[racer]

1) RMS/IMS afflicts ALL M96 motors (ie, 986 boxster, 996, and early 987/997 models)

RMS = Rear Main Seal - usually not a big problem
IMS = InterMediate Shaft - usually means a new motor when it fails.

'02 and newer have a different front bumper/valance and headlights. Also have the 3.6L motor.

19K miles? sounds hardly used.

One school of thought is that low mile cars are more susceptible to IMS failure due to their lack of use and that a Higher mile 996 might be a better choice.

It will be many years, imho, till a 996 gains in resale value, so I wouldn't necessarily put a price premium on a low mile example.

LN Engineering offers an IMS "fix". IIRC, its about $2K for parts and labor to replace, but it might be a better spent $2K than spending for an aftermarket warranty.