to brokers and dealers and do wind up on the market. Make sure you know the brand of your Boxster top and insist that the seller identify the maker.