Cayman - sub £20k buying advice
Discussion
Evening all,
I'm looking for some information about buying a Cayman for sub £20k.
I believe this budget should easily get a 2006 2.7 with under 50k.
It will be used as more of a weekend toy with various driving holidays etc.
What are the desirable options to look out for?
Was the differential only available from 2009 onwards?
Are there any specific problems I should check for?
Do the engines suffer from *cough* IMS issues?
Any other problems they can suffer from?
Would you go for a warranty at this price point?
Is getting a pre-purchase independent survey a no-brainer?
What sort of mileage do the front discs/pads get & how much do they cost (not OPC)?
Are the 17" wheels the better 'drivers' choice?
Am I right in thinking the service schedule is along the lines of:
Year.1 (15km) - Oil service
Year.2 (30km) - Minor service
Year.3 (45km) - Oil service
Year.4 (60km) - MAJOR service
Year.5 (75km) - Oil service
Year.6 (90km) - Minor service
Which would suggest a MAJOR service should have been carried out for 2006/07 cars?
And I guess finally - Is the Cayman-S worth shelling out a few extra quid for!?!?!
Any previous owners care to comment on their experiences & any web-links muchos appreciated to help out.
Many thanks for your time replying to any of the questions.
I'm looking for some information about buying a Cayman for sub £20k.
I believe this budget should easily get a 2006 2.7 with under 50k.
It will be used as more of a weekend toy with various driving holidays etc.
What are the desirable options to look out for?
Was the differential only available from 2009 onwards?
Are there any specific problems I should check for?
Do the engines suffer from *cough* IMS issues?
Any other problems they can suffer from?
Would you go for a warranty at this price point?
Is getting a pre-purchase independent survey a no-brainer?
What sort of mileage do the front discs/pads get & how much do they cost (not OPC)?
Are the 17" wheels the better 'drivers' choice?
Am I right in thinking the service schedule is along the lines of:
Year.1 (15km) - Oil service
Year.2 (30km) - Minor service
Year.3 (45km) - Oil service
Year.4 (60km) - MAJOR service
Year.5 (75km) - Oil service
Year.6 (90km) - Minor service
Which would suggest a MAJOR service should have been carried out for 2006/07 cars?
And I guess finally - Is the Cayman-S worth shelling out a few extra quid for!?!?!
Any previous owners care to comment on their experiences & any web-links muchos appreciated to help out.
Many thanks for your time replying to any of the questions.
Edited by CocoUK on Thursday 5th January 23:23
CocoUK said:
What are the desirable options to look out for?
Depends what's desireable to you. Aircon is useful in a coupe. I personally think the rear wiper is useful in this country though some people consider it ugly. Get a Carnewall GT exhaust.CocoUK said:
Was the differential only available from 2009 onwards?
Correct. It doesn't really need an LSD. It'd make it understeer even more for a start (the smaller wheels make it understeer a little less). Unless you're planning on tracking it heavily and modding the suspension to compensate, I wouldn't bother.CocoUK said:
Are there any specific problems I should check for?
Excessively 'tappety' at idle or an excessive (they all belch a little at start up) amount of smoke. Walk away.CocoUK said:
Do the engines suffer from *cough* IMS issues?
Everything watercooled pre-2009 that isn't a GT3/2/Turbo is susceptable to IMS. Allegedly the IMS issue was addressed (but not cured!) on the 2007-2009 cars.CocoUK said:
Any other problems they can suffer from?
RMS can leak oil. Keep an eye on it and get it sorted if it does. Not an issue really. Pre-2009 engines are prone to oil surge on track if you use sticky tyres. Power steering pump can have issues on track also. On the road there aren't any issues.CocoUK said:
Would you go for a warranty at this price point?
Nope. Engines tend not to detonate with anywhere near the frequency that the internet would have you believe.CocoUK said:
Is getting a pre-purchase independent survey a no-brainer?
Buying privately, probably. From an OPC you'll likely be ok.CocoUK said:
What sort of mileage do the front discs/pads get & how much do they cost (not OPC)?
