On The Fence About Getting a 997S

Amigo's My local dealership is offering my a great price for my "rare" targa which is in showroom condition (that's what they say) to trade for a 997S - I listed my concerns: 1 - I love the targa Glass roof and want to keep the natural light it provides day/night - Not Sure if a Targa is in the 997 Platform Yet 2 - My Targa has been perfect, no problems what so ever, perfection thus far - why mess with a great thing ? 3 - I test drove the S and loved the power, response, but I truly didn't think It was night and day vs my modified Targa, with my Fabspeed Headers and Exhaust, my engine power and response was very, very close. 4 - Considering I use my car for mostly daily driving and the once in a blue moon (time permitting) a DE here and there, I am not sure I there is truly a benefit. Opinions are welcome. Thank you all in advance.

I avoid 1st generation car models... jmtc. If you really love the 997s wait a few years until they work the bugs out (if any). Rob

I agree with Rob, although I think the the 997's are pretty solid (I'm not sure, despite Porsche's claims, that the technology jump from the outgoing 996 to the 997 was really any bigger than the jump from the '01 996 to the '02 996). Nonetheless, I've been in the same camp as you; I'm tempted by the 997 (something new, after all), but I'm also pretty darn happy with my current car. I also am hoping for a 997 Targa, since I really enjoy the Targa top on my current car. So I'm going to continue to try to resist the siren call of the new car for another year or two. If a Targa is announced, however, I'll be a goner.

Tell us more about how the scenario developed where the dealer offered you a great price on your Targa. Were you just there window shopping when they did it, or did the offer come out of the blue? Sounds like they might have a customer who's put in a "buy" order on a nice Targa. If their offer's that good I might condsider going for the 997. Sounds like you may have something they want. Personally I don't think I'd be too concerned about the first-gen 997S. It doesn't appear the guys on the 997 board are relating too many bad experiences, and they've been delivering 997's long enough now for those stories to start.

I was in a similar mode with my 5 month old 04 Targa when I succumbed on launch day (August 28) and grabbed a 997S. I had recently put PSE on it, a short shifter and BBS wheels. I have no regrets, I love the 997S. But, since you have a nicely modded car in great condition, do you really need to make this change now? For me, I bought the Targa without everything I really wanted on it, and it was sort of an emotional "comeback" since I had given up my 97 Targa when times got a little tough. I once thought there was no chance of future Targa production, but things I have seen along the way finally lead me to believe that indeed there probably will be a 997 Targa in the future. The roof line was maintained on the 997, so it doesn't take much to slap a Targa roof on it. I doubt Porsche will let its "Targa" marque just die, so I'm betting we'll see a 997 Targa.

I'm also curious how they approached you. It sounds to me like a salesman there just wants to ring the register on a new car. I don't know what the market is like for new 997's, but it's not such a great deal if they charge you full MSRP (or sell you an over-optioned pig) if other dealers are discounting (I don't know if that's the case yet). There's two parts to the deal (the trade-in and the cost of the new car) and you've only told us about one. Also, maybe the market value of your car is higher than you think it is. At any rate, the 4 points you made are all in favor of keeping your current ride. If you're happy (and it sounds like you are), why make the switch?

There will always be a better P-car out there. If you believed that there was a serious flaw with your current car, and there were a new P-car out there that fixes that "flaw," then you should get the new car. You sound like you really like your current car, just like I like my car. I am very susceptible to the "get the latest and greatest syndrome" so I make it a rule NOT to drive any other cars so long as I am happy with mine. When I get bored, or if there is a specific reason why I want to get rid of mine, then, and only then, will I test drive a different car.

I can't agree enough with this statement. It really doesn't matter what brand the car it is. This statement applies. Let them work the bugs out. Chad

Uh, isn't yours the first model year of a completley new vehicle? I know you bought it used, but I don't think the previous owner "worked the bugs out".

I was wondering about that myself, but I came to the conclusion that his advice springs from experience, which is best gained as the owner of the first model year.

