Cayman comfort
Discussion
I was convinced I wanted a Cayman S and eventually got to sitting in one to get a feel for it. It suddenly dawned on me that it's quite cramped inside (I'm 6'2") and there's nothing too special about just sitting in it, especially with an all black interior.
So I am wondering, what is it like for comfort, for long journeys, or when stuck in traffic? Obviously I need a test drive but until I do, any indicators? What does it compare to? For example I found the Honda S2000 a little buzzy and bumpy, and I'm worried the Cayman is equally tiring. My current steed, if it helps, is a 1990 190E 'cosworth' so it's not exactly as refined as a modern saloon but is still refined compared to an S2000. I also spend some time in a Mk2 Audi TT and that is certainly refined enough to suit me - about equal to my 190E.
The other question is about spec - any important items for resale? What do buyers like? Do they need the colour screen in the dash? Sat nav as well? I don't want auto and the PDK cars are probably too new.
Finally I sat in a 997 and this was far more spacious for me. But I'm convinced I can't afford it and it must have far higher running costs - by which I mean servicing, tyres, parts and general repairs. This will sound silly but I park in the street and the station and would be worried that if, for example, a door mirror was damaged, a window smashed, or a lamp unit cracks, it would cost absolutely crazy money to replace anything.
Some of those questions might sound ridiculous but it's my first car that's not based on a mundane saloon with uprated mechanicals, and therefore it's a new world for me.
Cheers
So I am wondering, what is it like for comfort, for long journeys, or when stuck in traffic? Obviously I need a test drive but until I do, any indicators? What does it compare to? For example I found the Honda S2000 a little buzzy and bumpy, and I'm worried the Cayman is equally tiring. My current steed, if it helps, is a 1990 190E 'cosworth' so it's not exactly as refined as a modern saloon but is still refined compared to an S2000. I also spend some time in a Mk2 Audi TT and that is certainly refined enough to suit me - about equal to my 190E.
The other question is about spec - any important items for resale? What do buyers like? Do they need the colour screen in the dash? Sat nav as well? I don't want auto and the PDK cars are probably too new.
Finally I sat in a 997 and this was far more spacious for me. But I'm convinced I can't afford it and it must have far higher running costs - by which I mean servicing, tyres, parts and general repairs. This will sound silly but I park in the street and the station and would be worried that if, for example, a door mirror was damaged, a window smashed, or a lamp unit cracks, it would cost absolutely crazy money to replace anything.
Some of those questions might sound ridiculous but it's my first car that's not based on a mundane saloon with uprated mechanicals, and therefore it's a new world for me.
Cheers
Something worth bearing in mind with regards to the Cayman/Boxster vs the 911 is tyre pressures, the 911 has to run quite high rear pressures as the engine is slung over the back, I find that detracts from the ride quality in my experience.
The mid engined cars are quite comfortable when you are on the move, the ride quality is superior to most average family cars during typical motorway and A road driving(near zero body roll contributes to this). Where their sports car compromises show through the most is B roads with very poor surfaces and/or potholes, but they still have far and away better ride quality over these surfaces than say a Honda S2000 or BMW Z4M. I'd say the ride quality of the Cayman on 18inch wheels is at least equal to, if not superior to a MK2 TT.
I don't know if the seat can go any further back in the 997 than the Cayman/Boxster to accommodate taller drivers, but otherwise the cabin is almost identical unless you are looking behind the front seats. I'm only 5ft 10 so probably not much help, but I drove 4000 miles in 3 weeks in my Cayman across Europe and had no comfort issues whatsoever.
As far as running costs go, there is approximately the same step up from the 2.7 to 3.4 Boxster/Cayman and subsequently the 997 911, but it is less steep a climb than some people realize. Check tyre prices for the wheel size of the car you are looking at because they can be considerably more costly for some sizes than others, you can buy Caymans with 3 different wheel sizes(17-19, 20 on later cars?), and 911s with at least 2 different wheel sizes(18-19?). If you are buying older/higher mileage cars look into the costs of clutch replacements especially, allow funds to have to replace the clutch after 60k, but if it has been treated properly it should last much longer.
