I've been following this thread for the last few days so thought I'd add my 2p worth....
I wouldn't limit myself to a Targa search. I'd rather have a full cabriolet if I was that way inclined or a full hardtop. The Targa has a load of weight in the worst possible place. Big lump of glass on the top. They can creak and if they go wrong they're an expensive nightmare. But hey their owners love them and there's a bum for every seat.
996.1 vs 996.2.
Unfortunately even Baz Hart has stated that due to the nature and design flaws of the engine "every 996.2 will bore score", some from as little as 20k miles. Some much sooner obviously.
A bold claim but that's what I read once. Don't make me go and find it, but I will if I have to. :grin:
The single row IMS in the 996.2 is more prone to failure also.
996.1 can borescore. The people that say they don't are wrong.
But.. it's very very rare.
The early 3.4 (996.1) has a better coating on pistons and arguably the best IMS bearing, being the dual row.
However 3.4s can still -
D chunk
Oval bores
Drop valves
IMSB fail
Chain tensioners snap
Crankshaft bearings wear through
Etc
All 996 (non mezgers) can throw up a huge bill. Some you can protect yourself from, others are down to pure luck.
I went for an early 3.4 C2 manual Coupe with sub 80k, as there are a few issues that are definitely mileage related, e.g. crankshaft bearings.
That brings us into the sub 80k requiring no work argument.
Loads and loads of items in these cars are ready to be renewed due to age, irrespective of miles.
Rads, suspension, waterpumps, blah blah.
You WILL throw a couple of grand at least, at all but the best enthusiast owned cars out there.
If you do find a mint one with everything done it won't be £14k-£15k. It'll be £18k+, more like £20k+, easy.
So either pay it all out at the start with a £20k one or pay £14k and bring it up to scratch over time.
Either way the 996 is now a £20k car however you do it.
OP - Ignoring the Targa/Coupe/Cab choice, the manual/tip choice and the C2/C4 choice, (of which C2, manual Coupe will always be the most expensive), I'd be going for a 996.1 with upto 80k on it.
That would give you the best start to things.
Then add an LTT, flip the IMSB seal open, make sure rads are good or new, fit a new waterpump and renew coolant, stick some millers 10/50 in it and hope for the best.
After that it's pot luck as to whether you'll be one of the unlucky few.
Obviously on top of all that you then get into leather interior refreshing, suspension overhauls, paintwork perfecting, then putting your own stamp on it, eg aerokits, bucket seats, etc. So you can see where thousands of pounds can go very quickly.
Awesome cars though and finally being recognised for the unfiltered analogue thrills they provide.
It also depends on what sort of owner you are. You'll hear stories of cars needing nothing but routine maintenance but these are probably the type of owners who just cruise about and don't really lean on the car.
Start delving deeper and cars like that are ready for quite a few parts if you like things "right".
Anyway just my opinion and we all have one.
Good luck with the search. Remember the early cars are now 20 years old. If a car is described as excellent condition I'd still expect minor stone chips and signs of usage elsewhere, such as interior. It shouldn't be rough of course, but don't expect new. They simply aren't. Just because values are climbing that doesn't undo 20 years of wear from being used.
That's what I'm guessing your issue is and why your search is proving difficult.
Nobody likes imperfections but be realistic. :thumb:
Sorry for long post.