Targa OK for Daily Driver ?

[Strugs]

I am presently in search mode for an SC. I would prefer a coupe, but I have also always liked the idea of a removable roof. Also, it seems that a good proportion of the used 911's for sale in my area are Targa's. Could this be because they are a pain to drive on a daily basis.

In answering the poll, keep in mind I live in the soggy corner of Canada (Vancouver, BC) where it rains.....A LOT!

[Vipergrün]

Sorry Targa fans, I gotta vote #5 on this one. Southern California= Targa, Vancouver = coupe. However, perhaps you could develop a leak-proof targa top and make a killing on it! Disclaimer: I have never owned a targa, just going on word of mouth aka rumor...

-Brad
80SC

[Victor]

Sean Hamilton, please chime in here. You drive a daily SC Targa in one of the rainiest areas on this PLANET.

[70flatsix]

I highly recommend a 911 targa over a coupe!
Few coupes ever look this good!!

[911jon]

Hi Strugs,

I live in the UK, climate pretty similar to Vancouver (I have been over there). My targa is my everyday car, 1000 miles/month. No leaks, even when I pressure wash the car! I think the issue is simply one of proper maintenance and adjustment.

If you accept the extra input required over a coupe, you gain an extra dimension to your driving experience. I have driven targa and coupe, and the coupe is stiffer, no question. But not enough to make a real difference on the road. Track might be different, but I have no trouble keeping up with the coupes!

Personally I would be very happy with coupe or targa, I have no problem with the targa's styling (and I have a degree in Industrial Transportation Design). but in the UK there is a price premium for the coupe which makes the targa something of a bargain. My car is wonderful, utterly reliable and dependable and always a joy to drive - especially with the top out, like today (sunny here).

Happy motoring, whatever your decision.

[PORSHIN]

I have a Targa. Don't understand what all the fuss is about. I don't get wet when it rains and neither does the interior of the car. I really think it is a more attractive car and appreciate being able to take the top off on nice days (and nights). I have driven both and don't see that much difference in body flex. Of course I don't race it on the track. The only way I would concern myself with that would be if I was building an all out race car because you have to really be competing agressively to notice.
Rob

[red911]

I drive my 83 SC Targa everyday rain or shine no problem. It is now heading toward 182,000 miles. Just good maintenance and top adjustments and there is no problem.

[Jdub]

I am in Seattle and drive a Targa every single day, rain, shine, or snow.

You will have no problems. Just attend to the usual Targatop wear points and drive the car.

John

[Sean Hamilton]

Originally posted by Victor
Sean Hamilton, please chime in here. You drive a daily SC Targa in one of the rainiest areas on this PLANET.

Vic Mate! and the most liveable city on the planet too.

Brad Nah, what ever the rumour - it's all baloney.

Strugs I've said it before - when the doctor added the Targa to his marque, he added cream to the peaches.
A Targa adds an extra dimension to the Porsche experience. I sit in a hard hat coupe and look up at the claustrophobic aperture he called a sun roof ? - I cant wait to escape back into my Targa.
Yup mines my daily driver - company business vehicle and weekend fun runner.
I just love to arrive at the office or a clients with the top down any chance I can.
After work I hit the freeway on a balmy summer evening, taking the long way home, wind in my hair and Diana Krall as my passenger - playing loud over the wind rush. Just the tonic for a hectic day.
Rain doesn't bother me - 80 klm's per hour and it skims straight over the top. Stuck at the lights in a down pour - yeah I look like a dork, but I'm laughing with them,..... and at them when it turns to green.
Leaks in the Targa? what are they? Mines tight as a drum water tight - never used to be but I've cured that with some simple tinkering. The all day bucketing we've had here this winter has proven her dry as a bone. Winter top down cruising is warm as toast if the windows are up, the heat full on and directed to the foot wells. Actually it's more of a concern in the summer - frying your cranium under the sun. Still, a spot a melanoma or two is worth the experience.

BTW - Others here will recommend good advice to never fold the top. I always fold my top - it's what it's designed to do. Before I set off or in transit I stow it into the trunk or rear seat area, in a snap without hesitation. I live to enjoy my Porsche, not to be too concerned about some vinyl wear or creases in the fold areas.

[Sean Hamilton]

[targa911man]

If you're careful with your targa top you should have minimal problems, if any. I drove all four types (no sunroof coupe, sunroof coupe, cab and targa) before deciding on a targa. Because of the supposed "issues" with the targa, model year for model year you can get more car for your money if you go with a targa, and in my opinion , a lot more versatility and enjoyment. My top is on and off at least twice a week and even with regular folding and unfolding maintains good function and appearance.

[Halm]

If I had A/C, I could use it as a daily driver. But the heat and humidity here in the Carolinas keeps me from using it in the summer. I had no problem any other season with my 914 and I don't see one with the 911 Targa.

[weber92037]

Iv'e owned four targas and one coupe. Never had any problems with leaks. Go for it!!

[scedmonds]

Targas are terrific daily drivers (as are coupe and cabs).

Don't put up with leaks -- change the seals (front, top, rear glass) and count on a few hours a year adjusting the top (and changing the clips, etc.).

Nothing better on the road, IMHO.

Cheers!

C.

[Drago]

I drive a Targa everyday. No problem. Haven't had the top on the car for almost two weeks now too but that will undoubtedly end soon enough.

[Doug Zielke]

Originally posted by Drago
I drive a Targa everyday. No problem. Haven't had the top on the car for almost two weeks now too but that will undoubtedly end soon enough.

Hehehehe!!
Just you wait, Marco....in a few more weeks you'll be driving to work in raingear!

BTW.....I guess you've heard by now about the great BBQ you missed at Jamies. Another P N-W clan gathering just around the corner, I'm sure.

[zuerchers]

i keep reading about "making adjustments to the top"...what adjustments are you guys making? i havn't seen anything that can be adjusted.

[Sean Hamilton]

A box full of PM's appears as though my water tight Targa Top has caused some interest.
I've posted my humble contribution
"Targa Tinkering - Rattles & Water leaks"

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/77681-targa-tinkering-rattles-water-leaks-post517581.html#post517581

Hope it helps some of you.

[JeremyD]

I live in Florida - we don't have rain, we have DOWNPOURS!

Targa is no problem - actually a delight. Best car you can get - has the built in roll bar that the convertible doesn't have - stiff for an open car - and best of all you can pop the top on a sunny day.

Believe half of what you read on the internet and then only believe half of that...

[PORSHIN]

For my purposes, I wouldn't have it any other way!
Rob