Doug got lazy. Also if he finally does again i hope he stops stupidly getting in from driver side and use the passenger side like a normal person would(especially since its most often the passenger seat that os mkst optimized for quick ingress, old toyotas had special levers for rear passengers to fold and slide front passenger seat with one lever press in the foot well.
I love that Porsche didn’t cancel the Targa when no one bought it, and instead vastly improved the next generation Targa in the 991 and made it one of the most coveted trims of the Carrera lineup.
I certainly never forgot these. I was like 10 when they came out, I thought they were awesome, had the die-cast 1:20 model sitting on my shelf until I moved out of my parents house.
Exactly. Compared to the Targa, the Cabriolet looks boring. The 991 Targa has all the correct design references, the hoop, the Corvette-like-before-the-Corvette rear windshield, the lot. I just love the Targa and everyone should too. 💗
If you look at the menu at 15:35 his audio settings have been adjusted to compensate for blown speakers. Blown speakers is not a listed quirks and feature on cars and bids website
@@macbook802 Or they just didn't feel like bass... I set my sterio like this all the time and also do the opposite and I can assure you my speakers aren't blown, I installed all 12 of them myself.
Yea.. most auto journalists (aside from Throttle House, SavageGeese and The Straight Pipes) are obsessed with big touch screens. It's honestly annoying to me. Big screens tend to blind people's eyes even while driving at night, and it could cause some people to have seizures. Most automotive RU-vidrs dont realize. This is why more and more newer cars have gotten big, heavy and expensive over the last decade or two.
@@jonlosito2004 lol, screens never bothered me in dark and in most cars they automatically darken in the dark. And if some screen could give you seizure you have no business driving a car.
Why exactly do you need instant access to things like "disable proximity key", or "passenger airbag"? Buttons that don't get used much don't have to be accessible, especially if they're only adjusted when parked.
It must be because if you only have a day or two with a car, a touch screen is better as it feels more similar to our devices. But the buttons are something you eventually get used to after ownership and then know where everything is by feel. @@jonlosito2004
What's awesome is you can get this awful infotainment system replaced with a modern touchscreen one from porsche that eliminates most of the garbage buttons, but keeps the important ones.
This car has my heart. I had my dream spec and it was totaled out about a year ago. All the other 997s I’ve had I’ve loved but not the same, still looking for the perfect car.
If you look at the menu at 15:35 his audio settings have been adjusted to compensate for blown speakers. Blown speakers is not a listed quirks and feature on cars and bids website
I had one of these. That hatchback makes it the most practical 911. The back seat becomes an easy access cargo area. The top tends to have a lot of squeaks and rattles though. I sold it on Cars and Bids!
I own a 996 Targa, so a couple more fun facts: unlike the 997, the 996 is only available with RWD. This particular Targa roof debuted in the 996 and the roof itself is a carryover part from the previous generation. Most of the part numbers, if not all, are 996 numbers. If there is a malfunction with the roof, your wallet is going to bleed. Speaking out of experience… this cars roof seems to work perfectly.
The Targa looks good, but it's essentially a glorified sunroof. The glass roof is marginally cool, but in terms of owning a car, I would never want a glass roof. If you live in a hot area, you'll understand why
What year is your targa? I am a huge fan of the 996 targa myself and have came close a couple of times to getting one, well that's been about four years ago and I'm really starting to think I missed my window on it sadly but I'm still looking. Congratulations on having my favorite car period.
@@peterjordansonthe2nd731 really you can have it tinted with something like 80% sun/heat blockage and you don't even have to have any dark tint. They have nearly clear tint just for blocking heat.. sure a targa ain't for everyone but glorified sunroof is what it is. The rear hatch opens panoramic sunroof are on lots of new luxury vehicles and I think they are awesome but not for everyone
My buddy retired and bought this car in Silver. I'd never seen one before, and was shocked at how the targa operates. We're in the PNW so lots of rain and intermittent sunshine. It's the prefect solution for year round use.
