DC911S

Going to look at one today. I've had a 997.1 C4S and the one I'm looking at is a 997.2 targa C4S. So does it rattle or leak? Do you open it up very much? Any issues with the targa that are problems? The one I'm looking at has low miles and is a 2009.

Asquared

I have a 997.1 Targa S and love it. It's been my daily driver for 5 of the last 8 years. I love the Targa roof - I love it when it's down and I love it almost as much when it's up. There is some squeaking when I first close it. There are some DYI fixes on here somewhere that I've been meaning to do, but I haven't gotten around to it.

I hardly never close the shade, I enjoy seeing the sun through the glass roof, especially in the winter (when, with snow tires, it becomes the best snow car I've ever owned).

The only downside is, rear visibility is not great with the targa top down and it's not a great track car. It's heavy and the glass roof puts a lot of weight in the wrong place (up high) I don't think you could put a roll-bar in it and preserve the targa functionality (which is how I wound up with the car in my avatar). Also, for reasons no one has ever been able to explain to me, the sun visors on the targa don't swing around to block the sun from the driver's side window.

I will say I didn't realize how much I missed a true convertible until I bought one a couple of years ago, but I still think the targa is tne 80/20 convertible, 80% of the benefits and 20% of the hassles. Now I drive the convertible more in the 90 days or so of summer in Chicago and drive the Targa more the other 275 days of the year. The Targa is very comfortable with the top down well into the 40s, which you can't really say with the convertible.

F308gt4

I've had my 09 4S for over a year now, and it's my daily driver. Best car I've ever had in many ways. I bought it with ~13000 miles on it, and now have ~24000 miles.

The roof does rattle, but you can lube it up and it will help to eliminate it (there are several threads about it here). I usually drive with it open which also eliminates the rattle

The targa roof is basically a glorified sunroof, but with it and the windows open, I agree with the poster above that you get 80% of the benefits of a convertible. With the roof closed, you get a beautiful airy feeling, which isn't there in a convertible with the top up.

The weight of the targa is between the coupe and the convertible. Yes, the roof puts some weight up top, but I doubt 99% of drivers would ever notice the difference, even on the track.

A big benefit to the Targa is the hatchback. It makes the car a lot more practical. For instance, when I take my daughter to her bass guitar lessons, I just open up the hatch, and put the guitar in through there. I don't know if I could fit it easily into a 997 Coupe. Trips to costco, home depot, etc., are also made a lot easier with that hatchback.

The only thing I don't like about the Targa is the chrome stripe. I used plastidip to paint it black, which makes the car look visually better.

Good luck. The Targa 4S is Porsche's hidden gem.

DC911S

Thanks. I'm not planning on tracking it its just for fun driving. I take metro to and from work so it's only a fun weekend toy. I don't drive during the week. I've debated the convertible but I think I might like the targa better. I'm off to go see it now after a pooch walk

cool flash

I am thinking about doing the same thing with my black Targa.

Rear seat passengers dont get that cramped feeling anymore, especially with the targa shade rolled in.

CF

Pors968

I love my 997.2 Targa 4S. No rattles or leaks on my car. I had a 997.1 coupe before and in my opinion, Targa is more DD/practical car due to hatch and bigger sun roof. Plus they are rare.

OP- There is also a 997.2 Targa 4S listed for sale at dealer near me, Porsche of Tysons . It has 24k miles, black ext, black int, manual, heated & ventilated seats etc. asking 59.9k. Don't think it's CPO. Good luck on your hunt.

motopix

I think that's the one he's looking at.

Yinzer

4s Targas are rare it seems. Is the one at Tyson's priced right? Good choice if that is what the OP is looking at.

DC911S

It's gone. I missed it. Darn

motopix

Sorry to hear that. I dragged my feet on a 2013 at Tyson's and BAM, gone. You gotta move quick when you find what could be the right one.

Have fun in the search!

You'll just have to buy that used GT3 they have.

DC911S

I was on my way out there and called ahead. But it was not to be. I've found two more in Tennessee though I'm looking at. There is a turbo at Rosenthaul I might look it. They have been sitting on it a long time. Two months at least. It's weird how many turbos are for sale in the DC region but not many C4S.

vern1

You might want to reconsider the ragtop. Full open air experience and mine has zero rattles ever. I drive mine all year in Toronto and don't miss a sunroof very much. Top down in the summer (and spring and fall - even had mine down in Feb this year) more than make up for it!!

Cheers

DC911S

Test drove a twin turbo......oh boy. That thing was fast and felt like my sport bike on four wheels.

Devildistance

Mine does have a small rattle in the area of the hatch latch that I can't seem to isolate. Not loud enough to be distracting. The Hatchback definitely makes the Targa a much more useable vehicle. 2 sets of golf clubs, no problem. I actually like the chrome strips, a tribute to the pre-'74 911s I guess. The previous owner had all the glass minus the windshield tinted fairly dark. Been thinking of taking it off and switching to clear tint to let more light in but still get some heat relief. 07 Targa 4S

Glyndellis

The cabriolet will also take 2 sets of golf clubs in the back. Its a bit of a circus act to put them in with the top up, but is possible