2002 Cabriolet 30K service. What should I do?

Hello, I have owned a 2002 Cabriolet for the past 11 years without any problems other than a RMS leak back in 2004 that was fixed under warranty. No subsequent problems whatsoever with the RMS. Since that time, I have only performed routine maintenance; basically oil changes and whatever else was recommended. The vehicle has always run perfectly! I currently have 26K miles on the odometer, and after reading about all the IMS and water pump failures, I feel paralyzed in trying to decide what to do between now and my 30K service. So I am asking for some help in trying to figure out my options. Option 1: Just do the routine 30K service and wait until I need a clutch replacemet before I address the issue of IMS replacement with LN upgrade? This is what my local dealership has suggested. But what about the 11 year old water pump? Option 2: Send my vehicle to Flat 6 Innovations for package #3, which will include IMS Solution Kit with spin-on oil filter adapter and hardware, clutch Kit, rear seal porsche OEM, air oil separator, water pump/gasket, low temperature thermostat/gasket, magnetic drain plug, spark plugs, all 3 chain tensioners, DT40 Engine Oil (quoted price $5500.00 last summer) Is this overkill? Option 3: Sell the vehicle since I am really enjoying my new Cayenne Diesel and I am afraid that keeping the 2002 Cabriolet is only going to continue costing me too much money in the future. But I do enjoy driving it! I realize this option is a highly personal decision, but I would like to hear from any of you who recommend this option and why you would choose it. In other words, who thinks the 996 is not worth keeping after 11 years and why? Perhaps some thoughts from the forum will help me make a decision. Thanks

Wow with less than 30k miles that is still in showroom new condition! If you really plan on driving it in the future I'd go with option #2. If you are going to put another 30k miles on it in the next 11 years then simply go with option #1 but replace the water pump soon. Option #3 is only a choice if you really don't want the car anymore. Just as a point of reference, I waited until my car had about 110k miles before changing out the IMS. It's also a 2002.

Option 3. Sell the car. 26k miles in 11 years says you didn't drive the car at all to start with. Now you have Cayenne that you drive and based on your mileage getting to 30k would take you another two years. Here is my option 4. You obviously paid off the car by now. Drive the car like it was meant to be driven, put some miles on it. I put 14k miles on my 996 since getting it this July.

Vivaldi, in your case, you cant go by mileage for your maint. schedule. You have a low mileage M96.03 which is a prime candidate for an IMSB upgrade. The car is now 11+ years old so time is this cars enemy not mileage. If your not a DIY'er, call Jake and get his opinion. I would trust him more than any doggy comments here.

Finances permitting, I'd go with option #2. Get the stuff out of the way that could be massively problematic, and continue to enjoy your car. I agree with Fernando that option 3 only makes sense if you've decided that you don't want the car anymore. And as for the argument that "you'd might as well sell the car because you don't drive it," that's a judgement I would never feel qualified to make. I don't know what your situation is. I don't know how many miles you drive in a year, I don't know how much you work, or how many passengers you need to carry, or whether you have the time or interest to drive just for pleasure. How much or how little you drive your car is a function of your circumstances and your interests, and it's none of my business.

Option 2, then have fun driving it!!!

#2...specially since you used the word PARALYZED (such a sad sentiment about owning a 996)

Option #2 - If you have really spent that little on maintenance over the years you are way ahead of the average Porsche ownership cost curve. Spend the money and then drive the car more!

11 year old car with only 30K miles? Either do the IMS or move onto another car. That's fertile IMS failure territory. Actually I would do the IMSB, maybe the less expensive Pelican bearing with a local specialist. You're done in a day, spent a fraction on the upgarde, and addressed the issue for at least another 50K miles. Sell the car in the spring around tax season. With low miles you should get decent money for it, especially with a fresh new IMSB. Then get a CPO 981 Boxster S. The 991 Cab is not good value for the price imho, the 991S Cab even less value. Or buy a 997.2 Cab with low miles ...but the CPO 981 Boxster S is best performing option of the two.

I'd go Option 1. While it's in there, have the mechanic check it out thoroughly, and replace any parts that look like they might need it.

Personally I would go for #1. Check the pan and filter for metal and proceed from there. I suggest you choose #3 because you already admit that you don't drive the car and frankly life is too short to be paralyzed in fear of driving a car because something might break.

Oh Good Lord. Get off line and drive the car more. If you are really that paralyzed with fear of the possible but unlikely sell the car.

Quotes source post: 10986886

I'm somewhat in the same boat with my 2003 cab with about 48,000 miles. It is a pleasure/weekend car that hasn't been out of the garage much in the past 3 years as life's been too busy. Once getting back into it, I saw all the IMS stuff, did the math, and decided on option 1. Figure about 5% chance of $20,000 engine versus 95% chance of about $3,000 pro-active IMSB change. Hurdi had a good post about being aware of new/bad noises and fixing stuff if/when it breaks which Jake seconded here https://rennlist.com/forums/9331651-post19.html