Pepita Picks
Posts
3 special 996s and the perfect Cayman S

3 special 996s and the perfect Cayman S

This week: Midnight Blue, Lapis Blue (plus a Wimbledon Green).

June 25, 2026

I promise I didn't plan this.

If last time we had a line-up of gorgeous red cars, this week we are blessed with all shades of blue.

As you already know, I love a silver, unpretentious base model for cheap.

But I love a Midnight Blue with wood accents just as much. Not the cheapest, but still within budget.

We often feature the former. This week, only the latter.

Onwards!

Midnight Blue 2003 Porsche 996 911 Carrera parked outside Paragon Motor Group dealership in Scottsdale, Arizona

🔗 2003 996 911 Carrera | Manual | Scottsdale, AZ | $38,999

A 996.2 in Midnight Blue with a Savanna Beige interior and premium wood accents. It really makes you wonder what it feels like to sit behind that wheel.

It has low miles, new tires, and a manual transmission. The car presents well, but it's a dealer listing with no maintenance history mentioned, so ask for records first.

Mechanical issues? Ask for detailed maintenance records to assess the car properly.
Current market? The sweet spot for mint 996s is around $35,000. This spec justifies a premium, but there's room to negotiate.
Alternatives? 🔗 This clean and affordable 2002 996.2 Targa with IMS retrofit and new clutch for $26,800.

Midnight Blue 2006 Porsche 987.1 Cayman S with red brake calipers parked in a garage

🔗 2006 987.1 Cayman S | Manual | Mt Pleasant, SC | $24,500

Enthusiastic seller, great car, spot on price.

Midnight Blue with Sand Beige interior, under 100K miles, Sport Chrono and PASM, tasteful OEM+ mods, and maintenance done at "the best 987 specialist."

"No smoke, no ticks, no noise, no surprises. Just an honest, well looked after, OEM+ example of the greatest driver's car you can get for less than $25k." Another seller that should be doing a residency at Pepita Picks.

If you're after a 987.1 Cayman S, this is the one.

Mechanical issues? Review the engine for bore scoring.
Current market? Normally priced between $25-30K, often in bland specs. $25K for a neat S model is the benchmark.
Alternatives? 🔗 This Ruby Red Metallic with a Tiptronic transmission for $25,720

Lapis Blue 2002 Porsche 996 911 Carrera with aftermarket wheels parked on a residential street in Camas, Washington

🔗 2002 996 911 Carrera | Manual | Camas, WA | $24,500

Yep, salvage title.

But before you skip it: only 49,000 original miles, IMS, rear main seal, and clutch all recently done. Stunning Lapis Blue with a fresh detail.

Zero structural damage according to the seller, who can provide a CARFAX.

The car presents extremely well. A lot of 996 for $24K.

Mechanical issues? Review CARFAX to undestand the salvage title, and any mainteance history available.
Current market? A 996 presenting this well, with these miles and recent maintenance, could easily fetch mid-30s.

Out There

Wimbledon Green 2000 Porsche 996 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with matching hardtop parked on a shaded driveway in San Antonio, Texas

By now, you know how much Pepita loves special colors.

And there's nothing quite like a Wimbledon Green 996.

This one's rare. Comes with the matching hardtop, and the first owner paid over $100K when new. That's a lot of green for a 996.

🔗 2000 996 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | San Antonio, TX | $29,500

Porsche Problems

See you next time with more affordable picks!

Take care,

—RF