How boring and utterly worthless would this site be if all everyone did was write about how much fun their cars are to drive and how reliable they are? I know I wouldn't be spending much time here.
If you dig into any specialized car enthusiast website, you'll see many of the same kinds of posts found here. For example, I cruised a Ford Probe site when my brother's car had problems, and the Dodge Durango/Dakota site when my parents' Durango crapped out. Those sites, just like ours, are full of complaints, horror stories, how to articles, and tons of great advice from thousands of gear heads who get a charge from sharing their knowledge and helping others solve problems.
My '02S has had many of the typical problems talked about here. Like you, I was a little nervous going in a year ago and sometimes the cost of parts/repairs has pinched, but that all goes out the window when I'm out driving. Since day one I just haven't been able to wipe the perma-grin off my face.
When you encounter your first problem and you're able to solve it fairly cost effectively by using information on this site, I really think some on your anxiety will subside. So, do your homework or your purchase, make sure you can fairly comfortable afford the ownership experience, then relax and enjoy, and revel in the fact that you're not driving a characterless appliance. Driving a Boxster truly is the most fun you have with your clothes on.