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YOUR RESEARCHNewbie, please be gentle :)
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Run over
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You will be in my thoughts as I run over to Barrett-Jackson this afternoon, top down, short sleeves on, listening to the sound of that sweet Flat 6, and the wind blowing through my long, long hair.
Leading evidence: 'Run over' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'biggest compromise' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Repair ."' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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My guess is that there are probably more squeaks and rattles with the 996 targa than with the hard top which is probably the biggest compromise.
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Suggestion
Joking aside, I found a couple of threads by searching "targa reliability" and "targa repair."
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Suggestion
mas - Do make sure you thoroughly research reliability and repair on the 996 Targa.
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Suggestion
I do understand that the cost to repair would be pretty significant, but thankfully that hasn't been an issue yet.
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You will be in my thoughts as I run over to Barrett-Jackson this afternoon, top down, short sleeves on, listening to the sound of that sweet Flat 6, and the wind blowing through my long, long hair.
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50 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T091943Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hello,
I am a long time lurker and reader of these forums as well as a lifetime dreamer of someday owning a Porsche 911. After years and years of wanting, I am finally going to be purchasing one as my "toy" car. A goal of mine since I was a kid. With that being said, I am pretty set on the 996 as the first 911 for me. I have read all the issues, IMSB, AOS, RMS, 2nd gear grind, etc. and I still want one.
I am currently researching the going "market prices" in my area as well as nationally. The use of this car will be my fun car I drive on weekends, dates with the wife, etc. so daily commuting and weather will not be influential in my decision of choosing the right car for me. That being said, I have always thought I wanted a Cabby, until recently. The 996 Targa's have caught my eye! But for some reason I can't find much info on the pros and cons of the Targa (personal experiences, etc)
Now to my questions:
How is the Targa (on a personal experience) compared to the Cabby?
Things that are not liked on the Targa?
Do most feel they should of went with a Cabby?
How is the cabin noise?
What issues seem to plaque the Targa vs the coupe or cabby?
I am sure there is more but that's it for now.
Btw, I joined this site as a full member and the PCA Quest membership in hopes of quality cars coming up for sale. I also look on Autotrader, cars.com, craigslist. Is there any other website I am missing?
Thanks and I am looking forward to learning from you all!
Morio
+1...Start with a coupe; preferably, 996Turbo.... quite affordable....
When you're retired and "slower"....get a PDK Cab, in creme white with beige interior..... j/k....
thanks
found a couple I am going to look at
yeah yeah yeah
not interested in turbos, I have a turbo car toy and now I want normally aspirated. And having 4 kids, 2 older sons under 18 and driving insurance would be the death of me!
Thanks for the feedback
Get to know option codes and packages for the year(s) you are interested in. It will help you quickly sift through classifieds. Use SearchTempest to aggregate Craigslist listings, searching them by distance and metropolitan area. And check out CarGurus.com. It currently lists 18 Targas nationwide, a couple in Texas.
And don't be afraid of cars at a distance. You can always ask through Rennlist or PCA for someone to go and check out a car for you. That first look, lots of pictures and a good PPI can be enough to make a deal and get on a plane or have the car shipped. Again, PCA and Rennlist folks can help with all of this.
Finally, don't get too hung up on exact values, particularly for a more rare model like the Targa. Find the car you want at a price you are willing to pay.
Good luck!
Mas, welcome, and good on you for ponying up $18 bucks to become a full fledged member. I also sent the link to a buddy, but I couldn't help but notice that flat 6 innovations currently has an '02 Targa they are selling, with a replacement engine in it that they have put their touches on...might be worth looking at. To me, the best part of the Targa is the hatchback feature, sometimes I still can't figure out why that wasn't an option.
GL with the search, it's half the fun!
