[mts]

Having had several Miatas, and S2000 and a Boxster S (which has recently suffered an IMS failure), I'm not going to jump in here and say don't buy the Boxster as it isn't as reliable. Although I had almost no issues with the Miatas or S2000 and have suffered an engine failure with the Boxster I'm not certain I would go so far as to say those Japanese cars are drastically more reliable.

What I would do is tell you to consider the cost of the repairs and who can do the work if there is a problem. There are fewer people quailfied to work on the Boxster vs. those Japanese cars and when repairs are needed they are drastically more expensive. If you don't have the bankroll to pay for a potential catastrophic repair IF one occurs with your Boxster, I would consider the alternatives. For example, on a blown Miata motor, you are looking at about $5k installed for a new crate motor from Mazda at the dealership. The same thing for the Boxster will run about $15k if you get a really good deal.

So, my thought is if you are shoe-string budget and a big $$ repair would put the whammy on you IF once occured I would seriously consider looking at a non-Porsche (non-high end German car at all really). If you have the $$ to take care of a big repair in the unlikely event one happens the Boxster is a really good choice.

That's just my 2 cents.