Understated but phenomenal review. I love when he delves into a specific vehicle's history especially. You can almost perceive the wave of memories from his Porsche days flooding back as he spoke during the driving portion. THISSS is the type of review I cherish more than others. Well done Doug!
That’s more of a sunroof than a targa but it’s probably one of the nicest options for a 911 that will mostly be a cruiser. Certainly better than a convertible.
the targa's were junk, sketchy mechanics for the roof. Many, many stuck open in the rain and good lord the repairs to the roof were (and still are) VERY expensive.
@@Midlife_Crisis_ you stumped me on that one. Long-time 911 cab manual driver, and the cab is great BUT cab maintenance is not cheap. Cab top installer does not do cab mechanicals and many will do motors and pistons but not all the other piddly can bushings.
To me, a targa top almost always looks better vs a convertible. Helps keep the roof line and shape of the car without looking awkward like most convetibles based on coupes do. This 911 is really more of a sunroof though...
The silver trim piece is the most obvious giveaway to a 997 being a Targa. Also, all non-Targa models had rounded glass where the pillar met the rear deck. The Targa model's glass met at a sharp point.
@@TheNick26440 A quirk not mentioned by Doug is that these start out as a Cabriolet body and are then fitted with the whole Targa roof structure as an addition. So the body on these are very rigid...even more so than a coupe if I recall. My 2002 Targa feels very solid and rattle free even with 145k miles.
I think the Targa 997 is just beautiful. I think it’s seriously under appreciated. The 997 in general in a manual is an incredible car. All models. Especially the Turbo
Finally, Great praise and love for the 997 coming from Doug. Pretty much summed up why I have not "upgraded" to newer Porsche 911s. I have owned my 997.1 Carrera 4S for 14 years now. Still love driving it just for the pleasure of it. Checks all my boxes for driving fun and excitement. No matter how slow or fast you drive, it is a great pleasure.
Doug, the only reason the Cayenne manual kept selling was that you kept pushing them on dealers when you did allocations. I remember those days when you came to my desk and reported the numbers. 😂
Controversial but to me they're more stylish than the coupes even ;) And being rare I'd rather get one if I had the money that is. I hope they stay undesirable though to keep the prices lol hehehe
There's more to the little flap between the cupholders. The purpose of closing the central panel once you deploy the cupholder(s) isn't just cosmetic. If you don't close it up, the cupholder is then free to swing sideways as you corner. As it swings sideways, the bottom of the cupholder rises to allow it to re-enter its little storage slot. That, in turns, changes the cup holder to a cup ejector. The bottom rise up, forces the drink container upwards, and away it flies, spilling its contents all over the interior. I can't be the only 996/997/991 owner to have discovered that the hard way!
Got my first 911 last year, a 6 speed manual '07 Targa 4 in Guards Red, but also with a Fabspeed air intake and the head unit switched to a modern Kenwood unit with CarPlay. I know it sounds cliched, but I'll never sell this car, it literally checks every single box. Thanks for the review Doug, it was so fun seeing my car in your hands! :))
Nice! My 997.2 Targa has a Fabspeed intake! Makes a good difference in the sound. I’m in CA so had to put a stock airbox back on for smog, but the Fabspeed one went right back on. Mine also has the Billy Boat Exhaust center muffler bypass. Zippy sounding and feeling!
As a “regular guy”, and life long 911 enthusiast, I went with the glass top Targa for the exact reason. I appreciate unique and different cars. 911’s are all under the radar, but for the IYKYK crowd, it’s a fun conversation starter. I looked at hundreds of 911’s up to around the $70k mark, but once I got fixed on the Targa, there was no other choice. Mine is a 996, but it’s a beautiful spec, narrow body (which I prefer), 6 speed, low mileage and was half my budget. I love it.
The 996.1 Targa is available in 2 wheel drive whereas the 997s are all AWD. IMO the hatchback 996/997 targa is the missing link that shows the evolution from the 928 to the watercooled 911 (sales figures even seem to confirm this). As an owner and someone who thinks the 928 is just about the perfect car, however, I'm on the hunt for a 996 Targa 2 manual but they are surprisingly rare.
