How is the 996 Targa viewed amongst Porscheophiles?

I have heard that the early ones were not that desireable.

I have a 2003 Targa and I would not trade it for anything. The roof assembly is basically the same as the 2007 targa (so I am told) except for the outer molding. The glass roof makes for a significantly different feel inside the car. Much more open. the downside is if you intend to race the body is not as rigid as a coupe. Even though I know the car will not be a collectors item I do feel that it is more unique and therefore ultimately more valuable. Just look around and compare the number of targas to coupes. When I am parked in a line of 996 coupes people will always come up to my car becaue it is so diferent. I can say that if I were to buy a 997 it would be a Targa.

From the top?

As an owner of an '02 Targa I can definitely say I'm a fan, but I was considering coupes, targas, convertibles and C4Ss. The market says Targas are not as desirable as some other models, and probably not a collector item. Some targa owners, and definitely dealerships think otherwise though, with fairly aspirational pricing. I was looking in general for 5 months and pulled the trigger when I found a good deal on a Targa last summer. I prefer the look of the C4S but at the time the budget wasn't there for me. I also have owned a Honda S2000 convertible and really wasn't passionate about top down driving. Base coupes were fine, but I liked the idea of the the targa see through roof providing an airy, roomier feel to the car, and being able to open up on demand. The look of a targa would be optimal though if they could have retained the rounded look of the coupe's rear side windows. The angled Targa side window edge does detract from the 'chiseled from a whole piece' beauty of the base and C4S coupes. If you're interested, drive a base coupe and a targa as close to back to back as possible. You'll probably quickly see what camp you fall into..... Good luck searching, Piccia '02 Targa

With respect to 996 Targas, there are no "early" or "late" models since they were not introduced until after the revamp in '02. I love my '02 Targa. It really depend upon what you want. Want to drive on the track? A Targa is not the best choice. Want a very cool daily driver? I would not pick any other model over a Targa.

I was very close to buying an 2002 Targa but spend the money on a coupe instead. Is all about preference. Rare indeed, only 35 Targas a year in Canada...then again is demand and supply. Porsche is a drivers car, so for most people who enjoys the drving aspect, they would do with the coupe or if they prefer cruising with wind in their face, go with the cab. The Targa is definitely built for a niche market. Love the hatch back for my golf clubs, that it for me. Since my wife is keeping my Saab Viggen Conv. I bought the coupe instead.

By "the early ones" do you mean the early, early ones with the removable cloth top? They're not well regarded at all. The 996 Targa is a horse of a different color. I don't remember hearing anything bad about them.

only if they made a 996 C4S Targa, i would have bought that!!

Yes, by the early ones I mean the cars with the removable top...

Racing no, looks yes

The removable Targa top went out long before the 996. Even so, the removable Targa was noisy, leaked a bit, hard to put on and take off in the dark, but was still a wonderful car in its'. day. [IMG] http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/82...arga_copy1.jpg

I love the targa design. I would definately choose a targa over a cab any day, but I like racing so coupe it is.

Here is the deal: The side view of a Targa is very similar to a coupe. Way nicer than a cab! You get a huge sun roof and the security of a coupe. You also get a hatch back for ease of loading luggage. That total smoked glass top from windshield to rear hatch is very attractive. Lastly, only 2-3 hundred were produced each year. Potential collectors item.

I drove an early Targa for ten years and it was none of those things. I did have to replace the seals and a new top runs in the $$ thousands, but mine never leaked, never squeaked, and I could put it on and take it off w/my eyes closed. I miss her The 993 Targas did have some problems w/leaks and squeaks. The new style Targas are nothing more than a giant sunroof and don't offer the same feel that the old style did. Why I went w/a cab. That being said, those who have them, love them.

I certainly did not mean to be derogatory in any way. My 82 targa was my favorite Porsche and i would love to have it back

While I may be a bit biased, I love the targa. It's just a different feel altogether. I had a 2000 Coupe before the targa and wouldn't go back. In fact, I think at this point in time the only car that could get me to change is if they came out with a 997 turbo targa The roof does add some weight to the car in the exact spot you wouldn't want it, up high. But I don't feel I'll be driving the car at its limits where the extra weight is going to be whats holding me back, it'll be the nut behind the wheel before anything else.

How is the rear visibility when the roof is all the way open? Any squeaks in cold temp?

To Jake Ok's questions, the visibility is slightly fuzzy when the roof's open, but you can still discern vehicles and headlights (nighttime) fine. You get usede to it. Yes, I have some squeaks in cold temps also, but not unbearable....

Visibility is fine once you get used to it. I think the shorter you are, the more of an issue it can be. Squeaks have never been a problem. If you develop a squeak, you can just check the tightness of the bolts and fasteners and adjust as necessary. There is nothing endemic about the design of the top that will cause it to be squeaky, so if it squeaks, you can do something about it. The car is very rigid. If it is not nearly as rigid as the coupe, I would be shocked. It is also awesome open. I moved to it from a cab, and I don't notice the difference, apart from the fact that I have no cowl shake and I can raise and lower the top at any speed. The single best part of the Targa, though, is that you can enjoy most of the openness of a cab even in inclement weather. Too cold outside? No matter, you can still see the moon through your roof. Raining? Fine, it is cool to hear and see the rain falling.

I like Targa's, whatever that's worth.

I too get some slight squeaks if I dont spray some clear silicone around the rubber seal. After doing this no more squeaks.