If you are pushing the limits of what you can afford, you need to research the potential engine issues with these cars; again 2.7 Boxsters/Caymans seem to suffer fewer engine related issues than the 997 911s and the 3.4 mid engine cars. Your options to cover yourself against these issues include having a company such as hartech undertake preventative modifications(which can be costly), or to buy only cars covered by official Porsche warranty(which you are paying through the higher purchase price from an OPC) but this restricts where you can take the car for maintenance and such during the duration of the warranty.
The mid engined cars are quite comfortable when you are on the move, the ride quality is superior to most average family cars during typical motorway and A road driving(near zero body roll contributes to this). Where their sports car compromises show through the most is B roads with very poor surfaces and/or potholes, but they still have far and away better ride quality over these surfaces than say a Honda S2000 or BMW Z4M. I'd say the ride quality of the Cayman on 18inch wheels is at least equal to, if not superior to a MK2 TT.
I don't know if the seat can go any further back in the 997 than the Cayman/Boxster to accommodate taller drivers, but otherwise the cabin is almost identical unless you are looking behind the front seats. I'm only 5ft 10 so probably not much help, but I drove 4000 miles in 3 weeks in my Cayman across Europe and had no comfort issues whatsoever.
As far as running costs go, there is approximately the same step up from the 2.7 to 3.4 Boxster/Cayman and subsequently the 997 911, but it is less steep a climb than some people realize. Check tyre prices for the wheel size of the car you are looking at because they can be considerably more costly for some sizes than others, you can buy Caymans with 3 different wheel sizes(17-19, 20 on later cars?), and 911s with at least 2 different wheel sizes(18-19?). If you are buying older/higher mileage cars look into the costs of clutch replacements especially, allow funds to have to replace the clutch after 60k, but if it has been treated properly it should last much longer.
If you are pushing the limits of what you can afford, you need to research the potential engine issues with these cars; again 2.7 Boxsters/Caymans seem to suffer fewer engine related issues than the 997 911s and the 3.4 mid engine cars. Your options to cover yourself against these issues include having a company such as hartech undertake preventative modifications(which can be costly), or to buy only cars covered by official Porsche warranty(which you are paying through the higher purchase price from an OPC) but this restricts where you can take the car for maintenance and such during the duration of the warranty.
Edited by FisiP1 on Sunday 14th October 23:47
Just over 6ft and one of the main reasons I didn't buy a Cayman R was chronic backache after 45mins - not enough legroom caused me to sit "slightly twisted".
The new Boxster seems to have resolved that issue, so hopefully next years Cayman will as well?
A 997 has a less cramped interior, leg room not being an issue (for me) and a marginal increase in internal width.
The new Boxster seems to have resolved that issue, so hopefully next years Cayman will as well?
A 997 has a less cramped interior, leg room not being an issue (for me) and a marginal increase in internal width.
I'm 6'0 and find that I'm OK in my Cayman, however I quite like being close to the steering wheel so I still have an inch or so of extra room on my seat settings.
My previous couple of cars were a Nissan 350Z and before that a Mazda RX-8. I found the Mazda terribly uncomfortable for long journeys and positively despised having to drive it more than 100 miles at a time. The Zed was infinitely better and when I was making the move into the Cayman I did have some worries that the 20-25,000 miles a year I typically do might start to become laborious once again. After two years in a Cayman S (with 19" wheels) I'm pleased to say that I have had no qualms with the comfort levels on long journeys and its by far the best steer I've had when you take it somewhere interesting.
My previous couple of cars were a Nissan 350Z and before that a Mazda RX-8. I found the Mazda terribly uncomfortable for long journeys and positively despised having to drive it more than 100 miles at a time. The Zed was infinitely better and when I was making the move into the Cayman I did have some worries that the 20-25,000 miles a year I typically do might start to become laborious once again. After two years in a Cayman S (with 19" wheels) I'm pleased to say that I have had no qualms with the comfort levels on long journeys and its by far the best steer I've had when you take it somewhere interesting.
