To Targa or not to Targa

[bostonaudi]

I'm looking for a good used Carrera, 84-89, kinda debating on whether to get a Targa or not. My goals will not include tracking the car a lot or anything, just weekend cruises and back and forth to work a couple times a week. My dad had a Targa years ago and it was a lot of fun. Anything to look out for with the Targa's? Any downside? Is there much additional body shake? Seems these cars are pretty tight anyhow and the open top shouldn't hurt handling any. I'm not a cabrio fan but the open feel of the Targa seems appealing.

thanks for any insight.

[BK911]

If you're not sure, buy whichever you can find the best deal on the best car. But if it were me buying within your guidelines, Targa! Cruising around with the top off is just awesome. Search through the main forum, this topic comes up every so often and causes quite a bit of debate.

[vesnyder]

I would have to second the targa - but my motivation is a bit different. I currently have a 911 cab and a 914, and the targa top on the 914 gives the best of both worlds. It gives the protection from the elements but alos gives you the open air driving - but in NE Ohio we need more protection from the elements than Fla. The targe extends the top off season for at least 1-2 months.

[tshore]

Only down side to targas is that the tops leak, mostly from where the wing windows meet the targa top. In theory, these leaks are fixable, but...

If you park them outside, get a stormproof car cover, and tuck little micofiber towels between the visors and the side windows to catch the few drops that get through.


With that caveat, targas are great. Open air driving is fantastic, they look great, and the rear window cuts down on the buffeting at speed.

[the]

Targas are really nice for the use you are looking at. I've had coupes and cabs in the past, and currently have a targa. I use it for exactly what you are planning - occasional weekend and to work a few times per week.

Coupes are nice, but of course there is no open air driving! I didn't like the cab as much. Didn't like the plastic rear window, or the fabric top up and down all the time, I guess I just wasn't a cab type of person. The cab also has a lot of flex, which surprised me, and I didn't like, even for street driving. They really shake over the bumps. The targa is surprisingly solid. The rear window and bar add a lot of stiffness.

[Seahawk]

I really enjoyed my '94 Targa. I second all of the opinions above.

Should you get a Targa, the only thing I would add is to purchase a half car cover that fits over the open space when the top is off and covers all the windows.

It really made driving the car to work on nice days more flexible and kept the interior clean and cool.