New guy, looking to buy first Porsche!

[chiliphil1]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

The IMS worst case is a ~1% failure rate per car year (% depends on which of 3 IMS designs your engine has).

An IMS failure can make the engine almost impossible to repair reliably.

Replacement motors are available and range from used at ~$3-6k to rebuilt better than new at $20k+.

Your tolerance for risk, your choice when or if to do the IMS.

My 2 were wonderful cars.

To that point, is it true that the first gen 04- were the best ones other than the brand new ones? I will be getting one older than 04 for sure, money and the fact that I don't want to have to deal with case splitting will keep me from getting an 05+

[trimer]

I had an 02 and an 03. Personally...I would shoot for the 03. A little updated, and has the glass back window. As for IMS...did it in my 03, not my 02 and just had it done in my 04 996. I could NOT sleep knowing my 02 was not done...So, what did I do? Spent the IMS money on a fabspeed exhaust and powder pared black wheels. Soooooo much better than an IMS...lol.