About to pull the trigger on a used Cayman - your 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

 

[Brian_Innes]

It looks like a decent car for Gen 1 2008 2,7.

I also owned a 57 plate Gen 1 2.7 manual 5 speed. Not fast, but a good introduction to the Porsche Cayman brand at the time (2008).

You haven't mentioned the recorded mileage, but the car certainly looks well maintained.

If you can stretch your budget to a Gen 2 3.4 DFI Cayman S, I would recommend you give that some thought. The Gen 2 DFI CS is a much better car.

Oh, one last thing, go for a manual gearbox on the 987 Cayman. It's more satisfying to drive. Your DSG Golf is a better paddle-shifter than the early PDK.

Brian

 

[GE90]

Thanks Brian. I'm at max budget really.

Mileage 29K.

Thanks

 

[Contraband]

I've got a 2007 2.7 manual. I got rid of my 19" wheels as I feel it handles better and smoother on 17's. It also seems to take a good few miles to really get the car warmed up get the best out of the suspension. The drive back can be more rewarding than the drive there !

Its a superb handling car on track as well.

I would think the GTI with the DSG would be a much nippier car but wouldn't have one. You will get addicted to the sound of the Cayman when you are above around 5000rpm and it's certainly no slouch when it's on the boil.

It looks a good car.... Do it !

Archie

 

[Brian_Innes]

Ok. Good mileage for the year.

If you are happy, go for it. You will still enjoy an introduction to the Cayman experience with this car. Attend the PCGB events and gain knowledge of the brand and it's capabilities.

I would guess, before too long you will looking towards your next upgrade to a later model of the Cayman.

Enjoy.

Brian

 

[alternativemtb]

Looks like a good one and a sensible price. I have a Gen 1, Cayman 2.7, 2008 manual, on 19" from new, now about 30k miles. Great car, sensibly quick, but it's the amazing handling that shines and with manual, can just spend more time in the optimum rev range at 5000rpm plus and enjoy the flat 6 sound. If you are negotiating, make sure the AC condensers are in good shape. They are very exposed to stones and crud - I have just had replacements a couple of months ago, along with the coolant pipes. This is a 'potential' future classic, so no plans to change!

 

[Dylan1]

FairPlay

prices have clearly held up well as I sold my gen 1 CS with 18k miles for £24k 7 years ago!!

Id try to go for £16k

but you'll have fun on the twisty bits !!

 

[GE90]

Sounds like a very similar spec to this one.

I was surprised by how well it rode on 19's. They confirmed that the car came from the factory with these wheels.

Anything I can do except a visual check re the condensers?

Thanks

 

[GE90]

The car was sold by Porsche Centre Bournemouth to the last owner in 2015 for just shy of £25,000

 

[alternativemtb]

Yes, visual inspection. Worth checking the service history, as it's a known thing at this kind of age so may have been done. Replacing the condensers was around £700 at a South Coast Porsche specialist.

 

[Buddy]

If it has a Porsche warranty on it through a specialist or private sale it may be transferred, a plus point if it has such warranty is that it should be all OEM parts, N rated tyres etc so you know where you are starting from not that to be without should be a problem it's just that you know the state of servicing etc which it has had or at least should have had. Without it is probable that such items as brake discs and pads may be of another brand if they have been changed but at that mileage it is possible they could be original but most dealers would have changed them.

It is possible that it could have a six speed manual box fitted as it was an option on the 2.7 but more commonly they had a five speed and were still able to reach about 150mph on a good straight. Enjoy the car, I'm sure it will be good drive.

 

[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.

 

[Dylan1]

The car was sold by Porsche Centre Bournemouth to the last owner in 2015 for just shy of £25,000

good God

what I got for my 3 yr old S 7 years ago

they must've seen him coming

 

[Motorhead]

That's a pity - it looks like a very good example - but best to walk away if you're not sure.

As others have said, you need to exercise the 2.7L to get the performance and full effect of the n/a flat-6 engine. I run a Mk5 Golf GTi alongside my 987 Gen2 CS - the Cayman lacks some of the low-speed urgency of the Golf's turbo engine but comes alive as the revs rise. Chalk and cheese.

If the car is back on sale I know someone who might be interested.

Jeff

 

[Buddy]

One day you'll probably see your way to getting one in a few years but as Jeff says.