SFZ GT3

So, my search for a 996 C2, 6 spd, has pretty much focused on Coupes. No Cabs, and never gave the Targa a thought. Not planning on much (very little actually) track work, just a fun driver for day tips and weekend tours.

Recently several Targa's are being offered form all the usual places and they caught my eye. More Coupe like than not and fairly rare.

Any thoughts from owners (or former owners) would be appreciated. Service/maintenance issues, drive characteristics, achilles heel's (if any), handling, would be most welcome. Also =, any leads on private sale cars would be great.

TIA,

Atrox

Test drove a targa when I was looking, couldn't get over the hatch back. The new ones however are awesome.

DTMiller

Love mine. Sliding the roof open when it is nice but having a real top when it isn't is a nice combo.

mharrison

I would definitely consider one.

zak996

I would have liked to get a targa. The 996 (to me) is the least appealing of them all for what Atrox said - has a hatch lift. But I would still get one over a coupe. My sunroof is great but kinda noisy at speed so I kind of close it a bit to find the sweet spot for quietness. I can't speak to the reliability or noise levels of the targa, I did read someone had a creaking issue but no idea if thats normal.

Florida is a great place for a targa, but I would still get the best car you can find, targa or not. You wont care about the roof if you find out your have other mechanical issues. Whatever one you like, get a PPI before you pull the trigger and you'll love it either way.

porschemikeandnancy

When I saw your post heading, I immediately
thought of the Toga, Toga, Toga cry
from Animal House.

JayG

Love my Targa. The "hatch" is a great thing to have when loading things into the back seat. What is wrong with a hatch, unless you are aware of it, you wouldn't know it is there.
The sliding top is really a large sunroof.

As a side note, Targa's were produced in much smaller numbers, so they are a little rarer and who knows, might be worth more long term.

If you plan is a track monster, a Targa is probably not the way to go.

porsche951

Love my Targa. Never would have forked over the added $7k for the Targa option when new but overall I like it. Car looks like a coupe from all angles but has the added versatility of a hatchback, a massive sunroof and even when closed gives the interior a brighter more open feel. No squeaks either. Only 4% of all 996's ever produced were Targa's.

Eviltangents

Really liked the "open" and airy feel of the cabin of the targa. The lift hatch in the rear never bothered me either. Slightly top heavy compared to standard coupes through corners. (Unless you drive them side by side I'm not sure you'd immediately notice.) and obviously just a hair slower from stand still. (0.1 second difference to 60?) Drive it and see how you like the feel. I ended up buying my c2 instead of the targa but I did enjoy it.

SFZ GT3

Thanks guys, good stuff. Checking on 2 cars along with a number of Coupes. Will keep you posted. If anyone has any other experiences good or bad, please post them here. I won't be offended, and my feelings won't be hurt.

You can even call me by first name!! (For KCAttorney's benefit).

5CHN3LL

While the Targa isn't my cup of tea, I can understand why some folks like 'em.

My "perfect" car would be my car - 99 Coupe - with the sunroof delete option...

sjg1138

I definitely see the attraction of a Targa. Benefits of the Cab without all of the convertible top issues (and weight).

DTMiller

Targa top adds a fair amount of weight over a C2, I'd be surprised if weight is that much different between a Targa and a Cab.

sjg1138

Good point on the weight. I believe the cab is about 300lbs more than a coupe and the targa is about 180lbs more than a coupe. Somewhere I saw a cab that was being used at the track - topless.

SFZ GT3

Thanks all for the comments. Black Targa I was looking at in TX was sold yesterday, while I was waiting for the dealer to get back to me with promised service detail and history. Nice.

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