My only cab for a couple years was a Boxster S - top down virtually always. I had a 993 Targa and a 996 Targa. Given a choice only between couple and cab, I would choose a coupe. But I like the Targa concept and would get another one (not available when I traded my 4 month old 996 Targa for a 997s coupe). However, the Targa does seem to be "stuck" in the middle and resale values may suffer, so if that's a factor, you should consider it. I never noticed a "creaky" problem with 993 or 996, but my 993 top did get all mangled with the mechanism (under warranty) once.

These cars are not really "practical" in financial terms, so IMHO you should get what YOU like!

 

They would look better without the shiny trim pieces on the sides and the apparent C-pillar seam trim. I understand that the new Targas are not built on a cab chassis so I don't get why they have the C pillar seam trim other than to differentiate it from a coupe. I'd actually prefer that it looked exactly like a coupe except for the so-called targa top. And why isn't it offered in a RWD version...

 

Per Geoff, I am the guy with the "creaking" problem. Took it the dealer and should have it back today. I was worried it would be one of those "the dealer cant hear it" problems but they ordered a part and should take care of it. Not sure the exact reason why yet but so far its been my only issue. Buying a 911 is even more difficult after reading the Paradox of Choice. Most people on this board are reasonable and stick with the same advice - buy what YOU want. For myself, the Targa was and remains the perfect choice...greenhouse effect, some open air feel, i love the wide hips, and with minimal (only at the limits) neg performance compared a C2S. Also, I just happen to think it looks the best...I like the trim piece over the doors but that is a matter of taste. Now, I also feel I will take a huge dep hit down the road but in my view any buyer of a 911 that worries about that shouldnt be buying it in the first place.

 

Glad I have pop-ups. If the idea of driving a cab frightens you I suggest you stay in the shallow end of the kiddy pool.

 

It actually is built on the Cab platform. check the cut lines, they're identical.

 

Although i agree that the issue of depreciation is a relatively minor one, is it the consensus that a 997 Targa will depreciate more than other 997 variants (cab, coupe, turbo)? Why? Have targas historically suffered depreciation problems?

 

I tend to believe that it is too. But I've been told otherwise on this board. The latest ultra-reliable anonymously-provided info I got on this was that the 993 Targas were built on the cab chassis and that the current Targas start off as coupes. I'm sure Porsche's website has the definitive answer but not knowing for sure isn't bothering me that much.

 

thanks for the input. I would assume Porsche would make sure the body integrity is there. I had seen the creaking post and was wondering if other owners were having the same issue.

 

"Looking" at the car and deciding it was built on the cab platform is pretty... stupid.

Edmonds, Excellence, and Christophorus have all said the 997 is built on the coupe frame.

 

I don't know if there's a consensus, but my sense of the market is that Targas are the smallest production non-GTx 911s. The people who buy Targas want Targas; it's not like they walk in looking for a coupe or cab, can't find one they like, so they settle for a Targa. Consequently on the resale side, it might be tougher to find Targa-oriented buyers, so sellers resort to trading at the dealer, leading to lower-than-expected trading prices.

On a personal note, my ideal street car is a Targa4S with X51, PCCB, and leather everywhere. Part of the reason I don't think I'd ever order one is that I'd take a bath on resale not only on the expensive options, but also on the Targa platform. I don't tend to keep cars very long, so I have to keep resale in mind. Just a point.

 

nkhalidi, have an all leathered Targa 4S and love it. I also have a car trading problem (see below!).
But I had a 996 Targa, sold it, and man I regretted it! Targas stick to you like glue.

 

[QUOTE=tmc;4824754] I also have a car trading problem QUOTE]


Damn, isn't that the truth. I've been fighting myself for several months over trading the cab and ordering a T4S. I've built the damn car a dozen times. I'm sure I'll buckle under over the winter.

 

or us hockey players.....

 

I like the Targa. In fact I prefer it over the 911 cabs.

Good luck with your choice.