The '03 996 is an unknown quantity to me, because I've never been the least interested in them until l saw this car. I've heard the glass top is likely to rattle and squeak.How about mechanical issues for the '03?For example, was the MRS issue taken care of by then?Any other thoughts about what to consider?It is not Porsche certified, though the dealer does offer their own extended warranty. How about the targa itself?Is it the best of both coupe and convertible combined, or is it the worst of the two combined?Thanks for your help.

03 Porsche 996 Targa...
What things have gone wrong with the car?

Ran out fuel due to faulty computer software causing wrong readouts on the on-board trip computer - it has been re-programmed, but still not very accurate.

Both rads behind the front air in-takes rusted through within 12 months due to the build up of damp leaves. Replaced under warranty.

Major water leak into driver is foot well.

The metal Porsche logo center caps on 3 wheels came off due to wrong spec glue (replaced under warranty).

Problem with the cam shaft bearings which was fixed at the first service under warranty.

General comments?
The car is just the dogs bollocks & the performance is just stunning. It is happy to potter along at at 20-30MPH or it will take u to 120 MPH in a heart beat. It returned 33.5 mpg on a 180 mile run & gives me 23.5 mpg during normal every day driving. However the car cost me just short of $103k (inc options) & l am disappointed to have endured the problems outlined above. but l guess that it has not put me off as my order is already in for a new Porsche 911 Turbo.

YES--beware the dreaded rear main seal oil leak. Be SURE to have this car checked for that type of leak. It was not fixed by 2003 & only the 997 has fixed it (allegedly).

If it is leaking (now read this carefullyl) it is NOT fixable..you will need a new engine block.

If it is not leaking at that mileage, it probably never will, but if it is leaking, it will get worse.

These r great cars but quite frankly, the 996 has cheapened up the engine & l personally would not expect the 200K durability of the old 993.

Wonderful cars but think about trading out of it around 100K if l were you...

theyre overall very reliable.

The targa is heavier than the cabrio & doesnt offer the same feel. Its cool, but performance wise its not the best setup. Personally id prefer a standard 996 (i had a 99 for 5 years). great cars.

that being said, youd be a fool to get a tiptronic. Might as well just go buy a camry. The reason porsches r so highly regarded is because of their driver involvement. You lost about 80% of that by getting a tiptropnic. Total waste of car/money if u ask me. If u cant drive a stick, go buy a 300 dollar volvo out of a junkyard & learn on that for a couple weeks. after 2 weeks u should be fine.

Hi, This model Porsche has had many recall problems, though by 2003 many items had been improved. l have 28 Porsche & worked on Porsche for 34 yaers. l would recommend waiting for a 997, a better car alround or buy a 993, the 993 still have a stronger resale value than the 996. The engine, transmission, leaks & computer issues r common place, so if u can wait get the 997, a much better car. Hope this helps. l own a 1992 Turbo which has a highly modified 993 Twin Turbo motor in it & it is absolutely great. Porsche is the best car manufacture in my oppinion, though the 996 was a week link in their impecable record.

Porsche cars r very well made & r typically reliable cars. The 996 did have a few problems. The biggest one is the rear main oil seal. Have it checked out to make sure there is no leak. Typically if the seal leaks, u wo not be able to fix it, so avoid the car. If it is not leaking now, u should be in good shape. One other problem is the balance shaft bearings. The bearing is held on by 6 mm bolts (very small). Very few Porsche engines had a problem with this (mine did, but it was repaired under warranty - the entire engine).

You will get squeaks & rattles in a 911, but this is the price u pay for light weight & performance. It is not the same as squeaks & rattles u get from a domestic car.

One final thought - the Porsche 911 (996) is a great car, but to get the full driving experience, u should get a manual transmission, not the tiptronic. On paper, they r not far off, but they drive completely different.

The Porsche 996 is one of the best performance deals, since the air cooled crowd does not like the car & the people who want the latest & greatest have already purchased their 997's. There is not a strong following for the 996, therefore u can get a great car for a reasonable price. l would stick to the coupe (classic look, lighter weight, stiffer body).

l would also try to get a car that already has an extended warranty. Extended warranties r not transferrable if the car is resold through a dealership, so u will need to purchase the car private party. If u purchase a car from a dealership, make sure u purchase the extended warranty, but be prepared to pay 2-5K (depends on how many miles the car has & how much profit the dealer wants to make).

Good luck on ur purchase & most importantly, enjoy!

Greg

nothing to worry about. l have an 03 996 cabriolet with a ton of options including special interior and rocker panels but l love targas so get it