Cayman S for Dad911????

[dad911]

So It's been a long time since I've had a 'street' porsche.

Last year, I built a 'Spec Boxster' and drove it on the street for a few months before I stripped it, had alot of fun with the car.

Cayman seems to be a good bang for the buck.....

Cayman Pros/Cons? What do I look for in a used Cayman?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by dad911

So It's been a long time since I've had a 'street' porsche.

Last year, I built a 'Spec Boxster' and drove it on the street for a few months before I stripped it, had alot of fun with the car.

Cayman seems to be a good bang for the buck.....

Cayman Pros/Cons? What do I look for in a used Cayman?

Biggest Con is the high cost of the "delete convertible top" option.

I would think your personal philosophy on IMSB preference would determine acceptable years. Also look for a "S" or "R" after the Cayman emblem!

[WhipE350]

I have a 2000 Boxster 'S' and I drove the hell out of a 2011 Cayman R last night. I had it in Sport, Sport Plus...you name it. What an awesome machine, who needs 400+ hp when 330 feels great. The car is on rails and the PDK in Sport Plus is like having a professional driver shifting for you. Alcantara steering wheel, all leather interior. I had driven it one other time, but it was just a short drive, lasts night drive amazed me at how much more of a car it is then my 2000 'S'. I don't have a lot of time in other Porsches other then Boxsters so I can't compare the Cayman to a 911 but I was sold last night. I was all wound up after words like a little kid.

[Doug&Julie]

Are you looking new or used?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

Are you looking new or used?

Used. Just started looking, but I'm seeing 2006-2007 "S" selling for under 30k.....

[Matt Monson]

The first gen S cars are a bargain, IMO. I think they're a great place to look.

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by dad911

Used. Just started looking, but I'm seeing 2006-2007 "S" selling for under 30k.....

Bought my 2006 from my brother (who bought it new...it was one of the first delivered to Northland Porsche here in the Cincinnati area). Love it. It has been trouble free but for a defective nav unit (replaced under warranty and trouble free since). Just under 40k miles, so likely a 40k service coming up before winter. I'll try to report in after I have another expert look at it. But overall I'd have to report they're very reliable.

Not that mine is for sale, but I doubt I'd let it go for under $30k. I see a lot advertised for mid-high $30k range (doubt they're selling at that). I've seen some non-S cars drop under $30k though. Still...it's a lot of car for $30k!

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

...... I see a lot advertised for mid-high $30k range (doubt they're selling at that). I've seen some non-S cars drop under $30k though. Still...it's a lot of car for $30k!

Well, I don't like black, but let's talk about this one:2006 Porsche Cayman S, $31,500 - Cars.com

2006 S, Clean carfax, 34,750 miles, asking $31,500

Amongst others, I don't think I'll have too much trouble finding an 'S' for 30k.

[Doug&Julie]

Looks good. I love the black, but not the aftermarket tinted windows. But seems in price range...if you like get a PPI and go for it!

[dad911]

So while I've never owned a porsche with an automatic, am I crazy to consider a TIP?

[The Glademister]

Originally Posted by dad911

So while I've never owned a porsche with an automatic, am I crazy to consider a TIP?

If you're into performance driving AND want an automatic, I'd hold out for a PDK 2nd generation Cayman S. If you don't mind the manual but want to maximize the WOW factor, look for a 1st generation Cayman S with sports crono option. When you press that Sport mode option button and go WOT, prepare to hold on! If you can find the same car with PASM, you're fully prepared for track or autocross but you'll pay a premium price. 19" wheel option look good and stiffen the ride somewhat but the extra mass won't help you dig out of tight, low RPM turns like the 18" with 30 series tires will.

Bottom line... a well optioned '06 thru '08 Cayman S with less than 50K miles should be about 1/2 the sticker price of approx. $70,000. That's a great investment on an outstanding sports car.

Also, although I prefer my used sports cars not to have aftermarket equipment when I purchase them... if it has a properly installed GT3 5-way adjustable front sway bar... that's a very good thing

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by dad911

So while I've never owned a porsche with an automatic, am I crazy to consider a TIP?

I wish mine were a Tip. Sad truth is I'd drive it more. Especially in the colder months when I'm all bundled up with coats, gloves, and heavy boots. I have zero interest in dealing with three pedels at that time. So I take the Subaru.

Everything I've read indicates the PDK is much better, but still...I hear a lot of good things about the Tip.

[dad911]

I hate to say it, but I'm leaning towards a tip for convenience, so anyone can drive it in our household.

Too many times I've left the 911 behind because it was a stick. And the wife and kids put up with my porsche obsession for the last 20 years, this one they can all drive.

PDK Started in 2009? That's more than I want to spend for a daily driver.

[racer]

I drove a "prepped" 2001 Boxster S with a TIP at autocross on several occasions and was pleasantly suprised by it.

The Boxster RS60 (987 based, forget what year) has a TIP that, if I read it right, has even more advanced software than earlier tips. I know an owner of one who indicated he has had the tip software reflashed to make it seem even more like a PDK than the earlier ones.

I certainly wouldn't throw a TIP to the curb, especially since this car sounds more "DD" use than dedicated track use.