Cayman S - talk to me
Discussion
I'm currently umming and ahhing over whether to get another Lotus Exige / Elise or a Cayman S. If I go Lotus I'd probably buy an older Honda engined car which will hit all of the "driver interaction" buttons with low running costs and with little depreciation. However, the idea of a car in which you can actually have conversations with other people also appeals 
I'm tempted by a Cayman but have a couple of concerns -
1. Have they suffered from any of the engine issues which afflicted the Boxsters and 996s?
2. How much more are they likely to drop in value? - Early Boxsters are peanuts these days and retained value is relevant to me.
3. Can anyone with Elise / Exige experience comment on how the Cayman drives in comparison? I'm not really interested in how capable it is per se, but the quality of the driving experience - steering feedback, throttle adjustability etc.
4. What sort of fuel economy do they return? I've just come from a TVR Cerbera which was fantastic but gave 15 mpg and part of the reason for selling was to get something a little more usable from this point of view - 25 would be a good start.
I'm tempted by a Cayman but have a couple of concerns -
1. Have they suffered from any of the engine issues which afflicted the Boxsters and 996s?
2. How much more are they likely to drop in value? - Early Boxsters are peanuts these days and retained value is relevant to me.
3. Can anyone with Elise / Exige experience comment on how the Cayman drives in comparison? I'm not really interested in how capable it is per se, but the quality of the driving experience - steering feedback, throttle adjustability etc.
4. What sort of fuel economy do they return? I've just come from a TVR Cerbera which was fantastic but gave 15 mpg and part of the reason for selling was to get something a little more usable from this point of view - 25 would be a good start.
itiejim said:
I'm currently umming and ahhing over whether to get another Lotus Exige / Elise or a Cayman S. If I go Lotus I'd probably buy an older Honda engined car which will hit all of the "driver interaction" buttons with low running costs and with little depreciation. However, the idea of a car in which you can actually have conversations with other people also appeals
I'm tempted by a Cayman but have a couple of concerns -
1. Have they suffered from any of the engine issues which afflicted the Boxsters and 996s?
2. How much more are they likely to drop in value? - Early Boxsters are peanuts these days and retained value is relevant to me.
3. Can anyone with Elise / Exige experience comment on how the Cayman drives in comparison? I'm not really interested in how capable it is per se, but the quality of the driving experience - steering feedback, throttle adjustability etc.
4. What sort of fuel economy do they return? I've just come from a TVR Cerbera which was fantastic but gave 15 mpg and part of the reason for selling was to get something a little more usable from this point of view - 25 would be a good start.
1. Yes, search on here and you'll find a few threads about major engine failures. They seem to suffer with scored bores just like the 9x6 models but so far to a lesser extent.I'm tempted by a Cayman but have a couple of concerns -
1. Have they suffered from any of the engine issues which afflicted the Boxsters and 996s?
2. How much more are they likely to drop in value? - Early Boxsters are peanuts these days and retained value is relevant to me.
3. Can anyone with Elise / Exige experience comment on how the Cayman drives in comparison? I'm not really interested in how capable it is per se, but the quality of the driving experience - steering feedback, throttle adjustability etc.
4. What sort of fuel economy do they return? I've just come from a TVR Cerbera which was fantastic but gave 15 mpg and part of the reason for selling was to get something a little more usable from this point of view - 25 would be a good start.
2. I believe they will become peanuts one day just like the early Boxsters however the early Cayman's are more than 10 years newer than the early Boxsters so it willbe a while before they are £5-6K
3. Sorry, I have very little experience of the Elise and no experience of the Exige.
4. Mine averages 26mpg. This includes several motorway miles but also d
head driving whenever I get the opportunity HTH
Thanks, if they're suffering from bore wear problems I'll probably stick to a Honda engined Lotus rattler and spend the change on some ear plugs.
What sort of mileage are they causing problems at? Low mileage cars which never bedded in properly or high mileage ones which are just worn out?
What sort of mileage are they causing problems at? Low mileage cars which never bedded in properly or high mileage ones which are just worn out?
itiejim said:
Thanks, if they're suffering from bore wear problems I'll probably stick to a Honda engined Lotus rattler and spend the change on some ear plugs.
What sort of mileage are they causing problems at? Low mileage cars which never bedded in properly or high mileage ones which are just worn out?
Its caused by a cooling design problem around cylinders 5 & 6. It can be avoided if you know how.What sort of mileage are they causing problems at? Low mileage cars which never bedded in properly or high mileage ones which are just worn out?
Also, Hartech have a low temp thermostat conversion which is believed to all but cure the issue.
MTR
Here's some bedtime reading for you:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Was in a similar position 3 months ago.
Since 2004 I've had a standard S2 Elise, an S2 Exige and then a 111R. I really liked the Lotus's (Loti ?) and used them all year round. Put 10k on the first one, 30k on the second one and 55k on the 111R. I'm no driving god but had great fun on the road and track.
Living in NL cars are very expensive due to the high taxes, but got myself a beautiful 2006 Cayman S with all the options I was looking for - admittedly with slightly more kilometres than I would have liked - but beggars can't be choosers !
