Skip advert
Advertisement

2002 Porsche 996 Carrera Targa

The launch of the 996 generation in 1999 marked one of the most significant changes in 911 history, with the introduction of a water-cooled flat-six engine.

  • Price new/now: £61,000 (2002)/£15,000
  • Engine/power: 3.6 flat-six/316bhp
  • 0-62/Top speed: 5.1-5.6 secs/174-177mph
  • Number produced: 2,693

The launch of the 996 generation in 1999 marked one of the most significant changes in 911 history, with the introduction of a water-cooled flat-six engine. Ever tougher noise and emissions regulations required Porsche to make the switch from air to liquid cooling and, for some, the purity of the 911 line was tainted as a result.

But that didn’t stop Porsche from evolving the 911 further than before. As with its predecessors, the full range of bodystyles was introduced over the following years, with the Targa arriving in 2002 to coincide with a minor facelift. This added revised headlights after some owners had complained about the similarities between the 911 and its Boxster sibling.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As with the 993-generation car, the Targa was based on the Convertible, so the distinctive curve of the rear side windows is replaced by a sharp point, and a sliding glass roof section tucks away under the rear screen when it’s opened. Again, there’s a fabric roller blind to shade the cabin in bright sunshine, but the glass wind deflector is replaced by a more conventional, black pop-up version.

You could hardly call the 911 practical, but later models do have a decent-sized front boot, and another neat feature boosted the 996 Targa’s versatility – leave the glass roof closed, and you can open the rear window like a glass tailgate at the push of a button. Fold the back seats down, and there’s a handy-sized load area that will accommodate more than the average weekly shop – you could even throw in a couple of sets of golf clubs.

At the moment, the 996 is a bit of an unloved 911. While values of air-cooled 993s are rising, this generation is at the bottom of its depreciation cycle, thanks to the lack of enthusiasm for water cooling and some questions over its reliability. But the Targa version has an element of rarity on its side, so it could be a decent investment for the future.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,882
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,975
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025