Cayman Purchase

[dronedog]

Looking to purchase a Cayman. My budget is probably going to keep me in the Gen 1 cars.
was hoping to get advice or direction on a buying guide or a thread that covers what to look for.

Thanks

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by dronedog

Looking to purchase a Cayman. My budget is probably going to keep me in the Gen 1 cars.
was hoping to get advice or direction on a buying guide or a thread that covers what to look for.

Thanks

Get a professional PPI done; best investment you can make.

[mikefocke]

What JFP said. Which means choose your mechanic before you choose your car. One, they may know of a good car prospect. One they cared for. Two, they may help give you advice on what to look for. And three, they may do a PPI and then be your go to guys to fix anything they find.

[racer]

PPI should cover an oil change at your expense so you can have the oil filter removed and checked for Metal content. Early Caymans share IMS issues with all the 986/996 cars (boxster, cayman, 911) until the 987/997.2 cars came out and fixed it.

After that, check the boards here to see what issues are mentioned. Not sure of an actual buyers guide though. Looking local? follow JFP and Mike's comments. Gets a little harder when shopping out of your local area.

Also consider your own knowledge on the cars (or cars in general) to know what limits you are working with. You don't mention budget, but mentioned limited to a .1 car. Well, to me that means a higher miles car that might need things like Rubber bushings replaced. New Shocks? Motor mounts? Clutch if a manual? Tiptronic service? Check function of all factory options. Be sure to check any aftermarket items (like radios for instance)...

I imagine the old rule of thumb of maintain 10-15% of purchase price on hand to fix any issues that come up during the first year.

I go back and forth about a 986/987.1 car... and then figure I will wait another year (or 2 or 3) for a albeit higher mileage 987.2 car instead.

[husker boxster]

Nothing wrong with a 987.1 S. Look for one that has good oil change history - annually if < 5000 mi or changed between 5-8K mi. Water pumps are consumable, so see if / when the wp was last changed. Receipts / maintenance history is your best friend.

Don't worry about the small start up puff of smoke - that's normal when flat sixes sit for days and are then started. If there's smoke on acceleration and soot on the exhaust tips, the AOS may be on the way out.