996 Targa questions

Hi all, After much waiting and salivating, I finally have my new car, a gorgeous 996 Targa. After a few days with the car, I have a few questions that some of you might be able to answer. The first is about the opening rear hatch, which has an auto close feature. This works fine most times, but sometimes I seem to mess up the closing manoeuvre by pressing down on the hatch or something and the hatch then refuses to close by itself. When that happens, it takes some effort to get it closed properly by playing around with the hatch control on the remote and getting things just right so that it closes and doesn't spring open again straight away. Also, it seems that when I f... up the closing procedure like this, I have to wait awhile for the auto close function to activate again. Does this seem normal to you guys? Is it a kind of safety feature to protect the auto close mechanism? My other question may be connected to this. I've noticed the car's electrics sometimes exhibit erratic behavior. For example, one time I clicked into reverse (I have the reversing sensors option) and once I moved back into first again, the constant beep of the sensors that you get when you near an obstacle stayed on. I had to turn the engine off and start it again to get that noise to stop. Any ideas? BTW, my car is a 2003 model with low mileage (16.000 kms).

I've had the same things happen with the hatch mechanism--it sometimes seems like it's too smart for it's own good. Quite honestly, I just don't really use the hatch that often, so I haven't noticed it recently. I've noticed no other electrical issues, although I don't have the parking sensors. Sounds like the switch that senses "Reverse" in the transmission may be acting up.

Congrats! I would have you dealer check your electronics because I have never experienced the problems you describe. TD in DC

Thanks guys. I will be taking the car to the dealer for a check-up and I'll post back if I get any interesting results.

I had the same problem. All the dealer did was lubricate some components at the top and the latch. It appears to work fine now.

First Congrats on your choice and Welcome. Are you aware that you picked up one of the rarest 996 available, only 128 was created in 03. In regards to your hatch back, I have not seen that behavior your describing, I generally use the auto feature. The electrical is not a problem for me either. The Targa in IMO is the best of both worlds, the openness of a Cab, the strength of the Coupe and the natural light via the glass panel is awesome. It truly enhances the Porsche experience. Best of luck Amigo.

To think I wanted to sell mine!.

Does anyone know how many Targas were made in 2002? Of those, how many were exported to the US?

Yep - I love my Targa too. The natural light coming in is great, especially when you can have the air con running to keep the temp just right. Pity there isn't a turbo version. :-) The auto locking mechanism can be a bit fussy. I find that the way to get it to work is not to be too gentle with it. i.e. you kind of need to let the hatch drop down (don't force it down) to get it to work properly. If you ease it in carefully, the sensor or mechanism does not seem to work. I haven't had any problems with the reverse sensor. It may just be a one off, but if it does happen again, best to take it to the dealer to have a look.

Hi Richard, I couldn't agree with you more. I've loved the glass roof Targa ever since my first Porsche, a 993 Targa! I'm really glad to be back in the "Targa fold" and this time, I think I'll stay (roll on the 997 Targa ). You may remember me as the guy from Paris (France) you talked to by email a while back, when I was looking for Targa pictures to help me handle the wait until I got my own. Thanks for the advice you gave me then... you helped Rennlist gain one more happy Targa owner

Deons, Nice looking car. I have the same twin exhausts and I think they look great Thanks for the info about what the dealer did for you. I'll get mine checked out.

Hi Donkeyman, Your solution makes instinctive sense to me as the hatch does seem to respond better to a slightly "rougher" treatment. I'm going to see what it's like over the next couple of weeks and then take it to the dealer to be checked out. I'll keep you guys posted.

elsiesvg, I almost forgot, I am gald you finally got your Targa, Warm Wishes and Best Of Luck Amigo.

Another tip for you Targa drivers. Get into the habit of regularly checking the tightness of the bolts in the hatchback hinge mechanism. If they come lose, they will cause minor rattles that are seemingly impossible to find . . .

So I went to the dealer today and he put the computer on the car... and it turns out there is a fault on or around the latch mecanism. They're gonna keep the car for a week cos it's apparently a big job to get to the parts that need to be looked at. I sure hope this is covered by the warranty! I'll post back when the job's done and I get the car back.

