Intro + Question About 986 vs 987 Interior

[JayG]

Originally Posted by My_Name_is_Dan

PerfectLap - Appreciate the detailed and informative response. It will add to my ever increasing understanding of these cars. The bit about buying a car with the IMS upgrade after a few thousand miles is good info.

As far as swinging an 09 or later model… Yes, I can swing it. There is an 09 within an hour of me with 11K miles for $35K, but at that price point I can spend another $15K and get within spitting distance of a used one with a CPO warranty. I sat in a new one this weekend and couldn't justify the expense. Tough decision for a 3rd vehicle that will be for entertainment purposes only.

If that's the case, find a good clean 03-04 S between 40 and 70K miles.
You want one that is not a garage queen and has actually been driven. Very low mileage cars that have just sat in a garage a lot usually need all the fluids changed, new tires, some of the rubber bits will have dried out, etc. One that was driven and serviced should require less immediate service. Not a bad idea to do an oil change right away either, and that is a very easy DIY

Also if possible service records

You should be able to find one under $20k and then with the money you saved, have the IMSB replaced if that makes you feel better and have the clutch done at the same time as you need to pull the tranny to get to the IMSB