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MNBoxster · 02-20-2007, 05:26 PM

Hi,

Repeat RMS failures do occur, but at a much lower rate than initial failures. Either (or both) car may have a 2nd failure, and either (or both) may never have another issue with it. The RMS on my car failed and was replaced at 4k mi., at 27k mi. (and 7.5 yrs. later), it's dry as a bone (knock on wood). Most RMS failures occur before 24k mi., though they have occurred at higher mileages as well.

You can not (or at least should not) base your decision on whether one car's main seal will fail vs another. In fact, if RMS failure scares you that much, go buy a corvette or something which isn't prone to it.

Assuming both cars are in similar condition, I'm inclined to go with the lower mileage example. It's mostly urban myth that a lower mileage car can be more trouble (especially once the Odo has climbed past 10k mi.).

The absolute best thing to do is PPI them both and make your choice on the basis of what the reports say. Perhaps spendy, but in the grand scheme of things, maybe the best money you'll ever spend.

But, realize that buying any Used Car involves risk. You can minimize the risk by being well informed, keeping your emotions at bay, and getting the most thorough inspection you can buy. That said, it's still no guarantee. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

02-20-2007, 05:26 PM	#2
MNBoxster Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Posts: 3,308	Hi, Repeat RMS failures do occur, but at a much lower rate than initial failures. Either (or both) car may have a 2nd failure, and either (or both) may never have another issue with it. The RMS on my car failed and was replaced at 4k mi., at 27k mi. (and 7.5 yrs. later), it's dry as a bone (knock on wood). Most RMS failures occur before 24k mi., though they have occurred at higher mileages as well. You can not (or at least should not) base your decision on whether one car's main seal will fail vs another. In fact, if RMS failure scares you that much, go buy a corvette or something which isn't prone to it. Assuming both cars are in similar condition, I'm inclined to go with the lower mileage example. It's mostly urban myth that a lower mileage car can be more trouble (especially once the Odo has climbed past 10k mi.). The absolute best thing to do is PPI them both and make your choice on the basis of what the reports say. Perhaps spendy, but in the grand scheme of things, maybe the best money you'll ever spend. But, realize that buying any Used Car involves risk. You can minimize the risk by being well informed, keeping your emotions at bay, and getting the most thorough inspection you can buy. That said, it's still no guarantee. Good Luck!... Happy Motoring!... Jim'99 Last edited by MNBoxster; 02-20-2007 at 05:57 PM.