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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
I actually don't like the Targa.
I am a cabrio freak, but I would take a targa over a coupe.
The sunroofs of porsche are a bit old fashioned. The Targa with the glass roof is very nice. The only minus is compared to a coupe, that the car lost a bit of proportion.
Coupe looks a bit better IMO.
Why don't you buy a cab?
If you are not going to use the the car very often on the track, IMO the best way to enjoy a porsche 100% is roofles.
I am a cabrio freak, but I would take a targa over a coupe.
The sunroofs of porsche are a bit old fashioned. The Targa with the glass roof is very nice. The only minus is compared to a coupe, that the car lost a bit of proportion.
Coupe looks a bit better IMO.
Why don't you buy a cab?
If you are not going to use the the car very often on the track, IMO the best way to enjoy a porsche 100% is roofles.
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
The design of the targa roof is much improved on 996 compared to 993. Now the whole unit is inserted from inside the car during assembly, to ensure tighness att high speed. 993 targas apparently had lots of "hizz-sqeeek-hizz" going on...
Don't see many 996 targas around here. I like them and could get one - if I didn't like the track so much...Perfect for touring the Alps, Scotland or any other "verticaly scenic" place. Looks best in dark colors where the glass is invisible from the outside. My oppinion.
Don't see many 996 targas around here. I like them and could get one - if I didn't like the track so much...Perfect for touring the Alps, Scotland or any other "verticaly scenic" place. Looks best in dark colors where the glass is invisible from the outside. My oppinion.
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Actually, I don't like cabrios for a daily use. Here in Spain it is impossible to have the top down during the day in summer unless you want to burn yourself!.
The point is that not only 3.6 996s are quite cheap, but Targas are even cheaper. And for the same price as a brand new base Boxster you get a hell of a car.
The point is that not only 3.6 996s are quite cheap, but Targas are even cheaper. And for the same price as a brand new base Boxster you get a hell of a car.
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Quote:
Mikla said:
Hi all,
I would like to hear from you about the 996 Targa. There are a few available in Europe at pretty interesting prices (bellow Euro 50K). I've never driven one, but the 320 HP engine + the roof make a very attractive proposal.
What do you guys think?
I owned a 993 Targa (bought it new at a VERY VERY interesting price, actually the reason for my "entry" to the Porsche world) and I loved this car. The roof was fun, not quite Cabriolet like but pretty enjoyable.
Yes, a lot of 996 Targa are available at interesting prices.
The roof is pretty reliable, I never really heard of problems. Just keep in mind that this is no Cabriolet but if you can get one at a highly interesting price tag, why not?
Also be aware that the Targa shouldn't be track raced, you also shouldn't lower it or get a sport suspension. 19'' or even 20'' aren't recommended either. So if you're happy with the car like it is, get it.
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
The only downsides on the car is the relatively high weight of the roof system and the fact that the rear seats are, with the roof retracted, are absolutely useless due to the lack of clearance.
I am also a friend of the targa versions, not only because of the price level, but because they are a great alternative to coupe or convertible.
If you get this car I am lookig forward to your comments!
I am also a friend of the targa versions, not only because of the price level, but because they are a great alternative to coupe or convertible.
If you get this car I am lookig forward to your comments!
Nov 6, 2005 2:32:12 AM
- doncapecod
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Nov 12, 2005 4:47:28 PM
- donkeyman
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Targa's are undervalued because a people see them as a comprimise between a coupe or cab. in fact, I think more Turbos are sold than Targas.
The Targa has to be seen on it's own merits. Driving around on a hot day with the sun coming in but the climate control on is superb.
Likewise, when it is raining, you can see the drops falling on the car whilst staying dry.
They are great cars in their own right if you live in an area where you won't use a cab. very often. I was a bit skeptical on the Targa at first but now I absolutely love it. I plan on getting the 997 version if it comes with the 3.8l engine.
The Targa has to be seen on it's own merits. Driving around on a hot day with the sun coming in but the climate control on is superb.
Likewise, when it is raining, you can see the drops falling on the car whilst staying dry.
They are great cars in their own right if you live in an area where you won't use a cab. very often. I was a bit skeptical on the Targa at first but now I absolutely love it. I plan on getting the 997 version if it comes with the 3.8l engine.
Nov 16, 2005 7:14:35 AM
- 03-turbo911
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Nov 16, 2005 1:15:54 PM
- EricAlain
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
I love my 996 Targa, I think it's THE perfect compromise between a Coupe and a Cab. The glass roof is illuminating the interior and it is particularly pleasant to drive it on a grey & dull day.
Mine is my daily driver and it is 10x more convenient to drive a Targa than a Cab especially in Paris, so safety issues.
Keep in mind, the hatch is very handy to put large luggage on the rear seats.
OK the Targa is not the sportiest 911 but it is still fast enough. I was told Porsche was (few month ago) using some Targas in Liepzig for the Porsche Driving Experience.
Generally speaking Targas aren't really "fashionable" and they represent less than 10% of overall 911 sales. So there is a narrow market for "enthusiast".
There will be a 997 Targa that should reach the market late Spring 06.
If I was to sell my 996 would I buy a 997 Targa. Definitely YES.
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Don't forget that the Targa has the most practical storage area of any 911. The big hatch makes it very easy to put the big bags behind the front seats. My Targa is my only form of transport at the moment so it does everything from the weekly shopping to fast driving with friends.
