Porsche Cayman 987 Purchase
Discussion
Hi All,
I have been looking at getting a new car recently and saw how good the price is on 2007-2010 Caymans (Both the 2.9 and the 3.4 S).
Does anyone have any recommendations and spec that I should go for?
I think the PDKs are just out my price range, unless I went for a High-mileage, however I'm not sure what reliability is like in the +70,000 Miles range? Is the S-Tronic just as good, or would the manual be better?
Additionally, is there any problems I should look out for?
I have had some reliability issues with my Audi 8V S3 in the past year, and want to avoid having any glaring issues that could rack up the costs?
Along with this, what would be typical fuel costs? This isnt really a concern, however I have spoken to people who said you get only 20mpg, and some who say you can get 40mpg? What is realistic for a Daily driver?
Finally, as I have been used to Hatchbacks for the majority of my driving history, what is the change like to a 2-seat Sports Car like this?
I know Im getting what I buy with it, but just if anyone has made a similar change in the past and found the absence of Back seats/Big boot/etc. frustrating at times?
Thanks for any advise that you can give on this.
I have been looking at getting a new car recently and saw how good the price is on 2007-2010 Caymans (Both the 2.9 and the 3.4 S).
Does anyone have any recommendations and spec that I should go for?
I think the PDKs are just out my price range, unless I went for a High-mileage, however I'm not sure what reliability is like in the +70,000 Miles range? Is the S-Tronic just as good, or would the manual be better?
Additionally, is there any problems I should look out for?
I have had some reliability issues with my Audi 8V S3 in the past year, and want to avoid having any glaring issues that could rack up the costs?
Along with this, what would be typical fuel costs? This isnt really a concern, however I have spoken to people who said you get only 20mpg, and some who say you can get 40mpg? What is realistic for a Daily driver?
Finally, as I have been used to Hatchbacks for the majority of my driving history, what is the change like to a 2-seat Sports Car like this?
I know Im getting what I buy with it, but just if anyone has made a similar change in the past and found the absence of Back seats/Big boot/etc. frustrating at times?
Thanks for any advise that you can give on this.
In my early 3.4s manual I would say around 18-20 MPG in town traffic, low 30s on a motorway run at 80.
I came from an S3 8P and for me the practicality is fine, front boot is reasonable size and with the back there is enough space for weekends or even a week away.
I've not drive a Tiptronic but told they are best avoided, more of an old style automatic with buttons to change gear, PDK is much better.
Coming from S3 you will find less mid range torque but better throttle response at low revs. The cars really need to be revved, there is a cam change around 5K which sends you screaming towards the limiter.
Handling is much better balanced and adjustable as is steering feel. To me it feels much more responsive.
Things can go wrong and bits wear out on older cars. Parts prices are expensive if you stick with genuine but you can save labour costs using a good independent.
I've not had the dreaded engine issues over 50K miles and 7 years but it's always possible. You can maintain Porsche warranty up to 15 years old for around £700 a year but car must be kept standard.
I would say they are fairly expensive to own and run but I don't think I could go back to a hatch now.
I came from an S3 8P and for me the practicality is fine, front boot is reasonable size and with the back there is enough space for weekends or even a week away.
I've not drive a Tiptronic but told they are best avoided, more of an old style automatic with buttons to change gear, PDK is much better.
Coming from S3 you will find less mid range torque but better throttle response at low revs. The cars really need to be revved, there is a cam change around 5K which sends you screaming towards the limiter.
Handling is much better balanced and adjustable as is steering feel. To me it feels much more responsive.
Things can go wrong and bits wear out on older cars. Parts prices are expensive if you stick with genuine but you can save labour costs using a good independent.
I've not had the dreaded engine issues over 50K miles and 7 years but it's always possible. You can maintain Porsche warranty up to 15 years old for around £700 a year but car must be kept standard.
I would say they are fairly expensive to own and run but I don't think I could go back to a hatch now.
Having just picked up a 3.4s tiptronic I amazed how good it actually is.
It does a very good job of knowing when you are on it, changes down for bends.
Prior to that I would have said avoid, but not now.
Obviously buying a gen 1 Boxster 3.4s tip in brown with beige interior brakes all the rules but is a mighty fine motor.
It does a very good job of knowing when you are on it, changes down for bends.
