Which Cayman would you get for £17k?
- Thread starter spice92
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spice92
New member
I’m loving the tangents the replies are going in too, it’s all useful info to know!
Roof bars are definitely worth looking into, a bit more practical than the suction cup bike mounts for if I need to put a roof box on etc.
RE 5 vs 6 speed, I’m assuming on the 6th speed there are shorter ratios rather than just the addition of a big 6th gear? The car I tested the other day was a 6 speed, I did feel like I was changing gear quite a lot! (my current car is 6 speed and I’m shifting a lot more than in my OH’s 5 speed). I’ve read a few debates over 5 vs 6 speed, I think worth me reading into a little more.
gmcraib, I’m not sure I ‘need’ over 300bhp for my regular car, each to their own though! [
] It’s still a huge step up in power for me anyway, perhaps safer to take it in steps rather than go all out straight away! Saying that, if I find a 987.2 S in budget I see no reason not to go for it.
One thing I’m a little confused on is the sport buttons, sport chrono etc. The 2.9 I drove the other day had a ‘sport’ button on the lower left of the centre console and was advertised as having sports chrono, but didnt have the central ‘chrono’ dial on the dashboard I was expecting.
So I a few points (specific to the 987.2) I’d appreciate answers/clarification on:
- Do all models have the ‘sport’ button? (and what does is do?)
- Do all have PSM? (as I understand, this is basically traction control, and allows a certain amount of drift before it kicks in)
- As I understand, PASM is an optional extra which firms up the suspension, sharpens throttle response, speeds up shifts on the PDK (?)
- I’ve seen a button for the pop-up spoiler in some pictures, but didnt recall seeing it in the car I drove. Is this optional?
- If the car I tested didnt have the central chrono on the dash, did it actually have sports chrono?
Many thanks!
Roof bars are definitely worth looking into, a bit more practical than the suction cup bike mounts for if I need to put a roof box on etc.
RE 5 vs 6 speed, I’m assuming on the 6th speed there are shorter ratios rather than just the addition of a big 6th gear? The car I tested the other day was a 6 speed, I did feel like I was changing gear quite a lot! (my current car is 6 speed and I’m shifting a lot more than in my OH’s 5 speed). I’ve read a few debates over 5 vs 6 speed, I think worth me reading into a little more.
gmcraib, I’m not sure I ‘need’ over 300bhp for my regular car, each to their own though! [
] It’s still a huge step up in power for me anyway, perhaps safer to take it in steps rather than go all out straight away! Saying that, if I find a 987.2 S in budget I see no reason not to go for it.One thing I’m a little confused on is the sport buttons, sport chrono etc. The 2.9 I drove the other day had a ‘sport’ button on the lower left of the centre console and was advertised as having sports chrono, but didnt have the central ‘chrono’ dial on the dashboard I was expecting.
So I a few points (specific to the 987.2) I’d appreciate answers/clarification on:
- Do all models have the ‘sport’ button? (and what does is do?)
- Do all have PSM? (as I understand, this is basically traction control, and allows a certain amount of drift before it kicks in)
- As I understand, PASM is an optional extra which firms up the suspension, sharpens throttle response, speeds up shifts on the PDK (?)
- I’ve seen a button for the pop-up spoiler in some pictures, but didnt recall seeing it in the car I drove. Is this optional?
- If the car I tested didnt have the central chrono on the dash, did it actually have sports chrono?
Many thanks!
Joe,
Regarding the differences between the 5 and 6-speed transmissions, I don't have any information for the Cayman but here's some data for the 2005 Boxster:
5-speed - 3.500, 2.118, 1.429, 1.091, 0.838 with a 3.56 final drive. This is for a MY2000 986 but I think was carried-over to the 987.
6-speed - 3.667, 2.050, 1.407, 1.133, 0.972, 0.822 with 3.875 final drive.
All a bit geeky, but make of it what you will. Suffice to say, Porsche will have chosen the ratios to maximise the individual engine characteristics and I doubt you'd feel short changed if you had the 5-speed transmission. I wouldn't focus too much about what individuals say - it's what you think that matters. Drive cars wth both 'boxes if you can and make up your own mind.
