A friend of mine was all set to pick up a 996 convertible today, a 2004 with only 4,000 miles on it.
She was asking 50k, he had her talked down to 40K.
When I bumped into him yesterday I asked if the main rear main bearing IMS upgrade had been done to it.
He looked all puzzled at me, and said what work could it possibly need, it only has 4,000 miles on it.
I've been telling him for at least three years what to look for and to get PPI first. However, it was like he was hearing it all for the first time.
His other friend confirmed that IMS is a possible issue on that year, and he called to thank me for the information later on that evening.
I told him not to get cold feet, check out the car and just plan on getting the fix done per the link below:
Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Intermediate Shaft Bearing Replacement and Upgrade (IMS) - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-06)
I told him that he would not buy a $40,000 boat without having the hull and engine checked out, and that a PPI is just due diligence as like when buying land/property.
He's scared off now I think. Now talking about buying off-season to get a "better deal". He doesn't do anything without getting the "best deal".