Is the 993 Targa OK to Purchase ..good or bad
06-30-2016, 11:51 AM
#1
Is the 993 Targa OK to Purchase ..good or bad
Hello
I have not been on here for awhile. Most cars I owned are long hoods.
But now kinda tried of no real AC.
A friend has a 1996 Targa in red/black, not crazy about red, but I cannot be too picky, because it's low mileage 47k and like new in the $50k.
But I hear these cars are problemic with the top, cab gets hot, odd wheels, top heavy, low potential resale, not in demand...,etc...
Does the forum have one they can tell me about or anybodies thoughts before I spend 50k? Does AC work and is it the new 134a stuff.
Thanks in advance
Bill
I have not been on here for awhile. Most cars I owned are long hoods.
But now kinda tried of no real AC.
A friend has a 1996 Targa in red/black, not crazy about red, but I cannot be too picky, because it's low mileage 47k and like new in the $50k.
But I hear these cars are problemic with the top, cab gets hot, odd wheels, top heavy, low potential resale, not in demand...,etc...
Does the forum have one they can tell me about or anybodies thoughts before I spend 50k? Does AC work and is it the new 134a stuff.
Thanks in advance
Bill
06-30-2016, 01:00 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
I have one, & it's great. Mine has high miles - 147k, and previous owners were not friendly to it.
One with low miles & well taken care of - the top should be fine. It is close to 20 years old, so things will need fixed.
It only gets hot if the shade does not close & AC doesn't work. It does use r134.
Wheels are fine, just a different design.
It weighs about 160 more pounds, but I doubt you'll feel it against a coupe.
As far as resale & demand, you are right, but 50k sounds like a good deal if it is well taken care of.
Is it a manual or tip?
Good luck.
One with low miles & well taken care of - the top should be fine. It is close to 20 years old, so things will need fixed.
It only gets hot if the shade does not close & AC doesn't work. It does use r134.
Wheels are fine, just a different design.
It weighs about 160 more pounds, but I doubt you'll feel it against a coupe.
As far as resale & demand, you are right, but 50k sounds like a good deal if it is well taken care of.
Is it a manual or tip?
Good luck.
06-30-2016, 01:03 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
You'll probably get all kinds of perspectives. We humans tend the over value the things we own, so as a Targa owner, consider me biased.
Good:
* The Targa top is functionally awesome and the rest of the car is not materially different from any other varioram 993.
* In my experience, the car is a blast to drive around a track, additional weight and all.
Bad:
* The car does weigh ~60lbs more than the coupe, due to the added chassis bracing and the glass roof assembly - if you want to turn one of these into a lightweight track car, get a coupe.
Ugly:
* There is a real knowledge gap about these roofs with mechanics. You'll need to be comfortable with that to get the most out of Targa ownership.
* These cars are rare (~1100 total imported to North America), so roof parts are expensive when they break.
Bottom Line:
I would only recommend a Targa to those that 1) see value in the roof and 2) are willing to work on the roof themselves.
Good:
* The Targa top is functionally awesome and the rest of the car is not materially different from any other varioram 993.
* In my experience, the car is a blast to drive around a track, additional weight and all.
Bad:
* The car does weigh ~60lbs more than the coupe, due to the added chassis bracing and the glass roof assembly - if you want to turn one of these into a lightweight track car, get a coupe.
Ugly:
* There is a real knowledge gap about these roofs with mechanics. You'll need to be comfortable with that to get the most out of Targa ownership.
* These cars are rare (~1100 total imported to North America), so roof parts are expensive when they break.
Bottom Line:
I would only recommend a Targa to those that 1) see value in the roof and 2) are willing to work on the roof themselves.
06-30-2016, 01:05 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
You'll probably get all kinds of perspectives. We humans tend the over value the things we own, so as a Targa owner, consider me biased.
Good:
* The Targa top is functionally awesome and the rest of the car is not materially different from any other varioram 993.
* In my experience, the car is a blast to drive around a track, additional weight and all.
Bad:
* The car does weigh ~60lbs more than the coupe, due to the added chassis bracing and the glass roof assembly - if you want to turn one of these into a lightweight track car, get a coupe.
Ugly:
* There is a real knowledge gap about these roofs with mechanics. You'll need to be comfortable with that to get the most out of Targa ownership.
* These cars are rare (~1100 total imported to North America), so roof parts are expensive when they break.
Bottom Line:
I would only recommend a Targa to those that 1) see value in the roof and 2) are willing to work on the roof themselves.
Good:
* The Targa top is functionally awesome and the rest of the car is not materially different from any other varioram 993.
* In my experience, the car is a blast to drive around a track, additional weight and all.
Bad:
* The car does weigh ~60lbs more than the coupe, due to the added chassis bracing and the glass roof assembly - if you want to turn one of these into a lightweight track car, get a coupe.
Ugly:
* There is a real knowledge gap about these roofs with mechanics. You'll need to be comfortable with that to get the most out of Targa ownership.
* These cars are rare (~1100 total imported to North America), so roof parts are expensive when they break.
