new Cayman - 981 or 718?

new Cayman - 981 or 718?

Author
Discussion

HighwayStar

4,216 posts

143 months

Wednesday 20th April 2016
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DJMC said:
Having had four previous silver cars before, I thought I'd have a change with Panther Black for the TTS...




Lovely when clean, but soon dirty and a real PITA. Black was off my list for the 981 for sure. Didn't want silver either, so originally found an Aqua Blue one...




...but that was rear-ended when the seller was on his way to the 111 point check!

So... ended up with silver again. Great colour, with Platinum wheels, for hiding the dirt...


Untitled by David Chapman, on Flickr
Metallic Blue, Platinum Silver, White, Sports Yellow were all in the running... Black was never going to happen.
I saw a Platinum Silver Cayman at my local Porsche dealer, I wasn't a fan of silver cars either but on the Cayman it looked superb.

I'd always said when buying previously enjoyed the best car available may not always be the ideal colour. So, 3yrs old, fully loaded, £41k, 45k miles but I don't do many miles... A car that would've been around £65k new, I feel I've done well with my budget.

Edited by HighwayStar on Wednesday 20th April 16:28

DJMC

3,431 posts

102 months

Wednesday 20th April 2016
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I looked at a 2013 launch car in October last year. £30k of options (just about everything you could spec, including Burmester, ACC, SC, PDLS, blah... blah... blah...

Selling for £40k at 13,000 miles. One owner plus PGB. Looks like values are holding up judging from what yours is costing you?
The downside was that it was Anthracite, so maybe that accounted for the drop of £35k from new!?

HighwayStar

4,216 posts

143 months

Wednesday 20th April 2016
quotequote all
DJMC said:
I looked at a 2013 launch car in October last year. £30k of options (just about everything you could spec, including Burmester, ACC, SC, PDLS, blah... blah... blah...

Selling for £40k at 13,000 miles. One owner plus PGB. Looks like values are holding up judging from what yours is costing you?
The downside was that it was Anthracite, so maybe that accounted for the drop of £35k from new!?
One specialist said as soon as the turbo 718 was announced they bought up the best 981's they could find. He doesn't know how prices will go but for the moment he's paying more for a 981 than he did a months ago. I'm not thinking of mine as an investment but it would be nice if they held fairly steady.
Some colours are always going to be more difficult to move on. My TTS was Solar Orange, rare but most people loved it and can't believe I'm moving it on. But then they aren't car enthusiasts... they just like the way it looks and it was an Audi.

neilf

825 posts

110 months

Thursday 21st April 2016
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DJMC said:
As the 718 hits UK showrooms this week for launch, I guess they'll be available to test drive very soon. Next week perhaps?
Official on sale date 30th April. Dealers can't register their demo's until then. (info from OPC Sheffield launch last night)

wellzee

445 posts

120 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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718 Cayman is revealed on Sunday so not too long to wait.

bcr5784

7,102 posts

144 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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wellzee said:
718 Cayman is revealed on Sunday so not too long to wait.
Somehow doubt there is anything to "reveal" except price.

neilf

825 posts

110 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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wellzee said:
718 Cayman is revealed on Sunday so not too long to wait.
Good news!

Where did you here this???

JasonSteel

Original Poster:

566 posts

95 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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sorry for the late reply all.

glad the conversation has kept going though. i've got a test drive booked in for tomorrow (though i'm still not 100% sure i can make it :/) and will be driving a Cayman 981 and the 718 S (Boxster of course).

i definitely want the Cayman rather than the Boxster though.

i didn't know that PSE is switchable. so if it's off does that mean it's completely off? and is there any power advantage with PSE or is it purely for the sound?

interesting about the smoker package too. i saw an ad for a 981 that mentioned it and it put me off at the time as i'm an ex smoker and so don't want to buy a car that smells of smoke. will check it out though.

something that i'm also interested in is second guessing whether there will be any 718 F6 engines at some point. if it's only the GT4 then i'm outta luck but if a GTS came with one then it would defnitely tempt me.

i was already leaning towards the 981 and now that the 718 won't be available for some time i think that's sealed it for me. i won't be buying new though as i can't, and so i won't be buying nearly new either. hopefully i can find a 2/3 yr old model with a spec that suits me.

what are the obvious things to look for buying a used 981?

EricE

1,945 posts

128 months

Friday 22nd April 2016
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I saw a 718 S being driven to and from the local OPC today. Looks better and more resolved than I expected except for the black rear bar/spoiler.
To my surprise the sound instantly reminded me of a friends 60s Lancia Flavia which has a 1.8L Flat-4. https://youtu.be/X7nTsFEgGNA?t=73
It isn't unpleasant but not a sound I would associate with Porsche sportscar.

