981 cayman buying advise
Discussion
Hey guys, looking for a bit of advice, I’ve only ever bought from main dealer / leased previously so not experienced in the private / independent seller market at all. I’ve recently sold my e92 m3 and I’m now on the market for 981 pdk.
I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
The question is what work was actually done at the intermediate service? Do you know? Was it done by the previous owner or has the trader quickly had a small service done at lowest cost so that he can claim "recently serviced"?
If the jobs haven't already been done then at the very least that car needs a brake fluid change and spark plugs, which won't be cheap. And at that mileage if no brake work has been done you could easily be in for pads and/or discs.
Buying from an independent trader is in reality no better than buying from a private seller - so you'll be on your own once you've paid for the car unless the engine explodes as you drive off the forecourt. A trader certainly doesn't look top notch if they're selling a car which needs immediate work.
In itself the late oil change probably isn't a big deal but it doesn't exactly shout, "one careful owner".
You'd be well advised to check exactly what tyres are on the car. They ought to be N-rated, which are the proper Porsche-approved tyres. Again, not cheap.
If the jobs haven't already been done then at the very least that car needs a brake fluid change and spark plugs, which won't be cheap. And at that mileage if no brake work has been done you could easily be in for pads and/or discs.
Buying from an independent trader is in reality no better than buying from a private seller - so you'll be on your own once you've paid for the car unless the engine explodes as you drive off the forecourt. A trader certainly doesn't look top notch if they're selling a car which needs immediate work.
In itself the late oil change probably isn't a big deal but it doesn't exactly shout, "one careful owner".
You'd be well advised to check exactly what tyres are on the car. They ought to be N-rated, which are the proper Porsche-approved tyres. Again, not cheap.
Setest said:
Hey guys, looking for a bit of advice, I’ve only ever bought from main dealer / leased previously so not experienced in the private / independent seller market at all. I’ve recently sold my e92 m3 and I’m now on the market for 981 pdk.
I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
I bought this exactly 12 months ago from Redline Specialist Cars at Knaresborough, and it is a 2014 (63), and had 36,500 miles on it! It is a 3.4 'S' PDK, with a fabulous spec, and it was the colour I had waited six months to find. It was one owner, serviced at 20,000 miles, and I gave £37,500 for it. I had it serviced by Porsche Wilmslow at 39,000 miles, and then did a 5000 mile European trip in it. It has now covered 46,500 miles and I love it. It isn't my everyday car, and aim to keep the mileage to around 10,000 miles per year. My guess is, it is still worth what I paid for it a year ago!
Looking on the Porsche approved site you can get much lower mileage examples AND a two year warranty for less the 35k. While I'm not as fussy as some on service history, I'd be inclined to give that car a miss. There isn't an "initial" service - just a 2 year 20k service. Most would recommend a brake fluid change every two years too - though strictly if the service tested the water content of the brake fluid that might not be strictly necessary. Others will tell you that 20ks is too long between services - 40k certainly is!
Setest said:
Hey guys, looking for a bit of advice, I’ve only ever bought from main dealer / leased previously so not experienced in the private / independent seller market at all. I’ve recently sold my e92 m3 and I’m now on the market for 981 pdk.
I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
I would not buy it and I don't think I'd be alone in that. Why compromise on something as basic as an oil service at 20k/2 years? I’ve found a 2.7 PDK in a nearby independent in a colour combo I like (GT silver), it’s reasonably high mileage at 40k, 64 plate, £35k. Problem is the service history, it’s only had 1 intermediate service which has been done very late, just under the 40k mark and at 3 years. From what I can see it should be at 2 services right now, one intermediate and one standard (major?). Also, no running in service on these?
Is the late/skipped first service an issue at all?
Am I immediately going to need to do a major 4yr/40k service on the car to keep it in line with recommended servicing?
Interested to hear what people think about the 981 market in general also, obviously it’s quite buoyant at the moment, but do people see a normalization on the cards any time soon? Is the 718 reaction going to hold these up for long?
Cheers!
At your budget there will be better options - at the very least a full service history.
jonttt said:
No excuse for not getting a 2 year / 20k service done. to leave it to c40k miles is negligent in my book. If its putting you off it will certainly put future owners off. There are plenty out there and this one on that fact alone would mean I would not even entertain it.
+1. There are plenty about. Worth holding out for a car with an OPC service history. Porsche market is quite particular re: proper service history. Heathrow said:
+1. There are plenty about. Worth holding out for a car with an OPC service history. Porsche market is quite particular re: proper service history.
