How rare is this spec?

[londonninja]

I’ve been scouring the online classifieds for what seems like ages waiting for my ideal spec’d cayman to appear.

I’m looking for a guards red 2.7, or low priced 2.9, cayman with full leather dash (including instrument cluster), heated seats and Isofix child seat preparation.

I’ve not seen one yet so I’m wondering if this is a spec which will never come up. I’m happy to drop the Isofix as I can go down the aftermarket route to get that fitted.

We’re many red caymans actually made? Will I be waiting forever?

[deebs]

What era? I only post really to say I had isofix and air bag deactivate retrofitted at an OPC on my 987.1 Cayman last year, cost circa 430 quid from memory. I called a couple of local Porsche specialists and they all said they couldn't do (didn't want) the job.

There aren't that many guards red cars kicking about full stop so I'd imagine it will be a long wait. The 2.7s tend not to be as highly optioned either (compared to the 3.4s).

Only my opinion but the 987s in particular the interior is not great regardless of the extended leather.

[Cheib]

What he said. If you want ISofix get it retrofitted at your OPC....my 997 GTS has it, can't remember seeing it quoted as spec on other cars. Rare option and easily done at an OPC, Cruise is the only other option that can easily be retrofitted.

[londonninja]

deebs said:

What era?

Gen 1 2.7 or gen 2 2.9.

I think I’ll retrofit Isofix to open up my options.

[hpoom]

I don't know about the 2.7, and 2.9's, but I have been hunting for a 3.4 gen 2 with full leather dash. I have a spreadsheet going and only about 15% of the cars in my sheet have full leather dash, so if the non S versions are the same it may be that which is limiting the cars you can find.

[Adam B]

hpoom said:

I don't know about the 2.7, and 2.9's, but I have been hunting for a 3.4 gen 2 with full leather dash. I have a spreadsheet going and only about 15% of the cars in my sheet have full leather dash, so if the non S versions are the same it may be that which is limiting the cars you can find.

The non S percentage will be lower, if the original owner was on a tighter budget (not going for the S) then I dare say the extra leather would be low priority.

Add that in with guards red and it’s needle in a haystack time

[gwsinc]

hpoom said:

I don't know about the 2.7, and 2.9's, but I have been hunting for a 3.4 gen 2 with full leather dash. I have a spreadsheet going and only about 15% of the cars in my sheet have full leather dash, so if the non S versions are the same it may be that which is limiting the cars you can find.

I'm selling a car that's in that 15%, PM me if you want to discuss

[londonninja]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That’s disappointing but confirms why I asked the question, I thought the combination was pretty rare!

My two must haves are guards red and full leather...looks like I’ll be dropping the full leather or extend the search to to dark grey.

[Shaoxter]

londonninja said:

That’s disappointing but confirms why I asked the question, I thought the combination was pretty rare!

My two must haves are guards red and full leather...looks like I’ll be dropping the full leather or extend the search to to dark grey.

Or get a 911
They all came with full leather and you do see a few guards red ones about.

[olv]

Shaoxter said:

Or get a 911
They all came with full leather and you do see a few guards red ones about.

Full leather was still optional on 997 3.6 no? Thought it was only standard on the 3.8S

[londonninja]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Correct, this will be my first Porsche and I’m limited my budget so that rules out later models or even a 911.

I’ve read about the many scare stories on gen 1 engines which is influencing my search.

[JackReacher]

It's difficult to be too picky when buying used. My 2.9 Cayman had full leather dash which appears to be rare, but had the grey interior and silver paint, neither of which were my first choice. However, the car itself was in fantastic condition and at the right price so that was enough having seen a few is less good condition or missing history.

The Cayman 2.9 makes a great first Porsche, enough performance and sensible price without the engine concerns of the gen 1 S.

[LordGrover]

Adam B said:

The non S percentage will be lower, if the original owner was on a tighter budget (not going for the S) then I dare say the extra leather would be low priority.

Not everyone wants the biggest/fastest/'best' for bragging rights.
I accept that may be the case for some/many, but for me I prefer non-S variants and would always up the options/spec with the money 'saved'. It's not because I can't afford the S, it's because I prefer to work for the performance, access the full rev range and the sound that goes with it. I'm not into traffic light GP or racing dual carriageways.

[Adam B]

LordGrover said:

Adam B said:

The non S percentage will be lower, if the original owner was on a tighter budget (not going for the S) then I dare say the extra leather would be low priority.

Not everyone wants the biggest/fastest/'best' for bragging rights.
I accept that may be the case for some/many, but for me I prefer non-S variants and would always up the options/spec with the money 'saved'. It's not because I can't afford the S, it's because I prefer to work for the performance, access the full rev range and the sound that goes with it. I'm not into traffic light GP or racing dual carriageways.

a) you are in a minority I suspect
b) I never actually said any of the things you assumed, I said IF the original owner was on a tighter budget so went for a non-S