The Porsche dealer resprayed the stone chips on the nose, full service, new clutch and 3 years warranty - so any worries about the engine are covered by warranty.
I have to say I am really happy. I have that light nimble feeling - steering is powered but not overly so, still gives plenty of feedback, suspension is great compared to the Nitrons in my 111R. The biggest difference for me is the mid range pull and motorway speed overtaking ability is so much better than the normally aspirated Lotus. The supercharged models are certainly as quick if not quicker, but I am more comfortable, have a heater and air con that work when I want it to work and all the creature comforts I've missed. I can even have a telephone conversation now without raising my voice. I had a stage 2 exhaust on the 111R and loved the noise - but the Porsche sports exhaust with the 3.4 engine is simply incredible.
Can't talk about values in the UK as I don't live there.
On a recent trip to the UK the trip computer said 24mpg which was perfectly acceptable. I used to be able to get between 250 & 300 miles out of the tank in the Elise, and get around 100 more out of the Cayman.
If you can get one with warranty - test drive it and see what you think. I do miss the Elise but not enough to pull me away from the Cayman now.
Since 2004 I've had a standard S2 Elise, an S2 Exige and then a 111R. I really liked the Lotus's (Loti ?) and used them all year round. Put 10k on the first one, 30k on the second one and 55k on the 111R. I'm no driving god but had great fun on the road and track.
Living in NL cars are very expensive due to the high taxes, but got myself a beautiful 2006 Cayman S with all the options I was looking for - admittedly with slightly more kilometres than I would have liked - but beggars can't be choosers !
The Porsche dealer resprayed the stone chips on the nose, full service, new clutch and 3 years warranty - so any worries about the engine are covered by warranty.
I have to say I am really happy. I have that light nimble feeling - steering is powered but not overly so, still gives plenty of feedback, suspension is great compared to the Nitrons in my 111R. The biggest difference for me is the mid range pull and motorway speed overtaking ability is so much better than the normally aspirated Lotus. The supercharged models are certainly as quick if not quicker, but I am more comfortable, have a heater and air con that work when I want it to work and all the creature comforts I've missed. I can even have a telephone conversation now without raising my voice. I had a stage 2 exhaust on the 111R and loved the noise - but the Porsche sports exhaust with the 3.4 engine is simply incredible.
Can't talk about values in the UK as I don't live there.
On a recent trip to the UK the trip computer said 24mpg which was perfectly acceptable. I used to be able to get between 250 & 300 miles out of the tank in the Elise, and get around 100 more out of the Cayman.
If you can get one with warranty - test drive it and see what you think. I do miss the Elise but not enough to pull me away from the Cayman now.
re retained value, was shocked by p/ex price I was offered yesterday, 55 plate Cayman S, big spec ( PCM, Bose, 19s, sport seats, ext leather, climate, xenons, sports chrono, multi func steering wheel etc ) 61k miles, full OPC history, was offered £13k
Edited by Rotty on Wednesday 23 November 13:32
nickfrog said:
Sounds like a fair offer in the current market. High spec is worth next to nothing.
really, bares no realtion to what they are fetching privately \, even allowing for a decent margin that is appalling you a motor trader ?
strange how spec makes no differnce when they are buying but does when sellinglook at the threads on here when folks are looking go cars and they often have spec as one of most important things, regardless of spec, book price for ave condition is well above 13k
Edited by Rotty on Wednesday 23 November 13:42
Firstly, you will be impressed by whichever car you pick. To give you a little background on my opinion I have owned a Boxster S (987) followed by an Exige S followed by a Carrera S (997) - clearly I like 'S' models!
If it will be your only car I would probably rule out the Exige. I ran it for 9 months as my only car and after a while the niggling things get to you, which is what made me sell mine. When people talk about practicality you think of things like boot space and how many seats, which you can easily rationalise as not being issues. For instance if you only need two seats, who cares that you can't give others a lift! The issues around practicality in a Lotus become apparent when using it as a daily driver type car.
To give you a couple of examples you go to a car park and go into a normal space. You come back to your car an hour later and somebodys parked just a little too close to you and to get in you have to open the door, squeeze your arm through to put the key in the ignition, wind the window down and then try and drop yourself into the car without dinging the door. It's sometimes hard enough getting in and out of them as it is, let alone when you have restricted access! Also the locks seize up in cold weather and you need to heat them up as the lock barrel is essentially the door handle. Don't make the mistake I did by putting warm water to unfreeze it, because once you then leave your car it refreezes and if you're out it's not as easy to refrost! The fans are pretty poor so sometimes you can be sitting for 10 minutes or so just waiting for the screen to de-mist. Also the standard Yoko tyres don't work particularly well in the cold or wet, so I would seriously advise getting a winter set and summer set of tyres. It's all these little things you don't think about when buying that means it is only a viable proposition as an only car if you are extremely dedicated.
On the plus side however, there is nothing like it to drive. The engine is right behind your head and although no the most sonorous, you feel completely connected - and that supercharger whine is just orgasmic! It attracts a lot of attention, all positive from my experience too. So if you are happy for admiring glances and getting into conversations with other drivers about the car then it definitely adds to the ownership experience.
