your last three non-maintenance repairs

[mikefocke]

'01S with 55k+ on it now bought with 42k on it

2 years ago a tired O2 sensor (front right)
3 years ago air leak in air induction
4 years ago seatbelt grounding per TSB

Total cost so far for 50 months of ownership averages ~$12 per month in unscheduled maintenance. I have another O2 sensor I'm about to drop in just to get their age matching but it has not yet really shown a code so I'm at a loss as to if it goes into the unscheduled, scheduled or owners paranoia categories.

I've also replaced one battery (car is probably on its third), no tires, air and pollen filters and done the once a year oil changes three times for $40 labor each and my supplied parts under the scheduled category.

[Kirk]

I've only had two non-maintenance repairs in the last 3.5 years that I've owned my Boxster:

Rear wheel bearings - $70 in parts, $260 for the special tool, I supplied the labor

Rear CV boots - $50 in parts, DIY labor

Overall I think our Boxsters are relatively cheap to run. I just bought a 996 and this is the biggest reason why I bought that car, because of my positive experience with the Boxster. I really wanted a Maserati Coupe GT (about $30K used), but there is only one Internet source for discounted parts and they don't carry much. Plus even with the discount you're still buying Ferrari parts. So the rear wheel bearings for the Maserati would have been $630 each!!! I figured down the road I was going to pay $10,000 more in gas (thirsty V8) and $10,000 more in maintenance and repair parts for a Maserati that was about the same cost up front as a 996.

I think we have to count ourselves lucky to have beautiful cars, with excellent German design and engineering, and still be able to run them relatively cost effectively. How many great resources do we have on the Net for help with repairing our cars? How many great resources do we have for cheap parts? How many resources do we have for great aftermarket parts and mods? Again, all of this I found lacking with Maserati. So I stayed in the Porsche family and I'm glad I did! I think we're pretty lucky with the Boxster support that is available on-line.

Kirk

[coreseller]

Oil Change, Manual Trans Fluid Change, Front Motor Mount (Pedro Enthusiast's Mount, highly recommend), soon to do a clutch and tranny (G-Box) rebuild R&R. The Boxster has proven to be an extremely simple to DIY car to work on.

[mylamb]

I don't even want to answer this question... makes me too mad to even think about it! Let's just say... A LOT. Feels like at least one part quits on a bi-weekly basis. Porsche's create a desire that's hard for to replace though... do I really want an S2000? Not really.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by mylamb

I don't even want to answer this question... makes me too mad to even think about it! Let's just say... A LOT. Feels like at least one part quits on a bi-weekly basis. Porsche's create a desire that's hard for to replace though... do I really want an S2000? Not really.

Do you have a Finland build?

[jmatta]

I wouldn't classify these as repairs, but:

LN billet oil filter adapter (with Mobil 1 fine mesh filter)
LN magnetic drain plug
LN 160* low temp t-stat

Hopefully with these additions, I won't be needing to repair my engine anytime soon.

[mylamb]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Do you have a Finland build?

yeah, Usapuniki, or whatever it's called. I have read in numerous publications that this makes no difference.

[Lucky]

2000 S, Finland build, 20 months as 2nd owner, 10K miles under my butt, 102K total miles. $0 in repairs.

I have done some DIY upgrades, however. Optima battery, bright white headlight bulbs, PSE muffler, ROW M030 springs, struts, and sways, and adjustable sway bar drop links.

I do plan to do all 4 wheel bearings next Winter -- left rear and right front are both starting to go. However, given my mileage I wouldn't classify wheel bearing replacement as a repair.

~~~~~

My previous Porsche was an '86 Carrera. That was probably the "cheapest" car I've ever owned. Sold it for $2K less than my purchase price. I did put about $4K into it over 7 years of ownership and 35K miles, many of which were on track at DEs. Less than $1K per year in depreciation, upgrades, and maintenance -- pretty amazing, actually.