The PDK transmission introduced on the 987.2-series is a significant improvement over the 'slush pump' Tiptronic.
In answer to your specific 987.2 questions:
Sport button wasn't a standard feature on that series - if the dash dial was absent then maybe it was a retrofit, in which case it would have the sharper throttle, faster PDK shifting and DME remapping functions.
PSM is a standard feature on all models. Traction control and stability management are included.
PASM was an option - the throttle and PDK shift functions were part of the Sports Chrono option. It's purely a suspension option and comes with a 10mm drop in ride height.
The spoiler can be operated manually by the button you mention and is a standard feature.
In the absence of the dash dial, the only way to check if Sports Chrono option is fitted is to press the button - both the throttle response and the engine should feel more 'lively'.
Jeff
Regarding the differences between the 5 and 6-speed transmissions, I don't have any information for the Cayman but here's some data for the 2005 Boxster:
5-speed - 3.500, 2.118, 1.429, 1.091, 0.838 with a 3.56 final drive. This is for a MY2000 986 but I think was carried-over to the 987.
6-speed - 3.667, 2.050, 1.407, 1.133, 0.972, 0.822 with 3.875 final drive.
All a bit geeky, but make of it what you will. Suffice to say, Porsche will have chosen the ratios to maximise the individual engine characteristics and I doubt you'd feel short changed if you had the 5-speed transmission. I wouldn't focus too much about what individuals say - it's what you think that matters. Drive cars wth both 'boxes if you can and make up your own mind.
The PDK transmission introduced on the 987.2-series is a significant improvement over the 'slush pump' Tiptronic.
In answer to your specific 987.2 questions:
Sport button wasn't a standard feature on that series - if the dash dial was absent then maybe it was a retrofit, in which case it would have the sharper throttle, faster PDK shifting and DME remapping functions.
PSM is a standard feature on all models. Traction control and stability management are included.
PASM was an option - the throttle and PDK shift functions were part of the Sports Chrono option. It's purely a suspension option and comes with a 10mm drop in ride height.
The spoiler can be operated manually by the button you mention and is a standard feature.
In the absence of the dash dial, the only way to check if Sports Chrono option is fitted is to press the button - both the throttle response and the engine should feel more 'lively'.
Jeff
spice92
New member
Thanks Jeff, thats incredibly useful. I'll have a proper read into the gear ratios when I'm not at work, and appreciate your other comments.
I must say I didn't notice any difference once I pressed the sport button, however perhaps the difference is just subtle- I was in sensory overload anyway!
I must say I didn't notice any difference once I pressed the sport button, however perhaps the difference is just subtle- I was in sensory overload anyway!
You're welcome Joe.
The much sharper throttle mapping in Sport mode should have been immediately obvious, and coupled with the DME remapping should have made the car feel more responsive. Incidentally, Sport Chrono also modifies the PSM response.
I get the impression that you're more interested in a manual 'box (good call..!) but don't discount the auto 'boxes. Some owners really like the Tiptronic transmission, although the PDK transmission introduced on the 987.2 is a significant step-up - despite being the earliest incarnation of the type - which has been developed and improved over the past 10-years.
Jeff
The much sharper throttle mapping in Sport mode should have been immediately obvious, and coupled with the DME remapping should have made the car feel more responsive. Incidentally, Sport Chrono also modifies the PSM response.
I get the impression that you're more interested in a manual 'box (good call..!) but don't discount the auto 'boxes. Some owners really like the Tiptronic transmission, although the PDK transmission introduced on the 987.2 is a significant step-up - despite being the earliest incarnation of the type - which has been developed and improved over the past 10-years.
Jeff
spice92
New member
You'd be right in your thoughts there... cost aside, I think I would go for a PDK (although will need to drive one before I decide on that!) but on my budget would be lucky to get one. I think I've set my heart on a gen2, which discounts the tiptronic (but was going to stay clear of that anyway), but I don't think I'll let a 5 vs 6 speed dictate my decision on what car to get (unless I drive a 5 speed and fall in love/hate it).
Part of me also wants a manual as I feel like autos/paddle shifts are going to be ever more popular moving forward and manuals will become a thing of the past!
