993 Targa value + - =?
#16
Rennlist Member
Since the OP asked, just as a personal opinion, the rarity of the Targa will probably sort values into 2 camps of buyers:
For those that really want a Targa, probably not much variation to a good coupe if the car is really in excellent condition, and roof mechanism is 100% functional/adjusted/no stories. Few people absolutely want a targa and nothing else, and there are equally few 'perfect' ones to be had which would keep value up on these top 10-20% cars.
For the mid grade cars and beaters, I would expect a discount to a coupe, and probably a cab.
No horse in this race, just being realistic about what I'd have to pay if I WANTED one.
Cheers
Matt
For those that really want a Targa, probably not much variation to a good coupe if the car is really in excellent condition, and roof mechanism is 100% functional/adjusted/no stories. Few people absolutely want a targa and nothing else, and there are equally few 'perfect' ones to be had which would keep value up on these top 10-20% cars.
For the mid grade cars and beaters, I would expect a discount to a coupe, and probably a cab.
No horse in this race, just being realistic about what I'd have to pay if I WANTED one.
Cheers
Matt
#17
Rennlist Member
As a happy Targa owner, I really don't see why some of you feel that Targas are worth less than coupes or cabs. After owning one, my next Porsche would have to be another Targa. (I have owned a 1977 911S coupe and 1984 3.2 Carrera coupe, both fine automobiles, but, I prefer the versatility of the 993 Targa.)
We can all speculate that your car is worth more than someone else's, but what's the point. Nothing quite like opening that big top up to let the fresh air, sunshine, etc., in, or closing it at the push of a button for a change in the weather. Personally, I would have no problem paying a premium for a "equal" Targa over a cab or coupe.
Just my $.02!
Phil
We can all speculate that your car is worth more than someone else's, but what's the point. Nothing quite like opening that big top up to let the fresh air, sunshine, etc., in, or closing it at the push of a button for a change in the weather. Personally, I would have no problem paying a premium for a "equal" Targa over a cab or coupe.
Just my $.02!
Phil
#18
Rennlist Member
Gotta imagine I'd love the open air feeling of the Targa, since I know I am not a cab guy.
and Tony...a Targa 993 is about the only variation you haven't owned, isn't it? Best of luck finding the one.
#19
When I was searching for my 993, I personally stayed away from Targas because:
1) the tops were notorious for being problematic and expensive to fix
2) the extra weight way up top goes against everything that performance folks aim for (lightness, weight low down near the ground)
For the reasons above, for me personally, a Targa was worth less than a coupe. For others, this may not be the case.
1) the tops were notorious for being problematic and expensive to fix
2) the extra weight way up top goes against everything that performance folks aim for (lightness, weight low down near the ground)
For the reasons above, for me personally, a Targa was worth less than a coupe. For others, this may not be the case.
#20
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I am not a targa or cabrio guy.
That being said i wouldnt say no to a good example if priced right. The glass house targa is fun to ride inside.
The key word here is priced "right" however...
Targas are not fetching turbo or S money nor the same demand.
Price needs to be fair on these cars as well as the condition.
That being said i wouldnt say no to a good example if priced right. The glass house targa is fun to ride inside.
The key word here is priced "right" however...
Targas are not fetching turbo or S money nor the same demand.
Price needs to be fair on these cars as well as the condition.
#21
First, I wanted to say thanks for all of the points and counterpoints to consider. Its been very helpful.
Also wanted to thank all those that sent a PM:
McQueen993, Tim near Boston, Chris V, fatmike, mpruden, fullbooker, TargaTuur69. I didn't have alot of data points, until I read through all your input and now feel much more informed.
The Targa is overpriced (low $60's), however its cherry, top works perfect and it had 29k miles. Silver, 6spd. 100% original and all service books and records. Its been taken care of like no other I have seen.
I may have to pass as I can't seem to pin point what price it should be. He is negotiable.
Thanks Joe, I am struggling on this one. I haven't owned a Targa and would love to experience that open top, Stage 3 rumble, as I drive up to my favorite fly fishing spot.
Also wanted to thank all those that sent a PM:
McQueen993, Tim near Boston, Chris V, fatmike, mpruden, fullbooker, TargaTuur69. I didn't have alot of data points, until I read through all your input and now feel much more informed.
The Targa is overpriced (low $60's), however its cherry, top works perfect and it had 29k miles. Silver, 6spd. 100% original and all service books and records. Its been taken care of like no other I have seen.
I may have to pass as I can't seem to pin point what price it should be. He is negotiable.
windows down, sunroof open...listening to the song of the Stage lll's thru the hills and valley's around my usual drives-that's the best.
Gotta imagine I'd love the open air feeling of the Targa, since I know I am not a cab guy.
and Tony...a Targa 993 is about the only variation you haven't owned, isn't it? Best of luck finding the one.
Gotta imagine I'd love the open air feeling of the Targa, since I know I am not a cab guy.
and Tony...a Targa 993 is about the only variation you haven't owned, isn't it? Best of luck finding the one.
