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YOUR RESEARCH2004 Targa
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Replace either
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Leather seat covers can be easily replaced either with OEM or aftermarket covers given that graphite grey was a common interior color.
Leading evidence: 'Replace either' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean carfax and basic maintenance history' (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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Suggestion · Original poster
Has clean carfax and basic maintenance history for clutch, brakes, RMS but nothing on IMS, unknown of done.
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Looking at a 2004 Targa tomorrow. Has clean carfax and basic maintenance history for clutch, brakes, RMS but nothing on IMS, unknown of done. Most it�s life was AZ car then made its way to PNW. Right at 90,000 miles. Passenger seat has tears, from pictures the rest is in good condition.
Has some interesting options (sorry copy and paste a bit messy) including short shifter, upgraded steering wheel and logo headrests.
Looking at this for potential investment value (getting IMS and other maintenance sorted). Anything I should look out for and would anything under $25k constitute a �good� deal assuming all is well other than IMS and tear in seat?
Exterior: Midnight Blue Metallic Interior: Graphite Grey Standard Leather
BASE Porsche Base Model 415 18" Turbo Look II Wheels 446 Wheel Caps with Colored Crest 680 Bose High End Sound Package CCZ Sport Shifter CPT Storage Lid Bin W/Porsche Crst CPZ Thicker Steering Wheel CW Graphite Grey Standard Leather E9 Midnight Blue Metallic M6P Graphite Grey Floor Mat P15 Power Seat Package XSC Porsche Crest in Headrest Z0997 Custom Tailoring
Yes I am aware. It would have to be a purchase under market value and not require too much maintenance. Targas seem to be climbing in value due to rarity.
$25,000 for an '04 Targa at 90K miles is still a great deal even with the IMS not being done. Leather seat covers can be easily replaced either with OEM or aftermarket covers given that graphite grey was a common interior color. It's really not a hard job one you know how to disassemble the seats.
I think the biggest thing to be concerned about is cylinder bore scoring.
I have a friend who does upholstery and can get OEM-match so I�m not so worried about that.
I�ve seen some sorted Targas go for $30-40k, hence my interest. It�s a very nice color combo as well.
True, a sorted Targa will go for $30-40K.
A Targa with deferred maintenance, some cosmetic issues and 90K miles will go for less than that.
Probably around $25K
Yup, now add in the IMS, seat and some of the other stuff that will probably need to be done and OP will be in this car $30k, I'm not seeing a great deal here just an averaged priced 996 if it's $25k, not saying its a bad buy tho, but not seeing the investment value here unless its really cheap. I don't see it being super cheap tho, blue cars are desirable.
Exactly
It�s difficult to find exact comparable results.
This does have a more common exterior color
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...rera-targa-15/
Same car with a less desirable color went for $27k, now minus the extra $$$ BAT auctions usually bring in but add in the extra $$$ for blue and we probably land right around the same price (condition depending since OP has only seen pics as of now) maybe a little lower give or take for seats and whatnot. Finger's crossed for OP getting a smokin deal tho.
Would be an bad situation if the owner scoped the bores, realized they were bad and is now trying to unload this 996 for a "great deal." Spend hundreds on a PPI to potentially save yourself thousands in the future.
Hunh. You come here to an "Internet forum" asking advice, and when you don't like the advice you blame the people giving it. Here's the thing: they're right.
You are looking to buy a car at its full retail value as an investment
A 90K mile 996 with spotty service records is almost certainly going to require $thousands$ in deferred regular maintenance
M9x engines have known flaws PLUS they require expensive service even if they pass muster on the flaws
This forum is full of evidence that the suspension bits are due for replacement at that mileage
Torn interior begs the question of how prior ownership treated the vehicle
I own a 2002 targa that I bought with ~100K miles on it. If you ask me if it's a good car, I'm going to give you a hearty yes! 996 targas are the most practical 911 ever built, although an argument could be made for the AWD 997 targa. With the roof and windows open it's nearly a cabriolet; with them closed it is a coupe with a stunning view. The rear hatch window allows some pretty large things to be put in the car, besides simply making the rear storage area properly accessible. Which makes the targa a great GT car; I've done several long trips in mine already. All that, and it's a Porsche 911, which means it goes and handles and gets looks and all the rest.
If you ask me if it's a good investment, I'm going to smile or chuckle or possibly just laugh out loud. I've definitely gone above and beyond what was necessary with my car, but you can read my "forever" thread to see what's gone into it. It will give you an idea of what you're looking at with a 20 year old 996 with high mileage.
So. Buy it to own and drive, hopefully also to bring maintenance up to spec and take care of wear items. Do not buy it expecting to make money.
I have a 2002 Targa. Love it. Is it an investment? Heck no, even though I did get it well below market value. These cars aren't going to climb tremendously in value. There are plenty of $25,000 investments that will earn you surefire money. A 2004 996 Targa isn't one of them.
Marosmith. Please pay for a CarFax on this car. If it you find extensive Porsche dealer service records for its whole life, that would be a huge plus. If not, if it has extensive Porsche dealer service records for the first 5-10 years, that would be good. If there is almost no record of service by a Porsche dealer and it had more than two owners, then I would walk away or perform a major PPI. You can tell me if I am wrong, but by focusing on the cost, you may be reluctant to pay for a PPI, in which case, you should not buy one of these with more than 2 owners and a spotty service record. Plenty of us have had success buying these cars with solid service records and you can too.
Saw it today. Beautiful car, absolutely love the color combo and I love the 996 Targa. Hands down my fave of the line.
Interior had too much wear and light smoke smell as it had been smoked in. Crossing this one off the list. Maybe in 5 years another will show up on the local market haha
I passed on a really sweet Z4 a few years ago for smoke smell. To my nostrils it’s impossible to completely eliminate it. Good call. Keep looking! They sent a few thousand 996 targas here, but only 838 Z4 3.0si coupes with a manual gearbox. And yet I found another one an hour from home within a month!
Ya it�s car abuse to ruin a good car with that. That�s what Toyotas and Hondas are for. Such a bummer- perfect color combo and everything. Short shifter logo headrests leather wrap interior thick steering wheel etc�
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