Bottom Line:
I would only recommend a Targa to those that 1) see value in the roof and 2) are willing to work on the roof themselves.
old classic european sports cars are not for the faint of heart or light of wallet, 993 targa especially so... but one can ease the pain if they are handy with a wrench and have some mcgyver in them
06-30-2016, 03:39 PM
#5
If you can obtain a nice example for a good price, buy it!
Although the extra glass weight is not all that significant pound wise; it is carried in the worst possible location, up high; where the disadvantage is at its maximum.
If you intend to just drive and enjoy the car, without trying to stiffen suspension and bushings, you'll be fine. The more one tries to turn the targa into a competent sports car, the more rattles and noises you'll hear from the top. Stiffer lowers transmits to the top.
Prolly wont get targa owners to admit or cosign to this physics reality, though. ☺
Although the extra glass weight is not all that significant pound wise; it is carried in the worst possible location, up high; where the disadvantage is at its maximum.
If you intend to just drive and enjoy the car, without trying to stiffen suspension and bushings, you'll be fine. The more one tries to turn the targa into a competent sports car, the more rattles and noises you'll hear from the top. Stiffer lowers transmits to the top.
Prolly wont get targa owners to admit or cosign to this physics reality, though. ☺
06-30-2016, 06:27 PM
#6
Thanks
Thanks for good feedback.
Like I said, price is good, miles and ownership, good to hear one of you guys have 147k. This is red, that's OK, wish it was silver or ?, but it is a 6 speed...
I am thinking of buying because, I have no desired to track it, good value and I need a newer model with air bags, and got d AC. Plus I am hearing only negative issues on top heavy....60 lbs to a amature is mute.
I can understand above all parts and guys not knowing how to fix it...
Thx
Like I said, price is good, miles and ownership, good to hear one of you guys have 147k. This is red, that's OK, wish it was silver or ?, but it is a 6 speed...
I am thinking of buying because, I have no desired to track it, good value and I need a newer model with air bags, and got d AC. Plus I am hearing only negative issues on top heavy....60 lbs to a amature is mute.
I can understand above all parts and guys not knowing how to fix it...
Thx
06-30-2016, 07:06 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
If you never open the targa top you'll be fine.
Doubt you'll tell the weight difference unless you plan tracking it. I like how the glass roof and rims look them.
Doubt you'll tell the weight difference unless you plan tracking it. I like how the glass roof and rims look them.
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06-30-2016, 07:25 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
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I started out with a Targa. I enjoyed the car. I'm happy that I owned it. I'd probably still have it except I found an S with some nice mods. So I bought that and sold the Targa.
My advise is buy the car you want right up front, whether it's a coupe, cab, Targa or S. I wouldn't buy a Targa just because it's in front of you -- buy the Targa because you specifically want the Targa.
/
My advise is buy the car you want right up front, whether it's a coupe, cab, Targa or S. I wouldn't buy a Targa just because it's in front of you -- buy the Targa because you specifically want the Targa.
/
06-30-2016, 07:51 PM
#9
I had both at the same time... I kept the Targa. Roof was a problem, but it's actually not that bad mechanics wise. Drove it from SLC to Seattle at night with windows down and roof open - awesome! Nothing beats the smell of pot in the eastern WA at night 
Love the car!
Love the car!
06-30-2016, 07:54 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
I owned a 964 when the 993s came out. I fell in love with the Targa at first sight and when, through a series of lucky circumstances (including totalling the 964) I had the opportunity to actually buy one, I didn't hesitate. After 20 years I would not trade my Targa for anything.
You have to really want a Targa, otherwise you won't be happy; there is no in-between.
You have to really want a Targa, otherwise you won't be happy; there is no in-between.
06-30-2016, 10:11 PM
#11
Two years ago I was in the right place at the right time to help Mike free up garage space for the S. I was looking specifically for a targa, read up on the pro's and con's on RL, and do not regret buying a targa, especially Mike's targa. If you have some mechanical skills and patience, you can perform many of the fixes that may pop up on occasion. If you do not want to take on the challenge you will pay to find an indy or dealer who is familiar with the roof mechanism. I asked a local indy to adjust the roof a bit while in for an oil change and he responded, "I will not touch that roof". I guess he felt to much downside if he broke it. So, I read various posts on RL and adjusted it myself, no more wind noise. I recently replaced various components of the sunshade mechanism and while it took a couple of attempts it now works flawlessly. I'm sure I saved a nice chunk of change doing the sunshade myself. As others have said, you have to want the targa to appreciate its uniqueness.
06-30-2016, 10:36 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
FWIW....I have a C4S and still think the lines of the Targa look great.
07-01-2016, 01:15 AM
#13
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07-01-2016, 01:16 AM
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08-13-2016, 06:36 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
If you can obtain a nice example for a good price, buy it! Although the extra glass weight is not all that significant pound wise; it is carried in the worst possible location, up high; where the disadvantage is at its maximum. If you intend to just drive and enjoy the car, without trying to stiffen suspension and bushings, you'll be fine. The more one tries to turn the targa into a competent sports car, the more rattles and noises you'll hear from the top. Stiffer lowers transmits to the top. Prolly wont get targa owners to admit or cosign to this physics reality, though. ☺
I have also removed the interior side trim pieces to create more space and show off more of this Rube Goldberg contraption.