There are undoubtedly people who want a full Porsche Dealer service history. That is true. That said Indies are perfectly able to as good (better?) job than a Porsche dealer (it's not rocket science) , so I wouldn't necessarily require a Porsche dealer history - but I would want evidence that I had a careful owner. A full dealer history might reflect that - or someone who had more money than sense (plenty of them around).Thanks for the advice guys, was close to letting my impulse get the better of me on this one! Such a shame as it's a nice example otherwise in a seemingly rare colour.
Regarding approved cars at that price point, I can see one PDK at 35, then you need to increase a fair way to find one with PASM! I'm in no rush so starting to wonder if I'm looking at the wrong time or I need to bump the budget.
Regarding approved cars at that price point, I can see one PDK at 35, then you need to increase a fair way to find one with PASM! I'm in no rush so starting to wonder if I'm looking at the wrong time or I need to bump the budget.
As a buyer of a private 14 plate 981 2.7 in Nov 2015 I would be put off by the lack of history, so definitely do not buy this one!
Also, I happened across a PASM model by accident but I'd now put PASM high on my list of "must haves" although probably rare on the base model.
GT silver is avoided as it's just another silver, so it makes it a fairly rare colour and a great one. A Porsche classic. Don't be put off.
Mine is Rhodium, a steely blue silver, again fairly rare. Have a look at more colours in the flesh before you discount any of them.
Good luck. Keep asking for opinions here about what you find for sale. We'll try and help.
Also, I happened across a PASM model by accident but I'd now put PASM high on my list of "must haves" although probably rare on the base model.
GT silver is avoided as it's just another silver, so it makes it a fairly rare colour and a great one. A Porsche classic. Don't be put off.
Mine is Rhodium, a steely blue silver, again fairly rare. Have a look at more colours in the flesh before you discount any of them.
Good luck. Keep asking for opinions here about what you find for sale. We'll try and help.
Setest said:
Thanks for the advice guys, was close to letting my impulse get the better of me on this one! Such a shame as it's a nice example otherwise in a seemingly rare colour.
Regarding approved cars at that price point, I can see one PDK at 35, then you need to increase a fair way to find one with PASM! I'm in no rush so starting to wonder if I'm looking at the wrong time or I need to bump the budget.
I'd regard PASM as essential (for an acceptable ride) with 20" wheels, desirable with 19s and a nice to have with 18s - so it depends on your priorities.Regarding approved cars at that price point, I can see one PDK at 35, then you need to increase a fair way to find one with PASM! I'm in no rush so starting to wonder if I'm looking at the wrong time or I need to bump the budget.
bcr5784 said:
Heathrow said:
+1. There are plenty about. Worth holding out for a car with an OPC service history. Porsche market is quite particular re: proper service history.
There are undoubtedly people who want a full Porsche Dealer service history. That is true. That said Indies are perfectly able to as good (better?) job than a Porsche dealer (it's not rocket science) , so I wouldn't necessarily require a Porsche dealer history - but I would want evidence that I had a careful owner. A full dealer history might reflect that - or someone who had more money than sense (plenty of them around).DJMC said:
As a buyer of a private 14 plate 981 2.7 in Nov 2015 I would be put off by the lack of history, so definitely do not buy this one!
Also, I happened across a PASM model by accident but I'd now put PASM high on my list of "must haves" although probably rare on the base model.
GT silver is avoided as it's just another silver, so it makes it a fairly rare colour and a great one. A Porsche classic. Don't be put off.
Mine is Rhodium, a steely blue silver, again fairly rare. Have a look at more colours in the flesh before you discount any of them.
Good luck. Keep asking for opinions here about what you find for sale. We'll try and help.
Heard a lot of good things about PASM, especially with the rather large wheels specced on just about every Cayman ever (who cares they look great Also, I happened across a PASM model by accident but I'd now put PASM high on my list of "must haves" although probably rare on the base model.
GT silver is avoided as it's just another silver, so it makes it a fairly rare colour and a great one. A Porsche classic. Don't be put off.
Mine is Rhodium, a steely blue silver, again fairly rare. Have a look at more colours in the flesh before you discount any of them.
Good luck. Keep asking for opinions here about what you find for sale. We'll try and help.
). I found stock suspension on my previous m3 far too rough sometimes so it's high on my list.GT Silver and Rhodium are actually my favoured colours, it was driving a fantastic GT silver a few weeks back that has had me checking classified every few hours!
