It's 2013 - any updates on IMS issues or cost of engines?

[rondocap]

So it's now 2013, and a good amount of time has passed since the IMS issues were found. To be honest, as a new Boxster owner, there is a tremendous amount of information and fear through various forums of this IMS failure - which does happen, albeit it seems to be rare. (But not rare enough)

Having said that, I have a 2001 Boxster - no issues so far, 54k miles. The previous first owner drove it about 40k miles in 5 years, and the 2nd owner only 13k miles in 6 years. Now I have it, and obviously am driving it for fun much more, so the IMS issue worries me.

Basically, $2k is not expensive with the clutch and IMS upgrade - but in 2013, just how much is a replaceable good condition engine in case the worst happens?

I've seen some working engines on eBay in the $3k to $5k range for a 986 2.7 liter like is already in my 2001. Is that a good range for the real world, or are these eBay auctions not reliable and trustworthy for a good engine?

Heck, if a new (used) engine was only $3,500 plus a few hours of installation, that does not seem like the end of the world, and only a little bit more compared to a $2k IMS upgrade job.

So the question remains...with lower engine prices, risk it or still do the IMS...

I do plan to get a 2009 Boxster most likely next year, so I need the car to hold out for at least another 1-2 years and 15-20k miles!