RE: The £10k Porsche Cayman | Spotted
Discussion
Fascinating article PH - I would have rated it highly, if my ratings still got registered! 
And it has certainly provoked plenty of responses.
Back in 2014 I was looking for something much more sporting than the 123d I had bought back in 2008 when I was doing business miles and getting a car allowance, so I went for a Z.
But not a Nissan, a BMW Z4 Coupe and I loved it. So much that I had 2 of them for over 5 years but to be honest despite the "hooligan" description in the article, it didn't feel like it and I wasn't a fan of the EPAS or run-flat tyres.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe that really does feel like a hooligan - lovely! HPAS and non run-flats help too, although the S54 engine is the real scene-stealer.
But if I had realised Cayman values had dropped to this sort of level I may well have considered one as an alternative potential wallet-buster.
(Although I much prefer the looks of the Z4 Coupe to the early Caymans).
In a way I wish I had tried one though, even if only for the experience!
And it has certainly provoked plenty of responses.
Back in 2014 I was looking for something much more sporting than the 123d I had bought back in 2008 when I was doing business miles and getting a car allowance, so I went for a Z.
But not a Nissan, a BMW Z4 Coupe and I loved it. So much that I had 2 of them for over 5 years but to be honest despite the "hooligan" description in the article, it didn't feel like it and I wasn't a fan of the EPAS or run-flat tyres.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe that really does feel like a hooligan - lovely! HPAS and non run-flats help too, although the S54 engine is the real scene-stealer.
But if I had realised Cayman values had dropped to this sort of level I may well have considered one as an alternative potential wallet-buster.
(Although I much prefer the looks of the Z4 Coupe to the early Caymans).In a way I wish I had tried one though, even if only for the experience!
If I was looking for a sports car this would be very high up my list.
For road use how much more performance do you actually need?
Even on a track the on-limit handling is the exciting bit where this will most likely beat all the fwd traction stability controlled hatchbacks into whimpering submission.
For road use how much more performance do you actually need?
Even on a track the on-limit handling is the exciting bit where this will most likely beat all the fwd traction stability controlled hatchbacks into whimpering submission.
Woody John said:
The 2.7 sounds like a safe bet. Any big bills likely? They are getting on a bit, any rust?
I have a piece of string here in front of me - how long is it? 
Any Porsche has the potential to bite you in the wallet. 987's (and 997's) have suspension made of chocolate and replacing clutches is expensive. Coolant pipes at the front rot and are a bu99er to change (a day for two people if you are handy, prices up to £1000 if not) and if you get scored bores then budget the thick end of £10k to repair it. These cars are getting to the stage in their lives where people buy them for the badge but can't afford to maintain them so go in with your eyes open for problems. In practice, a good PPI (pre purchase inspection) with someone who knows the model should point out anything that's likely to be expensive in the near future and regular maintenance is always a good thing.
For the people who are saying they are not engaging I wonder what you mean by 'engaging'. I rapidly concluded that my 2.7 Cayman had no nasty surprises anywhere; the drive is easy, the engine doesn't have any steps in the torque curve, the power comes in very easily and predictably. However the handling is utterly sublime and if you wring the engine out all the way to the red line it makes a sensational noise and trots along very briskly indeed. If you want something loud or slightly wayward then it won't fit the bill.
(Being mid-engined I suspect that if it got badly out of shape then it would take a VERY good driver to catch it but there is PSM on all 987's and I leave it turned on!)
CABC said:
CDP said:
Even on a track the on-limit handling is the exciting bit where this will most likely beat all the fwd traction stability controlled hatchbacks into whimpering submission.
it won't.a way more preferable experience though.
Taking a late 70's rubber bumper MGB GT round the Hethel circuit without using the brakes was a lot of fun but not quick. Though until others realised they could take the chircane flat too we did pass a lot of people...
When it comes to thrills I'd take an Austin 7 Ulster over a Golf GTI any day. Provided it's not raining. Or I don't actually have to get anywhere. Or that my 4 year old some is with me. etc.
CDP said:
Even on a track the on-limit handling is the exciting bit where this will most likely beat all the fwd traction stability controlled hatchbacks into whimpering submission.
That's a fair assumption but doesn't really correlate to the reality in my experience. There is very little lap time between two well set up road cars anyway but I can't remember having had much trouble staying with a Cayman on track, including earlier this month at Silverstone in the Megane. As for stability control, that makes the car slower anyway and kills the rear pads so that's always off in my case.The Megane is more playful on turn in and more neutral that I remember my 987 being in the same corners. The Porsche is probably better in the traction zones though.
