A quest to return a drivers car!
Discussion
Good day to all,
I am keen to return to a car that handles and where possible be fitted with a quality gearbox. I'm currently behind the wheel of a 2015 M135i drawn in by the straight six noise if I'm honest. It is fitted with the 8 speed ZF auto the choice attributable to the poor notchy manual.
Admittedly this may seem a tad out of place (given the prestige marque I'm looking to buy) but my reference point is a previous steer, a Honda Integra Type R. It revved to over 8k and had one of the best gear changes I've come across as well as the ability to tackle a b-road at pace.
I've read countless glowing reports over the years about the Cayman and the shape of the 981 really appeals to me. I haven't at the time of writing driven one but intend to change that imminently.
I'm undertaking a myriad of research including past threads on this very forum to better understand the options and what they deliver as well as the views of the 2.7 & 3.4. So, whilst its early days I'm settling around a 2.7, manual, 19'' wheels, dual climate, heated seats (her indoors), rear parking sensors as the minimum. Budget wise I'm in the £35k bracket. Rightly, or wrongly, I'm looking at an OPC purchase. One unusual requirement is the ability to fit a wheelchair into the car, my wife requires one. Looking at the car, and I'll confirm on a rest drive, the front storage compartment will take the wheels and the hatch will accommodate the body of the wheelchair - if anyone has experience please chip in.
I just wanted to use this initial thread to say hello and would welcome your views only my early thoughts and any links you would recommend - think I've exhausted every YouTube clip!
Thanks for reading, cheers Kevin.
I am keen to return to a car that handles and where possible be fitted with a quality gearbox. I'm currently behind the wheel of a 2015 M135i drawn in by the straight six noise if I'm honest. It is fitted with the 8 speed ZF auto the choice attributable to the poor notchy manual.
Admittedly this may seem a tad out of place (given the prestige marque I'm looking to buy) but my reference point is a previous steer, a Honda Integra Type R. It revved to over 8k and had one of the best gear changes I've come across as well as the ability to tackle a b-road at pace.
I've read countless glowing reports over the years about the Cayman and the shape of the 981 really appeals to me. I haven't at the time of writing driven one but intend to change that imminently.
I'm undertaking a myriad of research including past threads on this very forum to better understand the options and what they deliver as well as the views of the 2.7 & 3.4. So, whilst its early days I'm settling around a 2.7, manual, 19'' wheels, dual climate, heated seats (her indoors), rear parking sensors as the minimum. Budget wise I'm in the £35k bracket. Rightly, or wrongly, I'm looking at an OPC purchase. One unusual requirement is the ability to fit a wheelchair into the car, my wife requires one. Looking at the car, and I'll confirm on a rest drive, the front storage compartment will take the wheels and the hatch will accommodate the body of the wheelchair - if anyone has experience please chip in.
I just wanted to use this initial thread to say hello and would welcome your views only my early thoughts and any links you would recommend - think I've exhausted every YouTube clip!
Thanks for reading, cheers Kevin.
Hi. Great car and your minimum spec makes sense. If you're buying from an OPC you'll probably find a car has PCM (nav) and a few more optional extras - the basic spec is pretty mean.
A Cayman might fall down on the wheelchair bit though. The rear space is small and shallow - think briefcase and squashy bags. The front is far bigger but will only take a medium-size suitcase plus a few other bits on top.
A Cayman might fall down on the wheelchair bit though. The rear space is small and shallow - think briefcase and squashy bags. The front is far bigger but will only take a medium-size suitcase plus a few other bits on top.
I think the 981 is the 'sweet spot' in the whole Porsche range, in terms of value and capability - whichever engine or gearbox. Definitely a 'driver's car', yet still highly practical.
However, your limitation would appear to be the wheel chair location, so best to check that out first. I presume there would be some kind of roof or bike carrier?
However, your limitation would appear to be the wheel chair location, so best to check that out first. I presume there would be some kind of roof or bike carrier?
This might be of use http://www.birdautomotive.com/Bike%20Rack%20Cayman... I have also seen a ski rack which, despite being attached by suckers, is said to be safe to 70mph - if you trawl this forum you should be able to find it. Not sure you can fit anything on the roof, though.
Hi Kevin
There is a chap on the Boxster Spyder thread loads of pages back whose wife is the same situation, he seems to make it work and needs a lift to assist access and egress, it might be worth scrolling back but its several months ago. Make yourself a coffee and enjoy.