Dec 17, 2005 5:12:17 PM
- Silver Bullet
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
People always bring up the extra weight of the Targa as an issue on this car, but forget that the Targa is actually lighter than the Cab - and stiffer too - so it really is a great compromise between a cab and a coupe. For those who say that the Targa is just a big sunroof, which the coupe offers along with a sportier set up, I respond by pointing out that the Targa roof, when open, does not "shudder" at speed (I'm referring to the hugely irritating vibrating whooshing sound that 911 sunroofs are well known for), and the glass roof is just spectacular.
If a cab can be tracked, so can a Targa.
My 996 Targa is great - I love it. It's my daily driver, so any minimal (imperceptible?) reduction in performance is outweighed by the huge utility of the rear hatch.
I shouldn't really say "imperceptible" performance reduction because I can honestly say that the coupe definitely feels stiffer, but I would not say faster or better planted on the road.
The main downside to the Targa is one of personal taste, and that is that the roof does distort the beautiful lines of the 911, albeit less so than the cab. Also, the roof mechanism requires lubrication once or twice a season to prevent annoying rattles - easily done at the dealer.
I think the Targa got a raw deal. Many consider it to be an unfair compromise. The common thoughts about this car are: it doesn't perform like the coupe, and it's not a true open air experience like the cab. The Targa pics in Porsche catalogues and on the website were kind of dull compared to the more aggressive pics of the coupe and cab (they often focused on the hatch - it's a sportscar!!), and the Targa roof was not offered on the higher end models like the C4 and the Turbo. All of this lead to diminished demand for what is really a great car. So you're lucky: prices are low. Targas are undervalued jewels. Go get one!
Incidentally, the spy pics of the 997 Targa I've seen share body features with the 997C4s, so maybe, just maybe, we'll see a 997T4S soon!
If a cab can be tracked, so can a Targa.
My 996 Targa is great - I love it. It's my daily driver, so any minimal (imperceptible?) reduction in performance is outweighed by the huge utility of the rear hatch.
I shouldn't really say "imperceptible" performance reduction because I can honestly say that the coupe definitely feels stiffer, but I would not say faster or better planted on the road.
The main downside to the Targa is one of personal taste, and that is that the roof does distort the beautiful lines of the 911, albeit less so than the cab. Also, the roof mechanism requires lubrication once or twice a season to prevent annoying rattles - easily done at the dealer.
I think the Targa got a raw deal. Many consider it to be an unfair compromise. The common thoughts about this car are: it doesn't perform like the coupe, and it's not a true open air experience like the cab. The Targa pics in Porsche catalogues and on the website were kind of dull compared to the more aggressive pics of the coupe and cab (they often focused on the hatch - it's a sportscar!!), and the Targa roof was not offered on the higher end models like the C4 and the Turbo. All of this lead to diminished demand for what is really a great car. So you're lucky: prices are low. Targas are undervalued jewels. Go get one!
Incidentally, the spy pics of the 997 Targa I've seen share body features with the 997C4s, so maybe, just maybe, we'll see a 997T4S soon!
Dec 18, 2005 4:30:18 AM
- doncapecod
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Dec 18, 2005 10:39:03 PM
- Silver Bullet
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Quote:
doncapecod said:
Having never been in one, how is the view thru the double glass in the rear when the top is back? Is it a safety issue?
No, the 2 layers of glass aren't an issue at all, but what is a problem is that visibility is hampered b/c the back of the car is so high. I imagine that this is also an issue with the 996 Cab, since the height of the back ledge is the same on both cars.
It's still easily managed by using the side mirrors and paying attention,
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Quote:
donkeyman said:
Don't forget that the Targa has the most practical storage area of any 911. The big hatch makes it very easy to put the big bags behind the front seats. My Targa is my only form of transport at the moment so it does everything from the weekly shopping to fast driving with friends.
Couldn't have put it better myself. True 911 performance but with a dose of practicality that no other 911 can claim. THE perfect year-round 911.
Try it and you'll never want another body style again...
Feb 7, 2006 4:56:17 AM
- Porky Tokyo
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Personally I have driven all Porsches and say that the cars with the worst visibilty (in my opinion of course) are the Boxsters. And the Targa is way better than all Ferrari's and Lamborghini's I have driven. I did too write off the targa and bought a 996 Coupe istead but had the chance to drive a Targa and was completely in love with it after only a few minutes of driving! My 997's sunroof is crap! Would never buy a car with qa sunroof from Porsche again! Cab or Targa only!
Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
Nope. Earlier in same thread: The design of the targa roof is much improved on 996 compared to 993. Now the whole unit is inserted from inside the car during assembly, to ensure tighness att high speed. 993 targas apparently had lots of "hizz-sqeeek-hizz" going on...
Feb 25, 2006 3:36:27 PM
- donkeyman
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Mar 3, 2006 7:58:01 AM
- 993Targa
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Re: Opinion about 996 Targa
The Targa is rather a unique model ...
FY 01/02 2,470 units or 7.6% of Total 996 sales
FY 02/03 2,100 units or 7.6%
FY 03/04 456 units or 1.9% of 996 & 997 sales
FY 04/05 81 units or 0.3% of 996 & 997 sales ...
So a total of 5,107 996 targa were produced ....
I really love mine .... However the Targa roof is a bit "noisy" when it's cold outside ie when temperature drops below 5c ... otherwise it's splendid.
FY 01/02 2,470 units or 7.6% of Total 996 sales
FY 02/03 2,100 units or 7.6%
FY 03/04 456 units or 1.9% of 996 & 997 sales
FY 04/05 81 units or 0.3% of 996 & 997 sales ...
So a total of 5,107 996 targa were produced ....
I really love mine .... However the Targa roof is a bit "noisy" when it's cold outside ie when temperature drops below 5c ... otherwise it's splendid.
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