Edited by nickfrog on Friday 28th February 11:03
CDP said:
I was thinking of excitement more than cornering prowess.
Taking a late 70's rubber bumper MGB GT round the Hethel circuit without using the brakes was a lot of fun but not quick. Though until others realised they could take the chircane flat too we did pass a lot of people...
When it comes to thrills I'd take an Austin 7 Ulster over a Golf GTI any day. Provided it's not raining. Or I don't actually have to get anywhere. Or that my 4 year old some is with me. etc.
totally agree Taking a late 70's rubber bumper MGB GT round the Hethel circuit without using the brakes was a lot of fun but not quick. Though until others realised they could take the chircane flat too we did pass a lot of people...
When it comes to thrills I'd take an Austin 7 Ulster over a Golf GTI any day. Provided it's not raining. Or I don't actually have to get anywhere. Or that my 4 year old some is with me. etc.
far better being a little afraid and using skill to make progress.
Woody John said:
The 2.7 sounds like a safe bet. Any big bills likely? They are getting on a bit, any rust?
A guy i know recently discovered his 2.7 had bore score issues, happy times (several 997/caymans in the club has had the issue aswell) 
. Having enough money for a rebuild seems like a good idea, though its almost as much as the car is worth for you UK residents. I really like the look and spec of these, they've interested me enough to have a squint over them in the classifieds at least.
Price wise they are at an interesting point. On one hand they seem like quite a lot of car for £10k, a properly sporty drive and still something modern looking and realtively exotic. On the other hand, it's quite a lot for a 14 year old motor with potential costly engine problems and other age related issues lurking within.
I don't think they are old enough to be depreciation proof, I'm not sure of the numbers sold in the UK and rarity but it would seem quite possible that they could fall to 986 money in the coming years. Not a major problem but just another ownership consideration. Personally I'd rather leave it longer and pay less for one if I were to go down that route, but that sums up my car buying habits generally...
Price wise they are at an interesting point. On one hand they seem like quite a lot of car for £10k, a properly sporty drive and still something modern looking and realtively exotic. On the other hand, it's quite a lot for a 14 year old motor with potential costly engine problems and other age related issues lurking within.
I don't think they are old enough to be depreciation proof, I'm not sure of the numbers sold in the UK and rarity but it would seem quite possible that they could fall to 986 money in the coming years. Not a major problem but just another ownership consideration. Personally I'd rather leave it longer and pay less for one if I were to go down that route, but that sums up my car buying habits generally...
MX6 said:
I really like the look and spec of these, they've interested me enough to have a squint over them in the classifieds at least.
Price wise they are at an interesting point. On one hand they seem like quite a lot of car for £10k, a properly sporty drive and still something modern looking and realtively exotic. On the other hand, it's quite a lot for a 14 year old motor with potential costly engine problems and other age related issues lurking within.
I don't think they are old enough to be depreciation proof, I'm not sure of the numbers sold in the UK and rarity but it would seem quite possible that they could fall to 986 money in the coming years. Not a major problem but just another ownership consideration. Personally I'd rather leave it longer and pay less for one if I were to go down that route, but that sums up my car buying habits generally...
I don't know, this is now getting to the point where depreciation just matches usage and age. Buying while there are plenty of good ones in circulation gives you plenty of choice. As the cars get older the really good ones won't drop that much as the cheap examples are likely to have skimpy maintenance. Price wise they are at an interesting point. On one hand they seem like quite a lot of car for £10k, a properly sporty drive and still something modern looking and realtively exotic. On the other hand, it's quite a lot for a 14 year old motor with potential costly engine problems and other age related issues lurking within.
I don't think they are old enough to be depreciation proof, I'm not sure of the numbers sold in the UK and rarity but it would seem quite possible that they could fall to 986 money in the coming years. Not a major problem but just another ownership consideration. Personally I'd rather leave it longer and pay less for one if I were to go down that route, but that sums up my car buying habits generally...
Having owned Porsches for 15 yrs including a 996 911 Carrera 4, a Boxster 987 S gen 2 and now a Boxster 718S I can only say that they seem to me to be in a different league to other cars out there.
Most of the slagging off I reckon comes from people who do not own and will never own a Porsche.
