Ok, so when I was shopping a few months back one car on my list was 996 Targa. I had just missed one at a decent dealer which then I hit my current 99' C2. Well once in a dealers db always in the db right....

So I get a call saying they have another Targa in. I figure WTF go down at lunch and check her out (never having been in one). She is a Guards red 02' nicely optioned with leather all inside no PSM, 15k miles.

First thing I notice after he starts her, engine seems very noisy. I guess the variocam + keeps higher revs at first. After a cpl minutes the revs come down to normal. I hear very faint ticking on drivers side engine....doesn't sound like lifter noise though.

Next I hop in to go for a spin. Clutch is smooth....too smooth. It felt very strange, like hardly any resistence. Going through gears, the shifting was same as mine (as expected). The bigger engine was noticable but no WOW or HolyS%$T reaction.

Biggest difference.....the ride.....The car was fitted with 18" turbo wheels, Mich Pilot sports (non PS2). The car felt too lush to me. In a straight line when hitting road variations she would have a slight wobble left to right. Pushing her made it more planted but still not the same as mine. I wonder if it has to do with mine having 19". Steering input felt slower also (which is oppisite with the 18" I thought)

The roof......VERY nice.....worth it? Probably not. I have a 11yr old and 7 yr old that still fit nice in back..... Targa roof open decreases headroom a few inches. 3" decreased if you don't retract the sunscreen.

All in all fun.....but I still love my 99' more.

 

must be nice to have all that free time...