My dad just bought a 2002 white Targa 996 site unseen at Manheim (we have a dealer lisc). Anyway, he loves the sharp end of the roof line. And the white really shows it off, that's why he went for it. Now we're both wondering what they're like. We are familiar with 1999 996 3.4L. Thanks for any input. We're anxious to see what it's like.

 

All I have ever heard is noisy and they leak. Just what I have heard.

 

kick ***!

 

Probably a few more rattles than the standard coupe. But there's nothing like the open air feeling. Wouldn't take for my Targa. BTW, did you know the back window opens like a hatch and you can actually get to the storage shelf that's formed when you put the backs down on the back seats?

 

Targa's are great cars. I've never had a leak, and I ocassionally get a rattle when its very cold, but only until the car warms up. No worse than some suspension noise when the cars cold. Targa's really are unique. I run mine at the track a few times a year have upgraded suspension and a few other bits and the car is just fantastic on and off the track. Especially in the NW you don't get that many where you can put the top down in a cabrio the targa really fits in nicely. For me after having a coupe, I wouldn't look back. You're dad will really enjoy the car.

Post a pic when you have it...you don't see too many white targa's.

 

They say it leaks and rattles. Life in a fishbowl.

but with all that said, who cares, its a 911.

 

I've found more often than not, those that say there are lots of rattles and leaks are talking about 993 targas which did have a tendancy to leak. I have yet to see a 996 targa with a leak..Again, rattles are something that happen, but leaks I haven't seen. My understanding is that the 996 was a complete redesign from the 993 which was the first time they did the sliding glass system. I think they were able to refine it and tune out the issues with the 996

 

The Targa is a fantastic car.

I've had mine since nearly new and it has never leaked, not sure about the 993s - the 996 was a complete redesign that's only been tweaked in the 997. It might have a couple of rattles when it's cold outside, but nothing that would bother me ... zero rattles with the roof open. If you lubricate the rubber seals, etc. it will keep these to a minimum.

Road & Track did a test on a 996 Targa some years ago, found it to be 0.1 sec. slower 0-60 than the coupe so no real difference on performance. Some say the extra weight in the roof affects handling, I haven't experienced that but perhaps on the track. I have pss9's and X74 sways on mine ... fantastic handling.

The Targa won't replace a cab for the open-air experience, but it's the next best thing with the top open and windows down, way different than a coupe with a sunroof. The Targa's hard top does provide advantages over a cloth top though.

As someone pointed out earlier, you will come to appreciate the rear hatch feature - note the 2 sets of clubs in the pic below.

Targa, coupe, cab ... personal preference really, they're all great. I know you'll come to really enjoy the Targa version though.

Congrats and let the mods begin

 

photos from the website it was listed on.

 

Looks great in white, good choice!!

 

Great looking in white...Congrats!

 

This was very informative. I may take this economic disaster to move to a 997, I'll definitely consider a targa - I have a cab, and the number of times I can really drive with the top down in the northeast are limited. Having a nice picture window to the sky as an everyday thing would be nice and I like the hatchback!

 

White with black looking roof is amazing. Looks like my old E55 with my black Panoramic roof.

Excellent Choice.

 

that's something i wish porsche did on all of their cars. theres a ton of space back there i dont even use because it's such a hassle to get to

 

They are pretty slick. I've been in one with the top back only and wasn't too loud. I have a cabriolet and always worry about someone cutting opent the top some day. The Targa seems like the best of both worlds.