Something a bit more...special, advice needed!
Discussion
I don't want to put it down to turning 50, but if the cap fits...
Currently have a 2017 BMW 225d convertible, fun little car. Got it as my father - in his mid 70's - said he'd drive it too, but he's used it 3 times in 6 months as he always has the dogs with him, so that was a bust. So, I'm looking for something a bit more 'special' if that's the right word. Budget is flexible, probably £18-25k. So far been looking at Porsche Cayman 987.2 - but I'm a mechanical idiot and keen to avoid buying a total money pit, although happy and able to budget for annual maintenance etc.
Currently drive to the office (22 miles or so on A roads) once or twice a week and then it's just weekend usage. Very few long trips, maybe one a quarter of 4 hours or so, but mostly shorter journeys on the Dorset/Somerset roads (potholetastic). annual mileage around 6,000.
Very used to auto, but not against a manual as I don't do much town driving. No need for space for kids or luggage, so a two-seater or a coupe. I also have to park for work in a ridiculously small car park, so nothing monstrous. Also, too long in the tooth for a hot hatch, so ruled out Golf R etc. In truth I'm not that fussed about straight line speed as the traffic round here is such that you rarely get a chance to belt it.
Have been looking so far at Porsches, specifically a gen 2 Cayman - bit of a cliche maybe, but never owned one. They seem to be selling well, a few I've liked have sold before I've even had a chance to go see them! As much as I do love a BMW (I've had a 5-series, M140i etc) and I've had an S5 (do regret selling that, although the cabin buzzes/squeaks drove me mad!), so maybe something a bit different.
Would be great to get suggestions/recommendations, particularly if there are any Cayman owners (should I consider a rebuilt 996???). Thank you!!!
Currently have a 2017 BMW 225d convertible, fun little car. Got it as my father - in his mid 70's - said he'd drive it too, but he's used it 3 times in 6 months as he always has the dogs with him, so that was a bust. So, I'm looking for something a bit more 'special' if that's the right word. Budget is flexible, probably £18-25k. So far been looking at Porsche Cayman 987.2 - but I'm a mechanical idiot and keen to avoid buying a total money pit, although happy and able to budget for annual maintenance etc.
Currently drive to the office (22 miles or so on A roads) once or twice a week and then it's just weekend usage. Very few long trips, maybe one a quarter of 4 hours or so, but mostly shorter journeys on the Dorset/Somerset roads (potholetastic). annual mileage around 6,000.
Very used to auto, but not against a manual as I don't do much town driving. No need for space for kids or luggage, so a two-seater or a coupe. I also have to park for work in a ridiculously small car park, so nothing monstrous. Also, too long in the tooth for a hot hatch, so ruled out Golf R etc. In truth I'm not that fussed about straight line speed as the traffic round here is such that you rarely get a chance to belt it.
Have been looking so far at Porsches, specifically a gen 2 Cayman - bit of a cliche maybe, but never owned one. They seem to be selling well, a few I've liked have sold before I've even had a chance to go see them! As much as I do love a BMW (I've had a 5-series, M140i etc) and I've had an S5 (do regret selling that, although the cabin buzzes/squeaks drove me mad!), so maybe something a bit different.
Would be great to get suggestions/recommendations, particularly if there are any Cayman owners (should I consider a rebuilt 996???). Thank you!!!
F Type or M2 would be a good start really, I would lean toward the F Type as its just such a fantastic looking car but thats just my personal preference.
Only issue you will have there is V6 or V8 but running costs may sway that, the V6 should be all you need really and still sound epic.
Only issue you will have there is V6 or V8 but running costs may sway that, the V6 should be all you need really and still sound epic.
Edited by Belle427 on Thursday 26th June 06:35
Similar to me last year.
I'm early 50s and changed my Fiesta ST3 for a nearly new mx5 RF. I did think long and hard about the cars you're considering but ultimately I prioritised lower running costs and hopefully better reliability. I have no real regrets as the Mazda is a nice car which should give me a good few painless years of ownership. It isn't 'special' though so if that's important it wouldn't be right for your situation.
This was my shortlist of more special cars when I was looking..
Boxster/Cayman 987.2. The 2.9 in particular as it seems less prone to borkage.
F Type V6. I did an experience day at Jag in a V8 F type. It was awesome but I think the V6 would be more than enough power.
SLK 55 amg. Nice to have a V8.
Alfa Giulia Veloce. A practical choice maybe but they do have something about them.
As others have said, you can get an M2 in budget.