I am sure an OPC would let you try a demo car then you can take home and try any configuration you want, you will probably need to pop by then arrange it for a few days in advance but the luggage compartment on the 718 will be the same as any 981. If I am not right on this I am sure someone will correct me.
Good luck
There is a chap on the Boxster Spyder thread loads of pages back whose wife is the same situation, he seems to make it work and needs a lift to assist access and egress, it might be worth scrolling back but its several months ago. Make yourself a coffee and enjoy.
I am sure an OPC would let you try a demo car then you can take home and try any configuration you want, you will probably need to pop by then arrange it for a few days in advance but the luggage compartment on the 718 will be the same as any 981. If I am not right on this I am sure someone will correct me.
Good luck
Frrair said:
Hi Kevin
I am sure an OPC would let you try a demo car then you can take home and try any configuration you want, you will probably need to pop by then arrange it for a few days in advance but the luggage compartment on the 718 will be the same as any 981. If I am not right on this I am sure someone will correct me.
Good luck
The base 718 has the 54litre fuel tank as standard (rather than 64 for the 981). I'm not sure if that affects the boot space, but it might, so worth a check.I am sure an OPC would let you try a demo car then you can take home and try any configuration you want, you will probably need to pop by then arrange it for a few days in advance but the luggage compartment on the 718 will be the same as any 981. If I am not right on this I am sure someone will correct me.
Good luck
First of all many thanks to all of you who have posted a response - a friendly bunch!
I'm awaiting a return call from my local dealer to have a test drive in a used 981, its a 2.7 variant with a manual gearbox. The spec is light but includes: 19-inch Cayman S wheel - 2-zone automatic air conditioning - 6-speed manual transmission - Black painted wheels (partially) - Guards Red (matches body colour) seat belts - ParkAssist rear - Porsche crest embossed on head rests - Seat heating - SportDesign steering wheel - Sports seats Plus (2-way, electric). I didn't think I'd consider a Guards Red variant but the black wheels really make it, in my opinion.
I'm taking the wife's wheelchair to try and see if it will fit using the compartments available - if it does great, if it doesn't then we'll find another solution if necessary.
In response to your suggestions I will look to try a PDK variant, my heart says manual but,...better to make an informed decision!
On the question of which Integra, it was a DC2. The pic below was taken by the owner I sold the car on to.
Many thanks again for the supportive feedback, regards, Kevin
I'm awaiting a return call from my local dealer to have a test drive in a used 981, its a 2.7 variant with a manual gearbox. The spec is light but includes: 19-inch Cayman S wheel - 2-zone automatic air conditioning - 6-speed manual transmission - Black painted wheels (partially) - Guards Red (matches body colour) seat belts - ParkAssist rear - Porsche crest embossed on head rests - Seat heating - SportDesign steering wheel - Sports seats Plus (2-way, electric). I didn't think I'd consider a Guards Red variant but the black wheels really make it, in my opinion.
I'm taking the wife's wheelchair to try and see if it will fit using the compartments available - if it does great, if it doesn't then we'll find another solution if necessary.
In response to your suggestions I will look to try a PDK variant, my heart says manual but,...better to make an informed decision!
On the question of which Integra, it was a DC2. The pic below was taken by the owner I sold the car on to.
Many thanks again for the supportive feedback, regards, Kevin
Given your obvious affection for some of your earlier cars I think you would be disappointed with a 981 or any modern Porsche for that matter, they are very much now lifestyle cars and fun is no longer the priority of these cars.
Don't get me wrong you may still enjoy a 981 but it'll never match anything like what you've owned before or any other hot hatch. Enjoy your test drive.
Don't get me wrong you may still enjoy a 981 but it'll never match anything like what you've owned before or any other hot hatch. Enjoy your test drive.
KMCG1969 said:
In response to your suggestions I will look to try a PDK variant, my heart says manual but,...better to make an informed decision!
The problems with the manual gearbox - especially on the 2.7- are the gearbox ratios - 115mph in third for eg!. Given that the 2.7, though flexible, isn't particularly torquey that is widely seen as a problem (the same ratios are regarded as too high with both 3.4 and 3.8 engines!). The PDK benefits from having ratios around 15% lower (but are still pretty long). The PDK box is widely regarded as the best of its type, so that many of us - who might have always owned manuals before - have gone to the "other side".So give it a try.Edited by bcr5784 on Thursday 28th December 09:02
My best driver's car before my Cayman 981 2.7 PDK was a manual 2003 330ci MSport Cab which I had for nine years. Eight BMWs prior to this over 28 years in total. My test drives of later BMWs makes me feel the E46 was the last of the "ultimate driving machines." Later 3 series have weird handling. My wife chose our tenth BMW, an X1, last year but it's anything but a driver's car (useful in the snow though!). So, I'd say you're in for a treat. Go test drive some.