Small correction...the 996.1 did not have a Targa...it was introduced for 2002 with the 996.2 updates including the more desirable 3.6 engine. I have a manual 2002 Targa and it is perfect for the NC mountains where I live. Weather changes from freezing to sunny and glorious within minutes and I open the roof all the time. Keep looking, they are out there!
I bought my 997.1 Targa 4S in 2009 and absolutely love it. Everything Doug said about access to the rear through the “hatchback” is true; you can easily load luggage or a case of wine 😅 with ease, though the latter fits in the front luggage area too. He didn’t mention that the upholstered “seat bottoms” also lift out giving a platform to set heavy items on without damaging the upholstery. I had a squeak, (but never a rattle) in the Targa roof track/gasket also, but a light coating of piezoelectric grease (?) solved it. Doug also didn’t mention that the sport exhaust button on some models (don’t remember the designation, but SPORT MODE is shown on the dash) not only changes the sound, but also changes the DME so the throttle response is significantly increased and the acceleration is noticeably faster; this also turns the harder SPORT suspension on as well, but you can turn that off with the “shocks” button. I live in the foothills of Colorado, with many great mountain roads to drive on, and this car is a dream to exercise, with great handling and fun ambiance with the Targa top open; in the winter it is cozy and warm with the top closed, AND you can enjoy the warmth of the sun and the views with the shade back. Glad to hear how rare it is; when I bought it they said only 600 were imported and sold in North America. I wonder how many are still going?
@@Thatguy55595 HAHAHAHA. I had a 2005 997 C2S before the 2007 Targa. Honestly, they were very similar. I could tell the C2S was faster, but with the weather we get in MA the added AWD from the Targa made a bigger difference. They were both super fun cars.
Fun fact, the 997 Targa was the only 911 that could fit a folding wheelchair due to the glass hatch. I knew someone who owned one of these when new who was a wheelchair user and it meant he could fit his folding chair in the back with the seats folded and daily a 911.
All the folks saying it's just a giant sunroof...sure, almost every vehicle offered today has giant glass sunroof options. Gotta understand, when this style glass roof Targa came out in 1996, NOBODY had done a full glass roof. It was mind blowing at the time and deserved to be called a Targa. I've had all style of Targas from a 1967 911 soft window (a quirky model too obscure even for Doug...look it up) through my current 2002 Targa, and they are all wonderful, unique variations on the 911 theme. The main reason for its rarity nobody has mentioned,...it was a VERY expensive model, costing more than the convertible, and for not much more money you could get a Turbo coupe.
Yes, this probably explains why it’s impossible to find a Targa 4S with the X51 kit. It would cost as much as a Turbo. Too bad as the power would offset the extra weight.
I used to hate the color when I first started selling them, but it grew on me. I thought red was too Ferrari, too Corvette. Silver was better for Porsche. But after seeing silver after silver, the red began to catch my eye.
If you look at the menu at 15:35 his audio settings have been adjusted to compensate for blown speakers. Blown speakers is not a listed quirks and feature on cars and bids website
The Targa 4S has always been my favorite 911. It's subtle and classy looking, and arguably the best daily-driver Porsche. It captures the original spirit of the 911 better than many of the other models in my opinion. My favorite version is the (991) Targa 4S which had design elements inspired by the original Targa 911.
When I started my job at porsche as a service valet, I drove a few macans and cayennes around before getting into a 911. There was a silver 997 Targa in for service that needed to be brought up front. I was handed the keys, and it was the first 911 I ever had the pleasure of driving.
It’s actually might be my favourite 997, I’ve always loved the look of it with the different shape rear glass and added chrome and the glass roof, really cool car
I can see the appeal of the targa. I don't like the idea of softops so if ya can't make a hardtop work, a targa seems a good compromise. Plus, with the glass roof, panoramic sunroof is a nice perk when the weather isn't roof-down suitable.
