Targa Question
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 83
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From: Los Angeles
The 993 Targas were built on the Cab chassis. For me, what the Targa misses in some rigidity and performance, is made up by the open air feel of the car. I have about 60,000 miles with some minor rattles in the top; they do not bother me. No leaks. Also, if it matters to you, the Targas were limited production. In 1998, for example there were only 112 shipped by the factory to the US (as I remember the Red Book on this).
If you do a search, you will find several threads over the years on Targas.
If you do a search, you will find several threads over the years on Targas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 945
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From: Boston, MA
First, IMO the targas are a great way to go if you want the open air but simply cant or dont want to deal with the convertible(b/c of commute, weather, etc). For me, the targa is perfect since the weather here can change in an instant and I often get calls in my car and the roof closes in 10 seconds.
I would assume the 993 targa roofs hold up well since they are incredibly expensive to fix and there just doesnt seem to be that many complaints after 10+ yrs. I would expect to hear a lot more noise if they were breaking all the time at owner expense. By the same logic, I have heard quite a bit about problems with the sun shade-mine included- but its more an inconvenience and does not seem to affect the roof.
That said, like all things p-car, look for a well cared for car. Any repair on the roof is likely expensive so avoid any with roof problems, one that does not looked lubricated or clean or has repair history if possible. It might be the thing that buries you if you think its no big deal.....
I would assume the 993 targa roofs hold up well since they are incredibly expensive to fix and there just doesnt seem to be that many complaints after 10+ yrs. I would expect to hear a lot more noise if they were breaking all the time at owner expense. By the same logic, I have heard quite a bit about problems with the sun shade-mine included- but its more an inconvenience and does not seem to affect the roof.
That said, like all things p-car, look for a well cared for car. Any repair on the roof is likely expensive so avoid any with roof problems, one that does not looked lubricated or clean or has repair history if possible. It might be the thing that buries you if you think its no big deal.....
AutoX
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
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From: San Francisco
I went for a targa because it makes the car look a bit more modern in my view. It's very different to drive on a otherwise dark cloudy day when the cockpit is lit up by the glass roof even if it rains.
90k miles and no leaks.
90k miles and no leaks.
Track Day
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 23
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From: River Vale NJ
I have 31000 miles on my 97 targa with approx 35 track days plus some auto cross. I've had no problems with the roof system what so ever. No issue with the shade which for the most part is not used.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,367
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From: Orange County, So Cal
Originally Posted by kramermic
How does a 993 Targa stack up against a coupe in terms of chasis rigidity, weight, etc? How do the glass roofs hold up? leaks?
thanks.
thanks.
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Originally Posted by vleino
I went for a targa because it makes the car look a bit more modern in my view.
While I prefer the coupe, I really like the look of the 993 Targa also. If they were the same weight and stiffness as the coupe, I would really like them
AutoX
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11
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From: San Francisco
I've never heard of anyone who bought a targa or cab because they didn't like the coupe's roofline!
Pagani must've driven a 993 Targa before designing the Zonda F
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 438
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From: Hong Kong
My impressions are similar to those above. Mine does not leak but has always rattled a little. I asked my mechanic to fix the rattles several times but to no avail. I finally fixed them myself by installing RUF mufflers! On the plus side, the glass top makes the cabin very light and airy - this is a real plus. I very rarely use the shade because I love all that light. You also have that more raw and direct driving experience with the roof and windows open, and the roof can be opened and closed at any speed. The open roof lets in a considerably greater amount of engine and exhaust noise, which I like. I also love the look. I have had my car for 1.5 years now. Would I buy it again? In an instant. Should I have bought a coupe in its place? I always have that nagging doubt that I should. Since buying the car I have tracked it twice, and have started thinking towards how to make the car lighter. The Targa has a weight penalty over the coupe and is also less rigid. Can you still track it? Certainly, but you might always want more. If I had not tracked the car, I would not have given these issues any more thought. I cannot say that for purely street use I would not have noticed as I have not driven a coupe to compare. Good luck in your choice. Both are great cars.
All the best,
All the best,
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Originally Posted by vleino
I do like it, but I just think Targa looks more modern. Maybe it's the missing side window borders, missing roof water guides or using a glass roof in general being ahead of its time.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 38
From: Vancouver Island
No leaks, but it's obviously not as rigid as a coupe.
Some wind noise at high speeds with the top closed, but oh-well! I've heard that can be taken care of... I just haven't gotten a RoundTuit.
Love the targa!
Some wind noise at high speeds with the top closed, but oh-well! I've heard that can be taken care of... I just haven't gotten a RoundTuit.
Love the targa!