I've found many similarities. The 6 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive, "feel" in the way the 981 handles. But I do agree that the PDK is sublime and really does know what you're planning to do next. Mine's a daily driver so a manual is a bit of a pain.
I chose the 2.7 to get more of the engine's superb noise, the thing that makes your hair stand on end. The 3.4 is faster of course, but more likely to lose you your license for the same enjoyment.
See if you can have an extended test. My OPC lent me a 981 Boxster for a day and a half which really helped me decide I wanted one. Good luck!
I've found many similarities. The 6 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive, "feel" in the way the 981 handles. But I do agree that the PDK is sublime and really does know what you're planning to do next. Mine's a daily driver so a manual is a bit of a pain.
I chose the 2.7 to get more of the engine's superb noise, the thing that makes your hair stand on end. The 3.4 is faster of course, but more likely to lose you your license for the same enjoyment.
See if you can have an extended test. My OPC lent me a 981 Boxster for a day and a half which really helped me decide I wanted one. Good luck!
I had the opportunity of a test drive today, not the best conditions considering temperatures where sitting around 5degC, the previous night being under 0degC and under every tree covered part of the road there threatened to be ice / slippery conditions.
The drive included a mix of A and B roads with the occasional dual carriageway and traffic was light for the majority of the time. The salesman was enthusiastic and keen for me to get the most out of the drive.
My takeaways from the drive are as follows:
1. The gear change was smooth, precise and didn't baulk when changed quickly (though I did select 4th when looking for 2nd on the change down on a few occasions but I put that down to familiarity). I kept blipping the throttle on change downs as it felt so natural - exactly what I was looking for!
2. I didn't push overly hard on the road in the bends due to a combination of the weather, respect for the traffic and the salesman within the car - however - there was an open (visibility) series of tight bends and I have to say it felt secure, stable and composed - exactly what I was looking for!
3. On the dual carriageway I was able to fully extend the rev range and I noticed a couple of things - at circa 5.5krpm there is a change in engine note that starts to lift the hairs on the neck and then above 6krpm the sound is intoxicating! - exactly what I was looking for!
4. The difference between the normally aspirated 2.7 and my usual daily of a 3 litre straight 6 with twin scroll turbo (little M135i) was noticeable in the lower half of the rev range. Judging purely on 'feel' I came away with the perception that my current steer would pull a gap on the Cayman 'in a straight line' and I did wonder if the Cayman S would address that? However my search is not for speed but a drivers car so this wasn't a key consideration.
5. I found the ride relatively compliant and certainly no harsher than my current steer, the 19" wheels 'feel' the right compromise
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive and believe that the Cayman in 2.7 form with a manual gearchange really is an enjoyable drivers car. If the opportunity to drive a PDK arises I will take it but for the moment I'm awaiting a call from the dealer on what deal can be offered,....
. I'm not confident he'll be able to offer what I'm looking to pay, but, my original plan was to get into one within 12-18 months so I'm relaxed - well if I keep saying that I'll hopefully manage the crushing disappointment 
For information the car was Guards Red with black wheels, a 15 plate with circa 5k miles. Picture to follow once I've got it down to the forum size limit.
Cheers, Kevin.
The drive included a mix of A and B roads with the occasional dual carriageway and traffic was light for the majority of the time. The salesman was enthusiastic and keen for me to get the most out of the drive.
My takeaways from the drive are as follows:
1. The gear change was smooth, precise and didn't baulk when changed quickly (though I did select 4th when looking for 2nd on the change down on a few occasions but I put that down to familiarity). I kept blipping the throttle on change downs as it felt so natural - exactly what I was looking for!
2. I didn't push overly hard on the road in the bends due to a combination of the weather, respect for the traffic and the salesman within the car - however - there was an open (visibility) series of tight bends and I have to say it felt secure, stable and composed - exactly what I was looking for!
3. On the dual carriageway I was able to fully extend the rev range and I noticed a couple of things - at circa 5.5krpm there is a change in engine note that starts to lift the hairs on the neck and then above 6krpm the sound is intoxicating! - exactly what I was looking for!