Joe
Part of me also wants a manual as I feel like autos/paddle shifts are going to be ever more popular moving forward and manuals will become a thing of the past!
Joe
AndrewT
Member
Joe,
My first Cayman was a 987.2 manual 2.9, it had Sports Chrono. I found that the 2.9 manual was plenty powerful enough for road use, I occasionally made use of the sport button when I wanted to drive more enthusiastically. Being a manual it was good to be able to skip a gear or two when changing down. Coming from a 5ltr TVR with lots of torque and 5 gears I found that it took a while to get used to the higher revving Porsche and 6 speed gearbox.
I now have a 987.2 PDK 3.4S with Sports Chrono (and PASM). It has more power and torque than the 2.9 but with the PDK in normal mode it doesn’t feel especially lively so I usually drive it in sport mode and automatic, when overtaking or wishing to accelerate rapidly I usually use the paddles to drop down a gear or two. I rarely drive it in manual mode as I feel as though I’m forever changing gear. I think this has a lot to do with driving on overcrowded roads.
For road use I never switch on PASM preferring to leave it in comfort mode which I think gives a slightly more comfortable ride than my non-PASM 2.9 - both cars had 19” wheels.
I’m sure that a 2.9 987.2 will give you all the driving pleasure you need whether manual or PDK.
Andrew.
My first Cayman was a 987.2 manual 2.9, it had Sports Chrono. I found that the 2.9 manual was plenty powerful enough for road use, I occasionally made use of the sport button when I wanted to drive more enthusiastically. Being a manual it was good to be able to skip a gear or two when changing down. Coming from a 5ltr TVR with lots of torque and 5 gears I found that it took a while to get used to the higher revving Porsche and 6 speed gearbox.
I now have a 987.2 PDK 3.4S with Sports Chrono (and PASM). It has more power and torque than the 2.9 but with the PDK in normal mode it doesn’t feel especially lively so I usually drive it in sport mode and automatic, when overtaking or wishing to accelerate rapidly I usually use the paddles to drop down a gear or two. I rarely drive it in manual mode as I feel as though I’m forever changing gear. I think this has a lot to do with driving on overcrowded roads.
For road use I never switch on PASM preferring to leave it in comfort mode which I think gives a slightly more comfortable ride than my non-PASM 2.9 - both cars had 19” wheels.
I’m sure that a 2.9 987.2 will give you all the driving pleasure you need whether manual or PDK.
Andrew.
Tinners1983
New member
Speaking as the owner of a high-miler 987.1, if they've got to that age and haven't blown up, it's going to be fine. Usual caveat as mentioned earlier that all cars have some issues. I've driven 27000 miles in mine in 3.5 years and with regular maintenance serves me well every day. Don't be put off by a gen 1 if you find the spec you like (I'd definitely go for Sport Chrono and PASM) and given you would have a chunk of change left over you could get to work on some cool mods (DSC module for PASM, ecu tune to get rid of the torque dip etc) or to have a little war-chest for when things do go wrong/fail as they always will (my dampers need replacing, not bad for having done 100K miles though).
Definitely don't buy a tiptronic car, and I wouldn't get worked up about the PCM module either. The SatNav was great, in its day, but a windscreen mount and Waze on your phone will work much better these days.
19" wheels look great, but without PASM the ride will be firm. 17" look like they belong on shopping trolleys IMHO.
Definitely don't buy a tiptronic car, and I wouldn't get worked up about the PCM module either. The SatNav was great, in its day, but a windscreen mount and Waze on your phone will work much better these days.
19" wheels look great, but without PASM the ride will be firm. 17" look like they belong on shopping trolleys IMHO.
spice92
New member
Thanks again for the thoughts everyone.
For now I'm going to sit on it and look to getting something in the summer. I've got a few trips coming up which I could do with the extra space of my current car for, and can use this time to try and get in a few test drives of other cars (and just figure out the 2.7 vs 2.9). I'll give you all an update when I take the plunge!
Joe
For now I'm going to sit on it and look to getting something in the summer. I've got a few trips coming up which I could do with the extra space of my current car for, and can use this time to try and get in a few test drives of other cars (and just figure out the 2.7 vs 2.9). I'll give you all an update when I take the plunge!