Krobar

283 posts

106 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
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Really just try a selection and decide on the sort of spec you want. There are a fair few for sale so get the one that suits you. Many wheel and suspension options have trade offs between handling, comfort and appearance so work out what sort of combination of these and colour you want and then which extras matter to you. You cvan then look for a well suited car. Make sure you try the different engine and suspension configs you are interested in; these options make a big difference to the car.

JasonSteel said:
sorry for the late reply all.

glad the conversation has kept going though. i've got a test drive booked in for tomorrow (though i'm still not 100% sure i can make it :/) and will be driving a Cayman 981 and the 718 S (Boxster of course).

i definitely want the Cayman rather than the Boxster though.

i didn't know that PSE is switchable. so if it's off does that mean it's completely off? and is there any power advantage with PSE or is it purely for the sound?

interesting about the smoker package too. i saw an ad for a 981 that mentioned it and it put me off at the time as i'm an ex smoker and so don't want to buy a car that smells of smoke. will check it out though.

something that i'm also interested in is second guessing whether there will be any 718 F6 engines at some point. if it's only the GT4 then i'm outta luck but if a GTS came with one then it would defnitely tempt me.

i was already leaning towards the 981 and now that the 718 won't be available for some time i think that's sealed it for me. i won't be buying new though as i can't, and so i won't be buying nearly new either. hopefully i can find a 2/3 yr old model with a spec that suits me.

what are the obvious things to look for buying a used 981?

bcr5784

7,102 posts

144 months

Saturday 23rd April 2016
quotequote all
JasonSteel said:
sorry for the late reply all.


i didn't know that PSE is switchable. so if it's off does that mean it's completely off? and is there any power advantage with PSE or is it purely for the sound?


what are the obvious things to look for buying a used 981?
It is switchable. It has no power advantage - and may well have a (probably small) economy disadvantage (when on, neat fuel gets in the exhaust and causes the pops and bangs that some like). Some say that even in normal mode it causes an annoying drone at motorway speeds. So in short it's definitely something you try - it's one of the things that divides opinion.

Things to look for. I'm not aware of any significant technical problems, though the aircon fan on some cars sticks and has been replaced by an updated version on later cars. The major issue I'd be concerned about is track use - I'd certainly avoid an ex PEC (Porsche Experience Centre) car, which are, I believe finally sold through the normal dealership.

JasonSteel

Original Poster:

566 posts

95 months

Saturday 30th April 2016
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test drove a 981Cs and a 718Bs...

loved both of them really so it boils down to financials for me and they way i see it is:

used 981 from Porsche approved around £45k - 'only' around 12 - 15k lower than list @ around 3 years old and reasonable mileage.

however the monthly payment and final balloon payment are /more than/ buying new from a 3rd party leasing company.

i'm new to leasing so am i missing something? why is the deal i've been offered by Porsche for a 2 year old car more expensive than buying a brand new, same spec car through a leasing company?

an additional consideration is that the approved warranty is only 2 years, so i have 1 final year of additional risk, whereas if i buy new i know i have a warranty in place for the entire period of ownership.

JasonSteel

Original Poster:

566 posts

95 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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so has anyone ordered a 718 yet?

Krobar

283 posts

106 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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JasonSteel said:
test drove a 981Cs and a 718Bs...

loved both of them really so it boils down to financials for me and they way i see it is:

used 981 from Porsche approved around £45k - 'only' around 12 - 15k lower than list @ around 3 years old and reasonable mileage.

however the monthly payment and final balloon payment are /more than/ buying new from a 3rd party leasing company.

i'm new to leasing so am i missing something? why is the deal i've been offered by Porsche for a 2 year old car more expensive than buying a brand new, same spec car through a leasing company?

an additional consideration is that the approved warranty is only 2 years, so i have 1 final year of additional risk, whereas if i buy new i know i have a warranty in place for the entire period of ownership.
Check mileage allowance and are you comparing lease with lease? Secondhand is usually best financed privately as new pop deals are often good. You can borrow 25k unsecured at about 3.5% Apr so might be worth looking into that depending on your situation

Prospective

173 posts

141 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Interesting reading the posts re 981c & 718c.
I have a 2.7 cayman 981 which I am now looking to replace with a 718 Cayman.
I managed a £4k discount on my current cayman from new and was wondering has anyone else managed similar when ordering a 718????
I will be selling my 981C privately etc. Rhodium Silver, Boxster II alloys, Cruise control, Sports steering wheel, Folding Mirrors 7,800 miles from new.

DJMC

3,431 posts

102 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
Prospective said:
Interesting reading the posts re 981c & 718c.
I have a 2.7 cayman 981 which I am now looking to replace with a 718 Cayman.
I managed a £4k discount on my current cayman from new and was wondering has anyone else managed similar when ordering a 718????
I will be selling my 981C privately etc. Rhodium Silver, Boxster II alloys, Cruise control, Sports steering wheel, Folding Mirrors 7,800 miles from new.
I read your post and can't help thinking you're making a mistake.