Don't know, not needed to swap them.CocoUK said:
Are the 17" wheels the better 'drivers' choice?
Yes. The bigger wheels are purely an asthetic choice.CocoUK said:
Am I right in thinking the service schedule is along the lines of:
Year.1 (15km) - Oil service
Year.2 (30km) - Minor service
Year.3 (45km) - Oil service
Year.4 (60km) - MAJOR service
Year.5 (75km) - Oil service
Year.6 (90km) - Minor service
Service every 2 years or 20k miles. minor/major. Look at around £500 with an indie for a major.Year.1 (15km) - Oil service
Year.2 (30km) - Minor service
Year.3 (45km) - Oil service
Year.4 (60km) - MAJOR service
Year.5 (75km) - Oil service
Year.6 (90km) - Minor service
CocoUK said:
Which would suggest a MAJOR service should have been carried out for 2006/07 cars?
At 4 years old or 40k miles, yes.CocoUK said:
And I guess finally - Is the Cayman-S worth shelling out a few extra quid for!?!?!
Drive one and see if you need the extra poke. Personally I find the 2.7 more rewarding to drive. The power is a little lazier in the S, the 2.7 needs spanking. More fun more of the time without losing your license. An added bounus is that pre-2009 S's are high tax band, 2.7's are not. Plus you'll get a better (newer/lower milage) all-round car for your cash with a 2.7.Edited by juansolo on Friday 6th January 07:15
juansolo said:
CocoUK said:
What
There is also an issue of scored cylinder liners which does happen quite a few cars (my old car included). True its only a small % of engines but it does happen and if you dont have a warranty you are looking at big bill to repair.CocoUK said:
Any other problems they can suffer from?
RMS can leak oil. Keep an eye on it and get it sorted if it does. Not an issue really. Pre-2009 engines are prone to oil surge on track if you use sticky tyres. Power steering pump can have issues on track also. On the road there aren't any issues.CocoUK said:
Would you go for a warranty at this price point?
Nope. Engines tend not to detonate with anywhere near the frequency that the internet would have you believe.My car had 2 scored liners and was repaired by Hartech who did a great job but the total bill was over £7K which is going to be a killer if you have only bought the car for under £20K in the first place.
If I ever get back into a Porsche I will either get one with an official warranty or make sure I have enough in the pot as a contingency.
I too debated the 2.7 vs the S but at the time (late October 2011) my £19k got me a very nice 2.7 with 45k miles, nice options, FPSH etc, with a hopefully decent 6 months warranty from a Porsche indy specialist (Cridfords).
At that time £19k would have bought me a non specialist or private sale Cayman S with 65k +, worn tyres and service looming.
I could have pushed the budget by a few more £k but decided the 2.7 was enough for me as it is an absolute joy to use and is plenty quick enough for me on the back roads. Yes, a bit more lazy torque roll on motorway power would be nice but the 2.7 is hardly lacking and at least you can enjoy strong acceleration without ending up on the wrong side of 100. Once I'm driving the car on decent roads most of the time I would struggle to drive any car faster. You cant sling shot out of corners with huge acceleration but there is more than enough to enjoy yourself while staying within the law.....ish...
Long motorway journeys give me 32mpg, cheap tax, indy servicing is cheap, cheaper insurance etc. All little things which add up if you are looking after the pennies.
As Juansolo says.....get a Carnewal GT exhaust on it. I just put one on mine and it is phenomenal.
The options I have on mine are heated seats, 18" alloys with crest, 9 speaker sound system and leather steering wheel. I dont need anything else. 17"s are meant to be better handling but 18"s look better. I might buy an old set of 17"s to see what the fuss is all about.
I debated the 2.7 vs S issue for ages. Having made my choice I dont regret it one bit. You may be different so go drive both. However, there is something pure about a base 2.7 that has some of the old Porsche scribes like Frankel and Harris writing in raptures....mine is a keeper for sure. I will add some faster Pork to the stable in a couple of years but I would like to think this, my first Porsche, will be with me for a long time.
