Cayman S (2005 3.4) ownership thoughts?
Discussion
Having just sold my 968 daily and with a 964 Carrera 2 for weekends, I fancy something to replace the space the 968 has left and keep looking at Cayman S's.
Does anyone have any thoughts or input on ownership of these?
Given a half decent 996 can be had for less money, is the Cayman the better car?
There are plenty of articles on how good the Cayman is on the tinterweb, but it's always nice to get real owner thoughts and views.
Is the extra cost for the S worth it over the early 2.7 models?
Does anyone have any thoughts or input on ownership of these?
Given a half decent 996 can be had for less money, is the Cayman the better car?
There are plenty of articles on how good the Cayman is on the tinterweb, but it's always nice to get real owner thoughts and views.
Is the extra cost for the S worth it over the early 2.7 models?
I am smitten with my Cayman S, it ticks just about every box I could want and more. Personally I prefer a mid-engined Porsche to a bog standard 911, i've never really gotten on with them and i've tried, but that probably my lack of driving ability with that layout. Thats not to say I wouldn't want to master it, I'd love a nice 997, and a GT3 to me is a dream car that i'll probably never have but it also wouldn't be a daily driver either.
The Cayman S is a very capable car actually and as a daily I can't think of anything i'd rather be driving right now. Steering feel is there in bags, communication through the car, and the feeling of the car pivoting around the driver is to me, how a sports car should feel. You get more of the engine note in the cabin too than a comparable age 911, which I quite like, its not intrusive, but when you're having some fun it sounds good.
I did drive one 2.7 Cayman before I got mine. It felt a bit lighter on its toes perhaps, and is a slightly revvier engine and certainly nothing wrong with it, but with such an excellent chassis the Cayman deserves the 3.4 (and probably more!).
If I was in your shoes, and I had a 964 (lovely looking cars btw) then i'd not bother with a 996 as well but pop for something a little different perhaps like the Cayman - but thats just me personally, maybe i'm biased.
In terms of running costs, i'm not in the best position to comment, but there is a member on PH who has kept a very good running report of ownership cost of a Cayman S which is worth reading.
The Cayman S is a very capable car actually and as a daily I can't think of anything i'd rather be driving right now. Steering feel is there in bags, communication through the car, and the feeling of the car pivoting around the driver is to me, how a sports car should feel. You get more of the engine note in the cabin too than a comparable age 911, which I quite like, its not intrusive, but when you're having some fun it sounds good.
I did drive one 2.7 Cayman before I got mine. It felt a bit lighter on its toes perhaps, and is a slightly revvier engine and certainly nothing wrong with it, but with such an excellent chassis the Cayman deserves the 3.4 (and probably more!).
If I was in your shoes, and I had a 964 (lovely looking cars btw) then i'd not bother with a 996 as well but pop for something a little different perhaps like the Cayman - but thats just me personally, maybe i'm biased.
In terms of running costs, i'm not in the best position to comment, but there is a member on PH who has kept a very good running report of ownership cost of a Cayman S which is worth reading.
I owned two 968's, and regretted selling the last one which I had for 6 years as a daily driver second car more than any car I'd ever owned. I've had my Cayman S for a year now, having been through an Audi TT and a couple of Boxsters in the 4 years in between. The Cayman has hit the spot for me in the same way that the 968 did and with my kids grown up now the lack of rear seats is not an issue. I've come close a couple of times over the years to buying a 911 and test driven numerous ones, ranging from pre-impact bumpers through all generations since. The only one I've ever regretted not buying was a particular 964RS but that's only because of the way they've subsequently taken off in price, rather than the driving experience on the street.
So, in my experience the Cayman is more than a truly worthy replacement for the 968.
So, in my experience the Cayman is more than a truly worthy replacement for the 968.
Op
Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
djo69 said:
Op
Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
I'll be honest, I have found a nice one with 14k on the clock (albeit a 2005 model), that said, always looking at options!Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
Could you drop me price and a few pics to acox(at)cevl(dot)co(dot)uk
hmmm, a guards red 964, Cayman S and my 914 is red as well!!
djo69 said:
Op
Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
I'll be honest, I have found a nice one with 14k on the clock (albeit a 2005 model), that said, always looking at options!Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
Could you drop me price and a few pics to acox(at)cevl(dot)co(dot)uk
hmmm, a guards red 964, Cayman S and my 914 is red as well!!
djo69 said:
Op
Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
I'll be honest, I have found a nice one with 14k on the clock (albeit a 2005 model), that said, always looking at options!Im about to sell my 2008 cayman if u are interested. It is going to be very well priced as it is a CAT d, but there it was repaired by porsche and is MINT. 31k on clock. Gen 2 rear end. Sports shift manual.
