I'm curious if anyone here tracks their Boxster regularly and would like to hear opinions. I'm thinking about picking up a slightly less expensive car than my 911 to go to the track with ... I don't want to feel squeamish out there, especially since I just learned stick last year.

MY2000 around the 10K+ mark looks like something I'd be able to live with. But I hear the cost of running is high as compared to, say, an S2000. Would love to have some reference points and especially dollar figures on maintenance, parts, consumables, etc.

 

I do quite a few DE/Time Trial track days every year but no wheel to wheel racing. The biggest expense so far is tires, entry fees, fuel and hotels so your car choice doesn't matter that much. My 98 Boxster has been pretty flawless since I started playing this game in 2006. An average TT weekend is roughly $1000.

Suggestion: Before you pick out a track car figure out who you want to run with. Having a bunch of guys in the pits that are running the same car is a great resource for setup, driving skill yardstick, appropriate mods, and friendship. I always feel for the lone wolf new guy that has a great car but no one to run with/compare notes. He is just out there kicking his own ash. Much more fun to play hare and hound with a few nearly equal cars. Boxster spec, 944 spec, Spec Miata, and S2000 all have pretty active series with lots of cars.

 

I've track my Boxster several times a year with the only real expenses being entry fees of a couple hundred dollars and gas. I also autocross a few times a year so tires get replaced every two or three years. Brake pads and rotors last me a couple years and brake fluid gets replaced every year.

Pretty cheap for the amount of fun it is to push the Boxster to its limit and pass a 993 or 996 in the process.

 

I was running my 911 as a DD and track car but decided at the end of last year to get a dedicated track car. There are several good choices out there and the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. if you are looking for an inexpensive car to throw around the track at a minimum cost and inexpensive upgrades it is hard to beat a Miata. They can be run as a HPDE car then upgraded to a spec racer for under 10k. An E36 series BMW is also great track day vehicle and is cheap to buy and can be upgraded cheaply as your skills improve. The boxer also has a large following and has plenty of inexpensive parts and upgrades available along with a spec series if you want to try racing. I went with a Lotus cup car due to it being very easy on consumables like tires and brakes. I also wanted an out of the box track car that had all of the latest safety equipment. I love the aesthetics and it is a blast to drive. The biggest issue with the Lotus is if you ball it up it is very expensive to fix. You may also want to check out an upgraded 914. In the end choose a car you like and can afford to walk away from if something goes wrong on the track