Interesting thread: I'm kind of in the same boat, with
*this* 170.000 mile 996 Turbo yanking my chain... Mileage + engine tuning makes the car more interesting, but also increases the risks involved. For those of you who don't read Dutch, the most important bits in the ad are the following, besides the usual traders blah blah (which promises a full service history including bills of the work done, and a driving experience similar to a car with half the mileage, with "sensational sound & acceleration" from 4000 rpm):
"Replaced in 2013 amongst other things;
- Bigger turbo's (K16/24, estimated output 575 hp) at a cost of EUR.5.042,65
- Plugs (Beru UXF 56)
- Reinforced intake hoses
- Dumpvalve
- Bilstein PSS10 coilovers at a cost of EUR.4.208,68
- Suspension mounts
- Waterpump
In 2012 the radiators, condensors and chaintensioner were replaced at a cost of EUR 3.642,20."
I think there's no other way out than arranging a thorough PPI that includes compression and leak down... A 996 Turbo would be the ideal partner to my '86 3.2, which I don't use in the winter. Also, the 996 would (could?) be the ideal car for long Autobahn stints...