Cayman - did I get a bad one?

[Tricuspid]

Test drove a Cayman S yesterday, a 2010 987.2. Hadn’t driven one before so didn’t really know what to expect, but right from the outset the steering felt dull and lifeless. I thought it might improve at speed but it never really came alive in the way that something like an MX-5 or even an ordinary BMW does. Overall I was underwhelmed, and I really wanted to like the car. The car had low miles, decent tyres and full history. Did I expect too much or is there maybe something not right with this one? Not too many around here to compare it to unfortunately.

[Trevor555]

My only guess is that the car may had had a knock or something on the front suspension?

Maybe something wrong that's tightened up the steering?

Was it going back to center ok?

I've driven plenty of cars where the steering felt stiff, or not centering properly.

Can be many things, bent wishbone, bent steering rack, tyre pressure, any stiff joint, prob a few more.

Even just fitting decent new tyres can transform a cars steering if the old ones are well worn.

I'd suggest trying a different car, I remember my 987 as having nice steering.

Edited by Trevor555 on Saturday 27th April 14:13

Edited by Trevor555 on Saturday 27th April 14:14

[Tricuspid]

Thanks Trevor, not many about here for sale. Am I correct in thinking that a 987 Boxster would feel similar to the Cayman, in steering terms?

[Trevor555]

Tricuspid said:

Thanks Trevor, not many about here for sale. Am I correct in thinking that a 987 Boxster would feel similar to the Cayman, in steering terms?

I can't answer I'm afraid, but I would guess so.

I had a 987 Cayman S 2005 and a 981 Boxster S 2013 so not a direct comparison.

My 987 was my first ever Porsche and gave me a love for the brand.

I'd definitely drive another one before dismissing them.

The extended leather option is worth having, gives you leather on the dash and the doorcards, the stitching along the top of the doorcards makes the car feel more special.

Only my view of course, others will laugh I'm sure.

[Klippie]

Is it a dealer car or private seller.

[lilwashu]

I test drove a 2.9 Gen2 Cayman a few years back and my views were the same as the OP (plus I found it felt slow) - I assumed the 3.4 would have been better but never got around to trying one.

I currently have a 986.1 2.7 Boxster and don't find it boring or slow despite being 20 years old now, I think expectations played a lot for me.

[Tricuspid]

Thanks all. Haven't given up on Porsche, going to look at a Boxster tomorrow so fingers crossed.

[Slippydiff]

I notice you state the car had “decent” tyres. It’d be helpful to know exactly which make and model of tyres were fitted, their age and how much tread (brand new, half worn or down to the cords ...)
Tyre pressures are critical too ...

[BillyB]

So how was the Boxster?

Tricuspid said:

Thanks all. Haven't given up on Porsche, going to look at a Boxster tomorrow so fingers crossed.

[KPB1973]

Like many people I went from 986 > 987.

The former had incredible steering feel, the latter (gen 2) was on 19s and the steering was pretty lifeless in comparison.

Similarly, I think the EPS on my RS Megane is loads better than my 987.2 hydraulic was!

[dugsud]

lilwashu said:

I test drove a 2.9 Gen2 Cayman a few years back and my views were the same as the OP (plus I found it felt slow) - I assumed the 3.4 would have been better but never got around to trying one.

I currently have a 986.1 2.7 Boxster and don't find it boring or slow despite being 20 years old now, I think expectations played a lot for me.

Interesting that you find a 2.9 Cayman slow but seem to find your 2.7 Boxster fast!! I've not driven a 2.7 Boxster but by the sound of it they must be pretty impressive...

I ride bikes and don't find my 2.9 Cayman slow so work that one out

[khushy]

this is really subjective and your personal experience how only you can describe it . . . with so many variables - car - weather - temperature - driver - skill level - experience - speed of your test drive - road surface - traffic conditions - use of the english language etc etc

I bet if 10 other people did the same test drive they would have 10 different opinions

[Porsche911R]

987.2 steering with good tyres and PSI is amazing imo.

one reason the R won drivers car of the year in 2011

to quote the review and I agree
"Editor-at-large Steve Sutcliffe described the winning Cayman R’s steering as “about as sweet as it gets,” "

So I would expect people expections to be very high over any EPS car. and they have a bit more weight over them than any 911 so again better than most 911's of the same era.

My R's and my modded Spyder steering is crazy direct, monoballed, -2 camber , zero toe in , engine mounts, and cup 2's though !
you move the wheel 1mm the car moves, you hit a bump the wheel feeds it back.

all night and day better than any 981 or 991 my 991.1 GTS feels st vs my 987.2 car and I have just put PS4S on that, it's still pretty crap.
Stops my GTS being a true great, but I did buy that for the engine alone and for that it excels.

the R also better feel than the GT4 imo esp In the wet.

Also 19" wheels and tyres will give you far more direct steering feel over 17" and 18" !!! less rubber to move about = faster steering as you are not waiting for the rubber to catch up ! I like my cars fast and pointy and low profile tyres give you that. I hate 17" and 18" 45 series rubber.
Some people like it, I have no idea why, I don't want to wait when I turn in for 45series rubber to catch up with my wheel movements.
Although in the wet it safer to drive on 18" for sure you get more reaction time.


on the other hand if you drove a 978.2 with 60k miles, poor shocks, P-zeros which are hard and cracked I could see why you might not think it any good.


to recap the quote

"Steve Sutcliffe described the winning Cayman R’s steering as “about as sweet as it gets" :-)

[Porsche911R]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

you really need to under stand slip angles, and what a tyre does when you start to turn the steering wheel ! we have done this 50 times over 10 years !

Lower profile sidewalls are less prone to flexing, so steering inputs are more direct, large sidewalls absorb some of the steering action as they flex.
Steering inputs are thus more immediate compared with higher sidewall tires and so the car will turn in faster when cornering and offer more grip.


The only disadvantages are sudden loss of grip when pushed beyond the limits, hence in the wet its safer to have a bit of slop to play about with and comfort.

It basic's here it really is.

I prefer a brake pedal which I can modulate and fast steering response, you prefer a pedal you cannot modulate and the sloppier feel of high sidewalls.

no right and wrong what we each like, but don't confuse people with misinformation over preferences.

[bigmowley]

My R was a bit disappointing initially in the steering feel department especially as the 111 point check and the dealer had passed the geo as fine. Same symptoms as the OP, little bit stiff and lifeless around and just off center. Two new O/E spec front tyres plus a trip to a certain well known midlands based chassis set up garage and what a transformation. It's absolutely fantastic now. Lovely oily feel around center position and plenty of info from the front tyres. No where near as chatty as my Elise but in a different league to my R8 RWS.

Clearly this gen coxters are quite sensitive to front geo.

Go for one OP you won't be disappointed just budget for a really good set up man for a couple of hours.