987 makes Edmunds's lowest "true cost to own" list...

[SD987]

Another feel-good accolade for 987 owners, the Box makes Edmund's lowest "true cost to own" list for 2006 in the convertible over $45K category.

Sedans
Sedan Under $15,000: Scion xA
Sedan Under $25,000: Toyota Corolla
Sedan Under $35,000: Volkswagen Passat
Sedan Under $45,000: Lexus IS 350
Sedan Over $45,000: Acura RL

Wagons
Wagon Under $15,000: Scion xB
Wagon Under $25,000: Toyota Matrix
Wagon Under $35,000: Mazda MAZDA6
Wagon Under $45,000: Saab 9-5
Wagon Over $45,000: Audi A6

Coupes
Coupe Under $15,000: Ford Focus
Coupes Under $25,000: Honda Insight
Coupe Under $35,000: Honda Accord
Coupe Under $45,000: Audi TT
Coupe Over $45,000: Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Convertibles
Convertible Under $25,000: Volkswagen New Beetle
Convertible Under $35,000: Toyota Camry Solara
Convertible Under $45,000: Nissan 350Z
Convertible Over $45,000: Porsche Boxster

Trucks
Compact Truck: Chevrolet Colorado
Large Truck: Toyota Tundra

SUVs
SUV Under $25,000: Honda CR-V
SUV Under $35,000: Toyota Highlander
SUV Under $45,000: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
SUV Over $45,000: Lexus RX 400h

Vans
Minivan: Mazda MAZDA5

Not sure how they can project this for a two year old model, but the criteria and methodology is here: http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/tco/2006/index.html#

[eslai]

Hmm... I don't know what to think about that. They've got the VW New Beetle on that list also and those have tons of problems!

[Brucelee]

They clearly do not factor out out of warranty costs.

Moreover, I would think they are simply guessing on depreciation costs going forward.

Consider me skeptical.

[eslai]

It says in their description that they take into account maintenance costs for five years, at 15,000 miles a year though...

[SD987]

I think we may be missing the point, in that Edmund's is not saying the Boxster is cheap to run, just cheaper than the competition and when you look at the convertible over 45K category, there's some pretty pricey competition. I'd assume that almost all cars in that segment run on quality (read short-lived) rubber which is the first thing that comes to mind in terms of higher maintenance costs after routine interval service. The Box also has that 20K interval, so in 80,000 miles of driving you'd have only four service intervals vs. a Merc for example, where you'd have 6 (13K) intervals.

The main point in my mind is that while we don't have it cheap, it could be alot worse.

[BlueStreak]

Hmm, I'd expect the Ferrari Enzo would do well. Considering it's value increases instead of depreciating, you could actually make money by owning one.

[Brucelee]

I remain a cynic!