4. The difference between the normally aspirated 2.7 and my usual daily of a 3 litre straight 6 with twin scroll turbo (little M135i) was noticeable in the lower half of the rev range. Judging purely on 'feel' I came away with the perception that my current steer would pull a gap on the Cayman 'in a straight line' and I did wonder if the Cayman S would address that? However my search is not for speed but a drivers car so this wasn't a key consideration.
5. I found the ride relatively compliant and certainly no harsher than my current steer, the 19" wheels 'feel' the right compromise
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive and believe that the Cayman in 2.7 form with a manual gearchange really is an enjoyable drivers car. If the opportunity to drive a PDK arises I will take it but for the moment I'm awaiting a call from the dealer on what deal can be offered,....
. I'm not confident he'll be able to offer what I'm looking to pay, but, my original plan was to get into one within 12-18 months so I'm relaxed - well if I keep saying that I'll hopefully manage the crushing disappointment For information the car was Guards Red with black wheels, a 15 plate with circa 5k miles. Picture to follow once I've got it down to the forum size limit.
Cheers, Kevin.
KMCG1969 said:
4. The difference between the normally aspirated 2.7 and my usual daily of a 3 litre straight 6 with twin scroll turbo (little M135i) was noticeable in the lower half of the rev range. Judging purely on 'feel' I came away with the perception that my current steer would pull a gap on the Cayman 'in a straight line' and I did wonder if the Cayman S would address that? However my search is not for speed but a drivers car so this wasn't a key consideration.
5. I found the ride relatively compliant and certainly no harsher than my current steer, the 19" wheels 'feel' the right compromise
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive and believe that the Cayman in 2.7 form with a manual gearchange really is an enjoyable drivers car. If the opportunity to drive a PDK arises I will take it but for the moment I'm awaiting a call from the dealer on what deal can be offered,..... I'm not confident he'll be able to offer what I'm looking to pay, but, my original plan was to get into one within 12-18 months so I'm relaxed - well if I keep saying that I'll hopefully manage the crushing disappointment
For information the car was Guards Red with black wheels, a 15 plate with circa 5k miles. Picture to follow once I've got it down to the forum size limit.
Cheers, Kevin.
You will, i'm sure find that the 2.7 is in most situations - a lot slower then your current car. In all honesty I don't think you'd find an S any faster. 5. I found the ride relatively compliant and certainly no harsher than my current steer, the 19" wheels 'feel' the right compromise
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive and believe that the Cayman in 2.7 form with a manual gearchange really is an enjoyable drivers car. If the opportunity to drive a PDK arises I will take it but for the moment I'm awaiting a call from the dealer on what deal can be offered,....
. I'm not confident he'll be able to offer what I'm looking to pay, but, my original plan was to get into one within 12-18 months so I'm relaxed - well if I keep saying that I'll hopefully manage the crushing disappointment For information the car was Guards Red with black wheels, a 15 plate with circa 5k miles. Picture to follow once I've got it down to the forum size limit.
Cheers, Kevin.
I really would suggest a drive in a 3.4 with the PDK box. The 3.4 engine is more muscular than you might expect than the 2.7 in any case, and the lower PDK gearing makes the difference more pronounced. BUT the 2.7 engine is sweeter than the 3.4 so what YOUR preferred choice is anyone's guess.
I started off wanting a 2.7 manual and ultimately decided a 3.4 PDK suited me best.
I've got a 981s pdk. Its a great car. If you've never driven a slightly older Porsche I'd recommend it. The steering feel from the earlier cars is like night and day. I also have a 1998 996 c2 for this reason. You do not want to try pdk on a 987 as its not that good. So try to drive a manual 3.4 s Cayman 2009 - 2011 with the later engine.
Just reading your thread and your quest for a car reads quite like mine.
I currently have an M235i which is not as enthralling as I hoped (have owned it 3 years though) and am looking at a £35k budget Cayman or maybe a more "sensible" 911 to get the rear seats.
There is a cayman near me that looks lovely, although £35k for a "base" model car still upsets me slightly.
Its at Hilmoren, I was just wondering why your keenness to go for a Porsche OPC over any other dealers?
Let us know how you go.
I currently have an M235i which is not as enthralling as I hoped (have owned it 3 years though) and am looking at a £35k budget Cayman or maybe a more "sensible" 911 to get the rear seats.
There is a cayman near me that looks lovely, although £35k for a "base" model car still upsets me slightly.
Its at Hilmoren, I was just wondering why your keenness to go for a Porsche OPC over any other dealers?
Let us know how you go.
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