I'm early 50s and changed my Fiesta ST3 for a nearly new mx5 RF. I did think long and hard about the cars you're considering but ultimately I prioritised lower running costs and hopefully better reliability. I have no real regrets as the Mazda is a nice car which should give me a good few painless years of ownership. It isn't 'special' though so if that's important it wouldn't be right for your situation.
This was my shortlist of more special cars when I was looking..
Boxster/Cayman 987.2. The 2.9 in particular as it seems less prone to borkage.
F Type V6. I did an experience day at Jag in a V8 F type. It was awesome but I think the V6 would be more than enough power.
SLK 55 amg. Nice to have a V8.
Alfa Giulia Veloce. A practical choice maybe but they do have something about them.
As others have said, you can get an M2 in budget.
On the 987 I wonder if it's close to the age where brake pipes, air con pipes, power steering pipes/connectors, clutch, Air-Oil-Seperators (do the .2 have these?) start to go and it's not always expensive, but often niggle after niggle appearing (if it's like my 987.1).
If you want something that puts a smile on your face just commuting on a b-road, I'd go for something like a Mustang or an Evora (if the bottom of the market has hit there yet). Neither auto is great, but not terrible. Both OK/good (not great) manuals.
If not the M2 might be a bit close to what you already have (same cabin pretty much).
If you want something that puts a smile on your face just commuting on a b-road, I'd go for something like a Mustang or an Evora (if the bottom of the market has hit there yet). Neither auto is great, but not terrible. Both OK/good (not great) manuals.
If not the M2 might be a bit close to what you already have (same cabin pretty much).
Chris_i8 said:
F-type V6 S was the first car that came to mind!?
Or...
Lexus RCF?
Mustang GT?
Mercedes C43?
Nissan 370Z?
Or with a YOLO philosophy - AMV8?
LOL on the YOLO suggestion!! Had a 350z in the past ,was a deathtrap lol. C43 feels a bit close to the S5 i had (lovely car but the damn thing didn't stop buzzing and squeaking inside). Feel I'm maybe ten years off owning a Jag!! Or...
Lexus RCF?
Mustang GT?
Mercedes C43?
Nissan 370Z?
Or with a YOLO philosophy - AMV8?
ChrisH72 said:
Similar to me last year.
I'm early 50s and changed my Fiesta ST3 for a nearly new mx5 RF. I did think long and hard about the cars you're considering but ultimately I prioritised lower running costs and hopefully better reliability. I have no real regrets as the Mazda is a nice car which should give me a good few painless years of ownership. It isn't 'special' though so if that's important it wouldn't be right for your situation.
This was my shortlist of more special cars when I was looking..
Boxster/Cayman 987.2. The 2.9 in particular as it seems less prone to borkage.
F Type V6. I did an experience day at Jag in a V8 F type. It was awesome but I think the V6 would be more than enough power.
SLK 55 amg. Nice to have a V8.
Alfa Giulia Veloce. A practical choice maybe but they do have something about them.
As others have said, you can get an M2 in budget.
i do have a Red Letter day voucher somewhere so that isn't a bad idea.....been looking hard at the Gen 2 Cayman, though can't seem to get a definitive answer on that 3.4 engine....the 2.7 ones seem popular, I've seen a couple but miles away and by the time I get to see them, they've sold! I'm early 50s and changed my Fiesta ST3 for a nearly new mx5 RF. I did think long and hard about the cars you're considering but ultimately I prioritised lower running costs and hopefully better reliability. I have no real regrets as the Mazda is a nice car which should give me a good few painless years of ownership. It isn't 'special' though so if that's important it wouldn't be right for your situation.
This was my shortlist of more special cars when I was looking..
Boxster/Cayman 987.2. The 2.9 in particular as it seems less prone to borkage.
F Type V6. I did an experience day at Jag in a V8 F type. It was awesome but I think the V6 would be more than enough power.
SLK 55 amg. Nice to have a V8.
Alfa Giulia Veloce. A practical choice maybe but they do have something about them.
As others have said, you can get an M2 in budget.
No doubt the MX5 is a totally brilliant car, probably the optimal choice in terms of budget/reliability/fun, but a bit like the Z4, it just doesn't feel like its a car i'd look back at after it was parked up, if that makes sense!
the-norseman said:
I had a 981 Cayman S and I'd have another one loved the car, I do sometimes consider a 987.2, I say do it!
Seen a gen 2 987 S that is lovely and in budget, so that's definitely looking favourite, though as another poster mentioned, the worry is that they all seem susceptible to expensive age-related repairs, coolant hoses, brake lines, air con condensors etc....oh well, YOLO! 
Belle427 said:
F Type or M2 would be a good start really, I would lean toward the F Type as its just such a fantastic looking car but thats just my personal preference.
