Which model ?

Hi, Ive recently sold my Ferrari 355 GTS (please don't shout at me) - The good news is I'm now in the market for my first ever 911 (about 2/3 years old) - Ive been researching, ploughing through many websites, reading the posts on here etc etc but still cant decide what to go for. What is the opinion generally on the 996 targa (you don't see many for sale) - I very much liked the ability to remove the roof section on my Ferrari so i would prefer if I could get close to that experience again - but should I buy a Carrera or Cab instead ? (are the soft roofs any good ?)- I have a maximum of 45/50K. Any advice very much appreciated. Thank you for your time Steve

Steve, I haven't heard of any bad press regarding the Targa. It's nominally slower than a std C2 principally due to the weight of the glass in the roof but is considered by some to be preferable to a cab due to rigidity considerations. Depends on who you are and your driving chic as to whether or not you'd notice the difference though. Personally, I like the Targa. I imagine they are comparatively rare possibly due to the increased cost from new not being regarded as justifiable for most people, certainly not for me anyway. The benefit of a Targa v cab as I see it, is fresh air without the potential problems of soft tops (keeping clean, bird crap, security etc.) and the earlier cars had a plastic rear window which was later superseded by a glass item - the plastic ones necessitated the interupption of the folding process to manually effect the required fold in order to prevent creasing/cracking, particularly in cold conditions although I'm sure you've no doubt read about that. No disrespect to cab owners, great with the roof down - but the soft top UP looks slightly awkward on a 996 IMO but interchangeable hard top for winter use provides the best of both worlds. Try asking this question however on the 997 forum, as the mod of this board, Derek Sharp, had a Targa prior to his 997. And pop into your nearset OPC and ask for a Targa brochure, I think this model is currently just still available from new (?) BOL, Conrad.

Down to personal preference. The coupe has the sleek rear roof line and quarter widows that symbolise the '911 look' Targas have a following but, for some reason, have never been as convincingly popular. You would need to check on cabin turbulence/air vibration with the roof open. It's a problem with the sunroof on the 996. Cabriolets provide the full open top experience but, IMO, compromise the looks. Never seems quite right with the hood down or the hard top on. Looks best with the soft top up. Also rear seats are less accomodating with near vertical backrests.

I find the turbulence/buffetting with the sunroof open is greatly reduced by cracking open both windows slightly. However, that doesn't cure the rattle [ ]

This is great feedback - thank you - I going to have fun test driving (Once had a B racing licence)

I have just bought a Cab after selling my Coupe. Anyway the looks of the coupe of imo far better but to drive with the top down is really fun. So you need two cars really! By the way and something of a warning - I am not really sure how to deal with this matter - perhaps some advice. I sold my 996 Speed Yellow with 143k on the clock only to see it for sale on www.blingrides.co.uk with only 46k on the clock. so everyone look out there is some madness going on - to take 100k of the a vehicle is beyong belief. I informed the police and they were not interested and trading standards are next. I called the garage and they said it was sold and that they would inform the new owner but were gobsmaked - I don't know to believe them but I want to make sure no one here ends up buying it for 10k more than its worth!

Grant - I'v just browsed the "Bling Rides" website and by crikey there are some dodgy looking cars on there! A 250k mile diesel merc e class with 18" chrome spinning alloys!! They speed yellow 996 is still there and they claim it to have full service history which is interesting considering that 100k miles have gone walkabout. You may be able to get them on falsifying documents - there was a guy on ebay selling the service book of a written off Boxster that got done I think. Sonic - if you've got 45k, don't need rear seats and are passing your local Porsche Centre then have a drive in a new Boxster S and see how that compares..... The 996 is something special but you will see that the new Boxster is a decade more modern - particularly the interior, sounds gorgeous and is probably quicker down your fave back road. [ ]

Hi Mate. Take a 997 Carrera S out for a drive, just as a comparison. You could put £50k down and pay £100 per month over 3 years. The 997 IS the Ultimate 911 (apart from the Turbo). And that's my next 911. I suppose if you want to be sensible a facelift 02 911 Carrera 4 £50k is the nearest thing you'll get to the drive of your life. Then join us at the Nurburgring this weekend for fun and frolics.[ ] Well done in choosing a Porsche as your next car, you've made the right decision. Despite the odd niggle RMS and expansion tank cracks it's a pretty bullet proof car and mine has cost me less than my wife's Ford Galaxy. Despite 20k in a year. See you soon.[ ] Simon 996 Carrera4

Oh well, I had better just drop mine into the nearest Car Supermarket and start saving then...

At the risk of beiing provocative, shouldn't we always expect, nay, DEMAND, that the latest 911 model available be regarded as the "Ultimate" one ?! After all, each new model is the sum total of ALL the technical development that has been put into ALL the other models, incorporated with all the advances in engineering and research that has moved the car production industry forwards to where it is now and will be beyond ! I don't know about anybody else, but I would feel mightily cheated if my 996, for example, were no more advanced than, say, my old SC's of yesteryear. SGLB.

Steve You provocative, surely not. The opininion on whether the latest variant is the ultimate in my opinion would depend on what the market was demanding from the model. If the market was slanting towards comfort as opposed to say roadholding then maybe one could argue that the latest wasn't the ultimate if you prefered better roadholding

Hannu, can't advise on which 996 unfortunately, however if it's any consolation that car you missed was not meant to be and there'll be a better one waiting for you I'm sure. A good start any way 911 and coupe ...... you could buy a cracking air cooled porka will your budget [ ] Good luck with your search

There can be only one choice. On every count (performance/reliability/depreciation/looks) - The 996 turbo Although there is only one used turbo currently listed at the OPC network under £40k, IMO you shouldn't limit yourself to OPCs. Other specialists can offer better packages and a full Porsche Extended warranty (if bought before October 1st)

A C4S won't cost any more to service than a C2/C4. Although it is a bit heavier, it won't make a huge difference to performance. Rodney is correct, and 37K is definitely 2002 Turbo territory. It will cost you more to run than a N/A car though. You really need to drive them all, because they all have a different feel. The C2 is lighter and nimbler, the C4S is heavier and has a slightly more solid feel on the road, and the Turbo is electric. Don't rush, because there are plenty of cars on the market, and more appearing daily. Prices are continuing to slide as the market is getting saturated. You are in a strong position, so take advantage of it. Personally, I'd go for a reputable independent specialist rather than an OPC, but that's just my 2p's worth. Happy hunting!

Thanks guy's I think I had already discounted the turbo on running cost !

I bet, whatever you lose on the extra running costs, you'll easily gain on lower depreciation and that's besides the performance difference.

Richard is right, definitely check out the Indie's - there are fantastic 996's around in every hue and model, take your time and choose well... good luck in the hunt.