I've been watching your content for 6 years and love it. I have to be 100% honest though, the quality took a big dip ever since you started recording inside instead of outside, from the scenery to the lighting.
I have a 997.2 Targa and love it! Doug nailed it. Only a few notes: * because it’s AWD it has the wide chassis and hips, looks much more aggressive! * last gen of hydraulic steering rack * the 997.2 has different targa top buttons than the 997.1 * 997.2 has unique reflector bar, 997.1 does not 997 Targas are amazing!!!
The 997 Targa is a damn fine car. I have one. I love that it’s a 911, great when it’s sunny or rainy and the unique hatchback feature makes it unusually practical for a 911. Ok it’s not as super sporty as other regular or GT models but it fulfils its brief surprisingly well.
Great review. I own a 09' 6MT 4S Coupe. Agree here: the shifting is SO good. CGT good?! OK then! It's a fast too. The .2 DFI engine form 09+ is powerful, reliable and tons of torque. The .1's do suffer a few more engine issues so if you plan on bidding this one a PPI I feel an important consideration. The warmer climate and low miles with likely good maintenance will provide some reassurance this is a good one with little bore scoring issues. Oh, this car needs engine mounts bad. Notice the flex when the sport exhaust was demonstrated. Not an overly difficult DIY or expense if taking to a shop. Guards Red always a great color on the 997. Most silver, black and white. Cool car! Oh, Doug I had heard Porsche only offered the Targa in AWD because the added weight with all the glass and mechanicals up high made the 2WD version somewhat unstable. 4WD versions are so planted. Someone's going to be stoked on this one!
This version of Targa was indeed quirky. The main issue was the amount of prominent rattles and misc.notable noises (creaking, popping) that these roof systems made once they age a bit. Most can be remedied, others you simply have to live with....
This is one I never really understood when I was selling exotic cars. I didn't like the C-pillar/sharp rear quarter window shape, like a Cabrio hardtop, and its claim to fame was... a sunroof. In my mind it was just a car nobody really asked for. We had a few of them over the years, not that popular. Began to appreciate it more for just being slightly different from all the identical looking Carreras out there! The color also took time to grow on me, initially hated Guards Red, but after like 100 silver Porsches I started to really dig it! Love from one 911 mom to another ♥️
The main appeal of a targa is that you can have the open air experience but you don’t have to RUIN the styling of the regular coupe model like normal convertibles do. Targa > convertible ALL DAY
To me the “Real” Targa is the one with curved glass (991, 992 or older one from 80s). 997 looks little bit more like coupe with glass roof and I think it’s my leas favorite. But from collectors state point it’s an ultra rare car and still deserve to care a special place in Porsche lineup. I’ll take 997 turbo over this all day
Collectors don't really like this one despite the rarity. It doesn't really have the look and feel of older/newer targas, it's just a very big sunroof.
Having that back glass open makes this car so much more practical. I rented a 992 Carrera S in LA, and I was able to stuff a huge suitcase behind the front seats (enough for 14 days of clothing), and I was really impressed that I was able to fit it into the car. If the rear glass opened, it would have fit even better. I think it's a wasted opportunity not to have the rear glass be able to open on all 911 Models!
This is a killer video! I own (bought it in 2008) a 2008 911C4S Targa 997.1and it's an incredible ride. I haven't seen any on the road and I live in Cali where the roads are made for this kinda ride. Forever The Bloodline. Forever The Smile.
I _used_ to think it was disingenuous for Porsche to call this car a Targa. But in the era of the Taycan "Turbo", when words don't mean *anything* anymore, I guess they retroactively get a pass?