Prior to that I would have said avoid, but not now.
Obviously buying a gen 1 Boxster 3.4s tip in brown with beige interior brakes all the rules but is a mighty fine motor.
I own a gen 2 - 2.9 litre
I think I’m getting figures Cay mentions for the 3.4. Prob not much in it. It says round town low 20s, about 23-24 with a bit of hooning on the longer bits. I think it fibs a bit so prob 21-22. Long distance motorway about 32. Never get near 40.
Boot space fine overall, but it’s split between two sections of course. I reckon it’s very good nett space for a little sports car. Granted you can’t flip seats down for big stuff. I use mine all the time. It’s more than a daily driver. More pet dog with wheels. Not uncommon things of this age on 987s (they won’t all have this list!)..
The exhaust has some flange bolts that will corrode.
Radiator hose connections can corrode by now
Front rads can corrode due rotting leaves getting sucked in
Clutches on gen 2s will prob be nearing replacement. Depends how previous owners were. Mine still feels fine at 70k (touchwood)
Not uncommon for bushings and suspension bits to need replacing by now.
In all stunning little cars and I’d say non of the above is any of a shocking list compared to say an Audi if people were studying (my Misses has just got hit for 1k for work on her 10 year old TT). The difference is Porsche’s tend to be lucky to receive a lot of preventative maintenance from a lot of owners and fixers rather than wait until something plops off, so these things become commonly known.
Also easy to overlook they are a car with a thoroughbred engine and beautifully crafted suspension made from curiously shaped pieces of alloy , so you have to expect a ten year old to need the odd bit of tlc. You have to be realistic though that they can drum up the odd large bills for themselves even though they’re generally very well behaved. Any ten plus year old car can. Just bits and labour can be a gotcha.
I think I’m getting figures Cay mentions for the 3.4. Prob not much in it. It says round town low 20s, about 23-24 with a bit of hooning on the longer bits. I think it fibs a bit so prob 21-22. Long distance motorway about 32. Never get near 40.
Boot space fine overall, but it’s split between two sections of course. I reckon it’s very good nett space for a little sports car. Granted you can’t flip seats down for big stuff. I use mine all the time. It’s more than a daily driver. More pet dog with wheels. Not uncommon things of this age on 987s (they won’t all have this list!)..
The exhaust has some flange bolts that will corrode.
Radiator hose connections can corrode by now
Front rads can corrode due rotting leaves getting sucked in
Clutches on gen 2s will prob be nearing replacement. Depends how previous owners were. Mine still feels fine at 70k (touchwood)
Not uncommon for bushings and suspension bits to need replacing by now.
In all stunning little cars and I’d say non of the above is any of a shocking list compared to say an Audi if people were studying (my Misses has just got hit for 1k for work on her 10 year old TT). The difference is Porsche’s tend to be lucky to receive a lot of preventative maintenance from a lot of owners and fixers rather than wait until something plops off, so these things become commonly known.
Also easy to overlook they are a car with a thoroughbred engine and beautifully crafted suspension made from curiously shaped pieces of alloy , so you have to expect a ten year old to need the odd bit of tlc. You have to be realistic though that they can drum up the odd large bills for themselves even though they’re generally very well behaved. Any ten plus year old car can. Just bits and labour can be a gotcha.
cay said:
In my early 3.4s manual I would say around 18-20 MPG in town traffic, low 30s on a motorway run at 80.
I came from an S3 8P and for me the practicality is fine, front boot is reasonable size and with the back there is enough space for weekends or even a week away.
I've not drive a Tiptronic but told they are best avoided, more of an old style automatic with buttons to change gear, PDK is much better.
Coming from S3 you will find less mid range torque but better throttle response at low revs. The cars really need to be revved, there is a cam change around 5K which sends you screaming towards the limiter.
Handling is much better balanced and adjustable as is steering feel. To me it feels much more responsive.
Things can go wrong and bits wear out on older cars. Parts prices are expensive if you stick with genuine but you can save labour costs using a good independent.
I've not had the dreaded engine issues over 50K miles and 7 years but it's always possible. You can maintain Porsche warranty up to 15 years old for around £700 a year but car must be kept standard.
I would say they are fairly expensive to own and run but I don't think I could go back to a hatch now.