I love my Targa. They just look so different.I think you have to be real gentle when closing the rear hatch. Close it softly and let it catch. Enjoy your car. There's not many around.

I guess we all love the "Targa difference". It really is a special car. On the hatch, mine was actually working better when I closed it hard. But now that a fault has been diagnosed by the dealer, I will wait until I get the car back to check how the hatch should be operated.

Geez all this targa love talk makes me miss mine...I would buy another one if they make a wide body version in the 997 variant..congrats on the car..truly unique.

Hi carbon_00, I know what you mean. I looked at the C4S before deciding on the Targa but I just feel the open-air experience in the Targa is magic. I love the widebody look, but I don't see it as adding anything much to the actual driving experience once you're inside the car. Whereas not only is the Targa IMO one of the most beautiful of the current 911 shapes but also a hugely rewarding car to experience from the inside.

I could not agree with you more, I love looking up at the sky when I am stuck in traffic, I can get lost in the clouds and drift away as I sit going nowhere fast. Daily I drive into New York City and See many C4S a C2, but never a TARGA! And lord knows I keep a sharp eye out for them. Personally I love them all. But the Targa holds a special place in my heart.

"Get into the habit of regularly checking the tightness of the bolts in the hatchback hinge mechanism. " ...reminds me of something (somewhat) amusing I saw at the factory. I had a tour in April 2002. A guy was adjusting the hinges on a targa hatch: fiddle, try the fit by closing the hatch, fiddle a bit more. He was using a socket on a nutdriver. On what was surely going to be the final iteration he did not notice that the socket had come off the nutdriver and stayed on the bolt head (we've all done that). He went to shut the hatch, got this REAL befuddled look when the thing didn't close properly, then saw the socket still on the bolt. His look quickly changed to OH SH!!, and he called a couple other guys over to look at it. Seemed like no harm was done. By the way if anyone has a April 2002 build artic silver* targa go look at the left side hatch hinge area for scratches. regards Jon * about 7 of 10 cars in the factory at the time were either silver or seal grey.

So I got the car back from the dealer today. Turns out all was needed was an adjustment to the latch mechanism and a $50 part. The hatch seems to work fine now... I'll post back if it plays up again.

Does anybody know how many Targas were made in 04??

PCNA U.S. Sales - Targa: 2005 28 (through April) 2004 144 2003 450 2002 692 (Calendar year numbers, not model year)

Thanks for the info....looking at an 04 Targa new they are asking 70K has Bose and other goodies...may be overpriced since 06's will be out soon....what do you think????

Never thought too much about a Targa you have sparked my interest. What is the wind like with the top open at speed

Boxsterdoc: What is the MSRP? In any case, I think 70K is WAY too high for a new 04 (no matter the MSRP). (I got mine March 04 for 10K off MSRP - and then traded it in August.) I'd think 15-20K off MSRP would be about right - 20K probably not possible, but its a 2 y/o car for resale purposes. gr8330: Very little wind with the top open, even at high speed.

I drive almost daily with the Glass Panel fully opened at various speeds, 90, 100, 110 mph with no high volume wind noise, the buffer really works great. Not sure if I have been really lucky, but my Targa is truly awesome, no rattles, completely solid after 27K miles, not to mention driving on NYC streets - The HORROR And she still feels as solid as the day I drove her off the lot with 4miles.

jcnesq......msrp 83K including options.....you are right in a couple of months it will be two years old and depreciating fast.....I agree 15 to 18 K off or extras.....what do you think??? or bag it and go for the 997 and try to get 3 to 5K off in a month or two????

Is an 06 Targa coming out since 05 year is almost gone???

If you like the style of the 997, then wait. Personally I love the look much better of the 996, then the 997, but that is IMO. Good luck either way, it is truly WIN, WIN

brings back memories of my '02 targa. Beautiful cars guys, enjoy.

Has anyone seen any 04's Targas out there???