[southernstar]

Black Falcon, the 2002 and 2000 are essentially identical mechanically. The 2002 gets the 3 spoke steering wheel, the lined top and has the small cupholders, moving the HVAC controls behind the shift knob (less convenient and allowing spilled fluids to run down over both the controls and the stereo); it also has the digitial speed readout made smaller and moved to the bottom of the analogue speedo. The advertised curb weight is also about 30 lbs more than the 2000, likely from the changes to the top and the steering wheel more than the cupholders!

Check the engine serial numbers on the 2000 and, as I say, if it is a double-row IMS bearing, that is a big advantage. If it is a single-row (the same as the 2002), since you prefer the 2002's interior, go for it. I would have either car PPI'd - and keep in mind, there can be a number of reasons for a rough idle on cold start, which should not be happening.

If there is a dual-row bearing on the 2000 and you are interested in it, you may be able to use the 2002 as a comparison to push the price down a bit. Keep in mind that the difference in failure rate as between the two is quite significant (much less than 1% versus 8-10%). Also keep in mind that LN Engineering say that the only two or three of their ceramic bearings that have failed (albeit they say through faulty installation), have been on the single row.

The slight lip on the rotors in the 2000 is no huge deal and, in any event, you'll find that rotors for the 986 are relatively inexpensive when you get your next brake job. If pad depth is good, there is no need for a brake job. The recovered seats suprise me a bit as usually only the driver's side bolster gets any cracking on low mileage cars that have not been left out a lot in hot sun. Compare it to the bolster on the 2002 and you should be able to see what I mean. Which do you prefer, the signs of wear on the side bolster of the 2002 (likely pretty slight), or the non-standard seat covering on the 2000?

Does either car have service records? This is quite important as, amongst other things, it will tell you how often oil changes were done - something that is very important with these engines. Did they replace rotors on the last brake job on the 2002? If not, it will need to be done on the next brake job anyway, so that issue may be a wash. Does he have a bill for the IMS bearing on the 2002? If not, I wouldn't necessarily believe that it was replaced (and since the clutch was left, perhaps just the RMS was replaced). If so, what type of bearing was used?

Either wa,y good luck and good motoring!

Brad