1st Porsche!
07-12-2019, 10:36 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
1st Porsche!
Hello Renlisters......
I’ve been reading and researching on the forums for a while now but was hesitant to join without actually owning a Porsche.
Today I purchased a 2004 911 Targa with just under 80k miles on it. My father in law is a proud owner of a 1985 Targa and swears by Porsche.
I had the vehicle inspected by a highly rated German auto shop and there were no surprises but the vehicle has a few smaller issues that I will need to address in the near future.
1. Small AC coolant leak
2. Driver side window isn’t positioned correctly and tilts towards the rear of the vehicle. When the door is closed the window hits the left rear passenger window. Based on my research on this forum it sounds like that could be a regulator or broken bracket/wire.
3. The mesh veil on the drivers side that hides the inner workings of the retractable roof is broken and detached, showing the internals.
4. The emergency brake plastic housing is cracked.
5. A few smaller dents and digs that will drive me nuts before I get them fixed.
6. Front brakes are near the wear bar, rear brakes are at 40% - the shop I had do the inspection said it would cost around $1,500 for a full brake job on the vehicle. Is that an accurate number? Seems steep but like I said, I’ve never owned a Porsche before.
Thanks for reading and sharing info with us newbies. If you own a 996 Targa I’d love to chat with you as info on the retractable roof hard to come by on this forum.
I’ve been reading and researching on the forums for a while now but was hesitant to join without actually owning a Porsche.
Today I purchased a 2004 911 Targa with just under 80k miles on it. My father in law is a proud owner of a 1985 Targa and swears by Porsche.
I had the vehicle inspected by a highly rated German auto shop and there were no surprises but the vehicle has a few smaller issues that I will need to address in the near future.
1. Small AC coolant leak
2. Driver side window isn’t positioned correctly and tilts towards the rear of the vehicle. When the door is closed the window hits the left rear passenger window. Based on my research on this forum it sounds like that could be a regulator or broken bracket/wire.
3. The mesh veil on the drivers side that hides the inner workings of the retractable roof is broken and detached, showing the internals.
4. The emergency brake plastic housing is cracked.
5. A few smaller dents and digs that will drive me nuts before I get them fixed.
6. Front brakes are near the wear bar, rear brakes are at 40% - the shop I had do the inspection said it would cost around $1,500 for a full brake job on the vehicle. Is that an accurate number? Seems steep but like I said, I’ve never owned a Porsche before.
Thanks for reading and sharing info with us newbies. If you own a 996 Targa I’d love to chat with you as info on the retractable roof hard to come by on this forum.
The following users liked this post:
cjmahone66 (07-25-2019)
07-12-2019, 11:03 PM
#3
Drifting
Congrats. If you're mechanically inclined, you could do the brake pads and rotors yourself and save $1000.
The following 2 users liked this post by cds72911:
cjmahone66 (07-25-2019),
Os7213 (07-13-2019)
07-12-2019, 11:12 PM
#4
Advanced
Thread Starter
Ya that price sounds excessive but I didn’t know If Porsche has some super special breaks or something. Would you guys trust a non-exotic or German specific shop to do the job?
07-12-2019, 11:13 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Congrats on the new car, welcome.
07-13-2019, 09:37 AM
#6
Drifting
Lots of enthusiasts do their own brakes. There is nothing special about Porsche (Brembo) brakes. High quality aftermarket parts (I'm currently running Sebro rotors and Textar pads, but there are lots of choices at different price points) are available for a reasonable price. Jason at Rennlist sponsor Warehouse 33 often has good deals and offers and additional Rennlist discount. If you know exactly what you are looking for eBay can be a good low cost option. I'd think any independent that does German cars could do these brakes in their sleep (but I do my own work, so I can't say so based on direct experience).
Trending Topics
07-13-2019, 11:47 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
Hello Renlisters......
I’ve been reading and researching on the forums for a while now but was hesitant to join without actually owning a Porsche.
Today I purchased a 2004 911 Targa with just under 80k miles on it. My father in law is a proud owner of a 1985 Targa and swears by Porsche.
I had the vehicle inspected by a highly rated German auto shop and there were no surprises but the vehicle has a few smaller issues that I will need to address in the near future.
