Why all the Targa hate?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
Why all the Targa hate?
As I'm currently lusting after a 3.2 Carrera, I can't understand why there's so much apparent hate for the Targa models.
There's a local Targa in town 1988, under 60k miles, guards red, sport seats asking $22k. At first I thought this has to be the car for me. Coming from S2000s and a Boxster S I figured a Targa would be the perfect in between. Not having to deal with the slow death (and not pretty when closed look) of a soft top cabrio whilst still being able to enjoy some top down (off) motoring.
After doing some reading (tons of searching on both google, this and other forums) I've seen the same things said over and over about Targas:
-Extremely noisy
-Constant adjustments required
-Reseals difficult to perform
-New targa top price at pelican parts ~$20k (ha!)
-Ugly (doesn't look bad to me at all)
As our summers here aren't long and this is going to be a summer only car the idea of a Targa seems great. I noticed with my soft top cars I didn't even ever want to take them out when they were raining because driving with the top up was just not nearly as fun and the visibility sucked. I figure with a Targa car I could use it more like a coupe and drive it when it's raining and when it's not I'll have most of the advantages of a full convertible.
Anyway, I'm basically just going off here and would love to hear some opinions of people who have owned / driven both targas and coupes. Coupes are appealing because I figure I'd enjoy it the same way regardless of sunshine or rain and won't ever have to worry about "top maintenance".
Looking forward to some input!
Cheers!
There's a local Targa in town 1988, under 60k miles, guards red, sport seats asking $22k. At first I thought this has to be the car for me. Coming from S2000s and a Boxster S I figured a Targa would be the perfect in between. Not having to deal with the slow death (and not pretty when closed look) of a soft top cabrio whilst still being able to enjoy some top down (off) motoring.
After doing some reading (tons of searching on both google, this and other forums) I've seen the same things said over and over about Targas:
-Extremely noisy
-Constant adjustments required
-Reseals difficult to perform
-New targa top price at pelican parts ~$20k (ha!)
-Ugly (doesn't look bad to me at all)
As our summers here aren't long and this is going to be a summer only car the idea of a Targa seems great. I noticed with my soft top cars I didn't even ever want to take them out when they were raining because driving with the top up was just not nearly as fun and the visibility sucked. I figure with a Targa car I could use it more like a coupe and drive it when it's raining and when it's not I'll have most of the advantages of a full convertible.
Anyway, I'm basically just going off here and would love to hear some opinions of people who have owned / driven both targas and coupes. Coupes are appealing because I figure I'd enjoy it the same way regardless of sunshine or rain and won't ever have to worry about "top maintenance".
Looking forward to some input!
Cheers!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 641
Likes: 158
From: Houston
I have both a 997 coupe and 911 Targa. The Targa top is more noisy, but part of it is adjusting the seal around the front edge, which took me no time. I like the flexibility of the Targa. As far as cost, I believe you can completely refurbish the top for under $1,000. Compare that to a cabriolet. The look is very old school and you either like it or you don't.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,467
Likes: 16
From: redmond wa
As I'm currently lusting after a 3.2 Carrera, I can't understand why there's so much apparent hate for the Targa models.
There's a local Targa in town 1988, under 60k miles, guards red, sport seats asking $22k. At first I thought this has to be the car for me. Coming from S2000s and a Boxster S I figured a Targa would be the perfect in between. Not having to deal with the slow death (and not pretty when closed look) of a soft top cabrio whilst still being able to enjoy some top down (off) motoring.
After doing some reading (tons of searching on both google, this and other forums) I've seen the same things said over and over about Targas:
-Extremely noisy
[B]It's a Targa...!! But I question "extreme", my Kenwood puts out fine sounds provided the top is on. "Off", who the hell cares how the Kenwood sounds.[/B}
-Constant adjustments required
You're thinking of the new glass one. My '78 hasn't required any adjustments since new.
-Reseals difficult to perform
Can't judge, never have had to.
-New targa top price at pelican parts ~$20k (ha!)
Seems high, but how often do you need a complete top, new...?
-Ugly (doesn't look bad to me at all)
Eye of the beholder.....Targa top "up" looks one hellofa lot better than cab "up", and at least equal to the couple.
As our summers here aren't long and this is going to be a summer only car the idea of a Targa seems great. I noticed with my soft top cars I didn't even ever want to take them out when they were raining because driving with the top up was just not nearly as fun and the visibility sucked. I figure with a Targa car I could use it more like a coupe and drive it when it's raining and when it's not I'll have most of the advantages of a full convertible.
Anyway, I'm basically just going off here and would love to hear some opinions of people who have owned / driven both targas and coupes. Coupes are appealing because I figure I'd enjoy it the same way regardless of sunshine or rain and won't ever have to worry about "top maintenance".
Looking forward to some input!
Cheers!
There's a local Targa in town 1988, under 60k miles, guards red, sport seats asking $22k. At first I thought this has to be the car for me. Coming from S2000s and a Boxster S I figured a Targa would be the perfect in between. Not having to deal with the slow death (and not pretty when closed look) of a soft top cabrio whilst still being able to enjoy some top down (off) motoring.
After doing some reading (tons of searching on both google, this and other forums) I've seen the same things said over and over about Targas:
-Extremely noisy
[B]It's a Targa...!! But I question "extreme", my Kenwood puts out fine sounds provided the top is on. "Off", who the hell cares how the Kenwood sounds.[/B}
-Constant adjustments required
You're thinking of the new glass one. My '78 hasn't required any adjustments since new.
-Reseals difficult to perform
Can't judge, never have had to.
-New targa top price at pelican parts ~$20k (ha!)
Seems high, but how often do you need a complete top, new...?
-Ugly (doesn't look bad to me at all)
Eye of the beholder.....Targa top "up" looks one hellofa lot better than cab "up", and at least equal to the couple.
As our summers here aren't long and this is going to be a summer only car the idea of a Targa seems great. I noticed with my soft top cars I didn't even ever want to take them out when they were raining because driving with the top up was just not nearly as fun and the visibility sucked. I figure with a Targa car I could use it more like a coupe and drive it when it's raining and when it's not I'll have most of the advantages of a full convertible.
Anyway, I'm basically just going off here and would love to hear some opinions of people who have owned / driven both targas and coupes. Coupes are appealing because I figure I'd enjoy it the same way regardless of sunshine or rain and won't ever have to worry about "top maintenance".
Looking forward to some input!
Cheers!
Back some years ago I tried to order a 996 with a T-top but the custom shop wouldn't do it. I now hear rumors that Porsche will soon re-introduce the original Targa style/design.
Good-O.
That and one or two throttle body injectors to clear up the EGR intake valve and manifold residue will get me back into the purchase line.
Addict
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 3
From: Sunny Oregon
The folks who diss Targas just don't get it.
Like a previous poster said, either you like 'em or you 'don't.
Cost? Unless you run over the thing, Dan Pectchel will rebuild yours to like new for around $1k
Noise? Sure, any folding top has noise but when the top is off, the buffeting is much less in a Targa.
Adjustments? I adjusted mine once in the 9 years of my ownership only because the PO added some addional weatherstripping that caused the top to fit poorly.
Add the fact the Targa top is a folding hardtop (not cloth stretched over flimsy supports), so when it is on, it really makes your car secure.
Many who diss the Targa also bring up the argument that the car is not as rigid as a Coupe. To my way of thinking, unless you are in the top 1% of racing, I doubt you will be able to tell the difference.
Like a previous poster said, either you like 'em or you 'don't.
Cost? Unless you run over the thing, Dan Pectchel will rebuild yours to like new for around $1k
Noise? Sure, any folding top has noise but when the top is off, the buffeting is much less in a Targa.
Adjustments? I adjusted mine once in the 9 years of my ownership only because the PO added some addional weatherstripping that caused the top to fit poorly.
Add the fact the Targa top is a folding hardtop (not cloth stretched over flimsy supports), so when it is on, it really makes your car secure.
Many who diss the Targa also bring up the argument that the car is not as rigid as a Coupe. To my way of thinking, unless you are in the top 1% of racing, I doubt you will be able to tell the difference.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 462
Likes: 16
From: Marin County, CA
If you like the advatages of the Targa, get it. The disadvantages are minor in comparison. Yes it is noisier than a coupe (a cab? - I don't know because I have never been in one.) Mine doesn't start to get noisy until about 65-70, so it helps keep the ticket count down.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 442
From: kansas
Who really cares about internet opinions. If I cared, I would have sold my Targa 27 years ago. Bottom line is there are some days that are what I call Targa Days; typically those brisk Spring and Fall days where open top driving is the only way. I say this and I have a 993C4S I could pull out if I liked.
And if you put SSI headers and a dual out muffler on it like I did, the top is the least of noise sources. Here are a few additional Targa opinions that go back about 7 years.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...ga-thread.html
And if you put SSI headers and a dual out muffler on it like I did, the top is the least of noise sources. Here are a few additional Targa opinions that go back about 7 years.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...ga-thread.html
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
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Dont worry about your questions. I drive a 964 targa and its briljant. I got a new window seal last year and this in the southern of france real heavy rains, only a few drops came in. About the noise, till 80 miles its ok. Above (in germany!) your hear the noise, but thats also the engine. I drove yesterday back to back this 964 targa against my carrera 3.2 coupe. The feel is very different, cause of the different setup of the car, but noise and rigidity are more or less the same. So testdrive some and you will soon be addicted ;-)
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
There are car's characteristics that you will have to acknowledge, whether coupe, a cab, or a targa. At the end, if you like the car, buy the car. Who gives a rat's ***.
BTW, everyone knows a coupe is a superior car.
BTW, everyone knows a coupe is a superior car.
uninformed gas bag
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
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(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,517
Likes: 188
From: Melbourne Beach
I'd own a nice Targa in a heartbeat.
One of my favorite of all time.......... a soft rear window targa.
And Ed's IS very nice.
One of my favorite of all time.......... a soft rear window targa.
And Ed's IS very nice.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 522
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From: Redmond, Oregon
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,958
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From: Middle GA.
Just me,...I never liked 'em...I always considered the Cab is the true top-down Porsche...AGAIN,..just my honest opinion...then again, I'm a Coupe guy!!!!!!!!
I certainly don't "hate" 'em !!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEST!
Doyle
I certainly don't "hate" 'em !!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEST!
Doyle