I can't help with the height piece as I am short so every car has loads of space 
but I use my Cayman as a daily driver and often do 500 mile round trips. I find it comfortable heated seats and sports seats help but its nice place to be for a few hours on a run. I have PDK and note you aren't looking at that or tip but find this makes it as nice as it can be in traffic,
but I use my Cayman as a daily driver and often do 500 mile round trips. I find it comfortable heated seats and sports seats help but its nice place to be for a few hours on a run. I have PDK and note you aren't looking at that or tip but find this makes it as nice as it can be in traffic,Ride is not as harsh as an S2000, but it's not brilliant either. Improvement can be gained by specifying the smallest wheels possible (on an S that's 18's) and/or PASM which in standard mode is softer than the standard suspension. Later (2009+) cars do ride better than the earlier cars regardless. The standard seats can be a touch tight if you're wide framed. The sports seats are more comfortable in comparison with standard also. FWIW, the interior dimensions of a Cayman vs 911 are nigh on identical. If there's anything in it, it's very small.
Running costs wise the 2.7 is very cheap to run *if* you're sensible about it, or a Yorkshireman
The S models just seem to cost more for everything for no good reason that I can see (compare the prices of the brakes for example). If you're going to warranty it and service it at an OPC you'll get bent over regardless.
Speccing for resale is daft. Buy the car you want and as long as you don't spec a yellow car with a pink interior, there'll be someone out there to sell it on to.
The best ride quality out there in a sports car IMO is the Evora. Give one a go, they're starting to get sensibly priced 2nd hand these days. http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Running costs wise the 2.7 is very cheap to run *if* you're sensible about it, or a Yorkshireman
The S models just seem to cost more for everything for no good reason that I can see (compare the prices of the brakes for example). If you're going to warranty it and service it at an OPC you'll get bent over regardless.Speccing for resale is daft. Buy the car you want and as long as you don't spec a yellow car with a pink interior, there'll be someone out there to sell it on to.
The best ride quality out there in a sports car IMO is the Evora. Give one a go, they're starting to get sensibly priced 2nd hand these days. http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...
Edited by juansolo on Monday 15th October 08:41
quote
"Speccing for resale is daft."
some people still spec all blue inside and these cars are the cars you see at 3rd party dealers when the guys cannot sell private and have to trade them insted for little money.
he is buying 2nd hand, so buying the right spec car will help resale loads in 12 months time
"Speccing for resale is daft."
some people still spec all blue inside and these cars are the cars you see at 3rd party dealers when the guys cannot sell private and have to trade them insted for little money.
he is buying 2nd hand, so buying the right spec car will help resale loads in 12 months time
mrdemon said:
quote
"Speccing for resale is daft."
some people still spec all blue inside and these cars are the cars you see at 3rd party dealers when the guys cannot sell private and have to trade them insted for little money.
Hence the rest of my quote was: "Buy the car you want and as long as you don't spec a yellow car with a pink interior, there'll be someone out there to sell it on to.". There is an element of taste required."Speccing for resale is daft."
some people still spec all blue inside and these cars are the cars you see at 3rd party dealers when the guys cannot sell private and have to trade them insted for little money.
mrdemon said:
he is buying 2nd hand, so buying the right spec car will help resale loads in 12 months time
What is this 'right spec'?not base spec with blue leather as an example.
I think people know what extra's make a car sell better.
there are so many caymans for sale the base spec cars get left out.
Black leather, Xenons, heated seats, Sports crono, PCM, 19" wheels, Sports seats would set a Cayman apart from a base spec model and hence stand a far better chance of a resale later down the line, nice spec/colour combo cars always sell well if there are 100 cars for sale in a car market which is on its arse.
