Talk me out of buying cayman. 993 vs. 996 vs. 997 vs. Cayman S

[procan]

Right now I live in the middle of nowhere, 4h+ at least away from any Porsche dealerships. I will be transferring to Texas for work in ~1yr, and will be in the market for a new car (no point where I live now). I will need a DD, something with AC, and that gives me a different experience than my '69, and something wife friendly to drive...(translation... possibly no stick). I will be in Houston and DFW next week and will be looking to test drive some cars while in the big city.

Im thinking $30-$50K max for a budget, which means I could get various models of 993, 996, 997, or Cayman. Here's my dilemma:
- 993: last of classic air cooled but more modern, love the styling.
- 996: Cheap! (could get a good one high $20's?), I like the '98-(2000?) styling (don't ask me why, it's just grown on me). Good performance, creature comforts/ bang for the buck.
-997: love the look. High hp, comfortable, could get PASM, sport chrono, 7spd PDK.
-Cayman S (2009+) Have you driven one of these things?! Blast to drive (reminds me of my '69). PASM, sport chrono, 7spd PDK. Comfortable, agile, love the look.

I drove a Cayman and 997 back to back. I absolutely LOVED the Cayman, and the 997 was a disappointment, maybe because it was a base auto carrera. I've never driven a 993 or 996 before.

Any suggestions? Anyone in Houston or DFW who would let me drive one of theirs since the dealerships never have them?

[James Brown]

cayman, no doubt, hands down

[Bob Kontak]

I have driven a 1998 Boxster, a 2003 C4S and a 2008 GT3 RS, thanks to good friends.

I liked the Boxster best as it seemed closest to my 81 911. It may not rip your face off like the GT3 but I cannot imagine how sweet the Cayman would be if ten years newer than the Boxster. Such a nicely balanced car.

[TOO RUF]

My Cayman is a blast. Just upgraded to aluminum flywheel and its even better.

[der Geist]

Get the Cayman. I have a Boxster that I threw a 3.4 in. Most fun you can have on 4 wheels. After I bought the Boxster I test drove a couple of 911's. They all left me wanting something more.

[procan]

None of you are helping this situation. I loved the Cayman S I test drove. I just can't get over the fact of how incredibly nimble and precise the car was on the twisty roads. It had more than enough power for the road, and I've heard you can upgrade to a GT3 throttle body and plenum, better flow exhaust, and re-map for a few more horses and smoother revving. This, I must admit, sounds extremely appealing.

[CPTAmericaMV]

My 08 Cayman S is the best car I've ever driven!!! Love it!

[wildthing]

If it were me I would get a 997 for a DD. Nothing wrong with the Cayman. I just want my two small kids to be able to sit in the back.

[thepenguin99]

I think I might try out a 996tt before I bought the Cayman. Not saying it will be superior but it fits the budget.

[Matt Monson]

I'm going to follow the trend. Get a DFI Cayman. No M96 engine issues. The PDk with sport chrono is a blast. You won't regret it for a second.

[James Brown]

the one flaw, only a 2 seater, good storage and yes, a 4.8 gt3 engine fits

[dyusem]

I wish that I could be the naysayer but I've got to agree that that a Cayman S is the one to purchase.

While I'm not going to part with my '80 SC, I'm seriously beginning to look at adding a Cayman S to the stable...

[Justin@Athens]

As an owner of both (previously), the Cayman is the most fun and most exacting. Its like a surgical tool and will do everything you ask it well. Make sure you get '09 or later though so you get the DFI motor and avoid the IMS issue entirely.

[ruwoodbury]

I had an '06 Cayman S that I modded up to around 320hp along with bigger sway bars a little wider stance and stickier tires. It was fantastic on the local twisties and a track day sensation. At the same time I could pack it for two and it was great touring with my wife. Alas, I destroyed it in an accident.
In the past year I've driven the 991 S and recently the new Cayman S. The 991 is amazing--a luxury coupe that tears around like its hair's on fire. I thought I wanted one until I drove the Cayman. I prefer the Caymans looks (a little Ferrari-esque to my eye) and it's simply a sharper tool.
If you don't need the rear seats, I say buy the Cayman. If you do need rear seats--figure something else out and buy the Cayman. A 2009+ Cayman S.

[twistoffat]

996īs from 98 till 2002 have nothing but issues. Google M96 engine failure and sit back with pop corn

[Ronnie's.930]

So you are moving from North Dakota to the DFW area? WOW, I want to do just the opposite. I have lived in this area for over 20 years and have grown to passionately hate the hot and ungodly humid weather (almost year-round at this point). I will be looking to move to a freeze ass climate at some point.

Oh, and in my opinion, the Cayman is a boutique car (not as boutique as the Boxster, however).

[Flieger]

Talk you out of it? Why?

[James Brown]

drove a new 981 at the dealer, pdk, S, paddle shifters, lots of options. First new drive from my old SC. Everything i wanted and more was in that Cayman. Raw as a SC? in a way, yes if pushed and everything turned off BUT why? i could never get that handling, horsepower, beauty, fit and finish from any older model. apples and oranges? have both! My money is on the cayman Check out planet 9, they have the most popular forum for caymans

Originally Posted by twistoffat

996īs from 98 till 2002 have nothing but issues. Google M96 engine failure and sit back with pop corn

This is a myth - check facts, not internet rhetoric. The 996 and first gen 997 engines have a weak spot that is easily retrofitted. With that done, they are very reliable and a fantastic value. $20k gets a clean early and $25K gets a nice late 996. Love the Cayman, though.

[X JBM X]

I'd personally do what someone else recommended given the options...

Drive a 996TT. Definitely fits the bill from a price point, and doesn't suffer the same IMS fate as its N/A brethren.