Is the 2.9 Cayman worth £5k more than a late 2.7?

[roca1976]

I have taken a deposit on my old 911 and am looking at either a late 2.7 or 2.9 Cayman.

I really want a vibrant colour with relatively low mileage and these 2 stand out:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...

alternatively there are a few white gen 2 2.9's for sale around £21k.

Having previously owned a 996.2 I am aware of the earlier engine issues and have to admit it was probably one of the biggest ownership worries. I believe the late 2.7 is as about as good as it will get but still has an IMS whereas the 2.9 alleviates that concern but not sure if it is worth £5k premium especially when the 2.7s are also far nicer spec / colour combo's?

[deebs]

roca1976 said:

I have taken a deposit on my old 911 and am looking at either a late 2.7 or 2.9 Cayman.

I really want a vibrant colour with relatively low mileage and these 2 stand out:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...

alternatively there are a few white gen 2 2.9's for sale around £21k.

Having previously owned a 996.2 I am aware of the earlier engine issues and have to admit it was probably one of the biggest ownership worries. I believe the late 2.7 is as about as good as it will get but still has an IMS whereas the 2.9 alleviates that concern but not sure if it is worth £5k premium especially when the 2.7s are also far nicer spec / colour combo's?

Can't answer if a 987.2 2.9 is worth £5k more than a 987.1 2.7 but if you're specifically worried about IMS then it's a non-issue on any Cayman, 2.7 or otherwise.

Haven't driven a 2.9 but own a 2008 2.7, I prefer the original styling touches of the exterior of the 987.1 over the 987.2 but that's all personal preference.

[WayOutWest]

Yes/no/maybe? I was in a similar position and went for a 2008 2.7.
I think you'll retain the extra £5-6k or so when you come to sell on. On the other hand I don't think the 2.9 is 30% better for the near 30% higher price.

Both the examples you show look nice and have low mileages, although not a fan of grey or red interiors personally, or that ruby colour. I'll admit it does seem to pop on a sunny day in those pics, but an elderly relative has a Freelander in the same colour

If I'd been able to find a 2.9 at a reasonable price when I was looking I would have gone that way. But I wanted to pay cash, and have a few k contingency fund which is wise to have for either model.
I wouldn't stump up the difference to change now as there isn't enough clear water between them in performance, what is it 20bhp or so in it and a bit more torque. Although you also get a 6 speed box, and various other improvements which might make it more refined.

Would be interested in hearing if you prefer either to your 996 as I'd like to know if it is a step up, down or sideways (perhaps a bit slower but overall better and certainly newer?)

[roca1976]

The 996.2 was a real surprise. I didn't really expect too much for a 12k 911 but it really blew me away and can understand why they leapt up in price. Unfortunately the following air-cooled 911 really blew my wallet!
I am a fan of red interior so a plus point for me. It has had the RMS replacement along with the clutch and IMS inspected which is reassuring.

[Klippie]

A more up to date interior in the Gen 2 has to be a big plus point, newer car as well.

I'd pay the extra for the Gen 2...then again the 3.4 is even better.

[roca1976]

Alternatively a rebuilt 3.4S?

I reckon I will only do about 4k miles a year when split across my van therefore won't need to be too critical about mileage.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022081287...

[esotericar]

I don't get the 'interior update' thing with the gen 2 being a big deal. I've had two gen 1 and two gen 2 987s (currently have a gen 2), and the interiors are virtually identical. It's just one panel on the console that's different, well and a tiny bit of added stitching for the gen 2 ext leather option. Get a gen 1 without the nav and it looks fine. I admit the gen 1 nav does look ancient. Out of my four 987s, the nicest interior was in a gen 1.

Anyway, as above IMS a non issue on any 987.1 Cayman and the 2.7 doesn't really score, so a pretty safe bet. It's really just the performance that you're paying for on the gen 2 2.9 over a 2.7. Well, and the six speed box as few 2.7s have that. I guess you get the accelerometer upgrade on PASM, where fitted which privdes a few options.

Personally, I wouldn't pay £20k-plus for a 2.9, I think they a re now a bit over valued. At that price, I'd be more inclined to find a Hartech rebuilt 3.4 gen 1. But you may have to compromise on the bright colour thing there or risk waiting forever.

Anyway, for up to Circa £20k Harteched gen 1 3.4 would be my pick.

[Fiammetta]

The cars are getting old now 10 + yrs .The 2.9 had Mezglers involvement. Completely different block and cooling .
The 2.7 is an enlarged Toyota based design , designed to reduce the number of parts and production costs .Well known issues and gremlins .

The 2.9 isn’t a bored out 2.7 it’s totally different.

Longer term go for a 2.9.
Nothing to with performance, you are looking down the wrong end of a telescope- it’s the engineering integrity a Porsche in house flat 6 closed deck casting of the block , better cylinder linings , better oil cooling and piston cooling .
Yes we all know the deletion of IMS , buts it bore scoring of the inefficient open deck 2.7 that’s always there .

Edited by Fiammetta on Wednesday 24th August 18:17

[esotericar]

roca1976 said:

Alternatively a rebuilt 3.4S?

I reckon I will only do about 4k miles a year when split across my van therefore won't need to be too critical about mileage.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022081287...

Yup, better option than a 2.9 IMO.

[esotericar]

Fiammetta said:

Yes we all know the deletion of IMS , buts it bore scoring of the inefficient open deck 2.7 that’s always there .

Hardly any 2.7s score, it's just not worth worrying about. Or fail, generally. Hell, some early 2.9s had bore issues re the piston rings I think it was.

The MA1 is much improved, I agree. But in reality, the 2.7 M97 has actually proven really reliable. I think the one exception is that I wouldn't fancy tracking the 2.7 much.

[roca1976]

I spoke to the chap who owns this and hit it off straight away, true enthusiast and proper money spent.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225128984724?_trkparms=...

Very happy to compromise on colour when it is Atlas grey.

Already planning the mods (Recaro CS seats and possibly a change of wheel)

Deposit left

job jobbed

[2pad]

Had you not found that example I am tentatively thinking of selling my 2.7 Cayman in Meteor Grey. Two owner and full official Porsche centre history.

[WayOutWest]

roca1976 said:

I spoke to the chap who owns this and hit it off straight away, true enthusiast and proper money spent.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225128984724?_trkparms=...

Very happy to compromise on colour when it is Atlas grey.

Already planning the mods (Recaro CS seats and possibly a change of wheel)

Deposit left

job jobbed

Nice one, I would also have gone for a (fully) rebuilt engine 3.4 as an alternative to a 2.7/2.9 when I was looking - had I been able to actually find one.

That and the silver one you also posted seem decent value in relation to everything else. You can always jazz them up with some stripes.

[roca1976]

Thanks i really like the mods, carbon plenum, full system, gt3rs brakes, etc. Should be a screamer.

Do seats need to be folding for any reason or can I get fixed buckets?

[WayOutWest]

roca1976 said:

Thanks i really like the mods, carbon plenum, full system, gt3rs brakes, etc. Should be a screamer.

Do seats need to be folding for any reason or can I get fixed buckets?

The front of engine access panel to access the various pulleys and drivebelt etc is behind the seats, so you would have to take fixed buckets out entirely to gain access instead of just sliding and tipping normal seats forward.

Although once fully removed you/whoever would have more space to work.

[roca1976]

Thanks sounds like fixed buckets will be fine and easy to remove to get decent access if required.

This is my plan except normal front bumper

https://www.regalautosport.com/blog/customer-cayma...