Guards red. Not a mark on it, or in it. I going to part exchange it for a new 981 but rather it went privately.
Could you drop me price and a few pics to acox(at)cevl(dot)co(dot)uk
hmmm, a guards red 964, Cayman S and my 914 is red as well!!
I've had my Cayman S 18 months now and I still love it more than any car I have ever owned. I came from a Z4, which I still occassionally use on hot days, and the step up was massive.
As it's my daily drive, I cn comment on how good a drive it is and that engine note over 4000 rpm is just beautiful.
I may be biased, but I don't think anyone could be disappointed with a Cayman S. I test drove a 2.9 and just felt it had to be the S for me.
You know Porsche anyway, so you know what you are getting. Go for it, you wont be disappointed.
As it's my daily drive, I cn comment on how good a drive it is and that engine note over 4000 rpm is just beautiful.
I may be biased, but I don't think anyone could be disappointed with a Cayman S. I test drove a 2.9 and just felt it had to be the S for me.
You know Porsche anyway, so you know what you are getting. Go for it, you wont be disappointed.
I've just passed 3 years of Cayman S ownership and have no plans to change. This is very unusual for me given that I normally only keep cars around 3 years max. It really does do everything very well. Superb balance, adequate performance and not too bad on fuel (I average around 26 mpg)
Prior to purchasing one I test drove a 997 C2S back-to-back with a Cayman S and with no preconceptions found the Cayman much more suited to my style of driving, and also felt to be a more 'modern' car.
Prior to purchasing one I test drove a 997 C2S back-to-back with a Cayman S and with no preconceptions found the Cayman much more suited to my style of driving, and also felt to be a more 'modern' car.
Trev450 said:
I've just passed 3 years of Cayman S ownership and have no plans to change. This is very unusual for me given that I normally only keep cars around 3 years max. It really does do everything very well. Superb balance, adequate performance and not too bad on fuel (I average around 26 mpg)
Prior to purchasing one I test drove a 997 C2S back-to-back with a Cayman S and with no preconceptions found the Cayman much more suited to my style of driving, and also felt to be a more 'modern' car.
My feelings on my own 987 Gen.1 S as well. I've had mine two years and am looking at my options for later this year - likely I'll just keep it. I MIGHT think about a Cayman R and if business is good a GT3, but as I said, in all likelihood, I'll just keep it - they're wonderful things.Prior to purchasing one I test drove a 997 C2S back-to-back with a Cayman S and with no preconceptions found the Cayman much more suited to my style of driving, and also felt to be a more 'modern' car.
Coxy914 said:
I'll be honest, I have found a nice one with 14k on the clock (albeit a 2005 model), that said, always looking at options!
Could you drop me price and a few pics to acox(at)cevl(dot)co(dot)uk
hmmm, a guards red 964, Cayman S and my 914 is red as well!!
If you let me have an email address I can email somne detailsCould you drop me price and a few pics to acox(at)cevl(dot)co(dot)uk
hmmm, a guards red 964, Cayman S and my 914 is red as well!!
Coming up to 3 years in my 2006 Cayman S and not one complaint - still puts a smile on my face and if im ever feeling bored i just press the sport button 
Spec is very important (i spent over 6 months looking for the right one!) and i would say PASM and Sports Chrono are a must - slightly biased
Spec is very important (i spent over 6 months looking for the right one!) and i would say PASM and Sports Chrono are a must - slightly biased
Not to start a debate, but i don't buy into the whole "sports chrono and PASM are a must" belief.
The only time I think serious consideration to PASM should be given is if the car has 19" wheels on rather than 18" as otherwise the ride is just a bit too hard on the standard non-PASM suspension.
Apart from that a Cayman S without PASM on 18" wheels drives sublime and I didn't find that PASM really added anything for a daily driver. For track work, maybe it has it's advantages, but not for using on the UK roads.
There are other options I think add more everyday benefit, such as the sports seats (so much better than the standard seat), short shift (adds a lot to the driving pleasure although this wasn't a factory option until 2006 cars) as does the sport steering wheel, automatic climate control (it wasn't standard only basic A/C was), wouldn't bother too much with Bose the Cayman S came standard with the 9 speaker Sound Package Plus which is actually pretty good, and the PCM isn't that great as it's looking a bit long in the tooth these days and functionality isn't particualy good.
The only time I think serious consideration to PASM should be given is if the car has 19" wheels on rather than 18" as otherwise the ride is just a bit too hard on the standard non-PASM suspension.
Apart from that a Cayman S without PASM on 18" wheels drives sublime and I didn't find that PASM really added anything for a daily driver. For track work, maybe it has it's advantages, but not for using on the UK roads.
There are other options I think add more everyday benefit, such as the sports seats (so much better than the standard seat), short shift (adds a lot to the driving pleasure although this wasn't a factory option until 2006 cars) as does the sport steering wheel, automatic climate control (it wasn't standard only basic A/C was), wouldn't bother too much with Bose the Cayman S came standard with the 9 speaker Sound Package Plus which is actually pretty good, and the PCM isn't that great as it's looking a bit long in the tooth these days and functionality isn't particualy good.
It doesn't get better than this:
I have 19s, and PASM, but had a Boxster on 19s without PASM, and it was fine - hard, but fine. PCM is looking very tired, but smartens the dashboard up (and most cars have it anyway), Bose is indeed a waste of money, but, again, most have it, and sports seats and wheel are, IMHO a must. So's the short shift kit, but that's not for everybody - my wife doesn't get on with it for example. Auto air-con is nice, but not a must. Sports Chrono I'd like, but don't have - mainly because it loosens up the PSM. That said a basic, non-optioned, S, would still deliver in spades. White ones are considerably faster. Certainly fast enough, on roads like that in the pic, to hit 1.1 leptons - which is quite fast enough on public roads.
ETA: Obviously it wasn't sideways when I took the photo. Bloody iPhone.
I have 19s, and PASM, but had a Boxster on 19s without PASM, and it was fine - hard, but fine. PCM is looking very tired, but smartens the dashboard up (and most cars have it anyway), Bose is indeed a waste of money, but, again, most have it, and sports seats and wheel are, IMHO a must. So's the short shift kit, but that's not for everybody - my wife doesn't get on with it for example. Auto air-con is nice, but not a must. Sports Chrono I'd like, but don't have - mainly because it loosens up the PSM. That said a basic, non-optioned, S, would still deliver in spades. White ones are considerably faster. Certainly fast enough, on roads like that in the pic, to hit 1.1 leptons - which is quite fast enough on public roads.
ETA: Obviously it wasn't sideways when I took the photo. Bloody iPhone.
I've had 3 Caymans over the years including an orange Sport Edition, also had a Boxster Spyder for a while.
I agree that PASM isn't essential, infact I prefer the way it drives on passive suspension. The best Cayman I had was one I bought cheaply, only options it had were sports seats, sports steering wheel, BOSE and 19inch wheels.
The Cayman is the only car I want to own again, motoring perfection.
I agree that PASM isn't essential, infact I prefer the way it drives on passive suspension. The best Cayman I had was one I bought cheaply, only options it had were sports seats, sports steering wheel, BOSE and 19inch wheels.
The Cayman is the only car I want to own again, motoring perfection.
left98204 said:
I came from a Z4, which I still occassionally use on hot days, and the step up was massive.
Off topic a bit, but me too 
thought I recognised the username.Really pleased with the Cayman S, and echo what's been said above - but mine's gen2 with pdk and pasm so not exactly what OP's budgeted for. Cracking car providing late 20's urban mpg is OK for your daily.
996GT2 said:
I agree that PASM isn't essential, infact I prefer the way it drives on passive suspension. The best Cayman I had was one I bought cheaply, only options it had were sports seats, sports steering wheel, BOSE and 19inch wheels.
Couldn't agree more. Its true, I think a lot of people go head on into buying these cars sometimes believing what they hear and read about certain options being required and absolutley shouldn't buy without etc, without actually trying the different variations out themselves.
There is no substitute for driving the cars and trying the different variations yourself when looking about, as it does come down to personal preference a lot of the time. There is no right or wrong, and certainly not what the general concensus says on the www.
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