987 Cayman advice please

[Jamie808]

I have a 15k budget and have found a couple I like the look of, I am looking at gen 1 2.7, particular interest is a 40k mileage example that has 6 gears & PASM, questions to those with knowledge is:

What is the 6 speed like ?
Should I avoid ? Or does it improve the overall 2.7 experience? Or does it really not matter ?
Should I just go with 1 of the other 60k examples that look like the have been looked after properly.

Low miles and decent service history/mot checker make it look like it's just what I need in my life.

The car looks very good condition, it's about 380 miles away, which is a pain, but it is what it is.

I intend to keep it a fair few years and put 7k-15k miles a year on it and totally enjoy it, I have a 90 mile day commute, so I won't use it everyday and through the nasty weather but there are some very nice back roads to be enjoyed when I feel like it/weather isn't completely terrible.

Advice please gentlemen

[frozen-in-wiltshire]

drive one - any one - the same year and manual - and see if you like it 0 and if that's cool, then what cmoose says - go for it.

[jimmy p]

Ive had both the 5 and 6 speed varients of the 2.7. Both are good and the 2.7 likes to be revved to get the best from it.
From my experience the 6 speed is the best box and is a nicer gear change.
However the 6 speed does fall into the highest tax band if registered after 23rd March 2006 so just bear the increased cost in mind. I think the late 2.7 sport editions with the 6 speed box are the best of the gen1 cars for looks etc and will have the best later ims bearing fitted if its one of those you are considering.