Targa 04 vs new 997 WHAT would you Get?

Trying to make a decision on a car for this year or order a new one at end of this year of 997....targa 04 and good options and likly the last of its kind.....what are your thoughts????

Since I made the 04 Targa decision (versus waiting for a 997), you might think that's what I would tell you. That was almost 5 months ago, and I didn't want to wait so long at the time, and I got a great deal on the Targa at the time. First of all, I would follow your passion - if you really like the Targa, you probably won't have another chance for one soon, if ever. I am concerned that market acceptance of the 996 Targa has been very soft and maybe resale values are softer than coupes or cabs and will stay that way - only time will tell. Most probably the 997 will have comparatively better resale values. There is the issue of early bugs in a new car, so 997 may have more headaches initially. The 997 S seems to be a pretty nice package, however. What happened to your consideration of a 40th? I almost got one 5 months ago but just couldn't convince myself it was worth 17K more than the Targa (great deal on Targa v so-so deal on the 40th plus taxes) for what I wanted. But with today's deals, I would go for a 40th in a heartbeat versus the Targa.

When I was younger I thought nothing of going to the dealer every time some little thing went wrong with what ever cars I had - now I never want to see the place. Except a Lexus, all the new launch cars that I purchased have had more -- some many more, problems. And the second year upgrade always fixes and ads what should have come on the car to begin with! The Targa is a great 911 - I wanted one! -- the problem is, it is really is not worth 10k more. I never see anyone who does not like them -- but for the money they get the cab. You rarely see them used, where they are a better buy! I went with used tt -- but for the way I live and drive - I love that Targa and the opening back window! I also looked at the 40th -- and loved it -- but the price at the time was the same as a used tt. Today, with all the discounts, I think I would have taken the 40th.

boxsterdoc47: What type of discounts are you seeing on the Targas? My queries about the Targa have yielded very little in the way of discounts as compared to the 911 40th. There's no question, if you want a 996 get the 40th. The deals on these cars are the best you may ever see on a new 911. It is lighter than the Targa, more HP, some unique options you can't get on ANY 996, etc. By the way, I was a little turned off when I saw in the September issue of Excellence that a used 2002 996 Targa was going for about $3k less than a 2002 C2 of equal condition even though the Targa costs about $7k more. That's a $10k swing. I do not understand it. Personally, I too like the Targa and if the deals on the Targa were the same as the 40th, it would be a tough decision in spite of the apparent resale values. But back to your question, why not wait until August 28 when you will be able to see and sit in the 997 to decide. This way you can let your emotions decide for you. More than likely, there will still be some 40th and Targa's left at that time at potentially even better discounts. That is what I am doing, assuming I don't get an Elise instead. Test driving one today finally.

I would wait until the 997's came out to see them in person before I bought anything now. The 997's should be in showrooms next month. Plus once the 997's show up you might be able to get a bigger discount on a Targa, unless, of course you fall in love with a 997.

Great responses and thank you.....I was looking at a o4 targa with 8K discount vs going for the 997 yet unseen......I will likely wait til next month and test drive the 997 to make the decision....yet as some of the posters have said to wait til ordering the first year model later to get the bugs out.....when do the 997's actually will be on the showroom floor in US dealers?????? exact date mid or late month August????? thanks

My dealer told me that he is getting a 997 in on August 28th. From all the pics I have seen, I think it will be beautiful!

What are some discounts that you have heard on current model targa's?????

I think the $8k discount you spoke of is a good discount since there isn't any "trunk" money on the Targa like there is on the 40th. That's why the 40th is the best deal in town.

I got $10K off my Targa in March - partly because I have a long and really good relationship with my dealer, partly because this car happened to be sitting a long time in their stock (at the time they were only offering $5K off on a 40th). In SoCal, there are quite a few Targas around; they are not moving very well, and I think dealer cost or +500 (which is about $10K off) should be easy.

Thanks jcnesq....targa's in the midwest seem to be diasppearing though and disccounting around 8K yet maybe more with the 997's coming out though....keep looking and will awit to look at the new 997's too...thanks

What is a fair price for a 40th, both cab and coupe with less that 20,000 miles? Andrew

What is a fair price for a 40th, both cab and coupe with less that 20,000 miles? That's going to be tough to figure out. The poor guy who is selling probably paid around $90K for his car and you can get a new one for around $75K. I'd say the guy will be lucky to get $70K.

There is no 40th Cab. Just the Coupe. Anyone who tries to sell a used one now is going to take a huge loss.

new 40th's MSRPs are about 90 usually. manufactuer incentive is 10k, + about 10-15k dealer discount brings the normal selling price to about 65-70. a USED one should sell for about high 50s. max. worst depreciating porsche model in terms of MSRP versus value held over 1-3 years.

manufactuer incentive is 10k, + about 10-15k dealer discount brings the normal selling price to about 65-70. a USED one should sell for about high 50s. max I don't know what kind of discounts are being offered in NYC, but in MD you can't get a 40TH Anniversary car for 65-70. The lowest selling price I'm aware of for an Anniversary car in MD is a liitle over $76K. This was a great price when you consider that the car had an MSRP of $94K. It's hard to find an '02 C2 in good condition for the high $50s. I can't imagine a low mileage '04 anniversary car for that price. If I could get one for that price, I'd buy it in a hertbeat unless it had major body repair.

So the anniversary model would be a good buy?

That depreciation comment is a fairly negative spin. For those of us entering ownership courtesy of the $10K Porsche factory incentive plus any additional negotiated discount, there is minimal depreciation compared to a conventional comparably loaded 996 C2 or any version of the 997 which may be discounted far less (996) if at all (997). The higher priced and optioned Porsche cars, especially if purchased close to MSRP will always depreciate more - thus the GT2, ever common 996 turbos of any ilk and even the wondercar CGT will all have their day on the downslope. Some sooner than later. The 1st two models are displaying that now. I doubt dealers will give these 911 anniversary cars away for less than $70K. Given all they offer, they compare very favorably with the replacements and they will all move out before long. The answer to your question Andrew is: YES, the anniversary at $20K discount now is an excellent buy. regards, -Richard

I agree with Sly. Show me a used 40th for less than $60K and I would buy a second one to use for the track. Some people keep talking down the prices on the car without any first hand knowledge.

Considering that a Targa weighs about 150 pounds more than a coupe, and all that weight is up in the roofline doing nothing good for the car's roll center, I'd get a 40th anniversary as my first choice.......