But I realise some have to keep changing their cars for various reasons other than which one is "best".

As for me, whereas I was keeping an open mind on the 718 before I saw the Cayman photos, now I've heard a 718 Boxster in the flesh and seen the rear of the 718 Cayman I don't even have the desire to test drive any of them any more.

I shall try and hold on to my 981C for a very, very, long time until it becomes dust.

JasonSteel

Original Poster:

566 posts

95 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
Krobar said:
Check mileage allowance and are you comparing lease with lease? Secondhand is usually best financed privately as new pop deals are often good. You can borrow 25k unsecured at about 3.5% Apr so might be worth looking into that depending on your situation
yes, mileage and other details are all the same. awaiting final confirmation now and will be placing my order... will be a long summer though waiting for early autumn deliveries, but maybe a long summer isn't too bad smile

in my case, all things considered it works out significantly cheaper for me to buy from a 3rd party company on personal contract. that way after 3 years assuming i treat the car well i should have a decent amount of equity that i can put into a new one.

before i commit though, and for comparison, where are you getting £25k @ 3.5%?

Prospective said:
Interesting reading the posts re 981c & 718c.
I have a 2.7 cayman 981 which I am now looking to replace with a 718 Cayman.
I managed a £4k discount on my current cayman from new and was wondering has anyone else managed similar when ordering a 718????
I will be selling my 981C privately etc. Rhodium Silver, Boxster II alloys, Cruise control, Sports steering wheel, Folding Mirrors 7,800 miles from new.
so around 10% off list and before options. from what i've read around here that sounds about right.

what's your reasoning behind wanting to change? more aggressive styling? power? peace of mind? something else?

Prospective

173 posts

141 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Reason just updating car, its 2 yrs 5mths old. I do very very little mileage
still burning the newness off the engine. I normally change at 18 months.
It is the best car I have had for looks and drama, I had the 981 Boxster previously,
Car has had no problems except the tyres disintegrating which
I have replaced all round FOC due to faulty Pirrelli P Zeros.

HighwayStar

4,216 posts

143 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
DJMC said:
Prospective said:
Interesting reading the posts re 981c & 718c.
I have a 2.7 cayman 981 which I am now looking to replace with a 718 Cayman.
I managed a £4k discount on my current cayman from new and was wondering has anyone else managed similar when ordering a 718????
I will be selling my 981C privately etc. Rhodium Silver, Boxster II alloys, Cruise control, Sports steering wheel, Folding Mirrors 7,800 miles from new.
I read your post and can't help thinking you're making a mistake.

But I realise some have to keep changing their cars for various reasons other than which one is "best".

As for me, whereas I was keeping an open mind on the 718 before I saw the Cayman photos, now I've heard a 718 Boxster in the flesh and seen the rear of the 718 Cayman I don't even have the desire to test drive any of them any more.

I shall try and hold on to my 981C for a very, very, long time until it becomes dust.
I've had my 981 Cayman S for a week now (previously enjoyed) and it's absolutely stunning. The best car I've ever had. The engine, the noise... The bass note of the engine, just there, over my shoulder on even the most mundane journey. For me personally the new turbo just is the event the flat 6 is.
One thing I am relieved about is, personally, the 718 styling doesn't make me feel I'm missing anything. The front end treatment has softened the 718 to these eyes. I've seen a couple of the Boxsters on the road an though they look nice I have no regrets about going the F6 route. I don't need anymore power, it's the right size and fast enough for our roads.
It's a keeper.


bcr5784

7,102 posts

144 months

Friday 6th May 2016
quotequote all
HighwayStar said:
I've had my 981 Cayman S for a week now (previously enjoyed) and it's absolutely stunning. The best car I've ever had. The engine, the noise... The bass note of the engine, just there, over my shoulder on even the most mundane journey. For me personally the new turbo just is the event the flat 6 is.
One thing I am relieved about is, personally, the 718 styling doesn't make me feel I'm missing anything. The front end treatment has softened the 718 to these eyes. I've seen a couple of the Boxsters on the road an though they look nice I have no regrets about going the F6 route. I don't need anymore power, it's the right size and fast enough for our roads.
It's a keeper.
Accepting that is a very common view, I have to say that after 18 months of ownership, my biggest beef with my 981s is the hole in the torque curve in the 2500 to 4000 region (the varicam Valley as it sometimes referred to). Having driven a 991.2
and read various 781s reviews, I'm inclined to think I will prefer the 781s torque curve to the 981s. Noise and refinement I'm not so sure about, though I only care what it sounds like in the car. Definitely worth trying a 781 for me. I