Joe
Defo nothing wrong with a 987.1!!
Go for one with low miles if you can, spend the money you save on enhancements!
loom at my signatur, do that and you will turn the car into a different animal!
I guess it’s the GTS version we never had
Anyways I sold mine with 35k miles never had any problems. Solid car. Driven properly but looked after.
On the gear ratio’s I don’t know, would imagine the ratios slightly shorter than the 5speed. But top speed may be similar, then final drives could be different too.
the gearbox is quite long tbh compared to pdk etc but still go for the manual!
But defo go the S (or the R if you must go gen 2), defo go for sport chrono.
on the spoiler, some people have a fixed spoiler so that will be why no button or button disabled. It’s at the bottom left side of the front panel, just in front of the gear stick.
Go for one with low miles if you can, spend the money you save on enhancements!
loom at my signatur, do that and you will turn the car into a different animal!
I guess it’s the GTS version we never had
Anyways I sold mine with 35k miles never had any problems. Solid car. Driven properly but looked after.
On the gear ratio’s I don’t know, would imagine the ratios slightly shorter than the 5speed. But top speed may be similar, then final drives could be different too.
the gearbox is quite long tbh compared to pdk etc but still go for the manual!
But defo go the S (or the R if you must go gen 2), defo go for sport chrono.
on the spoiler, some people have a fixed spoiler so that will be why no button or button disabled. It’s at the bottom left side of the front panel, just in front of the gear stick.
spice92
New member
Hi all. Just thought I'd give a little update, as I'm actively looking to buy now! If you have a 2.9 available for sale please let me know I'm based in the south east, London/Kent border
I'm still on a budget of approx £17k. I went to see two 987.2's this morning... I'm forgetting about one of them due to poor service history, but the other was a 2010 car with 92,000 on the clock. It seemed to be in good condition and was only £13k.
What do you think of buying a higher mileage? Anything in particular that is likely to be a big bill at that mileage (e.g. new dampers as Tinners mentioned at 100k). I did notice a little bit of rust right at the bottom of the inside of the wheelarch...
I was aiming for something with more like 60,000 on the clock, but open to suggestions. I'm guessing a higher mileage car would be lower in its depreciation when I sell it on than a lower one too.
Thanks!
I'm based in the south east, London/Kent borderI'm still on a budget of approx £17k. I went to see two 987.2's this morning... I'm forgetting about one of them due to poor service history, but the other was a 2010 car with 92,000 on the clock. It seemed to be in good condition and was only £13k.
What do you think of buying a higher mileage? Anything in particular that is likely to be a big bill at that mileage (e.g. new dampers as Tinners mentioned at 100k). I did notice a little bit of rust right at the bottom of the inside of the wheelarch...
I was aiming for something with more like 60,000 on the clock, but open to suggestions. I'm guessing a higher mileage car would be lower in its depreciation when I sell it on than a lower one too.
Thanks!
Tinners1983
New member
Well as it happens my dampers are still fine but at 108,000 my clutch went the other day. Flywheel and rear main seal done at the same time. No harm in going for high mileage, with a little awareness of things which will need doing. You’ll still get a huge amount of enjoyment out of it.
Tinners1983
New member
I don’t know, I don’t have all the repair bills for the car, so Have no evidence to suggest either way.
Here is the relevant bit of the invoice...
Here is the relevant bit of the invoice...
I always think that a full (and reputable) service history and condition are more important than mileage, indicating a well cared-for car. Regardless of price, spending a few hundred quid on a decent pre-purchase inspection will be money well spent, especially if it flags up issues which could help in the price negotiations.
If you're refering to corrosion on the sills just behind the front wheels then that's quite common and easily rectified; even DIY if you wish.
Jeff
If you're refering to corrosion on the sills just behind the front wheels then that's quite common and easily rectified; even DIY if you wish.
Jeff
mikeg
Member
Hi,
I know it's probably out of your budget but you are welcome to have a look!!!!
www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1030775#1030775
Car is in London area next Friday - Sunday
Thanks
I know it's probably out of your budget but you are welcome to have a look!!!!
www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1030775#1030775
Car is in London area next Friday - Sunday
Thanks
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