I think people know what extra's make a car sell better.
there are so many caymans for sale the base spec cars get left out.
Black leather, Xenons, heated seats, Sports crono, PCM, 19" wheels, Sports seats would set a Cayman apart from a base spec model and hence stand a far better chance of a resale later down the line, nice spec/colour combo cars always sell well if there are 100 cars for sale in a car market which is on its arse.
i am 6'3" and roughly 90kg (so not the smallest frame) and i find my cayman s to be just the right size for a cosy fit. I admit the seat has to be as far back as it can possibly go and at the lowest setting. The 997 is more spacious but nothing that really makes any difference in the real world (IMHO) as its mostly extra width for elbow room rather than length and leg room.
On badly maintained local roads the ride comfort is not great (pretty poor actually) but on motorways/dual carriage ways and country roads it is about right. It is no jag but definitely better than most sports focused cars. I can only compare it to the TTRS and the ride is far more comfortable.
If comfort is a major factor then PASM is a must, i have 19s and with PASM the ride becomes so much softer but still gives me the option to tighten it up and remove some fillings should i wish.
On badly maintained local roads the ride comfort is not great (pretty poor actually) but on motorways/dual carriage ways and country roads it is about right. It is no jag but definitely better than most sports focused cars. I can only compare it to the TTRS and the ride is far more comfortable.
If comfort is a major factor then PASM is a must, i have 19s and with PASM the ride becomes so much softer but still gives me the option to tighten it up and remove some fillings should i wish.
mrdemon said:
not base spec with blue leather as an example.
I think people know what extra's make a car sell better.
there are so many caymans for sale the base spec cars get left out.
Black leather, Xenons, heated seats, Sports crono, PCM, 19" wheels, Sports seats would set a Cayman apart from a base spec model and hence stand a far better chance of a resale later down the line, nice spec/colour combo cars always sell well if there are 100 cars for sale in a car market which is on its arse.
Other than the sports seats, which I prefer but would not be a showstopper, most of the other stuff I don't want. Hence, what is the right spec? FWIW I bought a lovely base spec Cayman 2nd hand. So them not selling is a complete myth. Possibly spread by bonus driven car salesmen....?I think people know what extra's make a car sell better.
there are so many caymans for sale the base spec cars get left out.
Black leather, Xenons, heated seats, Sports crono, PCM, 19" wheels, Sports seats would set a Cayman apart from a base spec model and hence stand a far better chance of a resale later down the line, nice spec/colour combo cars always sell well if there are 100 cars for sale in a car market which is on its arse.
mrdemon said:
nothing to do with sales men when buying private 5 year old cars is it lol
2 cars side by side same price. i'll buy the car with xenon's as would 95% of people
it's that simple :-)
So spending that extra on a new car on things that you don't want is pointless then if you get no more at resale. Which is kinda my point. Hence the whole, get the car you want, taste aside, without worrying about selling the thing.2 cars side by side same price. i'll buy the car with xenon's as would 95% of people
it's that simple :-)
I'm 6'6 and I fit in my Cayman just fine - I had some worries before I bought it - but you just need to spend some time getting comforatble and its great.
I do need the seat all the way back / down but its not too cramped - obviously not a range rover in there but not bad for what it is. You do have to be careful you dont force the seat back too far as it twists it a little and this gives me back ache.
I did 400 miles in it last saturday and it was fine, do 40/50 miles a day in it commuting - mine has 19's and PASM so is fairly compliant on less than perfect roads - I wouldn't get big wheels without if you're planning on using it regularly.
I do need the seat all the way back / down but its not too cramped - obviously not a range rover in there but not bad for what it is. You do have to be careful you dont force the seat back too far as it twists it a little and this gives me back ache.
I did 400 miles in it last saturday and it was fine, do 40/50 miles a day in it commuting - mine has 19's and PASM so is fairly compliant on less than perfect roads - I wouldn't get big wheels without if you're planning on using it regularly.
