Ditch Cayman in favour of 996? Discuss!
Discussion
Ditch Cayman in favour of 996? Discuss!
Greetings all. New member here.
I’ve a question – and I couldn’t think of a better place than Pistonheads to post it.
I’ve been pretty keen on Porsche for a few years – I was lucky enough to get a new 987 Boxster (2.7) in 2005 and I got a new 2.7 Cayman in March.
The Cayman is a great car – but I’ve always hankered after a 911.
Should I therefore ditch the Cayman and get a decent 996 (I just can’t afford a 997 of any description).
What are the pros and cons?
If I did decide on a 996 am I likely to face potentially expensive maintenance bills?
Is the 996 just too ugly
Should I stick with the Cayman?
Etc. etc.
You opinions would be very welcome.
TOM
Greetings all. New member here.
I’ve a question – and I couldn’t think of a better place than Pistonheads to post it.
I’ve been pretty keen on Porsche for a few years – I was lucky enough to get a new 987 Boxster (2.7) in 2005 and I got a new 2.7 Cayman in March.
The Cayman is a great car – but I’ve always hankered after a 911.
Should I therefore ditch the Cayman and get a decent 996 (I just can’t afford a 997 of any description).
What are the pros and cons?
If I did decide on a 996 am I likely to face potentially expensive maintenance bills?
Is the 996 just too ugly
Should I stick with the Cayman?
Etc. etc.
You opinions would be very welcome.
TOM
I sold my 2.7 last weekend and have been is a real bind finding a replacement. I have looked at various other marques / cars and considered mortgaging myself to the hilt for a 911. I had a good chat to a really decent sales guy at Cardiff. His view was that the Boxster was a car that was rewarding all the time and the 911 was only rewarding if you were pushing it.
The 'S' variants are totally different cars to the 2.5's and 2.7's. The handling is very simillar, the real difference come from the power and in equal measure the braking. The 2.7 is a great car, the 3.2 / 3.2 is awesome.
I have found a Boxster S, agreed a price and hopefully will place a deposit in the morning.
The 'S' variants are totally different cars to the 2.5's and 2.7's. The handling is very simillar, the real difference come from the power and in equal measure the braking. The 2.7 is a great car, the 3.2 / 3.2 is awesome.
I have found a Boxster S, agreed a price and hopefully will place a deposit in the morning.
Best to just go and try one. Sorry, I'm not a huge Boxster or Cayman fan. Nothing snooty, in fact my 996 C2 was cheaper to buy than the majority of S model Boxsters and new Caymans, its just that I "needed" a 911 
Nothing else would scratch that itch.
2.5yrs later, and I've loved every journey. Really. In fairness I've never driven either a Boxster or Cayman, so couldnt possibly comment on their dynamics, but, whichever salesman (mentioned above) said a 996 is only enjoyable when pushing it, is talking sh1te. Personally, I didn't find the TT as involving and communicative as my C2, but it was devastatingly capable. The GT3's are just incredible in terms of telegraphing whats happening. I still love the C2, it does both roles very well and feels as though it has so much to give if you want to take it.
Just try one. Again, theres a thought that says the C2 is lighter and more feelsome than a C4, but again, try both, I'm sure neither will disappoint.
Nothing else would scratch that itch.2.5yrs later, and I've loved every journey. Really. In fairness I've never driven either a Boxster or Cayman, so couldnt possibly comment on their dynamics, but, whichever salesman (mentioned above) said a 996 is only enjoyable when pushing it, is talking sh1te. Personally, I didn't find the TT as involving and communicative as my C2, but it was devastatingly capable. The GT3's are just incredible in terms of telegraphing whats happening. I still love the C2, it does both roles very well and feels as though it has so much to give if you want to take it.
Just try one. Again, theres a thought that says the C2 is lighter and more feelsome than a C4, but again, try both, I'm sure neither will disappoint.
If you have used the Cayman fully for luggage try getting the same amount in a 911. I can get two full golf travel bags in the back, two large clothing bags in the front and travel in an uncluttered cabin at the same time, not something you can do in a 996. If you are looking at performance comparisons then a base Cayman is nowhere near a 996, but an 'S' version will prove more than a match for base 996 cars on a twisty road.
Another thing to consider is the cost of ownership. Your Cayman is only 5 months old and as such has 19 months of warranty still to run. Buying a 996 will get you 1 year max and then it will require a service (don't know cost of these as will be based on mileage etc) and warranty renewal at c£900. You will also get ar$e raped by the dealer over trade-in of the Cayman if you can't sell it privately, which is nice
To be honest go to your supplying OPC and ask them to test drive a 996 of your preferred variety and a Cayman S back to back. Then make your mind up based on money (if that is an issue), ease of use for your requirements and the fact you are buying an older car.
Have fun
Another thing to consider is the cost of ownership. Your Cayman is only 5 months old and as such has 19 months of warranty still to run. Buying a 996 will get you 1 year max and then it will require a service (don't know cost of these as will be based on mileage etc) and warranty renewal at c£900. You will also get ar$e raped by the dealer over trade-in of the Cayman if you can't sell it privately, which is nice
To be honest go to your supplying OPC and ask them to test drive a 996 of your preferred variety and a Cayman S back to back. Then make your mind up based on money (if that is an issue), ease of use for your requirements and the fact you are buying an older car.
Have fun
Grey Ghost said:
If you have used the Cayman fully for luggage try getting the same amount in a 911. I can get two full golf travel bags in the back, two large clothing bags in the front and travel in an uncluttered cabin at the same time, not something you can do in a 996.
Yeah but who ever bought a Porsche for it's practicality?Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff