[thstone]

Ok, let me balance out my previous post with some of the positives;

1. My original Boxster engine finally failed (due to a cam lifter, not IMS bearing) at 146,000 miles. Besides the miles, the engine had 89 track days and over 10,000 runs up to redline (and several beyond redline!). This is amazing durability.

2. My 996 has 146,000 miles. At this level of mileage, you have to start to expect things to need replacement. To be fair, I could have let the alternator and idler pulley's alone. They were not squealing or making a lot of noise so I probably could have let them go another 10K or 20K miles until they really needed replacement and saved $700. It was more of a "while I was in there" thing.

3. The 996 with 146,000 miles runs like its brand new. The engine purrs like a kitten and its perfectly smooth. Unless something strange happens, I hope to get 200K miles.

4. It is almost impossible to put a price on the Boxster fun factor! The amount of joy, happiness, and fun that you'll experience in a Boxster has to be 10x or 20x whatever you might spend on a yearly basis keeping the car running. Is it worth it? HECK YES!

5. I love Boxster's! They are the most pure sports car that you can find with a stereo and real air conditioning. They shame the 911 (996) in pure handling and driving excitement.

In closing, if you liked your 924, you are going to be intoxicated with the 986.