On the brink....

[hair bear]

....of owning my first Porsche.

Can't quite push to a GT3 RS just yet, but settled on a nice Cayman S. Deal not done yet, talks underway.

It's privately owned, 30k miles on an 06 plate. Full history and all that - to be expected to be fair.

So, as a complete newbie to the forum and to possible Cayman ownership, what are the absolute 'must ask' questions I need to fire, and 'must look for' things when kicking the tyres and checking the doc's etc.

(apologies in advance if this type of q has been asked loooooads of times before)

Any advice welcomed.

Cheers all.

HB.

 

[John H]

At that age and mileage there should be no significant issues, but it is worth checking the things that cost money. Although the major service is due at 40k miles, it is also needed after 4 years, so first thing to check is has it been done, cos if not you'll have to have it done, and it will cost you circa £600. Also check if the front disks have been replaced, cos if not they too will probably need doing, exit another similar chunk of cash. How fresh are the tyres? cos if you need to replace them too, your wallet will suffer again.

 

[hair bear]

Thanks John It's FSH, including one very recently, I'll ask if the major's been done. It had 'brakes' done at the same time (all Pagid original Porsche spec') - not sure if that included discs but I'll ask again. 4 brand new boots - Michelin PS N1's at £1200. New MOT Seems straight enough. Only stumbling block for me is 5 owners in 5 years - seems high? This is the car - thoughts? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2911704.htm Cheers HB

ORIGINAL: John H At that age and mileage there should be no significant issues, but it is worth checking the things that cost money. Although the major service is due at 40k miles, it is also needed after 4 years, so first thing to check is has it been done, cos if not you'll have to have it done, and it will cost you circa £600. Also check if the front disks have been replaced, cos if not they too will probably need doing, exit another similar chunk of cash. How fresh are the tyres? cos if you need to replace them too, your wallet will suffer again.

 

[John H]

This might be worth reading ... http://www.findaporsche.com/2011/07/does-it-matter-how-many-owners-a-porsche-has-had/ []

 

[Buddy]

Check on where the work was done ( OPC or non-franchised ) and on their reputation if non-franchised. If you want to go for a Porsche warranty you will have to pay for the inspection and if they find any non-Porsche parts have been fitted, no warranty unless they are replaced, this even includes the battery and I have heard, light bulbs.

 

[spiker]

IMHO if this is your first Porsche and you are not confident with the vehicle why not spend another 2-3K and buy one from a dealer I took a look on the approved Porsche centre website and found a number in that price range Sure its more expensive , but 2 years warranty included and peace of mind goes a long way I bought my Cayman last Decemeber - paid probably 4-5K more than a private sale but have most of that money back in Warranty work and still have 18months left

 

[Dylan1]

very good point. i bought from a private dealer as he had the spec i wanted for my recent purchase.but althought it was 5 k less than an OPC wouldve charged I have spent nearly 2k on the warranty for 2 yrs and a couple more on brake discs and pads and tyres that an OPC would most likely have done before selling it so not that great a saving and if you are not that confident its a safer way(generally)to go good luck

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

HB, Porsche / Caymans only require service (normal) after 2 years and a Major each 4 years so if recently service should have been the major..if this wasnt done then ask for a sizeable reduction. Brake fluid should have been changed also as a requisite though not included in the set price...about another £175.00. My Cayman is an 06, with 36500 miles and still on original pads & discs..so dont expect them to have been changed necessarily. Good luck

 

[BrianJ]

Get a torch and inspect the radiators through the front grilles. Make sure you look right into the lower extremities and up the sides. You are looking for leaves, fag ends, and general junk off the roads. If there is anything more than the odd leaf there is every likelihood than nobody has cleaned these out regularly and you are probably looking at corroded radiators and aircon condensors. Expensive. But Cayman is the best handling Porsche you can buy, and unbelievably practical, so when you find yours, enjoy it!

 

[Buddy]

As others have said, buy from an OPC and get a well sorted car with virtually full two year warranty generally a little more expensive but full break down cover across europe etc, so buy the car and tour europe. If tyres were below 3mm they should be changed, brakes well above minimum and so on. Enjoy the Cayman it's a great car to drive, I've had 5 Porsches and driven many more from 3.2 Carrera to 996 C4 and the Cayman is the best drive by far.

 

[hair bear]

Cheers guys - much appreciated OPC??? No comprende senors!!

 

[John H]

ORIGINAL: hair bear OPC??? No comprende senors!!

Shorthand for Official Porsche Centre, i.e. Porsche dealership