Topless in Temecula

I have a service advisor for my 993 that's killed my dream re a 997 Targa. He said, it will need to be repaired, parts will come from Germany, it will take three weeks and it will cost $3 grand - so, smart advice even though a bit jaundiced? I am looking at a 2004 turbo cab instead since prices are into the mid-$50's - but is a 996 a good option versus the 997 targa? (I can't afford a 997 turbo - so that's not an option and I can't go to the 997.2 with PDK, still too pricey for me. Any suggestions welcome. You guys helped me find my 993, so lets start another hunt.

Peter

MLindgren

Why not a 997 cab instead of the targa?

The only thing I've read on here with respect to the targa is a rattle over bumps. I've not heard of a failing roof. Ask him what it is that is such a big problem and how many he's seen. This is like the failed PCCB rotors or IMS in a 997. One or two fail and you'd think it happens all the time.

talkinghead

The concept is good, however, I think it winds up being the worst of both worlds. I agree with Mlindgren, get a Cab.

Topless in Temecula

I love the wide body so I'd have to look at the C4 997 cab - with tip - as an alternative to the turbo cab or targa. Not so bad - I think the service adviser is just CHA based on problems with the 993, 996 targas. Not sure where the pricing is on a 2006/07 997 C4 cab - I'll have to check. This is probably the LAST porsche I'll buy as I am 65+ and don't expect to live foreve4r (but to 80 would be nice) - so I want to get the right one. I love the 993 I have but can't have two toys (per the wife of 40 years), Since I love her too, I'll go with one.

KeninBlaine

It appears to me that most of the negative stories about the new Targas come from people who don't own one. I've had my 07 T4S for 1 1/2 years and it has 17k miles on it, and have had virtually no problems with it. Any minor squeaks every few months can be resolved quickly with a wipe down of the weatherstrip at front and rear of the sliding top. I think they are a nice wide body alternative to the C4 coupe, as they are brighter inside. For true open feeling, you'll need a cab. A cab would be a good choice in Temecula, but if you prefer a hard top, the Targa is a wonderful choice. BTW, I'm not far behind you age-wise.

richc

I like my Targa, it's an '08. Regarding the 996, I got one of the early ones and of the 13 P-cars I've owned since 1968 it was, without a doubt, the worst. The dealer finally took it back, I hope they crushed it.

jcnesq

I had a 993 Targa and a 996 Targa. The 993 had many more problems - not bothered by noise or rattles, but one day the mechanism got completely mangled, must have slipped off track or something. No problems with the 996, which I bought new, but I didn't keep it that long. I don't think the 996/997 versions have the same problems as the 993.

I am inclined to say just go with whatever floats your boat the most, since it seems the car will be a long term keeper. The Targa is a nice concept. The rear hatch opening is also real handy sometimes and effectively gives you extra storage room (I used to use it when picking up my dry cleaning to lay stuff out over the rear panel).

I'm an old guy too!

Topless in Temecula

Would a 2004 X50 turbo cab for under $60k change anyone's mind re a 997 targa. Seems like I'm leaning toward the turbo - its the ultimate cab!

KeninBlaine

You're cutting a wide swath in vehicle types here. Seems to me you'd be well advised to think it through, and try some, to be sure whether you want a hard top or cab, and if you want a 996 body/interior or 997 body/interior (with better handling), and if you want a turbo or non turbo, and wide body or narrow body.

Personally, I think cab turbos look a little weird. I prefer the look of the non turbo cabs.

You're welcome to check out my Targa some time (it is a stick). While it doesn't have the raw power of the turbo, it has plenty of power for me, and handles wonderfully.

Good luck with your decision making.

abe

I too like my Targa..However, if I didn't own two convertibles I would get a Cab instead.
abe

KeninBlaine

I agree. It is hard to beat a cab, especially here in So Cal. BTW, I noticed you definitely like red cars. Nice collection.

Edgy01

They've made significant progress on the engineering of the Targa roof systems over the years. As I understand it, some of the 993s were problematic. They learned a lot on the 996. From what I have seen the 997 Targas are first rate. If you don't think you would use a cabriolet then the Targa would be the next best thing. BTW, the 997 cabriolets are a SIGNIFICANT improvement over the 996 cabs. There is virtually no body flexing on the 997s. they have been seriously beefed up. Perhaps some of that engineering has contributed to the 997 Targa's success.

I sort of wish, though, the original style removable Targa top was available,--Alois Ruf has it on his green electric Porsche 997.

KeninBlaine

Dan: You can convert your cab to an original style Targa:
http://www.gtn-automotive.com/gtn/sites/start_e.html

From 6speedonline post today:

997 True Targa
Hallo Targa friends,

my name is Gerald and I´m the one who is building the true Targa again.
The base is a 997 convertible. We deliver a Carbon fiber Hardtop with a rear part with rear screen and roof parts. We don´t change anything on the convertible. Snap On and run !

fjpdds

Well done.

300cd300sdl911

I've been toying with another P-car purchase early next year. Looks like this product may have helped make my decision. I absolutely love my '85 targa......looks like now I can 'back date' a 997 to my liking. How many 997 owners have gone this route?