[jb92563]

The chance of an IMS failure is about the same as being seriously injured in your daily life.

You just accept that its the price of living the way you want and driving what you want. You do a bit of due diligence, regular maintenance and spirited driving etc to perhaps lessen the odds slightly.

You keep the $3000 to upgrade to the improved IMS and if the engine ever does self destruct you don't d*ck around. You buy a used replacement engine with that money and add perhaps 500 to 1000 more to have the indy put it in the car and get you back on the road again in short order so you can carry on living and driving the way you want.

If you are unable or unwilling to self insure yourself against the rare odds that the IMS lets go then you move on to a car that is less exotic and cheaper to maintain and accept that its not the right time in your life for a 97-2007 Porsche with the dicey IMS.

However beware crossing the road, un-commanded runaway throttles, faulty airbags, carbon dioxide poisoning and aircraft parts falling from the sky else you may never get to enjoy a Boxster

PS: Triple A automotive will prevent you from ever having to walk home without your car, if you fear being stranded far away from home.
Honestly some of the most interesting experiences in life occur when they are not planned if you have the kind of personality that can adapt and enjoy life in the moment.