Sub £20k Cayman
Discussion
SWMBO is looking at a Cayman, she started with a price that wasnt going to get her much but now she has a target budget of £17k, this will allow here some money to fix any initial issues.
in an ideal world she is looking for a Non Blue ( dont ask ) Manual car that is 3.4, however it appears a 987.2 2.9 car is within budget and I have seen some people suggest its not that much slower then a 3.2.
What would you recommend ? anything to avoid or look for nice specs to have ?
in an ideal world she is looking for a Non Blue ( dont ask ) Manual car that is 3.4, however it appears a 987.2 2.9 car is within budget and I have seen some people suggest its not that much slower then a 3.2.
What would you recommend ? anything to avoid or look for nice specs to have ?
987.2 2.9 is the sweet spot for least issues unless you look at something like this which has had an engine rebuild.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022071176...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022071176...
I'd say if you can get a 2.9 then that would be the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206066...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206076...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206066...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206076...
Pistonsquirter said:
why not get a non-S (non-melt edition) 987.1 for half budget and spend the rest on something else
Because you can’t get one for half the budget? A good 2.7 (gen 1) would probably be the best bet to reduce risk of aforementioned engine problems. You should be able to get a very nice, well cared for, low mileage, low owner 2.7 for that, or a slightly more used 2.9 gen 2. Amazing, amazing cars!FieldAtlanta said:
Pistonsquirter said:
why not get a non-S (non-melt edition) 987.1 for half budget and spend the rest on something else
Because you can’t get one for half the budget? A good 2.7 (gen 1) would probably be the best bet to reduce risk of aforementioned engine problems. You should be able to get a very nice, well cared for, low mileage, low owner 2.7 for that, or a slightly more used 2.9 gen 2. Amazing, amazing cars!Thank you to the rest for echoing what I believed to be the best thinking.
Ah, the world of 987's and their engines ....
Brief summary (for Cayman's, 987 Boxster's start a little earlier and had some other engines with other problems in their early years):
- 987.1 non-'S' 2.7 Pretty much bombproof. IMS and RMS problems all dealt with (see comments above about earlier Boxsters) and no more likely to score their bores than anything else. Not the quickest things out there but utterly lovely to drive, particularly on smaller (17inch) wheels.
- 987.1 'S' 3.4. Can score their bores but I strongly suspect that the hype is greater than the problem; it's much talked about but actual cases where the owner appears and says 'This happened to my car and here's some proof' are not as common as the stories. Meant to be more of a problem in automatic cars than manuals.
- 987.2 anything - entirely different engine, as reliable as the 987.1 2.7's. Only the 'S' models were direct injection (despite what some say) and the automatics got a proper PDK gearbox, unlike the 987.1's. Quite a lot more expensive, arguable as to whether you got significantly more car for your money.
FWIW I have a 987.1 2.7 with nearly 120,000 miles on it and it's a cracking car. It's not hugely fast but it is more capable as a car than I am as a driver and, for that reason alone, I don't hanker after anything quicker.
Brief summary (for Cayman's, 987 Boxster's start a little earlier and had some other engines with other problems in their early years):
- 987.1 non-'S' 2.7 Pretty much bombproof. IMS and RMS problems all dealt with (see comments above about earlier Boxsters) and no more likely to score their bores than anything else. Not the quickest things out there but utterly lovely to drive, particularly on smaller (17inch) wheels.
- 987.1 'S' 3.4. Can score their bores but I strongly suspect that the hype is greater than the problem; it's much talked about but actual cases where the owner appears and says 'This happened to my car and here's some proof' are not as common as the stories. Meant to be more of a problem in automatic cars than manuals.
- 987.2 anything - entirely different engine, as reliable as the 987.1 2.7's. Only the 'S' models were direct injection (despite what some say) and the automatics got a proper PDK gearbox, unlike the 987.1's. Quite a lot more expensive, arguable as to whether you got significantly more car for your money.
FWIW I have a 987.1 2.7 with nearly 120,000 miles on it and it's a cracking car. It's not hugely fast but it is more capable as a car than I am as a driver and, for that reason alone, I don't hanker after anything quicker.
I bought a 986 Boxster at the start of this year, I initially wanted the 3.2S but I found a good example with a 2.7 engine and I have to say I don't feel like i'm missing out at all, i've been really surprised with how the engine performs, it seems to love to rev and it doesn't feel slow at all.
As a point of reference my daily drive is a BMW M240i and while no doubt the BMW would leave it on a straight road the Boxster for me is a far better handling car and I feel much more confident with it on twisty roads.
I would definately recommend having a go in a non S model whichever variation you choose.
As a point of reference my daily drive is a BMW M240i and while no doubt the BMW would leave it on a straight road the Boxster for me is a far better handling car and I feel much more confident with it on twisty roads.
I would definately recommend having a go in a non S model whichever variation you choose.
I had the same dilemma and questions when I was looking. Initially I wanted the 987.1 3.4S, just because. But the later ones had a higher tax band and if I did by a problem car I just couldn't have afforded a huge bill. I then started looking a 987.2 2.9's and to be honest it's been awesome. I had a gear linkage failure and the exhaust studs that hole the back box bit to the manifold bit let go, so they were replaced with stainless steel bolts. Other than that no problems at all. I'm no driving God, so I don't notice the 0.5 seconds slower to 60 and who is ever going to notice the 10mph less top speed over the 987.1 S?
Servicing intervals are 2 years, alternating between major and minor, so not hugely expensive there either. I love it and I'll only sell it when I've saved up for an Evora!!
Servicing intervals are 2 years, alternating between major and minor, so not hugely expensive there either. I love it and I'll only sell it when I've saved up for an Evora!!
I've looked at the Cayman and Boxster quite a bit recently. There's a Porsche specialist nearby that I visited a few weeks back.
https://www.jrmotorcompany.co.uk/showroom/
The owner is also part owner of Porshawerks garage in Coventry where all the maintenance and prep gets done. Not sure if anyone knows much about them? They seem to have a decent reputation and pricing for services looks okay.
The cars are pretty well presented but do seem on the higher side. If I did go for one I'd probably be happy to pay a little more for the right car with good history.
One thing the guy did say was that if there's any chance you might want to drop the top then you might as well go Boxster, which are also a little cheaper like for like. Any other thoughts on Boxster vs Cayman?
https://www.jrmotorcompany.co.uk/showroom/
The owner is also part owner of Porshawerks garage in Coventry where all the maintenance and prep gets done. Not sure if anyone knows much about them? They seem to have a decent reputation and pricing for services looks okay.
The cars are pretty well presented but do seem on the higher side. If I did go for one I'd probably be happy to pay a little more for the right car with good history.
One thing the guy did say was that if there's any chance you might want to drop the top then you might as well go Boxster, which are also a little cheaper like for like. Any other thoughts on Boxster vs Cayman?
Soft top vs. hard top (obviously!)
Drive one of each. The difference will be greater than you think. The Cayman is noticeably firmer and more taught, the boxster softer. The Caymans were given a few more BHP (certainly 987.1's, could have been 5bhp) but you'll struggle to notice them on the road.
Cayman is more practical as the rear boot is bigger and they have usable space above the engine.
Drive one of each. The difference will be greater than you think. The Cayman is noticeably firmer and more taught, the boxster softer. The Caymans were given a few more BHP (certainly 987.1's, could have been 5bhp) but you'll struggle to notice them on the road.
Cayman is more practical as the rear boot is bigger and they have usable space above the engine.
Hmm yes.
I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
ChrisH72 said:
Hmm yes.
I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
First world problems and all that I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
IMHO, the MX5 is a bit of a minger and driving a Mazda doesn't have quite the same feeling as driving a Porsche, but will be a lot lighter on your wallet come service time!
The Cayman is a lovely shape, the lines are smoother than the Boxster, but you can't beat dropping the top in the summer - you can occasionally find 987 hardtops to give you the best of other worlds, they don't come up often and can be pricey
I had a Boxster 987.2 S recently and was left outside all year, didn't have any issues with icing up as the roof is well insulated, unlike the single skin vinyl roof on my mk1 MX5 that used to ice up on the inside of the windscreen!
Whatever you choose will be awesome though - enjoy it!
ChrisH72 said:
Hmm yes.
I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
I’ve got a similar dilemma next year and am torn between Boxster, Cayman and an Elise.I do like a convertible in the Summer time. Although I didn't get as far as diving a Boxster I had a good poke round one. I was impressed by the quality of the soft top and also pleasantly surprised by the amount of space in both boots. That front boot is huge, you could almost climb in it!
But then, I use the car all year round and also have no garage. My old MR2 used to freeze up on the inside on cold winter mornings. Not fun.
I also looked at a 981 Boxster. For not a lot more than a 987 Cayman it's definitely a big step up in interior quality. And then, I was also very impressed with a nearly new MX5 RF which offers the security and all year round comfort of a coupe with the ability to lower the roof. Maybe not quite the same performance as a Porsche but a lot newer and cheaper to run.
Choices eh?
Can’t really decide although the Porsche is in the lead at the moment.
I currently have a Mk 1 Mx5 and love the thing, would love to try a Turbo conversion on it but can’t justify the costs.
A nice dilemma to have, I can’t speak personally of the Cayman/Boxster however have just sold a 997 cab so here’s a few pointers from me -
Engines - I had a ‘base’ 3.6 and it was a dream, in this day in age unless you are planning much track action then buy the engine that works on a day to to day basis for you and sounds the nicest. We would all love a fire breathing 600hp car but the reality is it wouldn’t get used and except for some bragging rights down the pub you probably wouldn’t give it another thought.
They do a range of engines as you have eluded too, covering different bases.
Problems - I bought my 997 blind, the first time I saw it was when it arrived on the transporter, no distance selling conditions it was mine whatever. The internet is awash with stories about bore score, IMS, RMS blah blah blah. But the reality is every car of this type/sector has its problems and if you research it enough you will find some big scary bills lurking. HOWEVER you must balance this with how many are on the road, the Cayman/Boxster has been a huge success for Porsche so the few doombringers you read about posting are very much in the minority. It’s good to have an awareness but don’t let it drive your decision in any one particular direction, they make an incredible engine or two and contrary to popular belief they aren’t made of cheese.
Bodystyle - I have posted my thoughts on this before and it’s horses for courses but here goes. When you drive a performance car of an caliper, you drive it because it excites you. It excites you because of how it looks, how it sounds and how it feels. By taking the roof down you enhance those factors ten fold, it adds another dimension to driving that car. I have had lots of cabs over my time and cannot emphasise enough how much more enjoyable they are. Also remember manufacturers have made leaps and bounds in hood construction and even the one on my 16 year old 911 was super insulated and when up gave very little away in the cabin in terms of road nose, heat etc. When I am looking for a car I will always consider the convertible version first, again you will get those that say ‘wallowy, bends in the middle, scuttle shake’ and in some applications it’s true but when you are looking at a Porsche you would have to be a track day long to notice much difference between a Cayman and Boxster with the same engine.
I was sad to move my 911 on, it was bought for a purpose (documented on here) it served that purpose and was time to move on, but it left me with some incredible memories.
Whichever body style you go for, whichever engine you choose it will be an absolute blast and try not to spend too much time getting caught up with the nay-sayers.
Whatever you do make sure you let us know what you decide!
Si
Engines - I had a ‘base’ 3.6 and it was a dream, in this day in age unless you are planning much track action then buy the engine that works on a day to to day basis for you and sounds the nicest. We would all love a fire breathing 600hp car but the reality is it wouldn’t get used and except for some bragging rights down the pub you probably wouldn’t give it another thought.
They do a range of engines as you have eluded too, covering different bases.
Problems - I bought my 997 blind, the first time I saw it was when it arrived on the transporter, no distance selling conditions it was mine whatever. The internet is awash with stories about bore score, IMS, RMS blah blah blah. But the reality is every car of this type/sector has its problems and if you research it enough you will find some big scary bills lurking. HOWEVER you must balance this with how many are on the road, the Cayman/Boxster has been a huge success for Porsche so the few doombringers you read about posting are very much in the minority. It’s good to have an awareness but don’t let it drive your decision in any one particular direction, they make an incredible engine or two and contrary to popular belief they aren’t made of cheese.
Bodystyle - I have posted my thoughts on this before and it’s horses for courses but here goes. When you drive a performance car of an caliper, you drive it because it excites you. It excites you because of how it looks, how it sounds and how it feels. By taking the roof down you enhance those factors ten fold, it adds another dimension to driving that car. I have had lots of cabs over my time and cannot emphasise enough how much more enjoyable they are. Also remember manufacturers have made leaps and bounds in hood construction and even the one on my 16 year old 911 was super insulated and when up gave very little away in the cabin in terms of road nose, heat etc. When I am looking for a car I will always consider the convertible version first, again you will get those that say ‘wallowy, bends in the middle, scuttle shake’ and in some applications it’s true but when you are looking at a Porsche you would have to be a track day long to notice much difference between a Cayman and Boxster with the same engine.
I was sad to move my 911 on, it was bought for a purpose (documented on here) it served that purpose and was time to move on, but it left me with some incredible memories.
Whichever body style you go for, whichever engine you choose it will be an absolute blast and try not to spend too much time getting caught up with the nay-sayers.
Whatever you do make sure you let us know what you decide!
Si
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