993cabfan

What are the general thoughts on Targa's on this forum? Personally, I've never seen a 993 Targa in person, so I don't know whether I'd like it or not. Perhaps it's a nice compromise between cab and coupe. I'd really like a cab (as my username implies), but could only really take advantage of it a few months a year in Michigan. So, a couple questions.
-What are main disadvantages of targa? Weight?
-Does it get hot/bright through the glass roof?
-What are you thoughts on them holding their value vs. cabs? There are a lot of Targa's for sale right now it seems (4 on eBay currently).

Thanks

Only1Buck

I've owned 3 targas over time, a 1983 911 SC, 1997 993 and a current 2002 996. The 993 and 996 could be considered coupes with really big sun roofs. The ability to open and close the roof at any speed and the degree to which it is open is completely your choice. I believe it is a good compromise between a cab and coupe. The glass is tinted which significantly cuts down on the heat from the sun. Additionally there is an electric shade which when closed provides for more of a coupe like feel as well as additional protection from the sun. If you would be taking it on the track some would note the extra weight and reduced headroom as a disadvantage. Another consideration is that when the roof is open looking out the back window is somewhat difficult with 2 panels of tinted glass...not much you can do about that. All in all I think it is a good compromise between a coupe and a cab.

Steve 96C4S

If I could have found a silver one with a black interior for the 3 months I searched, I would own one now! That combo was hard to find in my price range. I think they are very sharp, and incredibly practical. Do a search and you'll find the 993 Targa threads. Some leak, some have problems with that shade system, some think it gets too hot inside. I would have risked all that to own one, even if it did have 17 motors controlling that humongous top (potential nightmare to fix 5-10 years from now).

I'd drive one and see for yourself, then drive a regular 993 coupe a few minutes later to see which you prefer. You might find that having the benefits of the coupe with the simple sunroof is just as good if not better. I love the lines of the targa AND the coupe, but not a huge fan of the 993 cab when the top is up.

Steve

Bob D.

I think the targa is also perhaps the most difficult 993 to buy long-distance or to make generalizations about. In my limited expereince as a prospective targa buyer, there seemed to be more variations between targas than other versions of the 993.

For example, I test drove a targa that squeaked, rattled and whistled far more than the cabriolets I have driven, yet another targa with almost identical miles was more solid feeling.

I also think that the targa seals may be more suseptible to sun damage--at least that was my theory for why the FL targa I test drove had the problems it did, and a targa owner I spoke with agreed.

Carrera GT

The 993 Targa is appealing but you have to be willing to accept that it's built on the Cabriolet chassis and it flexes and creaks.
The 996 is apparently so stiff it overcomes most of the flex problem and just carries a weight penalty.
I drove the 993 Targa when it was released and I loved every minute of the drive right up until I turned back into the dealership and the whole car twisted as it walked diagonally over the driveway gutter. I stopped and let the car roll backwards over the gutter and I remember looking at the dealer without saying a word, but he got the message.
Visually, I don't like the sharp angle at the rear of the window line and I think I'd rather deal with the oddities of the Cab and get more of an open car experience.
Of course, at the risk of a virtual pummeling, I'd get a Boxster before I'd even consider a Cabriolet unless I really needed the rear seats for a child or dog or whatever.
If you're choosing between the Targa and the Cab and will not consider a coupe, then you might find the added security and durability in harsh weather afforded by the Targa hardware. Of course the plastic rear window in the Cab is a bit of a let-down too.
Me; I'd get an "old" Boxster S and an "old" 993 coupe and live happily ever after!

Atlanta_Kevin

As a Targa owner I feel it is a great, rare and unique car. You really don't see many of these around. I have not experienced any of the issues mentioned about targas. No "flex" as others speak of, never had any type of leak and only very minor wind noise at hwy speed. The best part of driving a targa is when you have the top closed and you can see all around you. The car is bright and open feeling. When the top is open it feels more like a big sunroof than a convertible though. I recently read the Targas are holding there value better than the coupes and Convertibles because they only delivered about 400 or so to the US in 97.
I have nothing against a coupe or convertible, I just came across this one in my search and couldn't turn it down.
good luck with your search

Chris W. - '96 Targa

14 months + 18,000 miles later, I still love mine.

I have a couple of more detailed posts in the archives; try a search on my user number.

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

-Chris

adambos

I own a '98 993 Targa and love it ! The top does rattle over large bumps and creates wind noise at high speeds though (just turn up the radio!) <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" /> . I agree with the above posts, with a limited amount imported into the US (122 in '98), the targa model will holds it's value well <img border="0" alt="[king]" title="" src="graemlins/r.gif" /> .

Rick Lee

There's a creme puff '97 for sale in this are at the local Ferrari dealership - Ferrari of Washington in Sterling, VA. I think it has 37k miles, polar silver with black int. and is just super clean. I think they want $45k for it. I talked to the sales guy there a few times, but I just wanted a coupe more.

Langers

Heard years ago that 993 Targas had awful problems with rattling. Could have just been on Australia's apalling roads though, I'm not sure.

Steve 96C4S

Yeah, nice one at Ferrari of Washington. I've never seen two toned supple leather seats on a Targa before (looks like black and grey). Has anyone else seen these two toned jobs? Looks sweet in the pic (if this link works).
<a href="http://www.fwash.com/showroom/sho-preo-othermakes.html" target="_blank">http://www.fwash.com/showroom/sho-preo-othermakes.html</a>

Wish I had seen this one when I was voraciously looking 6 months ago. I really wanted a silver targa for it's rareness and open top appeal. This is the exact car I wanted in the right color, but I wanted an all black interior. This interior's not too bad.

Steve

Only1Buck

I have seen one other 993 with 2 tone seats it was a speed yellow C2S with Sport Seats/Yellow Backs with the inner part of the seat in gray outer part black it was excellent...the silver targa looks pretty sweet...

NeedForSpeed

I recently test drove a targa 993 in Denver. Very nice looking car and I must say that the retractable top was very nice..... According to an article in European Car there were only 1,112 imported into the US during the production years so I would have to agree that they should hold their price. The car I drove is located at Rocky Mtn AutoSport in Denver. Although it says sold.. 2 weeks ago when I purchased my 85 Cab it was still available and the internetInternet page said sold then too. The only other item to note was that the top did whistle at about 50 mph which was quite distracting. I would think that could be adjusted. One of the above posts really says it all. Drive them in comparison as they all have their own personalities.

<a href="http://www.rmautosport.com/car_page.cfm?CarID=1110" target="_blank">http://www.rmautosport.com/car_page.cfm?CarID=1110</a>

Barney

Let me just address the first question, the other two have been adequately answered. Main disadvantage in my view is (chance of) squeaks. Main advantage (Michigan may resemble the Netherlands here, all year round open air feeling because of glass roof, and excellent all around view e.g. when changing lanes (compatre that with the restricted views of most cabs/Boxster) . Weather allowing you can open the roof with a button fo a open air sensation.

RMEllis

I have had my Targa now for about 18 months and when I first bought it I could not decide whether I liked it or not. It was not quite a coupe and not quite a Cabriolet, I felt sort of half-assed. Now I love it. Every once in a while the top needs to be adjusted to eliminate some noise but it is not a big deal. I thought I wanted a turbo but I love my top too much to change now. The turbo I could only use every once in a while but I find that I open the top almost every single time I get in the car. Got a tan from driving around with the top open and if it gets too hot, roll up the windows and turn on the A/C.