Another prospective cayman owner!

[mef]

Hi all,

I just registered on the forum so this is my first post.

I'm seriously interested in owning a Caymen but as yet I dont really know that much about them. I just love the styling, it's a fabulous looking car. So far I've learn't that there are 2.7 and 3.4 variants, but what's the "S" ? Also what is PASM that some threads mention?

I currently own a Jag XK8 and Subaru Impreza, both of which will be up for sale soon to finance the Cayman! I will be looking for one at the lower end of the price range and preferably in "Guards red" which I think looks the best.

Can anyone give me a few pointers,

Cheers

Martin

 

[richardheeley]

Hi Martin, And welcome! There are two Cayman models, the Cayman and the Cayman S. The Cayman has a 2.7 litre engine, the Cayman S is the 3.4 litre you've heard about. PASM is Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management - basically a computer controlled variable damping system that allows for sharp handling and a soft ride. There is some confusion over how the system works because it is switchable between 'Sport' and 'Normal' modes and some people have made the assumption that this is the same as an 'On / Off' button. It isn't. PASM, when fitted, is operational all the time, ie. the dampers are always variable. It's just that in normal mode they vary between soft and hard, whereas, in sport mode they vary between fairly firm and very hard. The general consensus is that PASM is almost a must if the car is fitted with 19 inch wheels. The ride with the standard 18 inch wheels is a bit less unforgiving, so normal suspension is OK, but even so the non-PASM car is quite hard riding (especially after an XK8). It's certainly firmer than a Boxster. Some people swear by PASM, other people just swear at it. Try with and without and then make up your own mind. Although all three of mine have been silver, I think they look good in red. Good luck! Richard.

 

[spyderman]

Engines now 2.9 and 3.4 of course - on the Gen.2 versions. A few are starting to show up on the Used Car locator, I guess mostly ex-demo.

 

[Dylan1]

as richard says-try pasm and one without-i find my 19"fab without pasm-just firm enough for a good sporty ride,but I know others dont feel the same!!also depends on tyres(imo)as i felt also it was too firm on contis but totally different with my current michelin sports-so i would certainly spec my car the same.try a few combos and see for yourself-have fun[] and yes i agree,i think they look great in guards red-like any porsche!!

 

[mef]

OK guys, thanks for the info, that has helped a lot. Yes, I understand what you're explaining about the PASM and how it works and I do appreciate that it's always going to be a lot different to the XK8 which is much more a tourer than a sports car........the Subaru Impreza is a different animal too, much more harsh and a very firm ride. I am currently looking at something in the up to £25K price bracket, I would consider a Cat D damaged or repaired car, maybe even look at one to repair myself, there sems to be plenty available and parts too. I was surprised to find that the insurance is only similar to the XK8 or the Impreza. So far I have looked at Pistonheads and Autotrader, is there any other specialist site where I should look for used Caymans? Thanks, Martin

 

[Dylan1]

martin,you could take a look at the indi`s websites-tho always a lot more 911`s than caymans(cos there were more made!) www.911- independent.co.uk should bring up a list of some of the best-not exhaustive cheers

 

[pwebb]

Martin At up to £25k you've got lots of choice without having to venture into the Cat D territory. My preference would always to get a straight well looked after car and keep an eye on Pistonheads. My son bought an 06 plate Cayman at the end of last year from a dealer (specialises in sports cars but not exclusively Porsche) for just over £20k. Sweet as a nut in immaculate condition and 15k miles on the clock at the time. As mentioned above the wheel/tyre combo is important - this one has standard 17" rims that look fine and with the deeper sidewalls the tyres give a more pliant ride (and a bit more protection against kerbing the rims). Keep an eye on Autotrader, Pistonheads and this forum and I'm sure the right one will turn up.

 

[mef]

OK, thanks again for the suggestions......whats the difference between a 2.7 and the 3.4 S apart from the obvious engine size? I found a nice looking 8000mile 1 owner 2.7 on a 56 plate in Guards red for £24,995 in a non Porsche dealer local to me, is that reasonable? Thanks, Martin

 

[Dylan1]

ORIGINAL: mef OK, thanks again for the suggestions......whats the difference between a 2.7 and the 3.4 S apart from the obvious engine size? I found a nice looking 8000mile 1 owner 2.7 on a 56 plate in Guards red for £24,995 in a non Porsche dealer local to me, is that reasonable? Thanks, Martin

nope-that is well overpriced in my opinion-opc offered me £23k for my low mileage high spec 3.4 s only 6months older than the one you saw!!i wouldnt pay a penny over £20k

 

[John H]

ORIGINAL: mef I found a nice looking 8000mile 1 owner 2.7 on a 56 plate in Guards red for £24,995 in a non Porsche dealer local to me, is that reasonable?

Well, bear in mind that a mere 8,000 miles ago, that car cost its first owner at least £37k, and probably over £40k depending on spec. Is it reasonable to now pay £25k for it? I would say yes.

 

[mef]

It should be a good time to get a decent bargain, I suppose it depends on the dealers expected profit margin, how much they have invested in the car, how long it's been sitting in stock and how much they want to move it on. Maybe there's lots of room for negotiation, it depends on the market for these cars, how quick do they sell? The dealer might be keen to do a deal for cash with no part exchange! Cars must be slow moving during these hard times. Martin

 

[Dylan1]

My son bought an 06 plate Cayman at the end of last year from a dealer (specialises in sports cars but not exclusively Porsche) for just over £20k peters sons experience a year ago suggests £20 k is plenty!

 

[mef]

OK, but there doesn't seem to be any under £23,995 advertised anywhere at present. I'll keep looking! Martin

 

[Dylan1]

maybe the economic crisis is over[]

 

[Alan_Armstrong]

ORIGINAL: dyllan maybe the economic crisis is over[]

Sssshh....don't tell Linda!

 

[mef]

Interestingly, one of the cars I found for sale, a Cayman 2.7 Guards Red, 2007, 10,000miles in an independant dealer was advertised yesterday for £23,990, I looked at the advert again today and the price has been lowered to £21,990 ! Looks like a nice car but a long way for me to view. price is more like it though! Martin

 

[mef]

ORIGINAL: mef Interestingly, one of the cars I found for sale, a Cayman 2.7 Guards Red, 2007, 10,000miles in an independant dealer was advertised yesterday for £23,990, I looked at the advert again today and the price has been lowered to £21,990 ! Looks like a nice car but a long way for me to view. price is more like it though! Martin

I just enquired but this one's now sold. Some searching showed that this dealer originally had this car up at £27,990 and then dropped the price a couple of times over a period, finally down to £21,990. Would have been ideal for me too! Never mind, there must be more like this lurking! Martin

 

[Alex Postan]

If in doubt, pay that tiny bit extra and go for the Cayman S. I've driven both and have owned my S since January 2006. 35,000 miles coming up.

 

[alan Williams]

If driven the same way, is there a noticeable difference in petrol costs with the S?

 

[Alex Postan]

I get about 26/7 mpg in general driving to include A,B & Motorways.