[umfan866]

Ok this is really becoming an issue for me as I look at cars.

I am considering 87-89 Carreras. A number of them are
selling locally for betweeen 55 -83k miles for about $24k
-25k. Then there some around $15k with 150-160k miles
but a top-end or complete engine rebuild with better
valve guides in place. There are also some cars for above
15k with NO engine rebuild and/or no history.

I don't want to be stuck with a bill of $8-10k on this car
since I need to take out a loan to buy it. So I need to know
just severe is the valve guide issue, how certain is it, and
when does it typically happen. What people are saying is--
and I know that some of this may be untrue but people
(sellers) are saying this to me, any/all of the below
assertations:

the PRO-"yes it is an issue people"
-it is a certainty that a top-end is needed because from
factory the valve guides are guaranteed to fail.
-it could happen say < 100k, but you need to start worrying
about it between 100-150k, and esp. as you get to 200k.
-unless you want a bill for 8k, make sure to buy one that has
been done.
-there is no way to predict it from leakdown/ compression
-some indicators (but not guaranteed) are fouled plugs,
and the same car suddenly burning more oil than usual

the NEGATIVE "no it is not an issue people"
-I switched to synthetic oil say and it hasnt
affected me, and probably never will,
because of the ligher, synthetic oil
-It only affected a small number of cars (not mine).

I'm confused. Please help. It will help me decide what to
do with my buying decision....

THks Marvin