#22
I'm scared of Targas after reading the TSB's for them. I am sure they are fun... but I laughed out loud after reading one TSB that mentioned roof leaks and then the next that covered wind noise. I decided if you had enough water leaks the sound of running water would drowned out the wind noise
Please no flames from targa owners -- again, I think they are great cars, just a bit too many things that can go wrong for my liking.
Please no flames from targa owners -- again, I think they are great cars, just a bit too many things that can go wrong for my liking.
#23
#24
Three Wheelin'
The TSBs are a bit intimidating for sure. In my experience on many of the documented water leaks and noises, DIY skills are sufficient once you study and understand the documentation.
Heck, I'm a complete idiot and I've fixed leaks and wind noise. Just my experience.
Edit: Of course, now that I write this, my roof will self destruct.
Heck, I'm a complete idiot and I've fixed leaks and wind noise. Just my experience.
Edit: Of course, now that I write this, my roof will self destruct.
#25
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I had tracked my Targa several times, and with PSS-9's and RS bars it handled just as well (if not better) that most of the 993's I ran with, and I did not notice an impact from the continual discussion of "all that weight high up" - so unless you are competitive racing (where you would do a sunroof delete anyways) I think for the vast majority of the drivers, it's feels the same.
Cheers,
Mike
#28
I just HAVE to put my 2 cents (Well, maybe more.) in here. Of course, I have a horse in this race.
I have had these convertibles: '51 Plymouth (first car); '57 Healey 100-6; '65, '66, '69 & '80 MGB's; '68 Firebird (135 mph, 13 mpg); '59 Turner (mostly no top/windscreen as it was a race car) & '60 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Some of my best drives ever were in convertibles/roadsters, except on PCH (all sedans or coupes). If I still had hair, I would need a hat for sun protection. But, I don't. If I hadn't had melanoma, I would drive top-down all the time.
Have had big and small sunroofs in our sedans & SUV's. Never a problem until the 2004 BMW X3. It cost me $2k for repairs when a 25-cent plastic part broke. The indy shop had to take it out & lay it out on the floor to repair. Yet, when I traded it for an X5, I bought the same panorama sun roof.
As for my 993 Targa - the story began when the 911S Targa came out in '67. A friend had one & I loved it. Always wanted one, but never bought one. I was never crazy about the closed-in look of Porsche Cabs. Blind spots never bothered me when I was young. But, here in FL, one can't afford a blind RR Quarter. We didn't buy an Acura a few years ago because of that. Ended up with an E350.
When the glass top Targas came out, I kinda liked the look. They weren't among the "gotta have" cars on my list. But, the more I saw them, the more I liked them - for the look and the flexibility.
I never knew anyone who owned a glass top. But, with Porsche's engineering prowess, I thought it would be ok. At least as ok as most convertible top mechanisms. (And, yes, I HAVE seen the hydraulics of a '57 - '59 Ford Skyliner. A nightmare.) So, a Targa was on my list when I began my Porsche search in 2012.
When I decided to sell my race cars & start looking for a Porsche, the very first Porsche that caught my eye was a 997-2 Targa in white with beige/black. By the time the 1st race car sold, the Targa was gone. I then spent 6 months looking for and test driving Carreras, Boxters & Caymans. Decided I REALLY wanted a Targa, and it HAD TO have a black dashboard. (What were/are the Porsche designers thinking with installing light-color, reflective dashboard tops???) I just couldn't find what I wanted. So, decided to buy a 991 coupe in "my" white/beige/black, but was "Road-blocked" when my Porsche dealer had a Maserati GranTurismo next door in deep metallic burgundy with beige/black. Bought it. Love it (still). BUT, no club activities.
One night I was surfing the Web & found this white/beige/black 993 Targa out in Laguna Beach. Only 17,500 miles. Interesting! After a few weeks of back and forth, bought it. (Should have driven it to Monterey for Legends of the Autobahn last year. But, this dummy didn't do it.)
In the year and 15 days since I have had the Targa here in FL, I have loved every minute driving it. On days like this when it is sunny & 93, the top & sun shade are closed & the A/C blasts. When it gets cooler, the top will stay open until my wife complains about her hair being blown. In between, around sunset, driving around with top closed and shade open, you get the feeling of a convertible without the heat, wind or cold.
Is it worth it? Unquestionably. Is it worth more or less than a coupe/cabriolet? I don't care. It is indeed the best of both worlds. Is it top-heavy? Certainly. But, I'm not racing it. So, it doesn't matter. Am I happy with it? ABSOLUTELY! Would I swap it for a coupe or cab? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
So, Tony.CO, should you buy a Targa? I suggest you TRY all options before you decide. And, don't base your decision on which model is going to be more valuable in 2, 5 or 10 years. Ask yourself this question, "Which one will I most enjoy?" Remember, the pleasure of your drive is priceless.
