[porsche tech]

Having 42 years experience at a Porsche dealer in the shop, I wouldn't buy a 996 or 986 without being prepared for that problem. You wouldn't believe the number of engines we replaced under warranty and COD for intermediate shaft bearing failure. I see your dilemma, but I wouldn't go up to someone I didn't know to "warn" them. However, I've had many people ask my opinion when they're thinking of buying one (a guy in my bible study class last week was the latest) and that's the first thing to come out of my mouth.--Dave