1. Small AC coolant leak
2. Driver side window isn’t positioned correctly and tilts towards the rear of the vehicle. When the door is closed the window hits the left rear passenger window. Based on my research on this forum it sounds like that could be a regulator or broken bracket/wire.
3. The mesh veil on the drivers side that hides the inner workings of the retractable roof is broken and detached, showing the internals.
4. The emergency brake plastic housing is cracked.
5. A few smaller dents and digs that will drive me nuts before I get them fixed.
6. Front brakes are near the wear bar, rear brakes are at 40% - the shop I had do the inspection said it would cost around $1,500 for a full brake job on the vehicle. Is that an accurate number? Seems steep but like I said, I’ve never owned a Porsche before.
Thanks for reading and sharing info with us newbies. If you own a 996 Targa I’d love to chat with you as info on the retractable roof hard to come by on this forum.
I’ve been reading and researching on the forums for a while now but was hesitant to join without actually owning a Porsche.
Today I purchased a 2004 911 Targa with just under 80k miles on it. My father in law is a proud owner of a 1985 Targa and swears by Porsche.
I had the vehicle inspected by a highly rated German auto shop and there were no surprises but the vehicle has a few smaller issues that I will need to address in the near future.
1. Small AC coolant leak
2. Driver side window isn’t positioned correctly and tilts towards the rear of the vehicle. When the door is closed the window hits the left rear passenger window. Based on my research on this forum it sounds like that could be a regulator or broken bracket/wire.
3. The mesh veil on the drivers side that hides the inner workings of the retractable roof is broken and detached, showing the internals.
4. The emergency brake plastic housing is cracked.
5. A few smaller dents and digs that will drive me nuts before I get them fixed.
6. Front brakes are near the wear bar, rear brakes are at 40% - the shop I had do the inspection said it would cost around $1,500 for a full brake job on the vehicle. Is that an accurate number? Seems steep but like I said, I’ve never owned a Porsche before.
Thanks for reading and sharing info with us newbies. If you own a 996 Targa I’d love to chat with you as info on the retractable roof hard to come by on this forum.
Plenty
Of
Receipts
Sorry
Can’t
Have
Everything
The brake job price sounds fine if it includes all components such as rotors, pads, sensors. Price depends on location, too, as some places in expensive areas would be $3000 and others only $800 using the cheapest parts. Where I live near Chicago, mechanics charge $100-$160/hr
07-13-2019, 12:27 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
If the rotors are in decent shape save yourself a ton of cash and do the pads yourself - the 996 pads are the easiest to change of any car I've ever had (there's nothing difficult about doing the rotors either - just a little more involved). Good luck with the car - they are great to drive! 
The following 2 users liked this post by Toonces!:
cjmahone66 (07-25-2019),
PFran42 (07-24-2019)
07-14-2019, 09:37 AM
#11
Beautiful car, good luck! I dont see many Targas around me.
Havent done brakes yet but a bunch of odds and ends, and I dont think they are that bad to work on if you enjoy it (I'm just a shadetree). Tons of knowledge here and elsewhere to get you through most any project.
Havent done brakes yet but a bunch of odds and ends, and I dont think they are that bad to work on if you enjoy it (I'm just a shadetree). Tons of knowledge here and elsewhere to get you through most any project.
07-14-2019, 10:48 AM
#12
Instructor
Great looking Targa! I see that you’re in Nevada....so lots of sun. One of the first upgrades I did to my Targa was to replace the sunshade with one with tighter weave that reduces amount of light (and heat!) that makes its way in to the cabin. You can find on Suncoast and is a direct drop in for original.
https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/99756240500.html
Enjoy the new ride!
https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/99756240500.html
Enjoy the new ride!
07-14-2019, 09:44 PM
#15
Advanced
Thread Starter
Great looking Targa! I see that you’re in Nevada....so lots of sun. One of the first upgrades I did to my Targa was to replace the sunshade with one with tighter weave that reduces amount of light (and heat!) that makes its way in to the cabin. You can find on Suncoast and is a direct drop in for original.
https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/99756240500.html
Enjoy the new ride!
https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/99756240500.html
Enjoy the new ride!