964 Targa - Sense Check Please
Discussion
Afternoon
I'm in the market for a 964 but all the ones in my price range are LHD, Tips, Cabs or Targas. Tips and Cabs are non-starters and I've been telling myself that a Targa is too since it will have the same chassis flex rain resistance problems as a Cab. But... there are practically no manual, RHD coupes in my price range. So, should I consider a Targa or go down the sensible route and buy a Cayman?
The 993 and Boxster don't appeal and a 996 won't fit in my garage.
I currently run a very good 968 Sport which I'm very attached to but I have to try a 911 eventually. And I'd rather have one that at least looks like the 911s I admired as a kid but also has air con and PAS. Hence a 964, even with all its foibles.
Cheers
I'm in the market for a 964 but all the ones in my price range are LHD, Tips, Cabs or Targas. Tips and Cabs are non-starters and I've been telling myself that a Targa is too since it will have the same chassis flex rain resistance problems as a Cab. But... there are practically no manual, RHD coupes in my price range. So, should I consider a Targa or go down the sensible route and buy a Cayman?
The 993 and Boxster don't appeal and a 996 won't fit in my garage.
I currently run a very good 968 Sport which I'm very attached to but I have to try a 911 eventually. And I'd rather have one that at least looks like the 911s I admired as a kid but also has air con and PAS. Hence a 964, even with all its foibles.
Cheers
I had a targa (now a 996T), and still miss it in many ways. It's not a stiff as a coupe, but better than a cab. A (sorted) coupe will be better on a track, but a good targa on the road will hustle just as well as a coupe. I went to a few meets, and kept up just fine.
There is more wind noise, and it is important that the roof is properly adjusted. Many 964's came without A/C (mine had it, as well as heated sports seats), and even if fitted, often doesn't work. Don't expect A/C to be as good as modern cars either. I found it essential to clear the screen though. At least with a targa, you have a roof to remove. You'll find them cheaper as not so popular, but I still like the shape.
A decent suspension set up, cup pipe/cat delete, and you'll be grinning from ear to ear
This is at the top of the targa tree, but probably a step too far in terms of the changes. Does look fantastic though.
http://www.foskers.com/ferrari-sales/74-porsche-91...
Well worth considering if you can find the right car (PPI recommended). You'll stand out amongst the 964 crowd too.
There is more wind noise, and it is important that the roof is properly adjusted. Many 964's came without A/C (mine had it, as well as heated sports seats), and even if fitted, often doesn't work. Don't expect A/C to be as good as modern cars either. I found it essential to clear the screen though. At least with a targa, you have a roof to remove. You'll find them cheaper as not so popular, but I still like the shape.
A decent suspension set up, cup pipe/cat delete, and you'll be grinning from ear to ear
This is at the top of the targa tree, but probably a step too far in terms of the changes. Does look fantastic though.
http://www.foskers.com/ferrari-sales/74-porsche-91...
Well worth considering if you can find the right car (PPI recommended). You'll stand out amongst the 964 crowd too.
I always liked targas and would consider one as my next 911. (I currently have a 964 C2 coupe) As previously stated, the coupe offers a tautness the targa can't match but conversely the semi-open targa brings the outside in and adds a different dimension to the driving experience which may be more rewarding, depending on your own preference.
Having been in (never driven) some targas, for drivers who rarely exceed 7/10s and don't do track days, I suspect the targa might be a more rewarding ownership prospect.
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with LHD but since we drive on the left, RHD is an obvious preference. The pedal offset argument is a moot point as once you spend an hour behind the wheel you don't notice it anymore.
I can't comment on the tip transmission.
Having been in (never driven) some targas, for drivers who rarely exceed 7/10s and don't do track days, I suspect the targa might be a more rewarding ownership prospect.
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with LHD but since we drive on the left, RHD is an obvious preference. The pedal offset argument is a moot point as once you spend an hour behind the wheel you don't notice it anymore.
I can't comment on the tip transmission.
Edited by sneaky schnell on Thursday 7th June 22:44
LHD coupes used to be cheap 5+ years ago but not now because of the interest from abroad. The only one I've seen available recently is at Specialist cars of Malton. It used to belong to a friend of mine and is a decent car.
