As mileage increases bore scoring to some degree is somewhat inevitable and the 996 and 997 3,6 engines are equally prone. It's the 3.8 engine in the 'S' that is even more susceptible to this.
RMS isn't a biggie but sadly the IMS can be. Read up on all you can about potential IMS bearing issues.
I'm a big fan of the 996 Carrera but with a budget big enough to get me into a 997 I'd probably plump for the later car - unless the right 996C4S came along.
The one least likely to get bore score is a 997.1 3.6 manual.
My indy says 3.6 997's don't get bore score . Don't is a strong word but I agree less likely and very few recorded cases.The manual again less likely than the tip. a 06 or some late 05 have the newer IMS bearing the engine numbers pre and post are avail in my garage just click on my car and scroll down. I say go 997.1 3.6 man with as many options as you can get but don't let spec put you off as 99% of things can easily be retro fitted.
If you can find a 997 with X51powerkit within budget grab that as they don't have any of the ims or bore score and they are dam quick :thumb: :grin: otherwise an 06 997.1 3.6 manual
The 997 interior doesn't do anything for me, it's very Golf like or something, the 996 interior has more of the Porsche feel to it, albeit a bit cheaper looking, but as said more character.
The one least likely to get bore score is a 997.1 3.6 manual.
My indy says 3.6 997's don't get bore score . Don't is a strong word but I agree less likely and very few recorded cases.The manual again less likely than the tip. a 06 or some late 05 have the newer IMS bearing the engine numbers pre and post are avail in my garage just click on my car and scroll down. I say go 997.1 3.6 man with as many options as you can get but don't let spec put you off as 99% of things can easily be retro fitted.
If you can find a 997 with X51powerkit within budget grab that as they don't have any of the ims or bore score and they are dam quick :thumb: :grin: otherwise an 06 997.1 3.6 manual
When my 996 was in for a service my specialist mentioned that in his opinion the difference in build quality and materials was noticeable between the 986 & 987, and the 996 & 997. He cited things like the quality of steel for springs and hardware, and the use of push fit connectors for the cooling system on the x87.
But frankly if you find a good example of both it will depend which you prefer. Either can bite you but both will reward you. I bought a 996.1!