Brain Trust Advice: Swap '89 Carrera Targa for 997.2

[IXXI_carrera]

I've owned and loved my '89 Targa for the past 22+ years. Original condition, lovingly maintained. Original Linen Grey Metallic, full leather black leather interior, 135K adult-driven (never tracked) miles. Just spent over $7K in new clutch et al.

Shall I consider 'upgrading' to a 997.2? I'm really struggling with the best course of action. May possibly be a near even swap price-wise.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[wildthing]

997.2 with a fixed roof or a convertible? Which variant? What transmission?

I would love a 997.2S PDK coupe but I would regret letting go of the air-cooled. I'd rather get a second car (except I already have a 991S PDK coupe). The only reason I'd let go of the air-cooled is if I can't enjoy driving it anymore.

[IXXI_carrera]

I found a Targa (personal choice), six speed tranny (want to avoid the PDK - personal choice). Non S (I would prefer an S).

I do not understand why Porsche decided to only make this generation (and all subsequent versions) of Targa in AWD.

I rather enjoy driving the '89. Bullet-proof.

Talk me off the ledge

[Dixie]

Keep the Targa
* You arguably own one of the most iconic cars ever made.
* It will continue to appreciate, and at an exponential rate.
* Maintenance and repairs on your Targa are DIY friendly.
* It has a unique driving character missing in new cars.

[IXXI_carrera]

This post is worthless without pics

[greglepore]

Do you need a "car" or a pleasure machine?

I don't doubt that the 997 is more competent, faster, and has real a/c and functional infotainment etc. None of that is what I want in a Porsche.

The aircooled driving experience is singular. It not the car I'd drive to Colorado at this point in my life, but its irreplaceable.

[Tobra]

You would be kicking yourself the rest of your life.

I would be willing to fly out and kick you a little if your kickin leg gets tired

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Keep the Targa
* You arguably own one of the most iconic cars ever made.
* It will continue to appreciate, and at an exponential rate.
* Maintenance and repairs on your Targa are DIY friendly.
* It has a unique driving character missing in new cars.

Yep...

[fanaudical]

I know a few locals who have both new and air-cooled P-cars. The near universal sentiment:

"I drive the new car when I need to be somewhere. I drive the air-cooled when I want to have fun..."

[911boost]

For a regular 997.2 I’d keep the 3.2, changes a lot when talking GT2/3 cars but they are out of the fun versus cost ratio in my opinion right now and I own one.

[A930Rocket]

Beautiful car. Keep it.

[look 171]

Why not a 991? Better tech and more reliable. I say keep the Targa if you can. Problem I discovered is that my old air cool cars get driven less and less unless I make it a point to have fun if not, I always drive my Cayman, much more then my 991 turbo.

How about a cheaper alternative, Cayman S. They are cheaper and I think its a really fun car. Rev happy, 300+ hp. What's not to like? Cheaper then a 997 too

[aigel]

Just buy the 997 and keep the 3.2. Then you can decide.

IMHO unless you get a GT3 or turbo, you will be surprised how little more fun a 997 will be compared to your 3.2.

If you can only have one Porsche, go test drive a 993. it will scratch your itch without getting away from air cooling and classic interior / roof layout. The 993 will also retain its value better than any base 997

[look 171]

Hi George, you get that 993 back on the road. Its been a long time since we talked. Hope all is well.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by look 171

Hi George, you get that 993 back on the road. Its been a long time since we talked. Hope all is well.

You bet - currently daily driving it for the summer. Put about 5k on it this year!



I’m in SoCal a lot these days, I should come visit you and we can go for a drive!

[look 171]

Sure, what are you doing down here in paradise?

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Beautiful car. Keep it.

My thoughts, exactly. Keep her.

[IXXI_carrera]

Thanks everyone for your perspectives and input. I’m a bit surprised the consensus to keep my 3.2. This is the well-reasoned advice I needed.

Many thanks.

Now the weather is somewhat cooling in Texas, it’s becoming Targa time again!

[masraum]

If it was me, I'd hang on to the '89 like my life depended on it.

But, it really depends upon what you want the car for and use it for. Is it a fun weekend driver, a daily driver, a show car, track star, etc....

Back in the day, I daily drove an '88 911 targa. If it's in good enough shape, that's an option, but with the appreciation that those cars have seen that might be a bit scarier to do. And a 997 would likely be a more comfortable driver with more creature comforts.

If it's a weekend fun car, definitely, I would think hang on to the 997. But it's an entirely subjective thing. Drive a few 997 and see what you think and feel after driving them. How much do you drive the '89? A lot, a little, do you find you don't drive it as much as you think you should? Do you love the driving experience?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by IXXI_carrera

This post is worthless without pics

Spectacular. Why are you considering getting rid of that?