DS
actually a real sports car
"is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for spirited performance and nimble handling.[2] Sports cars may be spartan or luxurious but high maneuverability and minimum weight are requisite"
and red, and a metal roof
I hear ya, no turbo. N/A isn't bad ... keep an eye out here for some decent Cabs that have had some of those "issues" addressed; they come up FS here on occasion; Targa owners seem to enjoy the benefits of the Targa over Cabs and
vice versa. FWIW, do a search on Targa roof issues and servicing and maintenance... they seem to need good attention and preventative maintenance in order to keep the roof working properly.. when it fails, it ain't cheap.
Invius' mention of the Flat6 Targa would be a good start if you need some solid answers from Jake and have any and just about all questions regarding 996....
Are you looking for Tip or manual? with 4 kids, I'd say you'd have your hands full with a manual....
FYI, I dont recall the difference in insurance premiums from my 00 Cab to the 03 Turbo, pry a couple hundo every 6 months.
Nice! Thanks for advice!
I will definitely have to visit their website! Would be nice to buy from a place that could get all the issues sorted before I pick it up
yeah it will have to be manual. Anything would feel strange to me. Concerning the insurance, not worried about myself more worried about insuring two boys under 18
with my current "toy" even though not a Porsche, the turbo word made the price go up.
Thanks everyone! I truly appreciate the help!
The 1987 Targa was something to behold. The 996 Targa... extended sunroof? But if that suits your fancy, by all means.
Did you know... That the Targa is based on the famous race in the mountains of Sicily. After their first major race victory...Porsche named the convertible version of the 911 after the Targa. The name targa means plaque or plate.
Welcome! The search is 63% of the fun, so enjoy the journey and be patient.
I've had a 99 cab, an 01 coupe, an 01 Turbo coupe, and now an 04 Turbo cab. They're all awesome cars in their own way. Never really dug the targa as the cab was more my style.
One little tip - don't call it a cabby. Stick with cabriolet or cab - you'll sound a lot smarter.
I spent 6 months to find a targa - they are out there but relatively rare.
Pros v coupe
- cabin feels much airier
- lift back allows easy loading of golf clubs, groceries
- roof open motoring when you want
- looks good
- RARE
Cons versus coupe
- heavier plus higher center. Of gravity so in theory slower around the track but I think you need to be Michael schumacher to really notice that difference
- 996 was only c2 version - no c4
- I think springs are slightly softer ... mine has 265-35 series rears as well which makes for nice ride but again if you want ultimate grip coupe might be better - don't think you'd notice however- I autocrossed mine and understeer more an issue than oversteer
- on very rough road you can notice roof rattle - not on normal roads
- roof could be expensive to fix ... but I don't see too many people reporting problems here
- sun can heat interior more through glass
Pros versus cab
- back seats more comfortable
- maybe stiffer overall
- feel better in public parking without fabric roof
- hatch space
Cons v cab
Cab is even more open air
More cabs to choose from
Cabs seem cheaper
-
Ever thought of the 996 C2 Cabriolet with the hard top included in the buy. That way you have the ' best of both worlds'.The REAL sports car is when you have the option of feeling the wind through your hair or not. My hair matches the color of my car. Artic Silver.
Cabriolets rules OK
Cabs seem cheaper????????????????????????? to the last poster... where the hell did you get that notion? Cabs are $5000 more expensive if it has the same milage including the hard top.
seriously Hurdigurdiman - I will give you $5 to remove those badges and stickers and all that stuff on the back of your car - come on guys, everyone give $5 and at some point he will cave in
it's really bad
Sorry to go OT, it's my first time
I thought a "cabby" was the weird dude driving a car around picking up "fares. Anyway, why dont you look at and drive the various types then decide what you like best, which Im sure will be a C4S.
Fantastic!!!! Thanks so much!!! I am not looking to track it which is why I wanted an "open top" cruiser. I have done plenty of track time in other cars and will again have a dedicated car for that. My current toy is now beyond the point of cruiser. Knowing that the rear seats have more room than the "CAB" means a lot to me since I wanted to have enough room for my youngest set of kids. Any other tips/advise/opinions would be greatly appreciated!
A "CAB" is definitely on my mind. This car won't see much weather and the top would be done most of the time.
