I think the issue is less a "build quality" issue and more of a materials issue. This was especially true of 1999 and 2000 cars. The materials were improved in 2001 and later vehicles. That being said, I still don't really think Porsche went cheap on materials.

Even cars built using the finest quality wood or carbon fiber trim eventually experience cracks and/or discoloration. This is especially true if the vehicle is parked in the sun frequently. It's not realistic to expect the wood to still look new on a 12+ year-old car. The same thing is true of leather seats and other leather surfaces. If it's discolored or cracked after 12 years, that doesn't indicate poor build quality or poor materials.

I have the aluminum look trim in several places on my 996, including the steering wheel. It's important to note that it can crack and/or peel also. It's not solid aluminum.

Good luck with your restoration project.

 

Hope it helps

 

I am planning to repaint the trim to the exterior body color - seal grey.