Good luck with your search!
At that time £19k would have bought me a non specialist or private sale Cayman S with 65k +, worn tyres and service looming.
I could have pushed the budget by a few more £k but decided the 2.7 was enough for me as it is an absolute joy to use and is plenty quick enough for me on the back roads. Yes, a bit more lazy torque roll on motorway power would be nice but the 2.7 is hardly lacking and at least you can enjoy strong acceleration without ending up on the wrong side of 100. Once I'm driving the car on decent roads most of the time I would struggle to drive any car faster. You cant sling shot out of corners with huge acceleration but there is more than enough to enjoy yourself while staying within the law.....ish...
Long motorway journeys give me 32mpg, cheap tax, indy servicing is cheap, cheaper insurance etc. All little things which add up if you are looking after the pennies.
As Juansolo says.....get a Carnewal GT exhaust on it. I just put one on mine and it is phenomenal.
The options I have on mine are heated seats, 18" alloys with crest, 9 speaker sound system and leather steering wheel. I dont need anything else. 17"s are meant to be better handling but 18"s look better. I might buy an old set of 17"s to see what the fuss is all about.
I debated the 2.7 vs S issue for ages. Having made my choice I dont regret it one bit. You may be different so go drive both. However, there is something pure about a base 2.7 that has some of the old Porsche scribes like Frankel and Harris writing in raptures....mine is a keeper for sure. I will add some faster Pork to the stable in a couple of years but I would like to think this, my first Porsche, will be with me for a long time.
Good luck with your search!
My 2 pennies:
I drove the 2.7 and S back to back and bought the 2.7.
The power in the S is slightly more effortless, but when we went for a drive I struggled to really push it because no road was ever long enough to get more than a couple of red line gear changes.
The 2.7 gives you an opportunity to really work the gearbox and hear that glorious sound which appears past 4000rpm more often. As someone else said, I found it more rewarding to drive.
Just bear in mind that the 2.7 has a 5-speed box, whereas the S has 6. A minor annoyance, but I got used to it pretty quickly.
Edit: Mine is 2008 with 36k miles, Black/black, BOSE, Nav, 18", had a major service last year. Had it for 1 year with no issues. Unfortunately might be for sale soon due to needing 4 seats
I drove the 2.7 and S back to back and bought the 2.7.
The power in the S is slightly more effortless, but when we went for a drive I struggled to really push it because no road was ever long enough to get more than a couple of red line gear changes.
The 2.7 gives you an opportunity to really work the gearbox and hear that glorious sound which appears past 4000rpm more often. As someone else said, I found it more rewarding to drive.
Just bear in mind that the 2.7 has a 5-speed box, whereas the S has 6. A minor annoyance, but I got used to it pretty quickly.
Edit: Mine is 2008 with 36k miles, Black/black, BOSE, Nav, 18", had a major service last year. Had it for 1 year with no issues. Unfortunately might be for sale soon due to needing 4 seats
Edited by kotafey on Friday 6th January 11:10
Hi, I am a sub 20k 2.7 owner:
The car may feel a bit slow because of the so capable chassis
It has a long gearing on the 5g box
It is more fun than 3.4, because you have to work it harder to move forwards (Cayman S will give you even more fun but you have to approach silly speeds if you want to rev it)
IMS failure – yes it is possible (no problems on mine)
Prone to RMS leak – nothing major if the leak is small but can take the clutch out if more severe
Ride on 17” alloys is good but I prefer the look of bigger wheels. 18” are a good compromise between look and ride quality. (I have kept 17” as winter wheels only)
I would definitely do a PPI on the car you like.
Options I do have and think they are nice to have:
Sport seats, 18” wheels, parking sensors, automatic air-con
Options I do not have and I feel that they are necessary:
Xenons and possibly different steering wheel.
Would I get the 2.7 again?
Yes, I really like this car
Would I rather have Cayman S if money would be no object?
Yes
The car may feel a bit slow because of the so capable chassis
It has a long gearing on the 5g box
It is more fun than 3.4, because you have to work it harder to move forwards (Cayman S will give you even more fun but you have to approach silly speeds if you want to rev it)
IMS failure – yes it is possible (no problems on mine)
Prone to RMS leak – nothing major if the leak is small but can take the clutch out if more severe
Ride on 17” alloys is good but I prefer the look of bigger wheels. 18” are a good compromise between look and ride quality. (I have kept 17” as winter wheels only)
I would definitely do a PPI on the car you like.
Options I do have and think they are nice to have:
Sport seats, 18” wheels, parking sensors, automatic air-con
Options I do not have and I feel that they are necessary:
Xenons and possibly different steering wheel.
Would I get the 2.7 again?
Yes, I really like this car
Would I rather have Cayman S if money would be no object?
Yes
juansolo said:
An added bounus is that pre-2009 S's are high tax band, 2.7's are not. Plus you'll get a better (newer/lower milage) all-round car for your cash with a 2.7.
This is true except for pre-April 2006 Cayman S cars which are exempt from the high tax band and still only cost £265 for a full year of Road Tax.2.7 is fantastic, cannot recommend enough; great to the redline and still fun at legal speeds. It is somewhat gutless at low rpm so you have to work it, but it really comes alive past 5k. If your top priority is acceleration then look elsewhere, but as a balanced sportscar for british B roads its tough to beat.
Mine runs on 18 inch wheels, if you live in an area with particularly bumpy roads i'd steer clear of 19s at least, but in rural mid wales the 18s are tolerable on all but the worst surfaces. I believe the 17s run narrower tyres so less outright grip, but the cayman(esp. g1 with no lsd) is no drift machine so don't expect 17s to make it into one. I'm perfectly pleased with 18s, I feel they are the best compromise of looks handling and ride.
I actually have a specific question of my own with regards to the IMS though, and I'm going to be posting a thread shortly on the IMS situation on the g1 cayman which I shall link.
Mine runs on 18 inch wheels, if you live in an area with particularly bumpy roads i'd steer clear of 19s at least, but in rural mid wales the 18s are tolerable on all but the worst surfaces. I believe the 17s run narrower tyres so less outright grip, but the cayman(esp. g1 with no lsd) is no drift machine so don't expect 17s to make it into one. I'm perfectly pleased with 18s, I feel they are the best compromise of looks handling and ride.
I actually have a specific question of my own with regards to the IMS though, and I'm going to be posting a thread shortly on the IMS situation on the g1 cayman which I shall link.
Hi there
Fellow Cayman 2.7 owner here. My car is a basic spec 2006 model which iv used as a daily drive for 2 years. The 2.7 is quick enough when worked hard but does lack the effortless overtaking poke of the S. Being a bit slower does mean that you get to explore the far reaches of the rev range more frequently and it really does sound fantastic above 5000 rpm!
My car came on the 17s when i bought it but within a year i had changed to 18s. Admittedly the ride is a bit firmer now (non PASM) but not massively so and the car looks much nicer in my opinion. I think the 18s are the best ride/looks compromise.
In terms of options, the full leather trim inside is nice and PASM is desirable. Other options are a matter of opinion but i dont think the car needs much else to be honest.
As already mentioned, servicing is every 20k and the prices are reasonable if an indy is used. Personally i have managed without a warranty and the costs that I have experienced have amounted to less that the cost of an OPC warranty over the 2 year period. Personally I would say that at this price point an OPC warranty isnt worth it although of course it depends on how much you value the peace of mind it provides. I suspect the best compromise may be to buy a car from an Indy who will provide their own warranty (eg specialist cars of malton, hartech etc).
Hope that helps, the car is great and im sure you will love it
Fellow Cayman 2.7 owner here. My car is a basic spec 2006 model which iv used as a daily drive for 2 years. The 2.7 is quick enough when worked hard but does lack the effortless overtaking poke of the S. Being a bit slower does mean that you get to explore the far reaches of the rev range more frequently and it really does sound fantastic above 5000 rpm!
My car came on the 17s when i bought it but within a year i had changed to 18s. Admittedly the ride is a bit firmer now (non PASM) but not massively so and the car looks much nicer in my opinion. I think the 18s are the best ride/looks compromise.
In terms of options, the full leather trim inside is nice and PASM is desirable. Other options are a matter of opinion but i dont think the car needs much else to be honest.
As already mentioned, servicing is every 20k and the prices are reasonable if an indy is used. Personally i have managed without a warranty and the costs that I have experienced have amounted to less that the cost of an OPC warranty over the 2 year period. Personally I would say that at this price point an OPC warranty isnt worth it although of course it depends on how much you value the peace of mind it provides. I suspect the best compromise may be to buy a car from an Indy who will provide their own warranty (eg specialist cars of malton, hartech etc).
Hope that helps, the car is great and im sure you will love it
I had a 2.7 from new. The only time I missed the 3.4 was the uphill section at Mira. Otherwise a car that howled to >three figures in 3rd and had a sublime chassis was quick enough to show a clean pair of heels to most stuff on the road, and for me to have some 5* drives.
The Sport pack cars (6 speed + PASM) are worth the extra, the Sport button gives it a GT->Sporter charachter I appreciated. And 18" wheels made PASM Sport mode very usable. With Sport Chrono it was even more Jeckell + Hyde.
The std alcantara and errhummm, vinyl seats are fine and are warmer/cooler and much grippier than cold/hot/slidey leather.
The std headlight aren't much cop.
BTW the extra meat of the 2.7 block makes it less suceptable to structural problems according to Hartech.
SS7
The Sport pack cars (6 speed + PASM) are worth the extra, the Sport button gives it a GT->Sporter charachter I appreciated. And 18" wheels made PASM Sport mode very usable. With Sport Chrono it was even more Jeckell + Hyde.
The std alcantara and errhummm, vinyl seats are fine and are warmer/cooler and much grippier than cold/hot/slidey leather.
The std headlight aren't much cop.
BTW the extra meat of the 2.7 block makes it less suceptable to structural problems according to Hartech.
SS7
anonymous said:
[redacted]
IIRC it's 205/235 vs 235/265. The car is much more lively on 17's if you like to play around near the limit. It's not a drift machine as has been mentioned, though I've had a couple of fairly big slides in it since fitting them. But it's very predictable and fun! IMO the balance is better on 17's if you like that sort of thing. They suit the package. The wider 18's are MUCH grippier. Too much at the back IMO and the steering is not quite as sweet.Edited by juansolo on Friday 6th January 21:43
Tivo said:
+ 1 !
Loved mine ! First new Porsche before your 40, ideal ! I specked mine for me, just when they first came out. Being a track junkie, I paid for 6 speed, spacers and pasm, plus a couple of comfort options. 2.7 is a classic little car, now on its third owner, know engine issues, wish I could have it back ! (along with my current squeeze) Evening all,
WOW! Awesome response from all, many thanks for taking the time with all of the helpful advice.
It looks like a very full service history is key with these to hopefully avoid any IMS issues...
In terms of spec a 2.7 on 17" wheels, low miles, with decent paperwork & perhaps a couple of options would be sweet for ~£18k.
I should hopefully be seeing one tomorrow, I must add that the car isn't actually for me, I'm still saving for a .6RS!
Once again, many thanks for your response.
WOW! Awesome response from all, many thanks for taking the time with all of the helpful advice.
It looks like a very full service history is key with these to hopefully avoid any IMS issues...
In terms of spec a 2.7 on 17" wheels, low miles, with decent paperwork & perhaps a couple of options would be sweet for ~£18k.
I should hopefully be seeing one tomorrow, I must add that the car isn't actually for me, I'm still saving for a .6RS!
Once again, many thanks for your response.
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