I have had these convertibles: '51 Plymouth (first car); '57 Healey 100-6; '65, '66, '69 & '80 MGB's; '68 Firebird (135 mph, 13 mpg); '59 Turner (mostly no top/windscreen as it was a race car) & '60 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Some of my best drives ever were in convertibles/roadsters, except on PCH (all sedans or coupes). If I still had hair, I would need a hat for sun protection. But, I don't. If I hadn't had melanoma, I would drive top-down all the time.
Have had big and small sunroofs in our sedans & SUV's. Never a problem until the 2004 BMW X3. It cost me $2k for repairs when a 25-cent plastic part broke. The indy shop had to take it out & lay it out on the floor to repair. Yet, when I traded it for an X5, I bought the same panorama sun roof.
As for my 993 Targa - the story began when the 911S Targa came out in '67. A friend had one & I loved it. Always wanted one, but never bought one. I was never crazy about the closed-in look of Porsche Cabs. Blind spots never bothered me when I was young. But, here in FL, one can't afford a blind RR Quarter. We didn't buy an Acura a few years ago because of that. Ended up with an E350.
When the glass top Targas came out, I kinda liked the look. They weren't among the "gotta have" cars on my list. But, the more I saw them, the more I liked them - for the look and the flexibility.
I never knew anyone who owned a glass top. But, with Porsche's engineering prowess, I thought it would be ok. At least as ok as most convertible top mechanisms. (And, yes, I HAVE seen the hydraulics of a '57 - '59 Ford Skyliner. A nightmare.) So, a Targa was on my list when I began my Porsche search in 2012.
When I decided to sell my race cars & start looking for a Porsche, the very first Porsche that caught my eye was a 997-2 Targa in white with beige/black. By the time the 1st race car sold, the Targa was gone. I then spent 6 months looking for and test driving Carreras, Boxters & Caymans. Decided I REALLY wanted a Targa, and it HAD TO have a black dashboard. (What were/are the Porsche designers thinking with installing light-color, reflective dashboard tops???) I just couldn't find what I wanted. So, decided to buy a 991 coupe in "my" white/beige/black, but was "Road-blocked" when my Porsche dealer had a Maserati GranTurismo next door in deep metallic burgundy with beige/black. Bought it. Love it (still). BUT, no club activities.
One night I was surfing the Web & found this white/beige/black 993 Targa out in Laguna Beach. Only 17,500 miles. Interesting! After a few weeks of back and forth, bought it. (Should have driven it to Monterey for Legends of the Autobahn last year. But, this dummy didn't do it.)
In the year and 15 days since I have had the Targa here in FL, I have loved every minute driving it. On days like this when it is sunny & 93, the top & sun shade are closed & the A/C blasts. When it gets cooler, the top will stay open until my wife complains about her hair being blown. In between, around sunset, driving around with top closed and shade open, you get the feeling of a convertible without the heat, wind or cold.
Is it worth it? Unquestionably. Is it worth more or less than a coupe/cabriolet? I don't care. It is indeed the best of both worlds. Is it top-heavy? Certainly. But, I'm not racing it. So, it doesn't matter. Am I happy with it? ABSOLUTELY! Would I swap it for a coupe or cab? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
So, Tony.CO, should you buy a Targa? I suggest you TRY all options before you decide. And, don't base your decision on which model is going to be more valuable in 2, 5 or 10 years. Ask yourself this question, "Which one will I most enjoy?" Remember, the pleasure of your drive is priceless.
#29
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#30
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First, I wanted to say thanks for all of the points and counterpoints to consider. Its been very helpful.
Also wanted to thank all those that sent a PM:
McQueen993, Tim near Boston, Chris V, fatmike, mpruden, fullbooker, TargaTuur69. I didn't have alot of data points, until I read through all your input and now feel much more informed.
The Targa is overpriced (low $60's), however its cherry, top works perfect and it had 29k miles. Silver, 6spd. 100% original and all service books and records. Its been taken care of like no other I have seen.
I may have to pass as I can't seem to pin point what price it should be. He is negotiable.
Thanks Joe, I am struggling on this one. I haven't owned a Targa and would love to experience that open top, Stage 3 rumble, as I drive up to my favorite fly fishing spot.
Also wanted to thank all those that sent a PM:
McQueen993, Tim near Boston, Chris V, fatmike, mpruden, fullbooker, TargaTuur69. I didn't have alot of data points, until I read through all your input and now feel much more informed.
The Targa is overpriced (low $60's), however its cherry, top works perfect and it had 29k miles. Silver, 6spd. 100% original and all service books and records. Its been taken care of like no other I have seen.
I may have to pass as I can't seem to pin point what price it should be. He is negotiable.
Thanks Joe, I am struggling on this one. I haven't owned a Targa and would love to experience that open top, Stage 3 rumble, as I drive up to my favorite fly fishing spot.
$60's is high for any non-widebody 993. However, the miles are much lower than typical which is a plus.
I loved my Targa. Absolutely loved it and miss it. I only sold it to buy a tricked out C4S. That is pretty much the only car I would have sold the targa for...
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