Is the IMS bearing still a concern on 991.2 and 992 Targas?

No. The intermediate shaft bearing issue was specific to the 996 and early 997 generations (approximately 1999-2008). The 991.2 (2016+) uses a direct-drive oil-fed bearing that eliminates the IMS concern entirely. Buyers who have done research often ask about this; the accurate answer is it has not applied to new-production 911s for over a decade.

What is bore scoring and how do I know if it's a concern?

Bore scoring is cylinder wall damage caused by insufficient lubrication, most commonly from short oil change intervals or extended idling after cold starts. It affects the flat-six engines in 991 and 992 generations and can require a full engine rebuild ($15,000-$30,000). It is not detectable from photos. The only way to assess bore scoring risk is an oil analysis for aluminum particulates and a borescope inspection by a Porsche specialist. If a 991.2 or 992 does not have documented oil change records at Porsche-recommended intervals (or shorter), budget for this inspection before purchase.

How do I tell if a 911 Targa has been tracked?

Photos provide several signals: brake dust buildup patterns on wheels and calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires, ceramic brake rotors with aggressive wear scoring, and aftermarket coilovers or sway bars visible in wheel well photos. Interior wear accelerates significantly under track use, so cross-reference any suspected track car's steering wheel and pedal wear against its claimed mileage. Carfax does not log track days, so visual evidence is the only pre-purchase method.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used 911 Targa?

Yes, without exception. A Porsche specialist PPI (not a generic shop) should include a borescope of the cylinders, oil analysis, roof mechanism test, all weatherstrip and seal inspection, and a check of the PDK or manual transmission. A PPI on a car at this price point runs $400-$600 and is required homework.

Porsche 911 Targa: What to Look For Before You Buy

The 991.2 and 992 Targa is the most mechanically demanding variant of the 911 to inspect before buying. The retractable fabric roof and rear glass assembly are genuinely complicated, and a Targa with a poorly maintained roof mechanism or cracked rear weatherstripping will cost $3,000-$8,000 to put right. On the mechanical side, bore scoring on flat-six engines remains the sleeper issue buyers overlook. Most buyers spend their research time on questions about the IMS bearing, which is largely a non-issue on 991.2 and newer; the concerns that actually matter are elsewhere.

What to Look For in Photos

Paint and Body

The Targa's rear hoop and the B-pillar area behind the door are high-risk zones for paint damage during roof cycling. Look carefully at the inner edge of the Targa bar and the top of the rear quarter panels for paint chips or contact scratches. Repeated use of the automatic roof mechanism brings the fabric top close to these surfaces, and owners who operate the roof in marginal conditions (wind, tight garage clearance) leave marks.

Paint protection film (PPF) is extremely common on these cars, particularly on the front bumper, hood leading edge, mirrors, and rocker panels. PPF appears slightly glossier or with faint edge lines in raking light. This is a positive sign if it was applied professionally by a previous owner; it means the car was driven by someone who cared about the paint. Yellowed or lifting PPF is a different story and costs $1,500-$3,000 to remove and replace.

Look at the wheels closely. The 911 Targa runs rear tires in the 295-305 width range depending on trim and options, and those wide rear tires make low-speed curb maneuvers risky. Curb rash on the rear wheels is significantly more common than on the fronts. Refinishing a set of Porsche center-lock wheels runs $200-$400 per wheel at a quality shop.

Tires

The 991.2 Targa 4 and Targa 4S use a staggered fitment: 235/40R19 front, 295/35R19 rear on the standard wheel package. Track-biased owners often run even wider rear tires. Check for uneven wear on the outer rear edges, which points to aggressive negative camber from track alignment. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on a car listed as a "daily driver" is a track-use signal.

Interior

The Targa's interior inspection priority is the soft top headliner and rear glass surround seals. Water intrusion from a failed rear glass seal most commonly shows up as moisture staining on the headliner fabric behind the occupants, or as a musty smell that photos cannot capture but seller descriptions sometimes reveal. Ask directly.

Steering wheel leather wear and pedal wear are the most reliable mileage proxies on 911s. A worn steering wheel rim on a car with low claimed mileage is a significant inconsistency. Alcantara steering wheels wear faster than leather, so factor in the wheel material when assessing wear patterns.

What Dr. Vin Checks on a 911 Targa

Dr.Vin's 911 Targa assessment focuses on paint condition around the Targa bar and B-pillars where roof cycling causes chip damage, rear wheel curb rash given the wide tire fitment, and interior wear consistency with claimed mileage. The AI flags PPF edges and coverage patterns, which helps distinguish a well-maintained example from a car where PPF was applied to hide paint repair. Brake rotor surface condition visible in wheel photos is also assessed, which provides one proxy for track use frequency.

How It Compares

In the used market, some buyers consider the 911 Targa alongside a Ford Mustang GT500 or a BMW 3 Series M340i as entry-level luxury sports car alternatives. The Targa commands a significant premium over both; its cross-shoppers are typically buyers who want a 911 but are choosing between Targa, Cabriolet, and Coupe. The Coupe is the lowest-risk variant mechanically. The Targa pays a premium for the roof mechanism and carries additional inspection burden. The Cabriolet has a simpler roof system but more body flex. If condition and long-term cost matter, the Coupe is the practical choice; the Targa is for buyers who specifically want the Targa.