On the other hand you have the Porsche, probably the most complete sports car there is in my opinion. You get comfort, performance, decent running costs and a prestige marque. The Cayman will never be as quick as the Lotus, but honestly, once you get into a rhythm with it, it just doesn't matter. Listening to the flat six engine behind you approach the redline and the speed it starts to gather is brilliant. Feedback I would say is as good as the Lotus, although not as harsh as the car will take out some of the hardcore bumps, you can easily place and manoeuvre the car across road or track. It is genuinely an every day car proposition and with items such as Xenon's, cruise control, air con, bose radio etc is as comfortable as anything.
My advice? Do the Lotus thing and get it out of your system. I honestly think that you will keep wondering 'what if' when opting straight for the Porsche. That's what I had and it lead me into getting the Lotus. If you feel that you can genuinely put up with the petty annoyances that Lotus ownership can bring, then dive in head first and grab a good deal on one at this time of year. If however you are the type of person (like me) that would start to get pissed off after a while, then getting into a Cayman S will be magnificent and as long as you get a good one, you will probably feel like there is no need to ever change away from the Porsche brand.
If it will be your only car I would probably rule out the Exige. I ran it for 9 months as my only car and after a while the niggling things get to you, which is what made me sell mine. When people talk about practicality you think of things like boot space and how many seats, which you can easily rationalise as not being issues. For instance if you only need two seats, who cares that you can't give others a lift! The issues around practicality in a Lotus become apparent when using it as a daily driver type car.
To give you a couple of examples you go to a car park and go into a normal space. You come back to your car an hour later and somebodys parked just a little too close to you and to get in you have to open the door, squeeze your arm through to put the key in the ignition, wind the window down and then try and drop yourself into the car without dinging the door. It's sometimes hard enough getting in and out of them as it is, let alone when you have restricted access! Also the locks seize up in cold weather and you need to heat them up as the lock barrel is essentially the door handle. Don't make the mistake I did by putting warm water to unfreeze it, because once you then leave your car it refreezes and if you're out it's not as easy to refrost! The fans are pretty poor so sometimes you can be sitting for 10 minutes or so just waiting for the screen to de-mist. Also the standard Yoko tyres don't work particularly well in the cold or wet, so I would seriously advise getting a winter set and summer set of tyres. It's all these little things you don't think about when buying that means it is only a viable proposition as an only car if you are extremely dedicated.
On the plus side however, there is nothing like it to drive. The engine is right behind your head and although no the most sonorous, you feel completely connected - and that supercharger whine is just orgasmic! It attracts a lot of attention, all positive from my experience too. So if you are happy for admiring glances and getting into conversations with other drivers about the car then it definitely adds to the ownership experience.
On the other hand you have the Porsche, probably the most complete sports car there is in my opinion. You get comfort, performance, decent running costs and a prestige marque. The Cayman will never be as quick as the Lotus, but honestly, once you get into a rhythm with it, it just doesn't matter. Listening to the flat six engine behind you approach the redline and the speed it starts to gather is brilliant. Feedback I would say is as good as the Lotus, although not as harsh as the car will take out some of the hardcore bumps, you can easily place and manoeuvre the car across road or track. It is genuinely an every day car proposition and with items such as Xenon's, cruise control, air con, bose radio etc is as comfortable as anything.
My advice? Do the Lotus thing and get it out of your system. I honestly think that you will keep wondering 'what if' when opting straight for the Porsche. That's what I had and it lead me into getting the Lotus. If you feel that you can genuinely put up with the petty annoyances that Lotus ownership can bring, then dive in head first and grab a good deal on one at this time of year. If however you are the type of person (like me) that would start to get pissed off after a while, then getting into a Cayman S will be magnificent and as long as you get a good one, you will probably feel like there is no need to ever change away from the Porsche brand.
£13k. I'd tell them to stuff it up their pipe and smoke it. Jokers. Clearly that was a dealer who had no intention of trying to sell the car. What dealership was it? I'll keep away! Mind you, if he was prepared to knock £5,000 off the car I was buying, maybe!
It really is a genuine bargain if you pick the right Cayman S. I can't speak for others, but my 06 Cayman has been a dream to own for the last 3 years. You're bound to hear of the problem cases on forums, so I wouldn't worry too much about engine failures, they are rare, just buy a warranty for the car and you'll be fine. People harp on about them and the internet tends to magnify the concern.
I've tried all current Gen II Porsche's that are in my price range, 997 Gen II Carrera S and Cayman R's and to be completely honest, the only real difference is the cosmetic tweaks, in my view the Cayman S is the best middle ground car, by a whisker!
It really is a genuine bargain if you pick the right Cayman S. I can't speak for others, but my 06 Cayman has been a dream to own for the last 3 years. You're bound to hear of the problem cases on forums, so I wouldn't worry too much about engine failures, they are rare, just buy a warranty for the car and you'll be fine. People harp on about them and the internet tends to magnify the concern.
I've tried all current Gen II Porsche's that are in my price range, 997 Gen II Carrera S and Cayman R's and to be completely honest, the only real difference is the cosmetic tweaks, in my view the Cayman S is the best middle ground car, by a whisker!
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff