[88carrera]

If this car is really of interest to you, I would spend the money ($200-$300) to have a well-qualified 996 mechanic do a complete PPI on the car. Not all IMS failures occur within seconds. I just had a new clutch put into my 2003 C2 at 45K miles and while the transmission was dropped, had the IMS bearing (not leaking or making noise) replaced with the LN Engineering ceramic unit. The original was showing signs of binding, but was not seriously degraded. The work, done by an excellent independent shop, was just under $2K, including the clutch and all parts and labor. If the engine on the car you are looking at has not suffered catastrophic failure (and it does not appear to have or it would not be running), you could negotiate a price reduction to replace the rattling IMS before it fails.

I would not drive this car, but would fix it immediately if I were to buy it.

If properly treated, these 996s are a great buy and are wonderfully performing cars.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Good luck.