mas05

Hello,

I am a long time lurker and reader of these forums as well as a lifetime dreamer of someday owning a Porsche 911. After years and years of wanting, I am finally going to be purchasing one as my "toy" car. A goal of mine since I was a kid. With that being said, I am pretty set on the 996 as the first 911 for me. I have read all the issues, IMSB, AOS, RMS, 2nd gear grind, etc. and I still want one.

I am currently researching the going "market prices" in my area as well as nationally. The use of this car will be my fun car I drive on weekends, dates with the wife, etc. so daily commuting and weather will not be influential in my decision of choosing the right car for me. That being said, I have always thought I wanted a Cabby, until recently. The 996 Targa's have caught my eye! But for some reason I can't find much info on the pros and cons of the Targa (personal experiences, etc)

Now to my questions:
How is the Targa (on a personal experience) compared to the Cabby?
Things that are not liked on the Targa?
Do most feel they should of went with a Cabby?
How is the cabin noise?
What issues seem to plaque the Targa vs the coupe or cabby?

I am sure there is more but that's it for now.

Btw, I joined this site as a full member and the PCA Quest membership in hopes of quality cars coming up for sale. I also look on Autotrader, cars.com, craigslist. Is there any other website I am missing?


Thanks and I am looking forward to learning from you all!

Morio

ivangene

welcome - good luck finding the right car!!




end of report - there...see I was gentle

chsu74

Targas are nice. Porsche did not sell as many of them so be patient waiting for the right one to show up.

Imo000

Real sports cars have metal roofs!

2K7TTMIA

+1...Start with a coupe; preferably, 996Turbo.... quite affordable....

When you're retired and "slower"....get a PDK Cab, in creme white with beige interior..... j/k....

mas05

thanks

found a couple I am going to look at

yeah yeah yeah

not interested in turbos, I have a turbo car toy and now I want normally aspirated. And having 4 kids, 2 older sons under 18 and driving insurance would be the death of me!

Thanks for the feedback

rpm's S2

Get to know option codes and packages for the year(s) you are interested in. It will help you quickly sift through classifieds. Use SearchTempest to aggregate Craigslist listings, searching them by distance and metropolitan area. And check out CarGurus.com. It currently lists 18 Targas nationwide, a couple in Texas.

And don't be afraid of cars at a distance. You can always ask through Rennlist or PCA for someone to go and check out a car for you. That first look, lots of pictures and a good PPI can be enough to make a deal and get on a plane or have the car shipped. Again, PCA and Rennlist folks can help with all of this.

Finally, don't get too hung up on exact values, particularly for a more rare model like the Targa. Find the car you want at a price you are willing to pay.

Good luck!

Gonzo911

Ahem.....

rpm's S2

Real sports cars are red...

Invius

Mas, welcome, and good on you for ponying up $18 bucks to become a full fledged member. I also sent the link to a buddy, but I couldn't help but notice that flat 6 innovations currently has an '02 Targa they are selling, with a replacement engine in it that they have put their touches on...might be worth looking at. To me, the best part of the Targa is the hatchback feature, sometimes I still can't figure out why that wasn't an option.

GL with the search, it's half the fun!

DS

ivangene

actually a real sports car

"is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for spirited performance and nimble handling.[2] Sports cars may be spartan or luxurious but high maneuverability and minimum weight are requisite"

and red, and a metal roof

2K7TTMIA

I hear ya, no turbo. N/A isn't bad ... keep an eye out here for some decent Cabs that have had some of those "issues" addressed; they come up FS here on occasion; Targa owners seem to enjoy the benefits of the Targa over Cabs and


vice versa. FWIW, do a search on Targa roof issues and servicing and maintenance... they seem to need good attention and preventative maintenance in order to keep the roof working properly.. when it fails, it ain't cheap.

Invius' mention of the Flat6 Targa would be a good start if you need some solid answers from Jake and have any and just about all questions regarding 996....

Are you looking for Tip or manual? with 4 kids, I'd say you'd have your hands full with a manual....


FYI, I dont recall the difference in insurance premiums from my 00 Cab to the 03 Turbo, pry a couple hundo every 6 months.

MiamiC70

+1

mas05

Nice! Thanks for advice!

I will definitely have to visit their website! Would be nice to buy from a place that could get all the issues sorted before I pick it up

yeah it will have to be manual. Anything would feel strange to me. Concerning the insurance, not worried about myself more worried about insuring two boys under 18 with my current "toy" even though not a Porsche, the turbo word made the price go up.


Thanks everyone! I truly appreciate the help!

Steve's MLC

The 1987 Targa was something to behold. The 996 Targa... extended sunroof? But if that suits your fancy, by all means.

Did you know... That the Targa is based on the famous race in the mountains of Sicily. After their first major race victory...Porsche named the convertible version of the 911 after the Targa. The name targa means plaque or plate.