[88carrera]

Compare the 3.4L Mark I with the 3.6L Mark II 996. Several advantages exist with the newer car (power, aerodynamics, structural rigidity, etc.).

If I were making the decision, I would fully check out the newer car and find out exactly what is wrong with it. I would negotiate a deal with the owner to do the diagnostics. If it is the IMS bearing that is failing and the engine is repairable and if a good shop that is authorized to install the LN Engineering IMS replacement bearing is nearby (you can check their website to download a list of authorized shops), I would contract with them to do the IMS bearing replacement if I could buy the car at a substantial discount. If the problem cannot be determined accurately or if the seller balks at your requests, I would run from the later car.

This is just how I would approach the decision and I am not telling you to follow this route.

Good luck.