[racer]

There are stories out there of high mileage cars.. Macster has some 200K or so on his Boxster motor (the Boxster and 996 share the same M96 engine designations) so yes, it can be done. I imagine the interweb does a great part of exagerating the problems.. and remember that those who don't have issues are less likely to spread that good word!

The '02 and the '84 are worlds apart in Feel, Sound and looks. The new car is a great car.. but to me lacks the "character" of the aircooled cars. Something to consider that's all. I would test drive a bunch of the newer ones and decide which one (new vs old) would be more enjoyable on that nice weekend morning, or whenever it is you currently use the '84.