I totally disagree with Conanius on this one - I find myself siding with Fivelo and JGG.
Yes, "performance" cars will generally cost more to run than "normal" cars to run. This does not translate as "you must pour every penny, and your soul, into running said car". We're back to the old point I keep bringing up - there are a RANGE of options to suit a RANGE of needs and pockets. You can buy a DVD player for £15 but you can also buy one for £150, this does not mean that unless you can spend £150 on one you shouldn't own a DVD player.
If I had the option of a reconditioned alternator at around £200 or a new one at around £500 I know exactly which I'd pick, and it isn't the one that cost more than my car
A refurbished alternator isn't just an old one given a dust off and put in a new box - they are totally refurbished and all worn components (and some unworn ones) replaced.
He made some mistakes doing the job the hard way, he's learnt from it and now has a better idea of what he's doing. If anything else fails in the engine bay in the future he'll be a damn sight more confident about having a go. Getting a duff alternator in exchange is just unlucky and even happens with brand new components (as anyone who's built a PC will tell you)
You're all laughing at this guy for running an Elise on a shoestring, but he's got an Elise and you lot haven't (Nozzer excepted
)
For what it's worth, I think he's pretty mad for buying it the way he has but that's his decision not mine, and as long as he's happy with it then more power to him.