A bit worried about long term costs and reliability - should I be?

[rondocap]

I have a newer 335i and 12' Prius, and recently I got a nice condition 2001 Boxster with 54k miles as a fun car to drive that's manual, as my BMW is steptronic.

It's a low mileage 986, and in good shape for the age. I do have a concern, and this stems from a 2001 Mercedes s55 I owned prior which was a money pit with repairs.


I noticed that even thought the Boxster is in good shape, when a car gets older. A lot of little things start to add up.

1. Cracked plastic: $1k for new top with glass

2. Preventive ims/clutch: $2k

3. Brakes and tires worn, plus alignment: $1500-2000

4. I cracked my windshield by accident when putting on wiper blades: $500

5. I just noticed a squeak over bumps and when pushing the front end down, which I believe may be the ball joints/control arm: $800

6. 60k service: I already did filters and belt, but will need plugs and oil done: $400

So I've had the car 1 month, and practically to get it "like new" is $6-7k. I got it for 13k.

All of these are fairly normal - but I thought about perhaps getting a newer boxster, or even a more reliable car like an s2000...but I love the boxster.


I don't mind maintaining it, but I would like to keep a budget in mind because its my 3rd and fun car, so I don't want a money pit.


What would you guys do?