996 Targa Potential Purchase
Discussion
I need to scratch the Porsche itch & have my eye on a 2004 targa 996 around 70kmiles.
My Targa reasoning is that i'm not convinced by the full Cab as a sports car but do enjoy the open air & max cabin light experience in a third car without the scuttle shake.
I've done a lot of reading etc but would like to hear from owners of this model. Does the handling feel compromised with softer dampers, is the weight increase noticeable (60kg?) through steering/ performance etc.
Also the practicalities does the roof rattle /squeak, let in water, issues with blinds etc. I am not expecting perfection on a 15 year old car. Engine issues i should be aware of at this age & mileage?
Any useful ownership info on the Targa appreciated.
My Targa reasoning is that i'm not convinced by the full Cab as a sports car but do enjoy the open air & max cabin light experience in a third car without the scuttle shake.
I've done a lot of reading etc but would like to hear from owners of this model. Does the handling feel compromised with softer dampers, is the weight increase noticeable (60kg?) through steering/ performance etc.
Also the practicalities does the roof rattle /squeak, let in water, issues with blinds etc. I am not expecting perfection on a 15 year old car. Engine issues i should be aware of at this age & mileage?
Any useful ownership info on the Targa appreciated.
Hi Andy
2003 Targa owner here, for almost 3 years now.
My view is it depends on what you are looking for. If you like the airy sensation, want wind in the hair (through what is a large glass sunroof) and like the idea of a mini 'shooting brake' with the hatchback and rear seats, it's great. If you want proper wind in the hair thrills and don't need a 2+2 you might be a bit disappointed. Ideally test drive all three models if you can, including a 4S as it's arguably the looker of the range.
My experience:
I moved up from a Boxster S as I needed occasional back seats for my children and wanted to scratch the 911 itch. Really glad I did.
I looked at 996 cabs as well but the rear seat space is much smaller than the coupe or Targa so only really suitable for bags and/or very young children IMO. Also I find cabs very gloomy inside when the hood is up and love the airy nature of the Targa. If the coupe had a glass sunroof I might have been more tempted.
I do not profess to being a track God but love cars and driving and I don't honestly notice any difference between my Targa and the coupes I've tried. There is no Scuttle shake on mine but you do get rattles and squeaks from the roof and hatch which are annoying. These can be reduced dramatically by regular application of Gummi Pfledge and PTFE tape in offending areas if really bad.
Leaks are the big issue IMO - you need to thoroughly check any car for water ingress, particularly under rear seats and carpets. Also the C pillar trims can get stained which is a tell tale. Often it's nothing more than one of the tubes being blocked or kinked but can be something more sinister. Fixing a Targa roof is very expensive due to parts but more so labour; it's long-winded and specialist work. For the same reason make sure the roof opens and closes seamlessly , smoothly and within 12 seconds. Ideally you can garage it or at least cover it as rain silt can block up the tubes and channels. I have a half cover for mine.
Finally a general point- post 2003 996s went onto 2 year servicing and that's not meant to be a good thing as they really should have their oil changed at least once every twelve months. So check for a robust service history. Lots I see have ridiculously long gaps between services, particularly as they get older.
Good luck with the search!
Colin
2003 Targa owner here, for almost 3 years now.
My view is it depends on what you are looking for. If you like the airy sensation, want wind in the hair (through what is a large glass sunroof) and like the idea of a mini 'shooting brake' with the hatchback and rear seats, it's great. If you want proper wind in the hair thrills and don't need a 2+2 you might be a bit disappointed. Ideally test drive all three models if you can, including a 4S as it's arguably the looker of the range.
My experience:
I moved up from a Boxster S as I needed occasional back seats for my children and wanted to scratch the 911 itch. Really glad I did.
I looked at 996 cabs as well but the rear seat space is much smaller than the coupe or Targa so only really suitable for bags and/or very young children IMO. Also I find cabs very gloomy inside when the hood is up and love the airy nature of the Targa. If the coupe had a glass sunroof I might have been more tempted.
I do not profess to being a track God but love cars and driving and I don't honestly notice any difference between my Targa and the coupes I've tried. There is no Scuttle shake on mine but you do get rattles and squeaks from the roof and hatch which are annoying. These can be reduced dramatically by regular application of Gummi Pfledge and PTFE tape in offending areas if really bad.
Leaks are the big issue IMO - you need to thoroughly check any car for water ingress, particularly under rear seats and carpets. Also the C pillar trims can get stained which is a tell tale. Often it's nothing more than one of the tubes being blocked or kinked but can be something more sinister. Fixing a Targa roof is very expensive due to parts but more so labour; it's long-winded and specialist work. For the same reason make sure the roof opens and closes seamlessly , smoothly and within 12 seconds. Ideally you can garage it or at least cover it as rain silt can block up the tubes and channels. I have a half cover for mine.
Finally a general point- post 2003 996s went onto 2 year servicing and that's not meant to be a good thing as they really should have their oil changed at least once every twelve months. So check for a robust service history. Lots I see have ridiculously long gaps between services, particularly as they get older.
Good luck with the search!
Colin
Great reply thanks - just what i needed from ownership perspective.
I agree with your sentiments concerning oil changes that is a considerable gap 2 years for a performance car. Roof is what i expected thinking head over heart, it won't put me off a targa, and one recently advertised had 3k spent on mechanism!
I agree with your sentiments concerning oil changes that is a considerable gap 2 years for a performance car. Roof is what i expected thinking head over heart, it won't put me off a targa, and one recently advertised had 3k spent on mechanism!
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