[thstone]

The 9A1 is the engine to get - no IMS worries.

On the other side, the PDK has proven to be generally very reliable but if something does go wrong, it can cost almost as much as an engine replacement since there are very few used units floating around. Expect $10K and up. Again, its not a likely problem but compared to the cost of replacing a manual transmission, its quite expensive if needed.

In regards to a light tan interior, my 996 had a Savannah Beige interior and I found it nearly impossible to keep clean and it didn't wear well over the years as each individual material (leather, cloth, carpet) faded at a different rate so eventually I had a three-tone beige interior. Darker colors won't show this aging effect quite as badly. For me, I'd never get a car with a tan interior again.

Good luck and keep us posted!