About to pull the trigger on a used Cayman - views please

[GE90]

Hi All

I have always loved the look of the Cayman, and the opportunity has arisen to do an almost straight swap with my Golf GTI Mk7, but need to decide by tomorrow!

I have viewed a few, but found one in simply stunning condition, and one of the colours I was ideally looking for. For sale at a very respected specialist, here down south. The car is a 2008 1st generation Cayman 2.7, in grey, with 19 inch wheels, rear sensors and uprated audio. Full Porsche history every 2 years, brake fluid and major completed Aug 2016. Put up on ramps, amazing condition for a 2008 car. Two suspension links at the rear have been replaced, as have the exhaust brackets. Has Michelin N2 tyres, with 5mm of thread.

3 owners, but they have obviously looked after it. Only a couple of stone ships, which have been touched in. Spotless inside, no signs of wear! Drive faultlessly, not even any creaks of any kind.

First impressions coming from a DSG GTI - feels much slower, mainly based on the need to stretch the engine. Ride more compliant that I expected. Great to be back in a manual gearbox. Clutch and gearbox really good. Steering wheel felt thin! One major observation/concern - I didn't feel immediately excited by the driving experience - does it tend to grow on you when you have time to explore/push it? The Golf really is good to drive straight from the off!

Really appreciate any quick (it will be sold tomorrow - so left a refundable deposit until the morning) comments on this example. Price £17K. Too much for a late Gen1? It really is an honest immaculate car. New MOT. No service costs until Aug 2018, save for a quick additional oil change. It will be a daily, but only 20 miles a day.

Thanks everyone.

Website:

http://www.ashgood.co.uk/product/655/under-offer

Edited by GE90 on Friday 17th March 21:00

[Budflicker]

Cmoose may be along to give better advice at some point but as far as I'm aware the 2.7 gen 1 doesn't suffer from any major issues, it's got the upgraded IMS bearing and doesn't suffer from borescore like the 3.4 does.

I understand that it can feel a little underpowered but is a sweet engine through the revs.

I suppose if it's a great example and you don't need more power then go for it, why not go down and drive an S model and draw your own conclusions?

[GE90]

Thanks very much.

This is really max budget for the purchase, so would involve compromising on condition or mileage to get a 'S'.

Quick enough, given all of the other driving qualities that it seems to excel at!

[ooid]

I would go for it. I have a small fleet of two cars and running beetle turbo 2.0 manual (which has the same engine of mk7 GTI) + 986 boxster 2.7. I understand these 987 2.7 engines are much better refined and cayman is a more solid car comparing to boxster imho. In terms of driving, as much as I like TSI 2.0 turbo Vw engines, and their reliability, 2.7 Porsche mid-engine is a great fun. If the car is completely clean, dealer is solid and no issues on the previous MOT, I would not hesitate it's a good choice.

[IMI A]

Yes go for it definitely and Ashgood are good guys I hear. Stunning car and really nice spec.

[Blackpuddin]

I don't know anything about Caymans but that just looks like a nice car.

[Edwin Strohacker]

Little bit of food for thought - it doesn't have extended leather, sports chrono or PCM. That may or may not bother you & PCM isn't great anyway but one or more of those is desirable given there's no shortage of gen 1 Caymans.

But, looks like a good one, if it does it for you, why not?

[GE90]

Guys, thanks so much for your input, much appreciated.

After sleeping on it, and discussing with family, I had to come to the hard conclusion that the timing isn't right for this purchase.

However, the car is a gem, and the dealer an absolute delight to deal with.

Thanks again.

[DJMC]

I may be blind, but I can't see a price?

£17k or thereabouts?

Anyway, if it didn't excite you, you made the right decision not to buy.

[battered]

Looks lovely and not much for a low miles example. As above though, if it doesn't make you say 'wow' then save your 17k for something that does.

[ooid]

GE90 said:

After sleeping on it, and discussing with family,

This is why I never tell anyone when I go to see a car, and turn my phone off immediately.

[jonindorset]

I had a very similar car (minty 2008 2.7 5-speed manual) and it was a lovely car.
Struggled far more than I'd like to sell it (more than 2 years ago now) and it went on a commissioned sale for £17k then... Mine was also on 19" wheels but I always ran it on 17" which were a far nicer drive (and more commensurate with the performance).

I still think most buyers want the 3.4 S though (regardless of the lack of reliability) and just how sweet the 2.7 is and therefore there should be some wriggle room - maybe £1k worth?

[Ructions]

Where is this 'trigger' on the 2.7?

[snorbs]

I guess you were thinking the right spec car for you are few and far between - but i think they are out there - so don't feel like you've missed out.

I currently have a 2007 Cayman S (25k miles).
I had the RMS work done (about 1k at OPC).

Couple of pics below to show similarity to your option.
Thinking value is similar to what that dealer was offering (17k) - will see what OPC offer trade in when i get he 718.

I've owned Golf GTi and 205 GTi type cars in the past - but have driven S Boxsters & Cayman for last 15 yrs - both are lovely types of car.

Edited by snorbs on Sunday 19th March 11:20

[snorbs]

snorbs said:

I guess you were thinking the right spec car for you are few and far between - but i think they are out there - so don't feel like you've missed out.

I currently have a 2007 Cayman S (25k miles).
I had the IMS work done (about 1k at OPC).

Couple of pics below to show similarity to your option.
Thinking value is similar to what that dealer was offering (17k) - will see what OPC offer trade in when i get he 718.

I've owned Golf GTi and 205 GTi type cars in the past - but have driven S Boxsters & Cayman for last 15 yrs - both are lovely types of car.

[IMI A]

Seems like asking prices on these have now firmed up too. Could get a very nice car like this for £15k a few years ago. Can't think of anything better for the money personally.

[JackReacher]

It will feel slow in most situations compared to the GTI, and even in reality there is probably very little in it from a performance perspective. It will also feel very old. But, on the right road they are fantastic cars to drive with a sense of occasion and lovely noise. In other situations you might wish for the GTI, but it will be worth it when you find the right roads without traffic. I sold my 2.9 in the Autumn (which I can thoroughly recommend if you can find an extra few grand) and it was a fantastic car. I'd avoid 19" wheels, make sure all the suspension is in order and stick a carnewal exhaust on it. Great cars and I will have another when funds allow.

[GE90]

Hi All

Well, I'm still concerned that I made the wrong choice, but that's just me!

I did really like the Cayman, and what made it such a tough decision was that it's the perfect colour, great mileage, a few good options, obviously very well looked after, and yet just in budget. Long time until the next service, warranty and new MOT. Perfect for me?

However, while I fell in love with the looks, as has been observed, there was just something that didn't meet expectations with the driving experience. Clearly an issue with my expectations than anything else, but bearing in mind this was going to be my daily, I really didn't want to have any regrets.

Just looked at it again and started to rethink! 😳

[DJMC]

DJMC said:

I may be blind, but I can't see a price?

£17k or thereabouts?

Anyway, if it didn't excite you, you made the right decision not to buy.

When I said this it was "under offer - £0.00" but I was spot on it seems.

Wonder why the buyer pulled out, or was it the OP here?

[GE90]

Yes, it was I who pulled out of the purchase.