Seeking advice
Discussion
OK, to start I will put my hands up and admit that I have never owned a Porsche or even driven one, but am thinking of taking the step to buy one as my next car, but know absolutely nothing about the marque. In a nutshell I'm looking for some advice from you guys.
I'm looking at the Cayman; I'm not after brand new, as the very little I do know would suggest that I would prefer the sound of the flat six to the latest model's turbo'd 4 pot. My budget is probably up to 20k as this will be an everyday car, so I will probably be putting a few miles on it during ownership. Have there been many changes since it was introduced with regard to facelifts and, if so, is any of them recommended as the preferred option. Also, what about engine options. I guess more importantly, are there any particular model year/engine/body style combinations that should be avoided.
I know I sound like a complete noob, but that's how I feel when looking at Porsche at the moment, so would welcome any input from the more knowledgeable of you out there.
I'm looking at the Cayman; I'm not after brand new, as the very little I do know would suggest that I would prefer the sound of the flat six to the latest model's turbo'd 4 pot. My budget is probably up to 20k as this will be an everyday car, so I will probably be putting a few miles on it during ownership. Have there been many changes since it was introduced with regard to facelifts and, if so, is any of them recommended as the preferred option. Also, what about engine options. I guess more importantly, are there any particular model year/engine/body style combinations that should be avoided.
I know I sound like a complete noob, but that's how I feel when looking at Porsche at the moment, so would welcome any input from the more knowledgeable of you out there.
MenoPorsche??
Well you've come to the right place chap! £20k will probably get you a very nice 987.1 S Cayman but be aware that there are potential issues with bore scoring. I had a 987.1 which was a totally awesome car but I ended up changing to a 987.2, with many buttons and bells, simply because I was never sure if the bore scoring could happen and I'd end up with a bill for a rebuild (Hartech do these often but then they are the ones that we hear about as 'the experts', hence they get a lot of the rebuild work post bore scoring).
Of course, there is every possibility that bore scoring wont happen and some just go with the 987.1 and be happy with it. A 987.2 S is difficult to find and a good one with low mileage is especially difficult (I was very lucky!) but if you can run to it then my advice would be to opt for one of those, especially since you are new to Porsche.
You have choice of various engine sizes. The 2.7/2.9 being the smaller engines and noticeably different from the faster 3.2/3.4 engines. If you are coming from a car that is not 'performance' then perhaps the less expensive 2.7/2.9 would be preferable and still plenty fast enough (it likes to be revved, a lot). 987.2 cars kicked off around 2009 and a quick review of the classifieds here will tell you all you need to know about prices. You never know, someone here might pop up and have one available from their own garage.
Good luck in your search. It is an exciting prospect and one which you will relish once you have parked your backside in the drivers seat and felt the rush! The Cayman is an awesome car and you'll not regret your decision fella.
When I first bought my 987.1 Design Edition 1 I had a long journey to make. I queried, on PH, the strong smell of burning rubber that I smelled when I got out of the car after the long journey. As it turns out it was merely rubber dust melting on the hot exhaust (thanks for the advice Cayman posters!) but one chap came back and stated...."that's just the smell of awesome!" He was so right and each and every time I get in that car it gives me a buzz and much joy. Go for it!
Well you've come to the right place chap! £20k will probably get you a very nice 987.1 S Cayman but be aware that there are potential issues with bore scoring. I had a 987.1 which was a totally awesome car but I ended up changing to a 987.2, with many buttons and bells, simply because I was never sure if the bore scoring could happen and I'd end up with a bill for a rebuild (Hartech do these often but then they are the ones that we hear about as 'the experts', hence they get a lot of the rebuild work post bore scoring).
Of course, there is every possibility that bore scoring wont happen and some just go with the 987.1 and be happy with it. A 987.2 S is difficult to find and a good one with low mileage is especially difficult (I was very lucky!) but if you can run to it then my advice would be to opt for one of those, especially since you are new to Porsche.
You have choice of various engine sizes. The 2.7/2.9 being the smaller engines and noticeably different from the faster 3.2/3.4 engines. If you are coming from a car that is not 'performance' then perhaps the less expensive 2.7/2.9 would be preferable and still plenty fast enough (it likes to be revved, a lot). 987.2 cars kicked off around 2009 and a quick review of the classifieds here will tell you all you need to know about prices. You never know, someone here might pop up and have one available from their own garage.