Only issue you will have there is V6 or V8 but running costs may sway that, the V6 should be all you need really and still sound epic.
they are lovely, coupe or convertible? Only issue you will have there is V6 or V8 but running costs may sway that, the V6 should be all you need really and still sound epic.
Edited by Belle427 on Thursday 26th June 06:35
I can't shake the JAAAGGGGGG feeling that I maybe ten years off a Jag lol. jimmsy said:
On the 987 I wonder if it's close to the age where brake pipes, air con pipes, power steering pipes/connectors, clutch, Air-Oil-Seperators (do the .2 have these?) start to go and it's not always expensive, but often niggle after niggle appearing (if it's like my 987.1).
If you want something that puts a smile on your face just commuting on a b-road, I'd go for something like a Mustang or an Evora (if the bottom of the market has hit there yet). Neither auto is great, but not terrible. Both OK/good (not great) manuals.
If not the M2 might be a bit close to what you already have (same cabin pretty much).
totally hear this, there seem to be some issues that impact every single Cayman/boxster with age - all those mentioned above. It's not so much the cost, as it is the way it saps all the fun from a car if it's in the garage so often. I loved my RR Sport I had, but it was in the garage as much as it was at home and that ruined the experience. If you want something that puts a smile on your face just commuting on a b-road, I'd go for something like a Mustang or an Evora (if the bottom of the market has hit there yet). Neither auto is great, but not terrible. Both OK/good (not great) manuals.
If not the M2 might be a bit close to what you already have (same cabin pretty much).
In terms of the Cayman, it looks like the top end of your £25k budget actually buys a 981 rather than a 987.2
The 981 is a lovely looking car and appears a lot more modern than the 987. In fact, find a nice one and stick a private plate on and the neighbours will think it's brand new. I remember reading that the 2.7 is a bit weak but with 274bhp and 60 in 5 secs it surely can't be that bad?
I know its personal choice but for me it'd have to be the Boxster for top down motoring. If I do get bored with the mx5 and find my testicles have grown I could be very tempted with something like this..
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025061736...
Edit: I notice the 2.7 has a rev counter which goes up to 9. That's always done it for me ever since owning a Celica T sport many years ago!
The 981 is a lovely looking car and appears a lot more modern than the 987. In fact, find a nice one and stick a private plate on and the neighbours will think it's brand new. I remember reading that the 2.7 is a bit weak but with 274bhp and 60 in 5 secs it surely can't be that bad?
I know its personal choice but for me it'd have to be the Boxster for top down motoring. If I do get bored with the mx5 and find my testicles have grown I could be very tempted with something like this..
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025061736...
Edit: I notice the 2.7 has a rev counter which goes up to 9. That's always done it for me ever since owning a Celica T sport many years ago!
Tipnturn said:
CG2020UK said:
On that brief an M2 OG with the N55 engine is really worth a test drive.
Special cars and very different to the m-lites.
I had an M140i, are the M cars much different? I'm not sure the M2 really does it for me! Special cars and very different to the m-lites.
Completely different cars.
People think of an M car as a trim level if they have never driven one.
Really recommend a test drive.
I'd be keeping my eyes peeled for a nice Boxster 981 base engine (2.7) with PDK transmission. I've had quite a few boxsters, caymans, 911's..even a V8 Panamera, and my 981 base engined Boxster was easily the most fun to drive.
The PDK is excellent, almost telepathic, and IMO offers as much fun with the paddles as a manual.
If you're at all shifting between Cayman and Boxster, IMO there's simply no downside to opting for Boxster - plenty of storage space in either but obvs the Boxster is convertible. Despite what folks say, there's plenty of opportunity to get the roof down as well.
Final comment - if you head in that direction, buy on condition and service history (this is REALLY important!), don't worry too much about mileage.
The PDK is excellent, almost telepathic, and IMO offers as much fun with the paddles as a manual.
If you're at all shifting between Cayman and Boxster, IMO there's simply no downside to opting for Boxster - plenty of storage space in either but obvs the Boxster is convertible. Despite what folks say, there's plenty of opportunity to get the roof down as well.
Final comment - if you head in that direction, buy on condition and service history (this is REALLY important!), don't worry too much about mileage.
Tipnturn said:
LOL on the YOLO suggestion!! Had a 350z in the past ,was a deathtrap lol. C43 feels a bit close to the S5 i had (lovely car but the damn thing didn't stop buzzing and squeaking inside). Feel I'm maybe ten years off owning a Jag!!
I definitely wouldn't dismiss an F-type before driving one.....Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff