£20k - Cayman S or 911

[PompeyPaul]

Hi all,

I am looking at stepping into the world of Porsche for the first time. Budget of up to 20k.

Would I be safer looking at a Cayman S or 911 for this money in terms of what I will get, and ongoing running costs and potential issues?

I know some people say if you buy a Cayman you will regret not getting a 911, but if you get a 911 you will not miss a Cayman. Peoples thoughts on this and general advice would be gratefully received!

Thanks,

Paul

[jakesmith]

If you care what ignorant ill informed people think it has to be a 911
If you want the one that's best suited to your needs & preference try them both
Both great cars so can't go too wrong

[Matt Seabrook]

Having owned both I can say that I sometimes miss the way the Cayman handled. I love them both only you can choose which is best for you though.

[Shaoxter]

Depends what you're using it for, what kind of roads you drive, whether you need 4 seats, etc.
Try a few cars out and see what's best for you. Just make sure it has a sports exhaust though

Your budget can just about get a 997 C2 which would be hard to say no to...

[pmac32]

Having owned both id say 911. I always felt like the Cayman was second best compared to a 911, and don't see why you'd purchase a Cayman over a 911 for any other reason than a financial one.

[rob.kellock]

I currently have a Cayman
I could afford a 911.
QED

[Polome]

Having driven over 100k ( enjoyable) miles in the last 15 years with the 911 ( 3.2 , 996 & 997) my first choice now would be a Cayman. Having test driven a few Cayman including the R and latest model they make the 911 feel dated and old . "if" you don't need rear seats ( I do ) the Cayman is by far the best driving/ handling car of the two. Added bonus of much newer car for the same cost is the icing on the cake. Try lengthy test drives of both before deciding...good luck with your purchase.

[Magic919]

You'll know whether you are a 911 or Cayman person, I reckon.

As for a safe buy at £20k, good luck. Gen 1 997S, not looking good. Cayman S 2006, I don't think so.

[Trev450]

rob.kellock said:

I currently have a Cayman
I could afford a 911.
QED

This. I'm in the same position. Both great cars but you really need to drive both to make an informed decision.

[PompeyPaul]

Magic919 said:

You'll know whether you are a 911 or Cayman person, I reckon.

As for a safe buy at £20k, good luck. Gen 1 997S, not looking good. Cayman S 2006, I don't think so.

Thanks for all the input to date guys. What year are the infamous problems no longer an issue from?

[gaz1234]

993

[Magic919]

For 997 you need to hit 2008 when the Gen 2 cars began. Cayman S seems particularly bad in 2006 and some in 2007. Again, going later when they started using the new engines will help. Those are about 2009.

[Actus Reus]

I went for the Cayman S when I had this choice a few years ago - budget was £40k, but happy that I spent only £31k and got the Cayman S. Mine was a 2008 and had no problems at all - had a 2006 Boxster S too, and no problems with that either. They certainly can have problems, but it's not as common as the internet may lead you to believe. Indies like JZM do boroscopes so you can buy with some degree of comfort from them - but at £20k there won't be any 911s there for you.

[jonm01]

20k will get a decent 08 Cayman S. Wouldn't want a high mile 997 for that money.