I notice the comment about the 718 at the end of the article. So I don't suppose anybody on this forum would want one of those horrible things😂😂😂
I can tell you that the Boxster 718 S is a dream of a car which eclipses earlier versions in terms of performance, braking and handling. Not much will keep up with a well driven 718 so if you are tempted to try it in your tricked up hot hatch I would say don't bother😂😂
Most of the slagging off I reckon comes from people who do not own and will never own a Porsche.
I notice the comment about the 718 at the end of the article. So I don't suppose anybody on this forum would want one of those horrible things😂😂😂
I can tell you that the Boxster 718 S is a dream of a car which eclipses earlier versions in terms of performance, braking and handling. Not much will keep up with a well driven 718 so if you are tempted to try it in your tricked up hot hatch I would say don't bother😂😂
I have an 07 2.7 bought for £10.6k a couple of years ago at 98k miles, used it daily for 18 months and now have it as a weekend toy. Mileage is 122k now.
I bought it knowing it needed a couple of k spending on it but that it was fundamentally a well looked after car. I'm lucky to have a really good indie close by - SCS Porsche in Honiton. Over a few visits it's had the rads and suspension renewed.
I drove 3.4's but engine concerns out me off. 2.9s were too much more money for not much more car.
Mpg average is 30. Handles like it's on rails and sounds so nice at high revs.
There are so many faster cars but that's not the point. Part of my commute involved a couple of Mway junctions. If I really wanted to I'm sure I could have gone from standstill to 100 on the slip road. I was happy to ease of as I got in to 3rd and join the traffic. How much faster do you really need?
I bought it knowing it needed a couple of k spending on it but that it was fundamentally a well looked after car. I'm lucky to have a really good indie close by - SCS Porsche in Honiton. Over a few visits it's had the rads and suspension renewed.
I drove 3.4's but engine concerns out me off. 2.9s were too much more money for not much more car.
Mpg average is 30. Handles like it's on rails and sounds so nice at high revs.
There are so many faster cars but that's not the point. Part of my commute involved a couple of Mway junctions. If I really wanted to I'm sure I could have gone from standstill to 100 on the slip road. I was happy to ease of as I got in to 3rd and join the traffic. How much faster do you really need?
Noel said:
I have an 07 2.7 bought for £10.6k a couple of years ago at 98k miles, used it daily for 18 months and now have it as a weekend toy. Mileage is 122k now.
I bought it knowing it needed a couple of k spending on it but that it was fundamentally a well looked after car. I'm lucky to have a really good indie close by - SCS Porsche in Honiton. Over a few visits it's had the rads and suspension renewed.
I drove 3.4's but engine concerns out me off. 2.9s were too much more money for not much more car.
Mpg average is 30. Handles like it's on rails and sounds so nice at high revs.
There are so many faster cars but that's not the point. Part of my commute involved a couple of Mway junctions. If I really wanted to I'm sure I could have gone from standstill to 100 on the slip road. I was happy to ease of as I got in to 3rd and join the traffic. How much faster do you really need?
Exactly. For me a sports car is about sensation rather than outright speed. I bought it knowing it needed a couple of k spending on it but that it was fundamentally a well looked after car. I'm lucky to have a really good indie close by - SCS Porsche in Honiton. Over a few visits it's had the rads and suspension renewed.
I drove 3.4's but engine concerns out me off. 2.9s were too much more money for not much more car.
Mpg average is 30. Handles like it's on rails and sounds so nice at high revs.
There are so many faster cars but that's not the point. Part of my commute involved a couple of Mway junctions. If I really wanted to I'm sure I could have gone from standstill to 100 on the slip road. I was happy to ease of as I got in to 3rd and join the traffic. How much faster do you really need?
If you go to an arrive and drive kart session I doubt you travel much over 45mph but it's still fun because of the direct responses. Especially when it's raining.
Klippie said:
Yes perfomance aside...the engine is a basket case it has a horrible power delivery.
Thinking it was lacking in power I could understand, but not this.Its power delivery is typical of a normally aspirated petrol engine that needs to be in the upper range of the rev counter to get the best out of it.
Venisonpie said:
Fiiirrrrsssstttt, Seeeeccccccoooooonnnnnnd. That's all folks, well over 70mph.
^^^ ThisIt's a problem for many fast cars and made worse in these as they don't have ridiculous amounts of power they were just deliberately handicapped.
If they had a close ratio box they'd be great fun
A car I have always toyed with the idea of buying having had an (early) Boxster. The interior trim lets this car down. The advertised car is particularly bad as not only have some of the toggle switches lost 'plastic' but there are scratches on other parts. There are better ones out there.
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