Thoughts on the "new" targas

[adamred]

I had a 1980 Targa and thought that any future Porsche that I buy would be a coupe.
Have a line on a 2009 Targa with extremely low miles in a unique color and am intrigued. Anyone here own a 997-targa? Experiences?

Not going to see any track use, mostly a weekend and nice weather car for me, but does performance suffer b/c of the all glass roof? Squeaks and rattles?
Would be great to read some opinions, perhaps some pics of your babies...

Thanks all,
Adam

[RKC]

Went from an 87 Targa to a 2007. The newer car feels airy and open with the glass closed, and pretty close to an open car when the glass is retracted. You can drive on the highway with the glass fully open and the windows up and there is no/low harmonic buffeting (close it about 2-3 inches from fully opened w/windows closed and the buffeting is bad).

It rattles less than my 87 did (a low mileage, pampered car). Overall, a pretty close feel to the old car - it is funny to see how little has changed - for instance, the passenger seat oscillates when empty on the highway in the same way.

I have the electronic suspension, so the ride is better when soft and comparable to the 87 sport shocks when firm. Soft is great for around town. Over time I've come to set it to firm on the highway to stop a slight floaty feeling. The rattles get worse on firm.

The worst squeak is right along the front seal - a little bit of spray lubricant on the rubber seal takes care of it for 2 months or so. I also lubricate the tracks, though I've never had a problem. The only other constant squeak is if the back seats are up and unoccupied on the highway. Lube didn't help so if my kids aren't with me I'll put them down (doesn't squeak when they sit in them).

The car is faster everywhere than the 87, so even if it isn't quite as quick as the coupes, I can't imagine having a problem with it. It handles flatly and solidly and, for the public roads, I can't imagine the weight up top makes any serious difference.

For me at least - a former convertible freak from San Diego - the Targa is a perfect Midwestern near-convertible - letting the sunshine in on the fly, opening the roof for a quick run to the 7-11, etc. No handles, folding, hassle, etc. And at night and in the winter in the city, the glass roof is magical. My X5 has a big sunroof, but, big as it is, it is still above/behind you to the right and you don't notice it much when you drive. The Targa in a city (or on a moonlit night anywhere) you can't help but notice. You see ahead, above, a bit to the left and almost completely to the right. I still startle a little when driving at night when coming from another car, it feels so open and airy. This helps a bunch when the winter's low grey clouds blanket the sky for weeks at a time. And it is especially nice when the sun finally comes out on one of those winter days.

The air conditioning can handle the heat with the sunshade closed too (and the 2009's had a better/thicker one). A great car.....

BUT....as you may see from another thread, I still had an IMS issue, so a certified 997 makes $12,000 worth of sense - I know I was glad of the warranty. Luckily, I think the 2009's are immune to all those early issues because of a redesign, though I'd double check....

[adamred]

Great write up, thanks RKC. The imagery of staring up at a winter sky, makes me think maybe you work in marketing/advertising!
I lost out on the local low mileage car, turns out it was a Porsche Excutive car from 2009, being sold at a crazy discount from new, and it basically still was new. But have my eye out for any others.
I like the idea of a 2009 for the engine redesign, but prices are still very high, so we'll see what develops.
Thanks again, great write up.
Adam

[RKC]

Glad to help, and sorry you missed the '09. A couple come up every month - I flew down to Miami to get mine.

And advertising? No - If I did, I'd never have told you about the rattles!

Good luck in your search!