Joji,
What I ascertained from this message board and others is similar to what your mechanic said, if the engine from those years was going to fail it failed early on. Otherwise it was fine. I read about a owners that were just stopped at a light or just started their box up and poof cylinder sleeve busted up and engine got toasted - the thing in common with all of those was low mileage, and they weren't pushing the engine hard. I also read of some engines from 97-99 messing up with higher mileage, but those (one fairly recent on this board) was basically while the dude was red lining it.
I personally think the 97-99 engine thing is like your airplane anology. It happened to far fewer people than one might think.
Anytime you buy a used car you are taking a chance, heck even buying a new car can be risky with the few lemons that are out there. Point is, if you've done your homework, just try not to worry about it. Maybe getting an extended warranty will help quell your worries....
It sounds like you have done all your due diligence and you have a good car lined up. Whether you get that one or not, I hope you end up with a Porsche soon, they are great fun and a blast to own. Good luck.
cheers,
Larez
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