The Million Dollar Question?

[nelspeed]

I'm in a bit of a turmoil and would like to throw this question out for honest responses. I have been looking for sometime to set myself up hopefully to enter the world of Porsche 996 ownership. The turmoil being which one[]? I know I want to feel the wind in the ever decreasing hair that I have and I also know I'm in for the long haul and hope to catch a modern classic that I can cherish now that I am out of the motorcycle scene. I know this restricts my options to Cab or Targa but which would be the better one long term taking into account the driving experience and long ter appreciation/running costs. Not hoping to start a debate but any honest pointers from members who have owned the aforementioned would be helpful.

Many thanks.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

I wouldn't get a targa they're the least loved model.
As for a cab my expectations of their future values in descending order as below (IMO)

996 turbo S (appreciate)
996 turbo X50 (appreciate)
996 turbo (appreciate)
996 C4S (appreciate)
996 C2/C4 cab (drop/hold)

Good luck!

 

[drmeng]

As a biker giving up my sueprbikes i went for cab no regrets just dont forget wahtever car its isnt going to touch a superbike for feedback wind total boy experience
Just enjoy what you can geta nd have

 

[Chris_in_the_UK]

Targa for me - unless you are a hairdresser? [8D]

 

[Gordon Attar]

Unless it is for dry day use only. The Targa's are prone to leaking and are very difficult to repair and in turn expensive.

 

[pattersonoxford]

My C4 cab manual is wonderful. Sports exhaust, top down, wonderful

 

[924nutter]

ORIGINAL: Chris_in_the_UK

Targa for me - unless you are a hairdresser? [8D]

Coming from a Boxster "hard top" driver lol

 

[924nutter]

The thing is this, if you ask me the 964 targa looks as good as a targa can but like the 993 before it, I believe the 996 had a sliding glass targa top that slides back under the rear window. From the side unless you peer in through the window it doesn't look anything special, so the cab wins hands down on looks, especially when you remotely actuate the roof with the button on the key fob.

 

[Sam Quick]

C4s with sunroof
You et everything then

Stiff chassis
Wind in your hair
Appreciating model
😄[]

 

[PORKA]

+1 but don't have the hair![]

ORIGINAL: Sam Quick

C4s with sunroof
You et everything then

Stiff chassis
Wind in your hair
Appreciating model
😄[]

 

[nelspeed]

ORIGINAL: pattersonoxford

My C4 cab manual is wonderful. Sports exhaust, top down, wonderful

I think that's what I'm hankering after, something that sounds great and makes your heart beat a little faster, similar to the biking experience I suppose. Unfortunately bad roads and bad drivers have forced me to hang my helmet up.....oh and having to get dressed up like the terminator every time you wanted to go for a spin....

Thanks for the comments everyone and I'll keep trawling the small ads.

 

[Gordon Attar]

If you want something like the bike adrenaline rush. It can only be 996 turbo cabriolet.

 

[JuliusF]

If you've been a biker, I say stick to 2 wheel drive for sheer exhilaration and the odd hairy moment you won't get in a C4 (turbo excepted) - a good 996 C2 with a sports exhaust is a joy to drive (mind you I wouldn't mind moving up to a C4S when I grow up - over 60..... [] ).

Or of course there's the GT3, if you can find one....and you've got a good (many) few squids down the back of the sofa!

Any or all have the capacity to make you a happy man, so take your time - try a few if you can.

 

[paulthorpe]

I wouldn't get a targa they're the least loved model.

Well, you may not like it but as the owner of a beautiful 2003 Targa, IMHO it's the best of everything - superb full-length glass roof, security of a hardtop, open air feeling of a cab and a bit of practicality with the hatchback lid - not to mention the glorious noise of the C2 3.6. I love it - and with an element of rarity on it's side I would suggest that a good original one will easily hold it's value.

 

[Andy97]

Personally I am not a fan of the targa or cab 911 of any sort. They just don't look right to me. If you must have wind in the hair, get a Boxster.

 

[Les]

If the sun is shining, there is only one way to go:

 

[993 C4]

I guess it will come down to budget too ?
I know of a lovely original 3.4 996 ( with no engine issues ) C4 Manual in Arctic with Black leather with 79k that will be on the market soon. I can't believe how under valued these early 996's are at present !

 

[AndrewEllinas]

Get a turbo - the engine is pretty much bullet proof and it's fast!

 

[JagdHamster]

Turbo doesn't sound good, though.

They're all good: Cab, C4 Cab, Targa, C4S cab. But I'd really recommend a Porsche Sports Exhaust in whichever ones you try; top-down it will be fab.

 

[DaveyB]

Targa's least loved? - Bloody love mine!! Never leaked either.