Thanks for the great response! I came from an S3 8P and for me the practicality is fine, front boot is reasonable size and with the back there is enough space for weekends or even a week away.
I've not drive a Tiptronic but told they are best avoided, more of an old style automatic with buttons to change gear, PDK is much better.
Coming from S3 you will find less mid range torque but better throttle response at low revs. The cars really need to be revved, there is a cam change around 5K which sends you screaming towards the limiter.
Handling is much better balanced and adjustable as is steering feel. To me it feels much more responsive.
Things can go wrong and bits wear out on older cars. Parts prices are expensive if you stick with genuine but you can save labour costs using a good independent.
I've not had the dreaded engine issues over 50K miles and 7 years but it's always possible. You can maintain Porsche warranty up to 15 years old for around £700 a year but car must be kept standard.
I would say they are fairly expensive to own and run but I don't think I could go back to a hatch now.
Yeah that Fuel Economy sounds quite similar to my S3 tbh, I just wasn’t sure who to belive about it as given fuel prices these days, it did cross my mind.
Ive yet to hear any review or experiences from anyone that are negative on these cars, and seem to be unparalleled for a sports car (some say even better than the 911).
As I tend to drive 60% of the time myself to/from work, I feel I would get on well with it and not worry about the space, however I do need to think of that for weeks away.
In your experience was this more or fairly equal to running your S3? My car has been in at Audi 4-times this year and forget what a Reliable car feels like.
Where can you find more info on the 15 Warranty for Porsches like this? I would aim to keep it mostly stock, if only changing the exhaust at a later date (for the moment).
Buggyjam said:
I own a gen 2 - 2.9 litre
I think I’m getting figures Cay mentions for the 3.4. Prob not much in it. It says round town low 20s, about 23-24 with a bit of hooning on the longer bits. I think it fibs a bit so prob 21-22. Long distance motorway about 32. Never get near 40.
Boot space fine overall, but it’s split between two sections of course. I reckon it’s very good nett space for a little sports car. Granted you can’t flip seats down for big stuff. I use mine all the time. It’s more than a daily driver. More pet dog with wheels. Not uncommon things of this age on 987s (they won’t all have this list!)..
The exhaust has some flange bolts that will corrode.
Radiator hose connections can corrode by now
Front rads can corrode due rotting leaves getting sucked in
Clutches on gen 2s will prob be nearing replacement. Depends how previous owners were. Mine still feels fine at 70k (touchwood)
Not uncommon for bushings and suspension bits to need replacing by now.
In all stunning little cars and I’d say non of the above is any of a shocking list compared to say an Audi if people were studying (my Misses has just got hit for 1k for work on her 10 year old TT). The difference is Porsche’s tend to be lucky to receive a lot of preventative maintenance from a lot of owners and fixers rather than wait until something plops off, so these things become commonly known.
Also easy to overlook they are a car with a thoroughbred engine and beautifully crafted suspension made from curiously shaped pieces of alloy , so you have to expect a ten year old to need the odd bit of tlc. You have to be realistic though that they can drum up the odd large bills for themselves even though they’re generally very well behaved. Any ten plus year old car can. Just bits and labour can be a gotcha.
Thank you for the response I think I’m getting figures Cay mentions for the 3.4. Prob not much in it. It says round town low 20s, about 23-24 with a bit of hooning on the longer bits. I think it fibs a bit so prob 21-22. Long distance motorway about 32. Never get near 40.
Boot space fine overall, but it’s split between two sections of course. I reckon it’s very good nett space for a little sports car. Granted you can’t flip seats down for big stuff. I use mine all the time. It’s more than a daily driver. More pet dog with wheels. Not uncommon things of this age on 987s (they won’t all have this list!)..
The exhaust has some flange bolts that will corrode.
Radiator hose connections can corrode by now
Front rads can corrode due rotting leaves getting sucked in
Clutches on gen 2s will prob be nearing replacement. Depends how previous owners were. Mine still feels fine at 70k (touchwood)
Not uncommon for bushings and suspension bits to need replacing by now.
In all stunning little cars and I’d say non of the above is any of a shocking list compared to say an Audi if people were studying (my Misses has just got hit for 1k for work on her 10 year old TT). The difference is Porsche’s tend to be lucky to receive a lot of preventative maintenance from a lot of owners and fixers rather than wait until something plops off, so these things become commonly known.