Can't speak to pre-996 Targa's, but my 2002 Targa is the only 996 for me! I was originally shopping for a C4S as a daily driver but was uneasy about the storage/space compromise versus an M3. Along came the Targa with a rear hatch and suddenly all concerns about golf clubs and hockey bags are gone! IMHO this is the ultimate 4 season sports car(with snows in the winter). Yes the roof does rattle a bit in the cold, but a combination of silicone and a Fabspeed Muffler By-Pass have resolved that. Yes it is top heavy(over 100lbs heavier than a coupe) and perhaps not as rigid as a coupe, but lowering springs and GT-3 sway bars fix that too. My next Pcar will be a 997 Targa 4S.

I've always wanted an older targa with the removable roof. I had a '92 'Vette and it was one of the features I miss the most about every car I've owned since.

My 88 Targa leaks on the driver's side a little when it rains hard. Other than that, it's nice to have. I think the body is less rigid than the coupe.

Just for the sake of clarity, though, you do not have a 996 Targa. There is no reason whatsoever that a 996 Targa should leak on the driver's side any more than a 996 Coupe would.

Looooove the Targa....

I just purchased my 2002 Targa about a month ago and I love it. The glass roof gives such an open feeling even when it is closed. I do have some squeaking when it is cold. Exactly where does one apply the silicone that was mentioned earlier? I think I need to do that.

I like the idea of the 996 Targa and would love to find a glass hardtop for my 996 Cab. I recognize a weight difference with the hardtop on my Cab (about 90lbp), so I think this is comparable to the additional weight of the Targa over the Coupe and the hardtop does also add the weight at the wrong place. However, I really don't recognize any handling difference between the hardtop on or off. I've been to the track with the hardtop and still believe the car has a perfect handling, so I guess the Targa has no real disadvantage beside slightly more weight, especially if you're not a professional racer.

Hey R13 Where did you buy you Targa from in TO? If it has about 70k I may have seen the car. I was very close to buying one but bought an 02 C2 instead. Love the hatch fuction but the rear visibility, squeaks and extra weight ... not for me.

I'd say it has no more desirability than a standard coupe, IMO. Then again, I don't think a Vert. is any more desirable than a standard C2. Again, just my 2 cents. They certainly do not have the marque they had in the 80's. Saying you had a "911 Targa" was one step below saying you had a Turbo. This is no longer the case. Now saying you have an S, would be the step below the Turbo. Unless you count the GT3.

What? Look, let's cut to the chase. Who gives a crap what anyone else thinks about the car your drive. If you like it, buy it. If you don't, move on.

+1 The 996 Targa weighs ~ 20 lbs less than a cab and a cab hardtop weighs ~ 73 lbs. I'm not sure if Porsche weighs cabs w/the top on or not - I'm guessing during the model years that it came w/it they do.

I spray completely around both the sliding glass edge and the frame. Including in the area where the flip up air dam thingy is (I also spray both sides of the air dam. I also use the tube on the can and spray back inside of each corner just behind the seats (just over the corner of the window). At first I tried to do it only in spots but found that completely going around everything took care of all squeaks. Make sure you put a sheet over all your interior so you dont drip on the seats. After you spray you will need to clean your glass as it is impossible to keep from spraying it. The spray I have dries clear and you cannot see it on the rubber. It does not even look shiny but it really lubricates well.

From what I can gather from various places on the net there was never a 993 C4 Targa. Is this correct? Were there ever any anomalies produced?

I love the 996 Targa (but here in SOCAL it will be too hot...glasshouse effect). About the old targa's.....this is when I fell "in love" with P-cars...in Holland the highway patrol drove 911 targa's....and when I was a kid (long time ago) I wanted to become a policeman..so I could drive a Porsche.

I live in Southern California and this is one of the best reasons to have a targa. Last weekend I drove all around with the top open, it was great.

[QUOTE=Rob in WA]I drove an early Targa for ten years and it was none of those things. I did have to replace the seals and a new top runs in the $$ thousands, but mine never leaked, never squeaked, and I could put it on and take it off w/my eyes closed. I miss her I have the same exact color Rosewood 82 Targa No leaks and it I only have excessive wind noise above 90 MPH. She's a keeper. John

what is a good choice for the track ? a n/a 944 ?

Hey . . . don't give me sheeeeiiiiite or I will be forced to speak french and whooop your a$$ on the track

i requested you as an instuctor. hope you can fit in my passenger seat.

Any particular brand of silicone that works best? Anyone ever try Zymol Seal Rubber Conditioner? Love my Targa, I don't track it nor do I intend to ... it's limiting factor is definitely the driver, not the extra pounds in the roof! I also have no problem with the look of the rear 1/4 windows, I actually like the more angular look to them .... personal taste.

What, what? Sorry, just being honest. Different brands of cars/models have reputations, stir passions and build marques amongst 'philes et al. They OP was simply asking what kind of reputation the Targa has. All I was doing was opining on the OP's query. Whether you'll admit it or not, we all care about the car we drive, and what kind of reputation it has. Some more than others, but all of us to some degree. We all first felt this feeling the 1st time we bought a P and got that 1st compliment in the gas-station, or at the red-light, or wherever -- and we still love it every time since. Who gives a crap what anyone else things about my car? When someone compliments you about your gorgeous car, next time, maybe you should just say, "Hey, I don't really care WHAT you think about the car I drive!!" At least this way, you can continue to live in denial... -G