Newer Cayman vs. Older 911?
Discussion
Choices, choices. What would you do? #1stworldproblems
35k budget. I could get a nice Cayman 981 (2.7) - Circa 2014 with less than 30k on the clock
OR
a 997 GEN2 Carrera - Circa 2010 with maybe 50-60k+ on the clock
I've always wanted a 911, but the thought of a newer Cayman is very appealing as it's a newer car, lower miles and they seem to be more reliable.
35k budget. I could get a nice Cayman 981 (2.7) - Circa 2014 with less than 30k on the clock
OR
a 997 GEN2 Carrera - Circa 2010 with maybe 50-60k+ on the clock
I've always wanted a 911, but the thought of a newer Cayman is very appealing as it's a newer car, lower miles and they seem to be more reliable.
Edited by dbr84 on Saturday 10th March 01:37
You are better off buying a Cayman 987.2 S for a budget of >£35k it gets you a low miles car with an opc warranty. A 997.2 is nice but with high miles comes extra maintenance costs a good one will cost in <£40k
A 987.2 is IMHO and others a far better buy/car than any 981 ( gt4/spyder not included)
A 987.2 is IMHO and others a far better buy/car than any 981 ( gt4/spyder not included)
dbr84 said:
I've always wanted a 911, but the thought of a newer Cayman is very appealing as it's a newer car, lower miles and they seem to be more reliable.
A newer Cayman would be no more reliable than a 987.2/997.2 all share same engine architecture and same out dated nav.(PCM) but the newer car has electric steering, it all depends how it's been looked afterEdited by dbr84 on Saturday 10th March 01:37
The 981 Cayman is a fabulous car. If you are OK with the electric steering, which a lot of people including myself have no issue with, then you're good to go!
I never considered buying a 911 - a 981 Cayman was what I wanted. The trouble is it sounds like you want a 911. Buying a Cayman won't fix that.
I never considered buying a 911 - a 981 Cayman was what I wanted. The trouble is it sounds like you want a 911. Buying a Cayman won't fix that.
Had a 997.1 C2S manual and a 981 CS PDK and on most objective levels (manual/PDK debate aside), I think the 981 edges it as a composed, fast driving machine? For some, on a 911, the rear weight biased, front end bob through high speed curves can feel unsettling as an example?
However, whenever a 911 of any description passed on the opposite side, I always took a lingering look in my door mirror, as the rear 3/4 view of a 911 is about as iconic as they come.
Do either, as I'm sure you will try the other, before too long?
However, whenever a 911 of any description passed on the opposite side, I always took a lingering look in my door mirror, as the rear 3/4 view of a 911 is about as iconic as they come.
Do either, as I'm sure you will try the other, before too long?
REALIST123 said:
G-996 said:
A Cayman is a good car. But it’s not a 911.
You know what to do.
I owned a 997.1 from new for 6 years. Drove various Caymans and Boxsters during that time and considered buying one for my wife. You know what to do.
You’re absolutely right, they’re not 911s. That’s all there is to it.
I recently had the same decision to make but with ~£30k. Went for a very well sorted and specced 987.2 CS. 911 servicing, tyres etc etc seem to be just that bit more expensive from what I’ve seen, but you do get the practicality of an extra 2 small seats.
Very happy with the 987 and in my view agree with above that it’s more than you need for UK roads.
Hope the search goes well.
Very happy with the 987 and in my view agree with above that it’s more than you need for UK roads.
Hope the search goes well.
It was the two seater mid engined layout of the Cayman that appealed to me even though for years I lusted after 911's, to my eyes the Cayman looks better proportioned and has a nicer shape.
Which one to get...only you can tell by driving them two fantastic cars to choose from I'am sure you will be happy with either.
Which one to get...only you can tell by driving them two fantastic cars to choose from I'am sure you will be happy with either.
I've had a couple of Caymans, why? Because I could not afford a 911.
I've since realised I've been wasting my time and that I should have just saved a bit more and bought a 911 in the first place. In the meantime my 981 has probably depreciated £5-7k in 14 months, on top of the £5k maintenance costs I'll never get back (not including insurance, fuel etc.).
Moral of the story? Go 911 or go home.