Also easy to overlook they are a car with a thoroughbred engine and beautifully crafted suspension made from curiously shaped pieces of alloy , so you have to expect a ten year old to need the odd bit of tlc. You have to be realistic though that they can drum up the odd large bills for themselves even though they’re generally very well behaved. Any ten plus year old car can. Just bits and labour can be a gotcha.
The fuel consumption on this sounds very similar to my current S3 (30mpg on Motorways average, <25mpg on B Roads), so that isnt bad news at all.
So you havent had any issues getting luggage or other items in(bags, sporting gear, dog, etc.)?
I have expected these things would eventually need replaced or fixed, however I am looking for a <40k mileage so that might benefit me a bit more.
And yeah I have had my Audi in for a few work done and had it not been for warranty, would have cost me a few Thousand to fix.
Thanks again.
CGallan said:
Thank you for the response
The fuel consumption on this sounds very similar to my current S3 (30mpg on Motorways average, <25mpg on B Roads), so that isnt bad news at all.
So you havent had any issues getting luggage or other items in(bags, sporting gear, dog, etc.)?
I have expected these things would eventually need replaced or fixed, however I am looking for a <40k mileage so that might benefit me a bit more.
And yeah I have had my Audi in for a few work done and had it not been for warranty, would have cost me a few Thousand to fix.
Thanks again.
No worries. One question....The fuel consumption on this sounds very similar to my current S3 (30mpg on Motorways average, <25mpg on B Roads), so that isnt bad news at all.
So you havent had any issues getting luggage or other items in(bags, sporting gear, dog, etc.)?
I have expected these things would eventually need replaced or fixed, however I am looking for a <40k mileage so that might benefit me a bit more.
And yeah I have had my Audi in for a few work done and had it not been for warranty, would have cost me a few Thousand to fix.
Thanks again.
..,, how big’s your dog?
Joking aside they’re not dog cars. Rear boot is pretty much closed off. It’s wide but shallow and stepped. Front boot is basically a deep pit in a cube shape. I mean, you’d get a Chihuahua in the back if it didn’t mind ducking
Check out a few photos on google.
I’ve travelled with the Misses and bags well in mine. ( Misses sits on the seat not the front boot, realised that read weird). You’d get a couple of medium suitcases in the front. The back some grip type bags, plus there’s an area on top of the engine hump. There’s actually a lot of volume but it’s unusally shaped so bulky items like boxes are a problem.
On a recent trip I took all my car cleaning stuff and suitcases. A suitcase, laptop bag, grip bag, two buckets, power washer plus carrier bags of cleaning rags. You can buy roof bars for the 987. People have got their kite surfing gear in the car, alsorts with the bars. Always an option.
Buggyjam said:
CGallan said:
Thank you for the response
The fuel consumption on this sounds very similar to my current S3 (30mpg on Motorways average, <25mpg on B Roads), so that isnt bad news at all.
So you havent had any issues getting luggage or other items in(bags, sporting gear, dog, etc.)?
I have expected these things would eventually need replaced or fixed, however I am looking for a <40k mileage so that might benefit me a bit more.
And yeah I have had my Audi in for a few work done and had it not been for warranty, would have cost me a few Thousand to fix.
Thanks again.
No worries. One question....The fuel consumption on this sounds very similar to my current S3 (30mpg on Motorways average, <25mpg on B Roads), so that isnt bad news at all.
So you havent had any issues getting luggage or other items in(bags, sporting gear, dog, etc.)?
I have expected these things would eventually need replaced or fixed, however I am looking for a <40k mileage so that might benefit me a bit more.
And yeah I have had my Audi in for a few work done and had it not been for warranty, would have cost me a few Thousand to fix.
Thanks again.
..,, how big’s your dog?
Joking aside they’re not dog cars. Rear boot is pretty much closed off. It’s wide but shallow and stepped. Front boot is basically a deep pit in a cube shape. I mean, you’d get a Chihuahua in the back if it didn’t mind ducking
Check out a few photos on google.
I’ve travelled with the Misses and bags well in mine. ( Misses sits on the seat not the front boot, realised that read weird). You’d get a couple of medium suitcases in the front. The back some grip type bags, plus there’s an area on top of the engine hump. There’s actually a lot of volume but it’s unusally shaped so bulky items like boxes are a problem.
