Featured on AutoHunter.com, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
In the last 10 years, both new and used Porsche 911s have gotten more and more expensive. Cars that 10 years ago cost $15,000 are now routinely selling for triple that amount. The reasons for this are simple. In the world of collector European sports cars, the Porsche 911 is an easy button to press. They are reliable, very engaging to drive, offer great performance, and are possibly the most reliable cars in their class. The 911 just works.
Of all the 911s built, there is still one quite affordable version: the 996 built from 1999 to 2006. This was the first water-cooled version of the 911 and also the single most modern iteration of the 911 at the time. Porsche built a total of 175,262 996s in various forms, which to me is the definition of a successful model, but to this day people like to pick on them. This is not fair as the 996 is a truly great sports car that deserves respect.
Our AutoHunter Spotlight is a 2001 911 Carrera Cabriolet model that has covered only 78,473 miles from new and is finished in the stunning combination of Polar Silver Metallic (Porsche code L92M) with a dark blue top over a Yachting Blue interior. It rides on 18-inch Porsche staggered alloy wheels clad with 225/40 Continental ExtremeContact front and 265/40 Continental ExtremeContact rear tires. The seller states that two of the Porsche wheel emblems are missing, but these are cheap to replace. The seller also notes that there is a slight dent on the passenger-side fender.
The 996 has only one real potential weakness and that is its IMS bearing. This can be a big deal if it fails. This car has not had that upgrade/repair done, but looking at the mileage I would guess it has not given out. Have a PPI done on the car and then simply budget the one-time cost of around $2500. Then you will never have to worry about it and will end up with an engine good for well over 200,000 miles.
The interior of this 996 looks to be in great condition and the blue leather is one of my favorites because it is a color option that you do not see often. It is also what Porsche calls their Draped Leather, which is an upgrade over stock. There are a number of options on this car which you can decipher by looking at the factory options sticker pictured below and looking up 996 option codes. The long-story-short version is that this is a nicely equipped 996.
If you have always dreamed of having an iconic 911, I would seriously consider this example as a great entry point into the Porsche ownership experience.
The auction for this 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet ends on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).    Â
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
