[Qmulus]

OK, I will give a different point of view. If you do your own work, I personally think owning a Boxster is pretty inexpensive; on par with VWs and Audis that I have owned, although I would say that the Boxster, and 911s for that matter, are easier to work on and simpler in construction. The big question mark on any Boxster is the engine, but if you find one that has been well maintained and has had the IMS taken care of (or factored in), it can give you long and reliable service. Take a look at the abuse 2.5l spec Boxsters handle with just a few modifications for reliability on the track.

As for $1600 for getting an alternator replaced, that is how the shops pay for their nice buildings and race cars. The problem with owning a Boxster is that you are paying the same to fix it as you would a 991 Turbo or Cayenne. The big difference between working on a Subaru flat six and working on a Porsche flat six is that the Porsche customer likely has more money. There is nothing magical about the cars because they have the Porsche crest on them. You can get a rebuilt alternator from rockauto.com for less than $200, and install it in about an hour. That is likely what the shops pay, and often less. BTDT, and is was far easier than it would have been on my Audi A6. That is likely what the shops pay, and often less.

Will maintaining a $5k Boxster cost the same as a $5k Toyota? Absolutely not, but if you do it yourself, and you are aware that parts cost you more than other makes, owning a Boxster does not have to break the bank.

All that said, as a rule for ANY vehicle, get the best one that you can afford. It is ALWAYs cheaper to start with a clean, well maintained car than it is to buy a rough one and fix it up.