Good luck in your search. It is an exciting prospect and one which you will relish once you have parked your backside in the drivers seat and felt the rush! The Cayman is an awesome car and you'll not regret your decision fella.
When I first bought my 987.1 Design Edition 1 I had a long journey to make. I queried, on PH, the strong smell of burning rubber that I smelled when I got out of the car after the long journey. As it turns out it was merely rubber dust melting on the hot exhaust (thanks for the advice Cayman posters!) but one chap came back and stated...."that's just the smell of awesome!" He was so right and each and every time I get in that car it gives me a buzz and much joy. Go for it!
My weekend toy is a Lambo, so I'm not specifically looking to move to Porsche for the performance, and if one of the smaller engined variants is more suitable as an every day car, then I am happy to go that route.
I'm assuming that the .1 and .2 mentioned relates to a model update, and the .2 would be the better choice of the two. Time to start taking a closer look at the classifieds to see what is actually out there.
Are there any optional extras that are considered as a 'must have' rather than just a 'nice to have?' I know when looking at the second hand market, it's possible that a really nice car is available that is a bit lacking in the extras department, but I wouldn't necessarily let that put me off if everything else was right. But if there are two similar cars with slightly different specs, it would be nice to know which of them offers the better choice, all else being comparable.
I'm assuming that the .1 and .2 mentioned relates to a model update, and the .2 would be the better choice of the two. Time to start taking a closer look at the classifieds to see what is actually out there.
Are there any optional extras that are considered as a 'must have' rather than just a 'nice to have?' I know when looking at the second hand market, it's possible that a really nice car is available that is a bit lacking in the extras department, but I wouldn't necessarily let that put me off if everything else was right. But if there are two similar cars with slightly different specs, it would be nice to know which of them offers the better choice, all else being comparable.
Edited by DIW35 on Wednesday 24th August 15:06
I had a 987.1 3.4s 2006, undoubtedly a beautiful car and fantastic to drive.
Unfortunately mine started drink oil at the rate of about a litre for every tank of fuel. Probably bore scored so I traded it
In quick.
Under £20k cars are getting on for 10 years old now. Mine for example was on 55k miles. It was on the original clutch which was very heavy (sign it needed replacing), my local and very trusted old school mechanic had a look for me and provides a list of what would need doing in the next couple of years.
Radiatorx2
Clutch
Leaky cam tensioner
Brakes all round
Cross over pipes (joints corroding Porsche only part ouch)
Air recirculation valve had failed.
Suspension rubbers all original and would need doing soon (assuming you want to maintain the crisp handling)
Water pump would be advisable while doing the clutch.
All I am saying is at that price be prepared for some hefty bills unless your handy with spanners and have access to tools.
I reckon the bill for fixing the bore score and all work outstanding or needed doing for a refresh would have been £10k+ Easily.
You might be worth saving and getting into a later 987.2, you then remove the issue of IMS failure (which I admit is very rare but if it were to fail be prepared to cry ALOT unless your rich.
Would I buy another when I finish with the m135i I replaced it with.
Too right I would but with the 981s or gts and it would have to have all the options.
Unfortunately mine started drink oil at the rate of about a litre for every tank of fuel. Probably bore scored so I traded it
In quick.
Under £20k cars are getting on for 10 years old now. Mine for example was on 55k miles. It was on the original clutch which was very heavy (sign it needed replacing), my local and very trusted old school mechanic had a look for me and provides a list of what would need doing in the next couple of years.
Radiatorx2
Clutch
Leaky cam tensioner
Brakes all round
Cross over pipes (joints corroding Porsche only part ouch)
Air recirculation valve had failed.
Suspension rubbers all original and would need doing soon (assuming you want to maintain the crisp handling)
Water pump would be advisable while doing the clutch.
All I am saying is at that price be prepared for some hefty bills unless your handy with spanners and have access to tools.
I reckon the bill for fixing the bore score and all work outstanding or needed doing for a refresh would have been £10k+ Easily.
You might be worth saving and getting into a later 987.2, you then remove the issue of IMS failure (which I admit is very rare but if it were to fail be prepared to cry ALOT unless your rich.
Would I buy another when I finish with the m135i I replaced it with.
Too right I would but with the 981s or gts and it would have to have all the options.
Edited by Markbarry1977 on Wednesday 24th August 16:11
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