WOW
didn't know cabby would ruffle so many feathers
can we compromise and I call it a Cabrio?
lol :P
(cab it is)
I hope you gentlemen enjoy your week. You will be in my thoughts as I run over to Barrett-Jackson this afternoon, top down, short sleeves on, listening to the sound of that sweet Flat 6, and the wind blowing through my long, long hair.
Ok, maybe not that last part!
mas - Do make sure you thoroughly research reliability and repair on the 996 Targa. I have no direct knowledge, but understand they can be finicky, and very expensive to repair.
what's your point, these are just VW's anyhow
James is laughing i bet.,.....one of the first times we met he called my pcar a VW and waited for my repsonse.... which of coarse was "yep"
i'm not trying to be a jerk here...really....but, it's a "cab" not a "cabby"....they will all be fun regardless of which body you pick...hope you find one soon!
I like the open feel of the targa, but the feel of a full roofed car. when the targa roof is open it's airy much like a cab, but when closed limited highway noise - which I despise at speed.
They are expensive to repair, but like all things when properly maintained....
Like RPM, I came from a 968 so the targa for me was a continuation of a relatively unique car. I found my car in Texas, I live in the northeast.
and finally, real sports cars are yellow; ask any 10 year old.
If this is to be your first Porsche I would suggest a nice simple coupe--the targas can be problematic, few were made, and you should want to keep Porsche ownership as simple as possible.
no one is being a jerk - we are just chatting - please everyone remain calm!!!
LOL
this is a good group and note that if anyone says something offensive it most likely is meant tongue and cheek or even pointed at themselves - we all like to have fun and I have not seen anyone really go off for a long long time...this is all playful
if ever in doubt, just ask and whoever said whatever will most of the time say, sorry wasnt trying to offend
me on the other hand
I don't find buffeting an issue with mine.
But then it's a Targa and is always in the shop.....
I've been VERY happy with my choice of the Targa. Open air when you want it and secure and quiet when you don't. As always YMMV..
Good luck with your purchase!
I'm going by SF bay area craigslist pricing over last year ...cab definitely does not fetch premium - although maybe you get extra for metal roof (don't need that in CA
It can be an issue at high speed ... but not much at 65 and below. Not sure if you also get that with the cab ? I tried a 996 turbo cab - but was having so much fun with the turbo, didn't notice the wind ....
I would go have your kid sit in back seat of a coupe and of a cab (should be easy to find both at a local dealer). Cab seats look a lot more upright to me. Targa seats are same as coupe. I have two teenagers - both about 5'4" .... one sits in front and one in back ... no complaints for trips <1 hr. Not much room behind driver seat, but I did have two kids in the back once by moving driver seat forward for short trip ... would not recommend that.
lol, "cab" I got it now
or do I?
As I posted earlier, not too worried. I have had vw/Audi vehicles for over 20 years. I understand the importance of maintance and how things magically break.
That's a good idea! Thanks! I am sure they will have more in the back of a 911 compared to the back of my Audi TT (those seats are worthless and are now removed)
I've had a targa for the past 5 years, and if I had to replace it I would only go for another targa without thinking twice.
I haven't had any issues with the roof other than a bit of squeaking on rough roads. It is enough to be an annoyance but it mostly disappears with a bit of grease. My guess is that there are probably more squeaks and rattles with the 996 targa than with the hard top which is probably the biggest compromise. I do understand that the cost to repair would be pretty significant, but thankfully that hasn't been an issue yet.
I use it as a daily driver and occasional track car. The biggest advantages of the targa for me are:
- I like the open-air and I have the top open most of the time even on cold days. I probably couldn't do that in Canada with a cab.
- being able to open the back glass means the space behind the rear seats is very usable. We use it quite often to put camp chairs or small bags. Without it I probably couldn't convince my wife to take it for day or weekend trips with my 2 boys :-)
- Opening the back glass also makes it really easy to load in golf clubs
As for wind noise, I typically close it when driving over ~120km/h due to wind noise when my wife and kids are in the car. If it was just me I tend to keep it open.