Doug complains about all the buttons, but that is one of my favorite things about my 2013 Cayenne. When I first got in it I was a bit overwhelmed with all the buttons. Tons of buttons on the dash, center console, and even the head liner. Felt like a jet inside. Took a bit to figure out what all the buttons actually did, but once you learn them it is so nice to have so much control over every little thing in the car without ever having to dig through a touch screen menu
@@johnpicillo1988 agreed! The 997 has always been my favorite generation of the 911, and the way the targa is designed just adds to the beauty. I currently drive a MINI Cooper S 2 door with the two panel sunroof and I enjoy the large glass and the pseudo open top feel when it is open and the windows are down. I imagine it is even better in the 997 targa. One day I’ll know for sure.
i had NEVER seen one of these, however only TWO days after watching this video i saw a white targa 997 and i could not believe my eyes… has to be one of the biggest coincidences ive ever experienced
Porsche do now make an official upgrade unit for the infotainment - it is modern, fits in with an OEM look and includes Apple Carplay. No doubt a bit expensive to you and I, but if you're buying a 911/997 you gotta realise it's not a Ford Focus!
I OWNED ONE IN ORANGE! It was such a great practical car with good amount of power. i had the Targa 4S and was a perfect winter sports car (and the fact that it was my only vehicle)! Thanks for making me regret trading mine for a brand new 2013 C63 sedan at the time!
I am sure I am not the only one thinking 🤔 no no why brag about being the first to comment, if your over six years old, maybe think about dating someone of the opposite sex, or get an interesting hobby, maybe a dog to expand your obviously limited life..but honestly there is a whole world out there...
@@alanwayte432I wasn't bragging I truly do feel honored to the first to comment on one of his videos since I've been watching him for so long but thank you anyways you're the best
Wow! Did you come up with that painfully obvious comment all on your own or did one of your fellow mental patients help you? Grow up. You are truly irrelevant.
Doug's the kind of guy to review a Targa and not talk about the driving experience with the roof open. Is there any wind buffeting? Engine sound better? How does the driving experience differ from a convertible with the top down?
The first time I've heard of 911 Targa was in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010). I was confused as to what it was because it still looked like a regular 911 but with a glass greenhouse and a red light bar going across the rear (it being a 997.2 model). Since then it always had a place in my spot because of how unique it was and how very few of them actually exist.
This was my favorite car alongside the XKR from the performance category to drive in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit. That exhaust sound when I would drive inside a tunnel was otherworldly. I never thought these were rare. I always assumed they were common 😂.
Nice to see I'm not the only one mentioning Hot Pursuit, for me my favorite was probably the Veyron.. or the GT3RS, or maybe the Zonda, idk, they're all so good 😂
Doug is the type of guy that likes the cupholders in the 9X7 generation. These are the same as my 987. These cup holders were probably designed for a 12 oz soda can. They don't hold anything much larger in diameter than that and they are mounted so high that a 20 oz travel coffee mug impedes your view through the windshield! Besides the stripe, you can also tell the Targa from the side by the rear side window that tapers to a point. On the coupe the back corner of the side window is rounded.
I've had around 13 Porsches from 2009 till now (2024) and although I currently own a GT4RS I am on my 4th 997! I started with a white 05 997C2 manual, then had an 07 Targa 4S Tip, then a 997 07 GT3 (should have kept it 😭) and then an 07 C2S Manual. I have now just bought a white 2006 Manual C2 with zero options, it's base as base can be (except for the 8 way seats) and it's A PEACH. I totally love it and I am so so happy to be back in a 997 Manual. It is perfect!
@@JoJoJoker The Targa 4S was fantastic. It has the wider body and the extra weight up front (in any AWD 911) gives you more front end grip for better turn in coupled with the AWD pulling you around the corner. The only "flaw" was the Tiptronic box which is why (one of the reasons) I sold it. Tiptronic is a perfectly good auto box but not sporty enough for a Porsche it is too slow on the downshifts.
@@JoJoJoker It was great, only let down by the Tiptronic box. Lots of front end grip due to extra weight up front with AWD. Big wide rear looked menacing. I loved it.
They're quite an uncommon Sight, even here in Germany where you see all kinds of 911s every few Minutes it seems. I can only think of a few Times i've seen one on the Autobahn or in the City Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
She would have been absolutely thrilled when she drove it after bringing it home. That’s why she never sold it or did any modification. Best part is she bought the 4S which has 350 sweet horsepower.