On a recent trip I took all my car cleaning stuff and suitcases. A suitcase, laptop bag, grip bag, two buckets, power washer plus carrier bags of cleaning rags. You can buy roof bars for the 987. People have got their kite surfing gear in the car, alsorts with the bars. Always an option.
Yeah we like a few trips up North now and again, so good to know we could probably squeeze all the bags into the car
I have heard they are surprising spacious cars, and more luggage room that the Boxster or 911.
Thanks again for the info on this, its really pushing me towards buying one.
CGallan said:
Thanks for the great response!
Yeah that Fuel Economy sounds quite similar to my S3 tbh, I just wasn’t sure who to belive about it as given fuel prices these days, it did cross my mind.
Ive yet to hear any review or experiences from anyone that are negative on these cars, and seem to be unparalleled for a sports car (some say even better than the 911).
As I tend to drive 60% of the time myself to/from work, I feel I would get on well with it and not worry about the space, however I do need to think of that for weeks away.
In your experience was this more or fairly equal to running your S3? My car has been in at Audi 4-times this year and forget what a Reliable car feels like.
Where can you find more info on the 15 Warranty for Porsches like this? I would aim to keep it mostly stock, if only changing the exhaust at a later date (for the moment).
Sorry to hear you are having issues with the Audi. I had the S3 from new for 4 years and there weren't any issues apart from normal servicing. Yeah that Fuel Economy sounds quite similar to my S3 tbh, I just wasn’t sure who to belive about it as given fuel prices these days, it did cross my mind.
Ive yet to hear any review or experiences from anyone that are negative on these cars, and seem to be unparalleled for a sports car (some say even better than the 911).
As I tend to drive 60% of the time myself to/from work, I feel I would get on well with it and not worry about the space, however I do need to think of that for weeks away.
In your experience was this more or fairly equal to running your S3? My car has been in at Audi 4-times this year and forget what a Reliable car feels like.
Where can you find more info on the 15 Warranty for Porsches like this? I would aim to keep it mostly stock, if only changing the exhaust at a later date (for the moment).
The Cayman was 5 when I got it so there have been more age related things, it's never actually broken down just things like Air con condensers, suspension bushes, battery etc.
Warranty can be obtained from any Porsche dealer but you need to have a 111 point check first ( which they charge for ), provided car passes you are good to go. They are strict on things like tyres though so you have to keep buying 'N' ( Porsche ) rated tyres which means older designs as the latest tyres aren't 'N' rated in the right size for the older cars. Search for Porsche approved warranty and you should find details.
Alternatively save the warranty money and use it for repairs at a good independent, warranty just gives some piece of mind against big issues like engine / gearbox.
There are some known issues with the early 3.4 engines which affect some cars - hard to say how many but definitely possible. Smaller engines and the Gen 2 are more reliable, don't think there have been any issues with Gen 2 cars.
Interior / exterior is updated a bit on Gen 2 but they are newer so obviously more money.
cay said:
CGallan said:
Thanks for the great response!
Yeah that Fuel Economy sounds quite similar to my S3 tbh, I just wasn’t sure who to belive about it as given fuel prices these days, it did cross my mind.
Ive yet to hear any review or experiences from anyone that are negative on these cars, and seem to be unparalleled for a sports car (some say even better than the 911).
As I tend to drive 60% of the time myself to/from work, I feel I would get on well with it and not worry about the space, however I do need to think of that for weeks away.
In your experience was this more or fairly equal to running your S3? My car has been in at Audi 4-times this year and forget what a Reliable car feels like.
Where can you find more info on the 15 Warranty for Porsches like this? I would aim to keep it mostly stock, if only changing the exhaust at a later date (for the moment).
Sorry to hear you are having issues with the Audi. I had the S3 from new for 4 years and there weren't any issues apart from normal servicing. Yeah that Fuel Economy sounds quite similar to my S3 tbh, I just wasn’t sure who to belive about it as given fuel prices these days, it did cross my mind.
Ive yet to hear any review or experiences from anyone that are negative on these cars, and seem to be unparalleled for a sports car (some say even better than the 911).
As I tend to drive 60% of the time myself to/from work, I feel I would get on well with it and not worry about the space, however I do need to think of that for weeks away.
