Where do I go from here (IMS)

[Roger1965]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The problem of owning one of these cars is that the resale price has dropped low, but the maintenance or engine replacement costs have not. You need to make a decision; either put the money into the car to fix what is wrong and prevent future catastrophic failure so you can enjoy it for as long as you please, or sell the car before the cam deviations become critical and move on.

We have customers that face that decision regularly. We just had a 2001 Boxster leave the shop after major upgrades (dual row IMS Solution, clutch, pressure plate, dual mass flywheel, throw out bearing, RMS, new AOS, plugs, new front brake air ducts, upgraded oil pump pressure spring and piston, etc., etc.) that all in cost a significant portion of the cars resale value. But the owner, who is also the original owner, loves the car and intends to keep it for a long time. Now he is facing years of ordinary maintence and problem free driving. It is all where your head is at.

I have already spent more than the car's resale value. You have all helped me to see that my only option at this point is to finish the job.

I will then recover my investment through the years of enjoyment the car will give.

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by Roger1965

I will then recover my investment through the years of enjoyment the car will give.

That is exactly how you have to approach it. You will never get your money back, but enjoyment time (and peace of mind) is priceless.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Roger1965

I have already spent more than the car's resale value. You have all helped me to see that my only option at this point is to finish the job.

I will then recover my investment through the years of enjoyment the car will give.

How many miles do you have and how many miles do you drive per year?

All engines will fail at some point and if your car is already high in mileage, then the replacement IMS bearing may not be buying you any extra time or miles.

[Roger1965]

It has 118,000 miles on it and I drive about 5,000 miles a year total, mostly in the Boxster. It is currently my daily driver. I put 3,000 miles on the boxster last year, driving it every day. I've never had an engine fail yet, my Vanagon had 300,000 miles on it. I sold that last summer.

I also have a motorcycle I use sometimes.