I came dangerously close to buying a boxster this Fall for $6k. It had a blown engine and I decided I can't have a project like that unless I first own land.

The boxsters are awesome, but that mid engine looks really annoying to access. Have you done any engine or transmission work on yours? If so, how was it? Do you need a garage with a lift?

Also, soft tops are a no-go for winter daily. If I got a convertible I'd need to get a hard top (which is an option, but it's more money for more comprimises). The most modestly priced caymans are appreciably higher than boxsters. A used cayman and a new gr86 are strong competitors.

I live in a warm area and just leave the top down year round… but the 03+ soft top with multiple layers and glass window is quite good in any weather- but you can get a good hard top for 2-3k. It’s a better deal to buy one already with it.

I was concerned about the engine access but it’s really no big deal- takes a few minutes to open up, but you can check all the fluids without doing so. Mine is a manual and I did drop the transmission and replaced the clutch in the garage, just with jack stands and a regular hydraulic jack. It has been a reliable car and hasn’t needed much. And it’s amazingly fun- really I couldn’t imagine a car being more fun to drive.