Many thoughts. But probably none of which will help you.
as far as the Gallardo goes, fantastic car, someone drove one around the world just because he could. On the other hand, like you say, if the transmission or engine go, one can only imagine the replacement value.
I've been told some porsches get into the 60,000 range for replacement engines, so I can only imagine what it would be for a Gallardo.
Porches are reliable like old clocks but in some cases, can be about as boring
to me, it sounds like you're making excuses not to purchase one, and they are good excuses. It's not like you could park it at a mall to go shopping. It serves no purpose other then to go for random drives and pick up girls
which is a good purpose to some.
I have a reproduction porsche 356 speedster, and I'm even scared to leave it places for too long, and it's worth about 35,000.
so what you have to ask yourself is, "which 'head' should I be using to make this decision"
If you are like my dad and put 1,500 miles per year on a toy car, you're going to end up spending more upkeeping it from lack of use then you would if you 5,000 miles, and then you'd have to spend more per year running it if you drove it 7,000+ per year. If you ever track it, you're entering an entirely new ball park... What are your needs and demands of such a product?
Do you own a house, any plans on renovations, any chance of kids on the way? Or have you had kids and they are already living on their own and have no demands on your pocket? Basically, make a check list and check it twice. Any unexpected expenses can and will happen, and if you can afford to take care of those unexpected expenses and maintain an exotic car, then my suggestion is "you only live ones, make every minute count, but be responsible, because you don't want to outlive your source of income!"