Quote:
Originally Posted by Giller
I can very easily see spending at least $2000 per year in upkeep. Cars this age need lots of TLC. Doing your own work certainly helps, but for many of us that isn't an option. If you've had the car 5-6 years, could easily climb into the $10-15000 range. IMS, AOS, RMS, Clutch, suspension, water pump, coolant tank, oil changes, fluid flushes.....
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Bingo. The cost of parts alone can exceed the purchase price of a moderate to high mileage Boxster (or 996). In my experience labor was about a 25-33% of the total out-of-pocket layout for major maintenance. These different "systems" (cooling, emissions, etc.) seem to let go in go waves. Perhaps they were built up to only last x amount of time or mileage to put a lid on Porsche's production costs, but when one thing goes its not long before another chain in the link is knocking on the door. And as you point out Giller all those 'other' items are very common repairs for 80-100K Boxster.
Also, the cost of DIY is certainly NOT free. You have to have a) the tools, b) the space to work and c) the time.... none of those are free just because you didn't pay the mechanic. You have to weigh if its cheaper for the pro to do it or if you're a suburban guy with a 9-5 and free weekends in which case, why not. But don't think that's going to make owning these cars long-term a cheap proposition. The "big waves" of long-term ownership come with every model of Porsche either water-cooled or air-cooled.