996 Targa - Pros and Cons

[Spy]

Hi all,

I am currently undergoing the perplexing task of trying to narrow down my choice of potential 996 purchase. I have ruled out the cab as I prefer the coupe looks but I have come across a few well-priced Targas. What are the pros and cons of these compared to the coupe eg. headroom, problems etc ?

Thanks.

[cardigankid]

For a start, it's ugly.

For another, why would you want to compromise the experience?

I suspect that they are cheap for a reason.

[Giles993]

Personally think they're rather nice but need to be in a slightly unusual colour. Love the 997 Targa 4S in the right colour.

[cragswinter]

I always find myself drawn to targas,maybe as when I was a kid I thought the targa was the coolest car in the range (before I got all worried about structual rigidity!).might be as u always miss having a convertable-they are so nice on summer evenings & IMHO the 911 cab looks all wrong with the roof up.
For open top motoring I can't help thinking the targa has the combination perfect, guy above is right about colours though.sand interior anyone?

[98C4S]

I like them, with the right wheels (18" 5 spoke carreras) and the right colour, they look really good

[Giles993]

Think my targa boat was floated at the 1996 NEC motor show where Porsche had the 993 Targa mounted on a wall with the roof constantly opening and closing. Looked unbelievable in a wonderfully understated way.

[Banjo47]

I agree Giles. The 993 Targa is one of the prettiest cars ever built - even more so than the coupe, and certainly more than the Cab. The 996 Targa wasnt so well executed but to say it dilutes the 996 experience is frankly nonsense. Great summer car.

[Giles993]

Banjo47 said:

...and certainly more than the Cab.

No cab bashing please!

[TGJR]

I used to have a 993 targa and thought it was a fabulous looking car. The targa was more a giant sunroof experience as it didi not have that same feeling as a convertible. The main problem I recall was the glass roof creeking quite badly in cold weather.

I was looking at a 997C4S targa in the local Porsche dealer the other day - nice looking car and as an 'everyday' Porsche would be near the top of my list.

[Logster]

I enjoyed about 20,000 hassle free miles in my Targa. The roof is great in terms of providing light in the cabin but is really only a very big sunroof, and it does obscure the rear view when retracted. The roof did fail to open properly on one particularly cold day, but otherwise didn't leak or cause any problems.

The car did creak a bit when cold, but the rigidity was fine. In terms of looks mine did have additional side sills, sport design wheels and a carrera wing which I thought worked well.

It is a very personal choice. I started in a 996 C2 (pre facelift), then the Targa and now a 997C2S. The 997 is my favourite so far......

Good luck with the search !

[mollytherocker]

I actually think that the facelift 996 targa is one of the best looking 996's. TT, GT2, GT3 aside of course. They some how look a little sharper, although I suppose dynamically they arent.

Go for it!

MTR

[danny_1968]

based on ownership of a 996 targa - i have to say the upside is

- great look (imho)
- its a bit unusual (u don't see loads of them)
- extra light in the car is really great
- great views from in the car etc

downside is

- roof creaks
- regular new sills and leak repair always ends up with roof creaks after a period
- porsche staff at main dealers say its an issue car due to roof movement
- its not good enough to have this roof movement

summary
- its not until the gen 2 997 that porsche have sorted this targa creaking issue
- therefore advise would be DON'T go for a 996 TARGA - sorry to ruin your plans

[cardigankid]

That's some sensible advice from a man who knows.

I suppose you pay your money and take your choice, but if I were buying a Targa, and I wouldn't, I would be expecting money off just because it's a Targa. The 997 with the satin chrome strip does look a lot sharper, but, it still doesn't float my boat.

[Spy]

Thanks for the useful advice based on experience guys. Coupe it is then

[Banjo47]

cardigankid said:

That's some sensible advice from a man who knows.

I suppose you pay your money and take your choice, but if I were buying a Targa, and I wouldn't, I would be expecting money off just because it's a Targa. The 997 with the satin chrome strip does look a lot sharper, but, it still doesn't float my boat.

Why would you expect money off because its a Targa? Sorry I don't get it.

[Spy]

Thanks guys. I think I will be going for a C4S coupe.

As regards prices, for some reason, the Targas are a bit cheaper !

[Dr S]

Yep, the good news is: 2nd hand Targas are chaper than coupes

but the bad news is: for a very good reason

[Banjo47]

Dr S said:

Yep, the good news is: 2nd hand Targas are chaper than coupes

but the bad news is: for a very good reason

A quick trawl of the classifieds on here show that not to be the case.....Would the good doctor care to elucidate?

[UncleM]

I had one for 2.5 years from new and liked it a lot. Looks much better in my opinion than the base 2wd. Roof was great making the car very airy and all the better to hear the engine. Sunroof did squeak a little but never leaked. In London, 911s are very common and the targa did look different and much more secure than the soft tops. I would buy another if I were to give up on trackdays.

[wilfman]

Amazing how 7 years can change things. Targas now much more valued for their scarcity.