I remember (many years ago) watching an episode of Top Gear with Quentin Wilson doing a piece on car residuals and the optional extras. Bearing in mind that the target audience were more into Escorts and Sierras rather than exotica, his conclusion was that you only got 10-15% of the value of the options when the car is sold at 3 years old.
So spending £4k on pcm, satnav, telephone, etc is very expensive unless you really want them for yourself. Yes two cars priced the same with and without the options would be an obvious winner for the options. But a fully loaded 3 year old 2.9 Cayman vs a 3 year old base 3.4 Cayman S where the price is approx the same would be a lot tougher to predict.
Even with new cars, the argument for a fully loaded 981 Boxster or a base 991 Carrera???? If you are worried about residuals, go for the base 991.
So spending £4k on pcm, satnav, telephone, etc is very expensive unless you really want them for yourself. Yes two cars priced the same with and without the options would be an obvious winner for the options. But a fully loaded 3 year old 2.9 Cayman vs a 3 year old base 3.4 Cayman S where the price is approx the same would be a lot tougher to predict.
Even with new cars, the argument for a fully loaded 981 Boxster or a base 991 Carrera???? If you are worried about residuals, go for the base 991.
esuuv said:
I'm 6'6 and I fit in my Cayman just fine - I had some worries before I bought it - but you just need to spend some time getting comforatble and its great.
I do need the seat all the way back / down but its not too cramped - obviously not a range rover in there but not bad for what it is. You do have to be careful you dont force the seat back too far as it twists it a little and this gives me back ache.
I did 400 miles in it last saturday and it was fine, do 40/50 miles a day in it commuting - mine has 19's and PASM so is fairly compliant on less than perfect roads - I wouldn't get big wheels without if you're planning on using it regularly.
Agreed with all that - I'm 6'2, and don't have any issues - PASM improves the ride quality markedly in my view, so look for a car with that. Otherwise I'd say it was perfectly comfortable, albeit with a sporting edge. PASM and 18s would be my suggestion for you I think.I do need the seat all the way back / down but its not too cramped - obviously not a range rover in there but not bad for what it is. You do have to be careful you dont force the seat back too far as it twists it a little and this gives me back ache.
I did 400 miles in it last saturday and it was fine, do 40/50 miles a day in it commuting - mine has 19's and PASM so is fairly compliant on less than perfect roads - I wouldn't get big wheels without if you're planning on using it regularly.
My opinions...
As far as the engine goes - its sweet Loads of torque on the motorway and wind it up and it really goes.
Pentoman said:
I was convinced I wanted a Cayman S and eventually got to sitting in one to get a feel for it. It suddenly dawned on me that it's quite cramped inside (I'm 6'2") and there's nothing too special about just sitting in it, especially with an all black interior.
I am 5'10" and find it fine. I also find the little shelf over the engine gives you the perception of more space, compared to the Boxster which I don't like as I feel like I am in a little bubble when the roof is up. However, I can imagine at 6'2" you would need the seat all the way back and you might feel a little cramped.Pentoman said:
So I am wondering, what is it like for comfort, for long journeys, or when stuck in traffic? Obviously I need a test drive but until I do, any indicators? What does it compare to? For example I found the Honda S2000 a little buzzy and bumpy, and I'm worried the Cayman is equally tiring.
I use mine mainly for motorway drives (plus weekend fun) and have to be honest and say, it does not provide great ride comfort, but its a sports car right. I do have the big 19'inch drug dealer wheels which also don't help! Having said all that, it's light years more comfortable than my old STi As far as the engine goes - its sweet
Loads of torque on the motorway and wind it up and it really goes.Pentoman said:
The other question is about spec - any important items for resale? What do buyers like? Do they need the colour screen in the dash? Sat nav as well? I don't want auto and the PDK cars are probably too new.
I have a manual with most options bar sat nav. Personally I don't use it very often and it added a fair whack to the asking price. However, most will say sat nav is important.Edited by paulmoonraker on Monday 15th October 14:08
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