I've since realised I've been wasting my time and that I should have just saved a bit more and bought a 911 in the first place. In the meantime my 981 has probably depreciated £5-7k in 14 months, on top of the £5k maintenance costs I'll never get back (not including insurance, fuel etc.).
Moral of the story? Go 911 or go home.
Ah yes, the D-word, too.
If it matters at all -
Even an "ugly" boggo 996 in well looked after condition is £15k. I can't see a 997.2 going below 20k any time soon.
Boxsters can be had for the price of a holiday. Caymans will no doubt follow when they are as old as the early Boxsters.
Like it or not - and this is not a denigration of the CayBoxes, no doubt fantastic cars on their own merits - they were designed to be one quite large step below the 911 in standing, and that is exactly how they are viewed, which the used market also reflects.
If you don't care, then ignore.
If it matters at all -
Even an "ugly" boggo 996 in well looked after condition is £15k. I can't see a 997.2 going below 20k any time soon.
Boxsters can be had for the price of a holiday. Caymans will no doubt follow when they are as old as the early Boxsters.
Like it or not - and this is not a denigration of the CayBoxes, no doubt fantastic cars on their own merits - they were designed to be one quite large step below the 911 in standing, and that is exactly how they are viewed, which the used market also reflects.
If you don't care, then ignore.
You have to choose what is best for you in your current personal circumstances.
I bought a 981 Cayman S PDK in May 2014 that was a few months and 4K miles old for a major saving from the new price. When I sold it 25k miles later in May 2016, Porsche sold it for the same price. Timing is everything.
The Cayman did everything I wanted it to, completely reliable, one minor service cost (plus 2 tyres) and a wonderful driving experience. Only a fool would say that the handling is not sublime.
Then I sold it. For a 997.2 GTS which was 2 years older... and gave me the “character” steering, sounds and experience that I craved and missed from previous Porsches.
The 981 PDK did spoil me though and I wished that the 997 GTS had had the same gearbox; the improvements are significant with each generation of PDK.
Had my 997 GTS been manual, it would have been a keeper. They are not (to me) worth their current asking prices though.
My new (manual) Carrrera T is due next week - I am hoping it ticks all boxes...
The performance of a 981 Cayman is more accessible and it is easier to drive fast. But, ultimately, not as rewarding to me as a 911. It is too easy. They are far better value for money objectively. Easily as quick on any public road (if not quicker) and cheaper to maintain. As my old Latin teacher used to say (why, I can’t recall) you pays your money, you take your choice.
No right or wrong answer here.
I bought a 981 Cayman S PDK in May 2014 that was a few months and 4K miles old for a major saving from the new price. When I sold it 25k miles later in May 2016, Porsche sold it for the same price. Timing is everything.
The Cayman did everything I wanted it to, completely reliable, one minor service cost (plus 2 tyres) and a wonderful driving experience. Only a fool would say that the handling is not sublime.
Then I sold it. For a 997.2 GTS which was 2 years older... and gave me the “character” steering, sounds and experience that I craved and missed from previous Porsches.
The 981 PDK did spoil me though and I wished that the 997 GTS had had the same gearbox; the improvements are significant with each generation of PDK.
Had my 997 GTS been manual, it would have been a keeper. They are not (to me) worth their current asking prices though.
My new (manual) Carrrera T is due next week - I am hoping it ticks all boxes...
The performance of a 981 Cayman is more accessible and it is easier to drive fast. But, ultimately, not as rewarding to me as a 911. It is too easy. They are far better value for money objectively. Easily as quick on any public road (if not quicker) and cheaper to maintain. As my old Latin teacher used to say (why, I can’t recall) you pays your money, you take your choice.
No right or wrong answer here.
My old 997.2 is for sale at Ashgoods (still can’t believe it hasn’t been snapped up) and for your budget I’d recommend it every time.
Admittedly I’ve only driven the 718 not the 981, but it did nothing for me.
I’d never go back from my turbo now, but that 2WD 997 had character/feel unique to anything else I’ve driven. And the gen2 has some poke too.
Admittedly I’ve only driven the 718 not the 981, but it did nothing for me.
I’d never go back from my turbo now, but that 2WD 997 had character/feel unique to anything else I’ve driven. And the gen2 has some poke too.
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