Returning to the fold: '02 Targa purchase questions/feedback...

Former 911 owner (�92 C2 Cab back in the day) looking to rejoin the fraternity. I live near Seattle, and as much as I love a convertible we only get to use them a few months a year, so I�m dialed in on a targa. I started looking around and found a local car with the following info: 2002, 60k, Silver/Black (boring!), with 19� 997 wheels on it. I called the seller and started asking questions. Most notably, I asked if it had the 60k service yet. �Funny you should ask� he says. Yes, it had the 60k service, but when he bought it he bought (his words) a very good after-market warrantee� that he needed 6 months later when the engine went (I can only assume IMS). So, it actually has a 1500 mile engine (with 2yr warrantee), new clutch (he replaced when he did the engine), and the remaining time on the after-market warrantee. And, he�s got the original 18� turbo twists (which I greatly prefer). He�s asking $33k w/the 19�s, but is willing to go lower with the 18�s. I would think I could get him to around $30k flat. My questions/thoughts/observations for this most august crowd: 1) Initially I was concerned that a 60k car had to have a replaced engine, but reading the topics on IMS I realize it is (sadly) not unknown. I�ll have to check, but I assume a recent rebuild is going to have the mods to avoid a repeat, right? I shouldn�t have specific worries here, should I? 2) I�ve read all the threads on the targa, and besides the occasional �when, not if, it goes out� claim it sounds like the targa will need maintenance, but isn�t a cost or operationally prohibitive addition, is it? 3) Targa�s are hard to price. Nationwide searches of Craigslist and eBay seem to show even 2002�s at or north of 30k, which still seems high, but maybe the tiny market demands it? Is this a reasonable deal, or should I keep looking? And it is a near zero-mile engine... Thanks for the general advice I�ve already picked up from all the historical threads, and any specific advice you can give me here!

I recently purchased an 03 targa myself, I paid just under 31k. Mine however has the original engine that had 51k mi on it. The top does squeak and rattle a bit, but that seems to be rather common. If you do buy it just make sure that you keep the rails lubed regularly. For the money and the fact that it has a new engine IMO sounds like a great deal

I would def PPI this car.... $30K with a new engine +1 warranty sounds very nice.

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I should be able to see/drive it in the next few days. Assuming it looks as advertised, and the documentation checks out, it will be off to Squire's...

I love mine... If you can get it around $30k I'd say go for it.

I love my Targa, not many 911's you can fit a full set of track wheels, compressor, tools and overnight bag in all at the same time. As for the Squeeky roof, joking apart WD40 the hell out of the tracks when you buy it and you won't have any problems. I had a new engine put in mine at 70K, and been tracking it every time I can since. Actually I tracked it before the engine went south, all part of the fun I guess. PPI it and if it looks good then you have a good deal at $30K. Nothing better than sitting at 80mph and deciding there and then that you need to open the roof. Much better than stopping and folding the roof back.

I would be happy to offer you my eyes.... also Chris's German Auto in Bellevue is the only place (IMO) to take your car for PPI (and service), they are leading the way in understanding the watercooled cars.... the car sounds good to me, new motor 1500 miles ago means its a new car !

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I used to use Squire, but am not particularly invested. And, given that they are all of about 2 blocks from each other, I can go the other way... I keep thinking the same thing. Hope it turns out to be the case... (just wish it was a more interesting color...

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Excellent - that's what I want to hear...

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I struggled with the concept of paying a little extra for the vanity/functionality of a Targa. It can be hard to justify when you can get some 'better' performing 996s for the same price, or possibly newer cars with less miles. But, in the end, I had dreamed of owning a Targa since I was a kid and, sometimes, you got to live out the dreams of that child you used to be. I found two '02 Targas in the States at the end of the season last year, each asking in the low 30s (chicago and arizona). It seems like most other cars depreciated over the winter. Why not this car? The new engine is certainly worth something extra.

...Oh, and isn't WD40 a penetrant? I wouldn't put that on something you want lubricated. That said, I haven't put anything additional on my tracks because I'm afraid to put something detrimental on them. Maybe that's worse. I'll ask my tech this week when I'm in to have him look at an oil leak.... targa tracks may be the least of my worries.

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The tracks are thermoplastic and are also used to carry water away. My theory for the wd40 is that it's the only stuff to use that doesn't go all nasty after a couple of weeks. Every 3-4 months now I give them a quick splash and bingo, any squeak gone. Glass runs smooth with complete silence, so quiet I now have to watch it when closing to make sure it's closed. Previously It would get slower and slower when closing. Now it closes in seconds

I have to admit, if I had the money I sure would pick this one... eBay 2007 Targa4 Lapis Blue 997

for $56k you would think he would invest in a few more pics for the ad

56K is TT territory, but, its not for everybody.... that 7 targa is very nice looking, performance wise would prob be up to par with the 6 targa.

Love my targa. If you are worried about the IMS, just wait until July when Flat6 will have its IMSB failure detection device available.

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It is purely an asthetic response - love that color. And, at my age, the partial second differentials don't really matter anymore... Back to the thread: still haven't been able to see the car! The seller works weird schedules and might want me to wait until Sunday to see it. Sunday?!? I've got cash burning a hole in my pocket, man!

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I'm assuming when I get the documenation on the rebuilt engine I can contact the builder and verify they addressed the issue...

Shout out if you want a couple of wingmen to take a look at it with you. You can never have too many sets of eyes. I am local here in Lake Forest Park so I am not far... I would second Ed's comments about Chris's. I used another shop (which shall remain nameless) on my PPI and wasn't terribly impressed. Nice folks, but they cut a few corners.

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Might take you guys up on that - if I ever get to actually see it...

Oh, sure - now everyone is out to get me. The wife's boss stopped by, in his Vanquish... Now I've got to get a new car!

Update: Best case, I get to see it Sunday. Gee, does he really want to sell it?

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I kinda like silver on a Targa, mine is Meridian Metalic:

Love my targa - never had interest in a soft top, but the targa provides the feel without the road noise. Like others I acquired mine last fall - low 30's with 28k on the clock.

Update: Finally got a few minutes with the car this evening. It looks like a pretty dam good car. The info: The ad: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/2360076891.html The history: - Current owner is a broker that took the car in from a one-owner customer and kept the car for himself, but barely used it and is now working for an Audi dealer and moving in that direction. - The after-market warrantee is with GE, and they have paid out on the new engine as well as $2500 worth of misc items (targa roof motor, brake sender, head-unit, etc). It still has 2+ years to run. - It was an IMS failure that took out the engine. The motor came from a California remanufacturer, and was installed locally by Aker�s. There is a written agreement between GE and Aker�s to cover the engine for 2 years. I�m getting more details about who did the engine. - The clutch was done at the same time. - The 997 wheels are going to be swapped back to the original twists. The car: - Exterior: very good shape. Small crack in the mud flap (is that what it would be called?) in front of the driver�s rear tire, otherwise didn�t see anything - Interior: good shape for a 9 year old car. Some scuffs and wear, nothing excessive The drive: - As it was mother�s day, neither of us had a ton of time, but we did get 20 minutes between city and highway, and it (not surprisingly) drives like a high-powered sports car. The targa roof is fantastic � quick jump to 100+ and we were still talking in a normal voice - The targa roof rattled after it was sealed back up, and there is a slight rattle in the dash, but other than that it drove like a dream. Next steps: - He�ll drop it off at Chris� when we can get a time set up. Ok, so that�s all great. It is a really good specimen, and assuming everything checks out, I should jump on it. But I have to admit that I�m having second thoughts about the entire �return to Porsche� decision� - When I got in I was engaged, but not blown away. The child-like joy of my past 911 didn�t seem to be there. I�m older now, but I felt something of a loss� - It is a true sports car. It was a real clutch and an aggressive throttle and needs to be paid attention to. When puttering around town it requires more attention and engagement than I might otherwise be inclined to give it when I�m working/driving/talking � doing all the things you aren�t supposed to do when driving a Porsche. - When we got on the freeway it was first, second, third� 100mph. I remember that from my old 911 and I remember thinking about how much trouble I could get in� - It just felt sort of excessive. Crap, it is starting to sound like I�m getting old. Like I should spend the $30k on wakeboard boat or something. Why am I having doubts? Gentlemen � thoughts/opinions/ridicule?

Not bad...look at this one at a Porsche dealer priced way too high. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-Po...item20b924fbcd