Cayman S

[Gator23]

I'll be looking at a 2007 Cayman S (automatic) tomorrow. One owner, 52,000 miles, excellent, clean CarFax.

What should I look for during the walk-around and the test drive?

Any required maintenance coming up soon?

No way I can look at the oil with no dang dipstick!

[JFP in PA]

Car should have a full PPI done by an independent mechanic of your choice before starting negotiations.

[tcar]

You'll do a lot better buying from an individual, not a dealer.

And, for what it's worth, a PPI means PRE Purchanse Inspection...
Don't do what I did and do a POST PI, to my regret.

[Gator23]

Agree. Probably an auction car with some baggage. The color might've affected my judgment.

[Emo993]

Yes PPI.....I bought a 2007 Cayman S last fall, had a PPI performed at Napleton Porsche in Chicago. The Cost was $600.00 plus oil/filter change and was very comprehensive. I had them do a leak down and paint thickness test also. Very happy with the Cayman S and i'm comparing it to the 98 993 Carrera S I sold after 18 years.

[afterburn 549]

Russian roulette with PPI .
Some shops are great, others not so much.
Trouble is, is buying in a different part of the country from where you live, you have to ask who to use.
There is good advice and the other,bad shops and good shops.
I have had quotes from 125 to 600.
It is a challenge to sort it all out under the gun.
There is the great debate on the IMS issue and several other things.
I would count on the IMS going bad, and be happy if it does not.

[recycled sixtie]

For sure on the PPI get them to remove the oil filter and check for any crud such as metal, plastic bits. Some oil will be lost when removing filter but can be put back in or replace with fresh oil. PPI is only as good a quality as the outfit that did it.

Basic hint. Before engine start turn on ignition to show all lights illuminate especially the CEL. It is worth the price of admission buying one if you have never owned one before.
Yes get service receipts if you can. Buying privately is probably safer. A PPI should reveal accident damage if any. If there are mechanical issues found in the PPI you can negotiate downwards on the asking price. If it scares you too much you can walk away.

IMS is more complex to replace on that year. Less chance of failure though. However other items will be need to be replaced over time.

[afterburn 549]

Run the vin here or starters -


http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lookup/WP0AB29818U780470

[mikefocke]

Your inspection should be focused on cosmetics and a short test drive. I presume you have no prior Porsche driving experience so just see if you fit and if the car is in good shape. Leave the technical inspection to a trained Porsche mechanic.

Your target car is 8k miles from a 60k major service schedule just judging by its listed miles. But, since you don't know its service history, I'd go ahead and plan to do that one after purchase as well as anything shown to need doing by the PPI. (I did that at 42k miles just so I knew what the maintenance situation was and, while expensive, the next 5 years of cheap and reliable operation was my reward.

Post where the car is and maybe someone can suggest a good shop to do a PPI. The quality of the inspector matters greatly. Expect to pay for and benefit from the experience the mechanic has. Also discuss exactly how he will do the PPI (even asking for any forms he uses and a sample of a PPI he has done) if you are unsure.

Wonderful cars if cared for right.