I'm looking at a 996TT cabrio. It's got 33K on the odometer and priced right given the mileage and condition.

One issue that is bugging me are similar scratches, more like marring, on both sides of the trim piece on the front of the cabrio top cover. You can't see them in this picture, but here is where they are:



Being on both sides leads me to believe that there is a problem with this top mechanism.

Is this a known issue? Any input would be most appreciated.

 

This seems to happen to most 996 convertibles. I have 80k miles ('99) and have the same marks. It doesn't seem to cause any issues and I would not let it dissuade me from buying a particular car. A few have looked for solutions to the marks to but as far as I know there isn't one. Be forewarned, cabs of this age can develop a lot of top-related problems over time. That said, I wouldn't trade mine in for anything - except a TT of course (non-TT over here).
You may want to check out http://rennlist.com/forums/. Lots of good info over there.

 

Many thanks for the reply. I appreciate it!

I'm guessing that there has to be a way to prevent this from happening. I don't have a 996 cab yet, but if I do get one, I'll see what I can sort out.

 

Checked my 2004 996 cab and mine is scuff free both sides, it's the original hood as far as I know.