I'm not sure I could go from an "open" car back to a coupe. I've been thinking about an early 996TT, and thats my only hang-up.....love putting the top down. I've read recently that a Targa 997 is being designed.

stick with the 996 The guys on the 997 forum are a**holes.......JUST KIDDING GUYS

Wait for the 997S with a powerkit option, unless they are offering a once in a lifetime deal on the curent 997. Targa sales have been very slow around here, sounds like the salesman has a buyer lined up already.

get away from the RMS issue riddled engine platform. pick up a used GT3 or 996 Turbo. Done.

Gee, thanks. Uh, just kidding!

Details, details. I also didn't pay $80K for it. And technically, no...the car was released in August 1997 as the 1998 model year. Chad

Not true, at least here in the US. Mine was the first 996 delivery the dealership made and that was in April '98 and it was a '99. Also, I didn't pay $80k for it either.

again...details, details. Now...if you don't remember, factory mods / changes to the 996 platform had already begun taken into account when the car hit the U.S. shores. I consider it a benefit, as I could use feedback from our friends across the pond for info when I was looking to buy. As an example of what I mean, I bought a brand new Audi TT (mistake #1) 225hp Coupe Quattro when the 225's were first released. (mistake #2) I had more issues with that damn car than any other car I have ever owned. Paint, electronics, drivetrain, etc...ugh. Fun little car but a complete P.O.S. of a system. The point of this whole thing is, Porsche has released the 997 here and the ROW a the same time. Now this is no chance to get insight. I will admit, if anyone is going to have a strong running, trouble free platform it's Porsche. Overall, I stand by what I said. It's a sensible rule of thumb. cheers, Chad

RJMDAD996: Looks like you need to do further soul searching. Taking money/offers aside you may want to seriously consider if you're ready to part with the Targa concept, especially in light of Summer approaching... Can you really let go of the Targa experience and move into a coupe? Looks like on your #4, the answer is no.

YES - if you have already been looking at an inexpensive 996 TT then get it. I have a older boxster and a 996 C2. I just got shafted (no pun intended (intermediate driveshaft/RMS)) by Porsche on the boxster. I am looking to sell it anyway, but now I' even more worried about the 996. IF I get another Porsche (rather than an Aston Martin/Maserati/Z08/M5/M6) then it will be a GT3 or TT.I am not going to pay another $1500 for RMS when the only issue I had in 8 years of driving Alfa Romeos/BMW's was 1 clutch and some brakes/tires.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but getting a non-M96 motor is no guarantee you won't be replacing the RMS. Ask me how I know...

I agree from past experiences (not with the P), that I would avoid a first model. I also agree that the likelyhood of "bugs" to be worked out on a P is unlikely, but not out of the question. I would suggest that styling and performance improvements are likely 2-3 years into the 997 model run, which will be worth waiting for, such as the 2002 996 improvements which I think really improved the car. Personally, I have been tempted by the "deals" being offerred on the remaining 996 TT cabs. Paul.

Wait some of the spring out. your car should not really drop in value much over the next 4 months. who knows what will happen to the pricing on the S, other than to say it likely won't be increasing!.

did you get RMS on your 2004 GT3?

I did.

There is no god.

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Ironically, that was one of the reasons I upgraded from the C2. Go figure...

That just means that you have been having a little too much fun with everything else. You needed a karmic adjustment

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA -

Well My bubble has been well and truly bursted. If it went on your GT3 then I presume it can also go on the TT there goes my upgrade path

IMO, it's a design flaw on the M96. I don't think that's the case for the GT3/TT motor. I think I just had a bad part or it wasn't put together correctly or didn't seat right or whatever. All fixed now and I'm not losing any sleep over it. Still loving my GT3. It's amazing how different it is from the C2...almost no comparison.

Between that comparision and seeing Randy's new GT3 again today, I really ,really want one bad.....but I need the back seats. I'll have to wait for the 997TT.