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Exterior photo of 2002 (996.2) Porsche 911 Carrera C2 Cabriolet

2002 (996.2) Porsche 911 Carrera C2 Cabriolet

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 118,600 Miles

Engine: M96 3.6-Liter 6-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Exterior color: Lapis Blue Metallic Exterior (L3A8)

Interior: Natural Brown Leather Interior

Additional features:

Fabspeed Carbon Intake (original intake included)

Blue Convertible Top (Recently Replaced)

Lapis Blue Hard Top

Wind Deflector

Xenon Headlamp Package w/ Integrated Fog Lights

Headlamp Washer

Bose Sound

Pioneer Screen Stereo w/ Bluetooth and Nav

Power Memory Seats

Carpet Floor Mats

17” Carrera Wheels

Bridgestone Potenza S-02A Tires

Porsche Enthusiast Owned

Clean Carfax

Recent Mx (at 110K miles):

  • LN Engineering Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Replacement
  • Rear Crank Seal
  • Cam Plug
  • Clutch Kit
  • Air Oil Separator

Background

2002 (996.2) Porsche 911 Carrera C2 Cabriolet exterior photo

There has been no more controversial Porsche 911 than the 996. It was the first water-cooled 911, the first complete redesign—not evolution—of a lineage that arcs back to 1963. It was also the 911 that saved Porsche from near collapse. Traditionalists (myself included) were appalled by its dramatic break in form; its runny egg headlights (inspired from the 911 GT1), its relatively cheap interior bits, and its reputation for intermediate shaft bearing (IMS) failure that can result in catastrophe. But, time has been kind to the 996, and hindsight has shown that, perhaps, we were wrong. By the late 996 years (996.2 in Porsche-speak) Stuttgart had rectified those offensive headlights with eggs that were fried rather than runny, upped the interior build quality, and bumped engine displacement to 3.6 liters, good for 320 horsepower. IMS bearing failures, while a terrifying prospect, are remote despite the Internet hysteria and even the “cheaply-built” 996 is still utterly fantastic because, after all, it is still a Porsche. The market has responded too, with 996 values steadily rising from the bottom of the depreciation curve. There are few better cars for the money than a 996 911.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera C2 Cabriolet represents one of the best buys in the water-cooled 911 market. Finished in Lapis Blue Metallic—a rich dynamic hue that changes dramatically depending in the light—over Natural Brown leather it stands out from the more pedestrian silver and black that the majority of 996s are finished in. It is spec’d to an enthusiast’s taste, keeping options minimal, with a 6-speed gearbox, Bose sound system, Xenon headlights, and 17-inch Carrera wheels. The only upgrade from stock is a carbon fiber Fabspeed high flow intake. It was also optioned with a matching Lapis Blue hardtop over a blue soft top, which was replaced in 2013 at 98K miles. The hardtop adds rigidity, improves the aesthetics, and keeps things civilized for the winter months. We purchased it from a local Porsche enthusiast and Glen Shelly regular. Before coming to Colorado it spent the majority of its life in California and Arizona. The Carfax shows multiple owners, but it also shows frequent and regular services so it was properly taken cared for. Maintenance records go back to the 2010 and 70K miles with notable items being the water pump, fuel pump, spark plugs, cam position sensors, air mass sensor, ignition coils, an oxygen sensor, along with regular oil changes. In 2018 at 110K miles the IMS was replaced with an LN Engineering upgraded bearing kit, rear main seal, fresh clutch kit, and air oil separator. As it sits, it represents one of the best buys in the water-cooled 911 market. It is a 996.2 in a desirable color combo with proper maintenance history and the IMS being recently replaced. I would much rather have a higher mileage example that has been maintained than a lower mileage example that will need of the upcoming maintenance. It has near the look and the versatility of a Coupe thanks to the hardtop, with the option to put the top down for those beautiful mountain drives. Yet, it can be used and enjoyed without guilt—and for the same price as a late-model used Honda Civic. Life is too short for boring cars…

Exterior

2002 (996.2) Porsche 911 Carrera C2 Cabriolet exterior photo

Overall, the Lapis Blue paint is in good condition. It presents wonderfully, but has enough flaws to use—as a car! The finish is brilliant, but it does have defects typical of age and mileage. Notable defects are moderate rock chipping on forward facing panels, lots of small paint imperfections, and a few small dents and dings. None of these defects are overly offensive and they suit the guilt-free nature of the car. The convertible top is in excellent condition having no rips or tears, thanks to being replaced at 98k miles. The Carfax shows no damage or accidents. The headlight lenses are slightly yellowed and opaque, but not too far gone to bring back with a light polish. The indicator and taillight lenses are clear and crack free, with the exception of a small crack in the left taillight. The windshield glass is crack-free with one larger chip that has been repaired on the passenger side. The 17-inch Carrera wheels have small areas of minor curb rash on both front wheels. The Bridgestone Potenza tires have moderate tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

Overall, the interior is also in very good shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is free of stains or rips and is protected by Porsche floor mats. The seat leather is soft and there is no excessive bolster wear. The dashboard leather is soft and there are no cracks. The steering wheel leather is excellent. There is some wear on the shift knob and emergency brake handle. The door pocket cover doors can be finicky, but they work. The instrument cluster, HVAC, and stereo displays have no failed pixels. The cup holder trim panel above the stereo is missing, but the cup holder works. The double-din Pioneer stereo is a nice modern touch. The Bose sound system sounds amazing. The convertible soft headliner is in excellent shape. There are no warning lights and the oil level shows full. All power seat functions work correctly with the exception of the passenger up and down. The power door locks, window switches, and the power convertible top work correctly. The hood and boot power switches both function correctly The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold, and the blower motor is quiet. The convertible air deflector is in good working order and the spare tire, tool kit, owners’ manuals, and two keys are present.

Mechanical

 engine photo

The engine fires on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. The subtle intake noise from the Fabspeed intake sounds wonderful! There are no fluid leaks or drips; the rear main seal was done with the IMS bearing replacement. The clutch was also replaced; it has zero slip, the take-up is correct, and the shifter is crisp and precise. The driveline, transaxle, and wheel bearings are quiet with no vibrations. The brake pads and sensors were last replaced in 2016. The suspension is firm, yet compliant and lovely once you get it in the corners—this is a 911 after all!. This is a turn-key 911 C2. The 996 is a reliable and robust platform that you can use and enjoy, I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it across country. We would like to find a buyer who will enjoy it for the next chapter of its story—remember, life is too short for boring cars.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • Market: USA
  • VIN: WP0CA29942S655003
  • Type: 996 310 (996 C2)
  • Engine: M96.03-662
  • Transmission Code: G96.01
  • Paint Color: L3A8 Lapis Blue
  • Interior: SA

Options

  • C02 US Market
  • 288 Headlamp Washer
  • 437 8-Way Electrical Seat, Left
  • 438 8-Way Electrical Seat, Right
  • 537 Seat Memory Left
  • 551 Wind Deflector
  • 601 Litronic (xenon) Headlamps
  • 680 Bose Sound System (analog)
  • 692 PCM 1 Porsche Communication Management