Looking into Purchasing

I read the sticky at the top about the generals of owning, but i was wondering about costs of ownership (like the 944/928 guys always have a list of per year how much their car cost them to keep running.) Truth be told my dad has an older (83 Euro SC) that i grew up loving, I helped him rebuild the motor twice (when i was 12 and then 16). I have helped him rebuild every part of the car since then. I had a 944S when i was a senior in high school that i loved and have since been a Porsche Fan. IN college i had to switch to a Mazda 3 since my mother hated the porsche. (with a capital P for Passion of hate.) I have since graduated, and have a very low cost life. I live in the middle of BF and MN Ohio, drive 3 miles to work everyday and have a low rent apt. G/f is in Plano Tx, and I fly there every now and then to spend some tiem with her. I have been looking for a replacement for the mazda since it was 1 year old. I am now in the position to replace it and was looking at 350z's, corvettes, etc... My dad was at parade and mentioned the boxster to me, after looking at it and thinking the same old thoughts (as Jeremy said "every boxster owner always immediatley tells you why he Doesnt have a 911"). I looked at 911's for ****s and giggles. And low and behold, the 996 is in my price range (max of upper twenties). Not a C4S (gorgeous cars) or a post 2002 (well i have seen one or two in my price range with around 50k on them.) So I think its time to go Porsche again. But i want to make sure i dont over reach myself, I know these cars can be expensive. Can i expect to do most of the work myself, or have they gotten to the point where I have to take it to a shop to get the work done. Also, from listening to videos sounds like the PSE is what i want, that and the Aero Package (esp the wing, carreras were made to have a rear wing.). Tires? $ Oil changes?$ oh ****, timing belt/chain broke? Variocam setup? $ will i have to set the tapets every oil change like my father has to?$ main usage of car will be very short DD, occasional long driver (parents are in SC). Autoxer and once or twice a year DE car. Colors? White, black, carbon grey (the dark grey). and others if the price is right. Interior? Cashmere (944 had this and i still love it.) that or a black. sorry for the convaluted post, guess im saying can you feel me or do you think im being stupid and should hold on a bit first?. i can wait another month or two, but ive really outgrown the mazda, I have a semi-permanant bruise from where the dash hits my knee.

also, average tire life? (mazda gets 20k MAX on its 17's...)

SoMD, If I had to do it all over again, I would probably lease an '02 or '03 CPO from the dealer. You have peace of mind regarding the car in terms of what the warranty will cover. Most CPOs will come with new or newer tires, have low mileage, and will generally be up to speed in regards to the next scheduled major service. Oil changes are easy...you just have to learn to do them. Check out Renntech.org for a solid article on DIY oil changes. Bottom line, if you're prepared to spend $500+/mo on a car payment, you might as well lease and then enjoy the ride for the next 3 years while you figure out if you want to purchase later. Just my opinion... Rotor sends

I see your point. Lease and its their problem if the motor goes etc... at the end if im still in love with the car i can do the (forget the term) lump sum final.