$30k: Early Cayman S or 996?
 

Alright, from some cursory searches it seems that early Cayman S's can be had for around $30k, and we all know 996's can be had for less. For arguments sake, let us compare a 2006 Cayman S with a 2002 911 (or any update car), as they are close to the same price.

My situation is this: young, single, no kids or anything like that. Earn enough money to afford the cars in question, in fact I've checked and my insurance would go down (!) somehow. This car would be replacing the Mazda. Obviously, I would lose a tremendous amount of cargo capacity, but honestly, I could give a rip as long as I can get my groceries in it. Unloading the 944 and picking up a cheap pickup truck would become a very real possibility should this occur.

I've always lusted after Porsches for as long as I can remember, and I figure I might get while the getting's good. However, as much as I love both cars, I've never done more than sit in a Cayman, never in a 911. The only Porsche I've driven is my 944. A tragedy, I know.

With that in mind, I'd LOVE to hear comments/suggestions/cautions about either car.

How do the interiors compare? The 996 looks dated to a Cayman. Is this as real as it appears in pictures?

How usable are either car in an everyday setting?

Either one more DIY friendly? (I love getting my hands dirty and abhor paying people to do something I am capable of doing myself)


Or tell me I'm an idiot.

Cayman.

From your post, you are comparing cars that are 4 model years different, is a 02 996 more developed than a 06 Cayman? maybe, but a Cayman has all the combined improvements Porsche learned in those 4 years...

Buy a car as new as you can afford..

Sounds like you need to take a few test drives! Both cars are fantastic, but their feel is not the same. I've thought about the 2 cars myself. I like my boxster, I liked my old 911. One thing I liked about the 911 was the ease of putting things in the backseat without opening a trunk or hatch. If you like to keep "stuff" in your car, the 911 might be a better choice. If you prefer having the engine right behind your ears, than the Cayman is your choice ;)

Both cars are DIY friendly.. both make fine daily drivers.. it comes down to which "personality" you like better.

"young, single, no kids or anything like that."

Cayman, by a mile. No contest.

I have a 997, basically a 996 with new sheet metal. It can hold a bit more than a Cayman on grocery runs, but its not like you are going to Home Depot in your P-car. If you are young, no kids, I would take the Cayman.

A 996/997 is a GT car. A Cayman is a sportscar. Light, nimble.

Not that Wikipedia is always correct but

Cayman = 2954lb
996 = 2920lb

I imagine a "stripper" early 996 C2 is very close (essentially a wash) vs a Cayman.

I am admittedly basing my statement on feel, not fact.

Cayman hands down (I just bought one :). )

Few other considerations, production runs, looks, resale value.


Good luck

Have you considered a Boxster S instead of a Cayman S?

If you can swing it, go for a 2009 or newer Cayman S. The direct injection motors seem to have held up well.

Then again, it would be helpful to know what the car's purpose would be. Daily driver? Autocross / track car? Weekend joy-rider?

-Z-man.

I liked about the 911 was the ease of putting things in the backseat without opening a trunk or hatch.
http://www.nicefor.info/h.jpg

The newer engine would be nicer, yes, but I have yet to see any that are in the price range. Could I stretch for one? Perhaps. But I'm much more comfortable with the situation laid out. This would be the daily (and honestly, weekend joyrider. It's a Porsche!). I have not gotten into autoX, and if I did I would just use the 944 or a second, cheaper car.

No, convertibles do not hold much appeal to me, despite the Boxsters cheaper entry price.

Then I would suggest a 2003 or 2004 996 Coupe 6spd with 50-65K miles

Since your opinion runs counter to what most people have said, care to explain why?

Something like this is very tempting.

Just curious, any particular reason why you don't add an air-cooled 911 to the list?

No matter how reliable, I don't think I could trust a 30+ year old car as a DD. And 993's appear to be out of the price range. Also, the water pumpers just seem 'right' to me. The my non-existent knowledge of the air cooled cars intimidates me, TBH.

If I buy another Porsche it would be a 993, but more then likely it will be a Cayman. I drove one at the Festival of Speed with a 20 bucks donation through a bunch of cones in a parking lot with the Porsche driver next to me. I like that little Cayman A LOT even through its was automatic. To me, they just look so much better then that long ass 911. I have never driven a modern 911 beside an early gt3 on the street for a few blocks.

Cayman S
 

About 3 years ago my son bought a 2006 Cayman S with 30k miles on it. It was bought from a Porsche dealer as a CPO car with 3 additional years of bumper to bumper warranty. In those 3 years, he put another 27k on the car and really enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to drive it on several occasions, even got the car for a week one time! Great car, strong engine, super suspension/handling and incredible looks! His job has started requiring more traveling, so he decided to trade it on a new/ larger vehicle. If you are interested in a near perfect condition car (with a new water pump) the Ford dealer in Hilton Head, SC has the Cayman S. It is silver with a black interior with several options. Sorry, but I don't have a picture.

If the back jump seats aren't important, the Cayman S is the way to go.

If you are single (ie. no wife to b----h at u that there is not enough room) then the Cayman is the obvious choice. Having driven a '99 911(water cooled), I was disappointed, felt heavy etc. I was more impressed 15 years ago trying an aircooled 911. Currently have a Boxster base 2001, have never driven a Cayman but the latter would be my choice for fun, controllability etc. Of course if 2nd hand, then get a PPI done and check for accident damage. Enjoy:):):)