Safe to buy pre 2000 model year?

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Originally Posted by thstone

Welcome, welcome!

The porous engine and D-chunk problems are not much of a concern anymore, even in pre-2000 models, simply due to mileage. Avoid a super low mileage car and there shouldn't much to worry about.

My 1999 2.5L has 120,000 miles on the original IMS bearing. Car runs perfect and I run it hard at the track at least 25 days a year. Am I tempting fate? I don't think so, I think that the odds are actually stacked well in my favor.

And I'd say that if you can afford $7K in upgrades to try to avoid an engine failure, then you can afford a $7K replacement engine. Of course, you will have to decide your comfort level so you can sleep well at night. Just don't let all of this worry ruin the ownership experience. Live the dream.

Agreed. All the D-chunk/slipped sleeve cars died 10 yrs ago. Buy a car with clutch and IMS already done and go drive the car. By spending $7k on preventative it will likely be more reliable as a DD but you assume all the monetary risk up front.