In your experience was this more or fairly equal to running your S3? My car has been in at Audi 4-times this year and forget what a Reliable car feels like.
Where can you find more info on the 15 Warranty for Porsches like this? I would aim to keep it mostly stock, if only changing the exhaust at a later date (for the moment).
The Cayman was 5 when I got it so there have been more age related things, it's never actually broken down just things like Air con condensers, suspension bushes, battery etc.
Warranty can be obtained from any Porsche dealer but you need to have a 111 point check first ( which they charge for ), provided car passes you are good to go. They are strict on things like tyres though so you have to keep buying 'N' ( Porsche ) rated tyres which means older designs as the latest tyres aren't 'N' rated in the right size for the older cars. Search for Porsche approved warranty and you should find details.
Alternatively save the warranty money and use it for repairs at a good independent, warranty just gives some piece of mind against big issues like engine / gearbox.
There are some known issues with the early 3.4 engines which affect some cars - hard to say how many but definitely possible. Smaller engines and the Gen 2 are more reliable, don't think there have been any issues with Gen 2 cars.
Interior / exterior is updated a bit on Gen 2 but they are newer so obviously more money.
Apart from that I have loved the car.
That's understandable, how long did you own your Cayman for? Were any of these particularly expensive parts to fix, or just typical maintenance costs?
Yeah I had a quick look there, It appears to be quite a good system, however I reckon if they found any issues at the start it may be quite expensive to get them fixed so that the car qualifies for Warranty. I suppose I could pay to have the Car checked by Porsche, then decide at that point if I want them to fix it... or an independent specialist.
Yeah I am currently looking at a Gen2 2.9 or 3.4 Manual. If I could find a good PDK with good mileage, I would go for that.
I've had it for 7 years but it's getting a new owner on Saturday and I am getting a GTS
Most of the fixes were covered on warranty, from memory I paid for suspension refresh about £2k ( not strictly needed but it was getting quite tired ). Had to have a new 'Porsche' battery which cost £200. Servicing around £400 for minor up to £1K for major when it needed spark plugs, brake fluid, drive belt, air con etc.
I managed to get the air con condensers on warranty as they weren't damaged just started leaking.
And of course tyres which can vary from £800 - £1000 a set. Had several sets of Michelin but just changed to Pirelli P-Zero which some people hate but I find them fine.
Most of the fixes were covered on warranty, from memory I paid for suspension refresh about £2k ( not strictly needed but it was getting quite tired ). Had to have a new 'Porsche' battery which cost £200. Servicing around £400 for minor up to £1K for major when it needed spark plugs, brake fluid, drive belt, air con etc.
I managed to get the air con condensers on warranty as they weren't damaged just started leaking.
And of course tyres which can vary from £800 - £1000 a set. Had several sets of Michelin but just changed to Pirelli P-Zero which some people hate but I find them fine.
cay said:
I've had it for 7 years but it's getting a new owner on Saturday and I am getting a GTS
Most of the fixes were covered on warranty, from memory I paid for suspension refresh about £2k ( not strictly needed but it was getting quite tired ). Had to have a new 'Porsche' battery which cost £200. Servicing around £400 for minor up to £1K for major when it needed spark plugs, brake fluid, drive belt, air con etc.
I managed to get the air con condensers on warranty as they weren't damaged just started leaking.
And of course tyres which can vary from £800 - £1000 a set. Had several sets of Michelin but just changed to Pirelli P-Zero which some people hate but I find them fine.
Sounds nice, lucky you! Most of the fixes were covered on warranty, from memory I paid for suspension refresh about £2k ( not strictly needed but it was getting quite tired ). Had to have a new 'Porsche' battery which cost £200. Servicing around £400 for minor up to £1K for major when it needed spark plugs, brake fluid, drive belt, air con etc.
I managed to get the air con condensers on warranty as they weren't damaged just started leaking.
And of course tyres which can vary from £800 - £1000 a set. Had several sets of Michelin but just changed to Pirelli P-Zero which some people hate but I find them fine.
Yeah I think I would go for the Porsche Warranty cover for a bit just for peace of mind. Just need to see what is covered by this.
Those prices dont wound too bad, however I definitely would want to make sure the Air Con Condensers were fixed as this seems to be an expensive fix.
I have P-Zeros on my S3 and they work fine so I wouldnt have an issue with those.
Thanks.
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