[rick3000]

My '99 has been very reliable, and it's almost 10 years old.
You just have to remember what you're buying. It will cost more to repair than say a honda, but I would image parts are cheaper in the UK than in the US.
Just make sure you have some money in the bank if it does need a repair (1.5K pounds?), or look into an extended warranty. (Do a search for the debate over warranties vs. a savings account).
Most but not all of the problems could have been sorted out after ten years, but I wouldn't assume anything without service records. For maintenance your looking at an oil change every 5-7.5K miles, or every year, then major services at 15k, 30k, 60k, etc.

Reading what it is your looking for the Boxster seems like a great car for you, but I would go drive one and make up your own mind. I would also note the petrol cost since it gets about 18-26mpg. But the more you drive it the less unexpected problems you'll have.