Alright, I'm considering rejoining the fold - test drove a 2007 Cayman today

mikester · 05-10-2013, 01:01 AM

Yep. Up until today I had refused to even site in the newer water cooled cars. Not because I'm a snob but because I was pretty sure they would have to pry me out of the car afterwards.

I was damned near right.

I was talking about a Cayman I had seen to my wife this morning and she made the 'fatal error' that made me love her in the first place so many years ago. She said 'Wow, that sounds cool.'

I've been sans Porsche for almost 4 years now and was driving my beat up Volvo Wagon and now that that is gone too I'm driving the Prius. Oh dear god...

So I stop by the place that has this Cayman and I had thought it was black. It's not, it's dark blue with the tan interior. I love that so much.

I sit in it.

I test drive it.

I love it.

I leave to finish my drive to my meetings down south.

I come home late tonight and on the way home the wife calls. I immediately start telling her about the car and she just laughs. It's a little more than I wanted to spend and I wasn't planning on starting the shopping until later this year.

But I'm not sure I can let this car go.

It is a Certified PreOwned so I'm wondering if I still need to get a PPI. I don't know the way they are supposed to sound - if it was an older one I would know what to listen for but the newer ones I'm not tuned too. All of the reviews and consumer ratings for the Cayman are extremely high but then I am still finding random reports that aren't very well documented of IMS failures. I'm just not sure...

5 spd Cayman non-S good or bad?

Who has two thumbs and wants to know?

This guy.

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2013, 01:26 AM

Oh just do it, you know you want to.

Remember, pics or ban.

rfuerst911sc · 05-10-2013, 02:23 AM

Does Certified Preowned mean it comes with a warranty ? If the answer is yes go for it life is short. As long as it has a warranty that covers IMS/RMS it's a no brainer in my opinion. No warranty ? Different story. Good luck

BReif61 · 05-10-2013, 04:12 AM

I am honestly shocked that you haven't bought it already.

Personally, I'd aim for an S model, but that's how I am. The IMS is an issue, yes, but it also blown out of proportion by the internet. The Cayman's have the IMS that is not replaceable without splitting the block, so you really just have to roll with it.

onewhippedpuppy · 05-10-2013, 04:18 AM

Fantastic cars, do it! I've owned five earlier 986/996 without fear of the IMS, it happens but is rare. The Cayman is newer and less prone to the issue. I love the waterpumpers and miss not owning one right now.

Jess · Jess's Garage

Mike,

I'm an auto broker in Denver. If you have a little patience (I know that can be difficult in these situations) I'd be happy to take a look around for you, nationally. Chances are I can find you exactly the colors and options you're looking for and save you some cash as well.

Feel free to give me a call at 303-414-7723.

Kind regards,

Jesse

berettafan · 05-10-2013, 04:28 AM

That really is a pretty color combo.

stealthn · 05-10-2013, 04:35 AM

Mike I went from a 79 to an 06 Cayman S, and I think you will be pleased.

If it's a dealer selling the car, even with a CPO get all the records for it and tell them your interested and get them to do the PPI for you free. I know that's not best practice but if they want your future business and the sale they'll do it

Good luck

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

Mike I was gently looking at a Cayman. My wife talked me out of it probably because I got my 2001 Box base two years ago. I felt sorry for myself, put the top down and went golfing. I am just trying to exercise delayed gratification for about two years....
If you have a wife that says yes it is so much easier.......

mikester · 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BReif61

I am honestly shocked that you haven't bought it already.

Personally, I'd aim for an S model, but that's how I am. The IMS is an issue, yes, but it also blown out of proportion by the internet. The Cayman's have the IMS that is not replaceable without splitting the block, so you really just have to roll with it.

Honestly, it was tough to walk away without it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Does Certified Preowned mean it comes with a warranty ? If the answer is yes go for it life is short. As long as it has a warranty that covers IMS/RMS it's a no brainer in my opinion. No warranty ? Different story. Good luck

Yes but because it was higher mileage than they would normally put that sticker on it was only 1month/1000 miles. So - not much there.

~70k on the dial.

mikester · 05-10-2013, 06:50 AM

This isn't it and as pretty as it is it's missing a clutch...

enzo1 · 05-10-2013, 07:32 AM

vash · vash's Garage

a non S? my best friend drives one and he LOVES it. it gets fantastic mileage..i think he said mid 30's on the highway..which makes that Prius look bad, very bad in the "smiles per mile" category. he offered to let me drive it. he actually offered to leave it with me when he borrowed my truck for the weekend...err..no thanks.

like riding 1st class, i didnt want to think about it when i'm sitting back in coach. (<--i think i messed up this quote)

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

S vs. non-S is probably mostly a resale value issue. I'd buy a non-S Cayman in a heartbeat if I was a little more sure of my work situation since they are getting down to reasonable prices.

HardDrive · 05-10-2013, 07:54 AM

I can tell you that I have bought 2 cars from the dealer on the CPO program, and I have been very happy with the experience. You pay a bit of a premium for the car, but you also get to drive your car with (at least) a 2 year factory warranty, and generally the cars are very, very clean.

I'm not sure that particular Cayman is the right car, but the CPO process worked for me.

mikester · 05-10-2013, 07:54 AM

Yes, non-S. 5-speed.

aigel · aigel's Garage

I would not buy this on a 1000mi / 1 month warranty. At that rate you are better off buying private party.

I would also stretch into the S. So much more car IMHO and likely better resale. I would NOT be willing to buy a 2006 sports car with less than 6 forward gears in the transmission. My 993 has a 6 speed and is almost 10 years older ... even my Mazdaspeed3 from 08 had 6 gears ...

G

onewhippedpuppy · 05-10-2013, 08:52 AM

I owned a 1999 Boxster (non-S) and never felt that it was lacking for power or forward gears. In fact, I would probably rate it as the funnest car that I've owned. More power, another gear, bigger brakes, they are all good things, but I would happily own another non-S Boxster or Cayman. You also get better MPG out of the non-S models, my Boxster was an easy 30 MPG on the highway.

mikester · 05-10-2013, 11:18 AM

Correction - not CPO but because of the higher miles.

I don't think there is any turning back. I'm posting this from the dealership...

IROC · IROC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikester

Correction - not CPO but because of the higher miles.

I don't think there is any turning back. I'm posting this from the dealership...

Ha!!! Good for you!!