If you can afford a Cayman I would think your budget is £18K+? You should be able to get a good RHD 964 coupe for that. A C4 will be easier to find than a C2 though. I've nothing against a targa but like anything you should only buy a targa if you want one, not just because you can't find what you really want.
If you can afford a Cayman I would think your budget is £18K+? You should be able to get a good RHD 964 coupe for that. A C4 will be easier to find than a C2 though. I've nothing against a targa but like anything you should only buy a targa if you want one, not just because you can't find what you really want.
When looking for a 964 I looked at all three body types, Coupe, Cab and Targa but it was the Targa route that I eventually went down although I will admit I think the coupe is the better looking of the three.
It’s not just the 964 in my honest opinion the coupe is the better looking car in all of the 911 range, but luckily we all like different things.
The 964 Targa gives me everything, a decent pace, great sound and with wind in your hair when the weather permits, and as it was the last 911 with the original Targa top it gives a great retro look and feel but as I own a 997 Coupe as well , my decision was simpler.
Piks
It’s not just the 964 in my honest opinion the coupe is the better looking car in all of the 911 range, but luckily we all like different things.
The 964 Targa gives me everything, a decent pace, great sound and with wind in your hair when the weather permits, and as it was the last 911 with the original Targa top it gives a great retro look and feel but as I own a 997 Coupe as well , my decision was simpler.
Piks
boxsey said:
If you can afford a Cayman I would think your budget is £18K+? You should be able to get a good RHD 964 coupe for that. A C4 will be easier to find than a C2 though. I've nothing against a targa but like anything you should only buy a targa if you want one, not just because you can't find what you really want.
Agreed. There are some nice C2 coupes in the classifieds, one of which I know very well.
boxsey said:
If you can afford a Cayman I would think your budget is £18K+? You should be able to get a good RHD 964 coupe for that. A C4 will be easier to find than a C2 though. I've nothing against a targa but like anything you should only buy a targa if you want one, not just because you can't find what you really want.
Cayman's seem to have come down a bit and slighly lower spec S models are around for ~£16,500 from what I can see.sneaky schnell said:
boxsey said:
If you can afford a Cayman I would think your budget is £18K+? You should be able to get a good RHD 964 coupe for that. A C4 will be easier to find than a C2 though. I've nothing against a targa but like anything you should only buy a targa if you want one, not just because you can't find what you really want.
Agreed. There are some nice C2 coupes in the classifieds, one of which I know very well.
probably chalk said:
Which one is that?
This one. A bit more expensive but might tick more boxes. 
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3937020.htm
Targa's are back in I guess. Happened to notice one on new Kylie video
Wished I had never sold my 964, even with dreaded oil leaks it was a great car. The noise, the semi- old school 911 traits , etc , it was an event every time I drove it.
If it was a choice between previously owned 996 turbo and 964 targa , I would take targa every time !
Wished I had never sold my 964, even with dreaded oil leaks it was a great car. The noise, the semi- old school 911 traits , etc , it was an event every time I drove it.
If it was a choice between previously owned 996 turbo and 964 targa , I would take targa every time !
willmac said:
Targa's are back in I guess. Happened to notice one on new Kylie video
Wished I had never sold my 964, even with dreaded oil leaks it was a great car. The noise, the semi- old school 911 traits , etc , it was an event every time I drove it.
If it was a choice between previously owned 996 turbo and 964 targa , I would take targa every time !
When I sold the Tuscan I was looking at 996T cars. I quickly realised it was 3.2 / 964 type motoring that was 'more me'.Wished I had never sold my 964, even with dreaded oil leaks it was a great car. The noise, the semi- old school 911 traits , etc , it was an event every time I drove it.
If it was a choice between previously owned 996 turbo and 964 targa , I would take targa every time !
I guess that unless you are looking to hammer a car around a track on weekends, a targa gives the flexibility of open top motoring with additional stiffness, interior space [and possibly looks] over a Cab'.
Mine is currently on the market as I was looking to realise some quick money to buy a Repo property but I have funded that another way now.................
The 993 
does not appeal
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