Warranty for Targa roof

[NJSS]

I have been interested in a Targa, but am put off by so many people saying that when the roof gives problems, which I am told it inevitably will, it will be exceedingly expensive to fix, and not covered by any warranty.

I'm aware that the OPC 2nd hand vehicle warranty is not inexpensive, but I would have expected them to cover any necessary work on a Targa.

Failing any warranty who are the independent experts on Targa problems in the South (Hampshire/West Sussex etc,)

NJSS

Edited by NJSS on Thursday 13th December 17:50

[NJSS]

Thanks Erniemcp

I'm considering an earlier Targa, and there see to be mixed messages. One well thought of dealer says that they can't be covered, another suggests that an OPC warranty will cover the roof.

I'm seeking opinions about alternatives, possibly Warranty Direct, and owners experiences with 3rd party warranty companies & Targa roofs.

I'm quite happy to have a reasonable excess, but would also like to have cover against major expendirure.

NJSS

[Mousem40]

It might be worthwhile telling us what version of Targa you are looking at

[AW10]

Two comments from someone who has never owned a water cooled 911 targa...

1. IMHO the 991's top is fantastically clever and equally complex and it will be quite some time, if ever, that people outside the dealer network master it

2. A non Porsche warranty is taking a huge gamble. I personally would run a mile from WD or their ilk. For some light reading see https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[NJSS]

Thanks for comments to date.

Mousem40 - Probably 997.2, but I haven't totally ruled out an earlier car.

I've had reasonable experience with WD (to date - touch wood).

NJSS

[Cheib]

I have two mates with 993 Targa's....the one who has kept his garaged has had a lot less issues than the one that hasn't!

I think your problem with the Targa roof as first used on the 993 is what constitutes "wear and tear" and what's failure. There are an awful lot of rubber seals etc on a Targa which would be "wear and tear"....and from what they've said when a rood needs to be disassembled to say replace a a seal you then get in to issues of parts that might not go back as well as they came out because they're 20 years old etc.

The one who hasn't garaged his car wants to get a full body respray but has been quoted a ludicrous worst case amount because of the unknown when you take a targa roof apart as to what can go back.....

[MrC986]

If you're looking at say a 997 Targa, its likely it'll have similar system to a 996. Northway & also Precision are known for their expertise on the Targa roofs (a friend used Precision on his 996). I suggest you get yourself over to the 911uk forum and post the same question.

[NJSS]

Thank-you MrC986

I am aware of Precision's expertise, but was unaware that Northway had similar skills.

I wonder whether there is a business opportunity for them to offer a periodic inspection/service couple by a warranty on Targa roofs, possibly simultaneously with a normal service?

I have, as you have suggested posted a similar query on the 911uk forum.

NJSS

[Deep]

Not quite the same but...

The glass sunroof on my 991.1 was rattling. It was bought from an OPC. When I took it to my local OPC (not the one I bought from) they said NOT covered by OPC approved car warranty.

Luckily the OPC I bought from agreed the rattle was there when I bought the car and fixed it (well done Porsche Swindon!!)

It didn't need replacing but I saw the worksheet and the cost would have been circa £3k

[jackliebling]

I had a 997.2 Targa 4 for 2 years. Because of the roof issues I had, the car could not be a keeper so I disposed of it. The leaking roof took ages to fix and once fixed it was inevitable that it would go wrong before long. The car had to be put under a shower at the dealer, they let it dry a few times so the entire car was covered in Lime Scale as well!!

The OPC Approved warranty (same as the one you can buy from them) covered a complete roof mechanism replacement and several goes at diagnosing it. Cost well over 4k to repair. Only buy this car with an OPC warranty...

[NJSS]

Thanks jackliebling, sadly that's the conclusion to which I am slowly, and reluctantly coming.

[APOLO1]

I have owned a 991.1 Targa 4 that I did 15k miles in, on my 2nd 991.2 Targa 4GTs, did 15k in the first one, and just hit 17k in Current one. Not at any time have I had a single problem with the roof, not even a squeak, or rattle, like nothing. Even on a track.

[WindyM]

I had a 997.2 Targa 4S for nearly 5 years and the roof was covered by the OPC extended warranty. Mine had a new internal blind mechanism.
I kept in touch with the new owner who discovered the car had a leak. Something to do with a central drain at the rear. It was covered by the warranty but he had to wait 3 months for the parts to arrive (earlier this year). His OPC lent him a 718 for the 3 months.

The point I would make about OPCs and Targas, in my experience, is that the roof mechanism is overlooked when it comes to service. It's like their schedule is based on a coupe and so the rails don't get greased and the drains don't get cleared unless you remember to ask.

[NJSS]

WindyM - Many thanks -Interesting point regarding lubrication, it would appear that there are conflicting views.

Precision Porsche say:-

Targa roofs are pretty tight when new and it's normal for the roof to move slowly and in all instances you should have the engine running before operating.

However if your roof feels overly slow, many assume that it needs lubricating.

It doesn't, because lubricating the cables or the mechanism will at first cause the roof to operate faster but after a while, the lubricant collects dirt and dust which in turn forms a thick, sticky paste . This paste will collect on the cables and slow down the roof, eventually jamming it . Tell-tale signs are a slipping roof that doesn't close smoothly and evenly or jamming up and having to be closed manually.

https://www.precisionporsche.co.uk/targa-roof-repa...

A Merry Christmas to everyone, and thanks for your replies.

NJSS

[PS2018]

Is it true that a 991 targa roof is essentially taken from the VW EOS ?

[AW10]

Seems hard to believe - "top down" the 991 looks like an old school 911 targa and the Eos looks like a cabrio with the roof completely folded away.