Classifind Cuts 49: 1999 Porsche 911 Cabriolet – SOLD!

Update – we just confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

1999 marked a milestone year for Porsche as it was the first model the company switched its signature 911 from air- to a water-cooled powerplant.  Unloved for many years for that fact combined with the polarizing headlight design, the 1999 996-era 911 is growing a cult following as this model with its cable controlled throttle and lack of computerized traction control make it the last true “Analog” Porsche.

This driver quality, silver-over-Boxster Red leather example originally listed in October 2020 on Craigslist in Barrington, Illinois appears to have the standard solid axle setup and is now for sale by the caretaker of the past six years with an asking price of $22,000.  The Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool places the asking price between this guide’s current #3 “Good” estimate of $16,800 and it’s #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $24,000.  While in this example the Intermediate Shaft bearing has already been addressed, the next caretaker will need to figure out why the convertible top mechanism will not function. That combined with the fact this car has a rebuilt title has us recommending you negotiate pretty hard on price as the private seller has not factored that into their current pricing.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This Porsche’s silver exterior compliments a brand-new navy blue A5 German Sonnenland canvas convertible top with a heat sealed green tinted plastic rear window coupled with a genuine black headliner offset its red interior color, and leather surfaces cape the dashboard, door panels, and seats.

In June 2018, at 70,137 miles, Discount Tire replaced the old, worn-out tires with two front 235/35/R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and two rear 295/30/R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which all read at 11/32nds now.
The front brake pads and rotors and rear brake pads and rotors are in “like-new” condition, and have an estimated 85 to 90% life expectancy remaining before they are due to be changed.

In October 2018, at 70,749 miles, Porsche Barrington performed the following services on this vehicle: replaced the obsolete IMS bearing with one, single-row bearing combined with a second, dual-row bearing, replaced the clutch with a Sachs clutch kit, replaced the water pump, thermostat housing, coolant flush, and belt, replaced the spark plugs, tubes, and gaskets, resealed both cam covers, and replaced the passenger’s side cam control solenoid, installed two new cylinder head plates, transmission drained and filled with new gear oil, front and rear differentials drained and filled with new gear oil, and brake fluid flush service.

The convertible top malfunction light illuminated and remains lit on the instrument cluster upon startup and while driving the vehicle, and for some odd reason, it no longer retracts and folds into place in its storage compartment as designed in a single-touch operation, despite the fact I replaced both of the hydraulic struts in August 2018. Perhaps it requires a software programming update or a new module.

My 1999 Porsche 911 996 Carrera Cabriolet’s title discloses this vehicle was salvaged and rebuilt, it is roadworthy, and will be sold in “as is” condition. Thanks.”

Is the rebuilt title a deal killer for you on this 911?  Comment below and let us know!