Heathrow said:
Bcr's comment above re:PASM is exactly my experience. 19s and PASM was my personal pick having driven a few different variants and having owned a 981CS.
I don't think PASM makes that much difference. Most 981s seem to have the 20" wheels, in fact all of those that I've driven, and I've always been impressed by the ride/handling compromise. However, I do find the tyre brand can make a noticeable difference to ride and road noise.In my book there is no excuse at missing a 20k service. Personally I think the 2 year/20k interval is too long in the first place, but more than that, It would tell me something about the owner that would make me walk away.
That said, I agree with another poster that PASM is my view is not a complete must.
I've just sold a 15 plate 981 with 20'' wheels and not much else and I thought the suspension was ok. Admittedly I haven't had a 'normal car' for some time now, but at 53 years old I'm certainly older boned than some people and it didn't seem harsh to me.
I've seen so many posts over the years with lists of must have items from climate control, through to upgraded music systems, heated seats and suspension upgrades, only to find out that the person was doing about 2k miles a year and I find myself thinking how many times during the ownership they actually used all the things they ticked on the options list.
Each to their own and all that, but the perfect car doesn't really exist and I personally wouldn't walk away from a good car just because the spec wasn't 100%.
That said, I agree with another poster that PASM is my view is not a complete must.
I've just sold a 15 plate 981 with 20'' wheels and not much else and I thought the suspension was ok. Admittedly I haven't had a 'normal car' for some time now, but at 53 years old I'm certainly older boned than some people and it didn't seem harsh to me.
I've seen so many posts over the years with lists of must have items from climate control, through to upgraded music systems, heated seats and suspension upgrades, only to find out that the person was doing about 2k miles a year and I find myself thinking how many times during the ownership they actually used all the things they ticked on the options list.
Each to their own and all that, but the perfect car doesn't really exist and I personally wouldn't walk away from a good car just because the spec wasn't 100%.
Koln-RS said:
I don't think PASM makes that much difference. Most 981s seem to have the 20" wheels, in fact all of those that I've driven, and I've always been impressed by the ride/handling compromise. However, I do find the tyre brand can make a noticeable difference to ride and road noise.
I'd put a deposit on a standard suspension 981 two years ago but pulled out when it was subsequently rear ended before the purchase date. Every other 981 I'd driven had 20" wheels and the standard setup. Chancing upon one with PASM and 20" wheels I noticed immediately it was more compliant and less crashy around town, but firmed up nicely at speed in Sport Chassis mode. As a daily driver PASM does make it easier to live with.
Bump.. short story time; started looking elsewhere as the right 981 wasn't coming along, usual suspects: f-type, granturismo, m4, m2... none did it for me so I'm back on the search for the 981, with more budget.
Seems there is still a lack of decent PASM equipped cars out there which is one of my primary requirements, these two look nice but are both slightly over my 'extended' budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My current thinking is that as we head to spring there will be more 981's put on the market thus providing more options (is this cliche still true?). But also my current thinking: further increase budget and get one of these well specced cars before Spring to start enjoying it asap...
Seems there is still a lack of decent PASM equipped cars out there which is one of my primary requirements, these two look nice but are both slightly over my 'extended' budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My current thinking is that as we head to spring there will be more 981's put on the market thus providing more options (is this cliche still true?). But also my current thinking: further increase budget and get one of these well specced cars before Spring to start enjoying it asap...
Setest said:
Bump.. short story time; started looking elsewhere as the right 981 wasn't coming along, usual suspects: f-type, granturismo, m4, m2... none did it for me so I'm back on the search for the 981, with more budget.
Seems there is still a lack of decent PASM equipped cars out there which is one of my primary requirements, these two look nice but are both slightly over my 'extended' budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My current thinking is that as we head to spring there will be more 981's put on the market thus providing more options (is this cliche still true?). But also my current thinking: further increase budget and get one of these well specced cars before Spring to start enjoying it asap...
I really don't think you will find well specced cars at a dealer at less than these prices - and probably more at a Porsche centre. You could probably find a private sale for less (but there are few on sale privately) - but you will still likely be asked for £40k + - I'll be asking that for mine in the near future.Seems there is still a lack of decent PASM equipped cars out there which is one of my primary requirements, these two look nice but are both slightly over my 'extended' budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My current thinking is that as we head to spring there will be more 981's put on the market thus providing more options (is this cliche still true?). But also my current thinking: further increase budget and get one of these well specced cars before Spring to start enjoying it asap...
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