Qz5gxt

I am in the market to buy a used Cayman. My budget has me looking at under 5 thousand mile new model base 2014 Cayman or last model style 2009-2012 Low millage Cayman S.

This will be a daily driver but I am soon to be retired so nice weather limited yearly miles will be use. Wife's Cadillac is our 2nd car, but she is still working for a couple more years.

I have had multiple year 911s (694's, 996's, 997) 944 Turbos, Corvettes, a 400hp Lotus Elise race car and last year sold my Arial Atom3.

I have to say I love the new 2014 Cayman styling much more then the last model Caymans, but will I see a large difference in performance between a 2014 base Cayman over a last gen (2010-2012) Cayman S? Also resale value is part of consideration between older Cayman S vs newer base 2014 Cayman?

TTRob

In a nutshell...the '09-'12 S has more speed and better steering feel, while the '14 has a more rigid chassis, better overall refinement, improved infotainment, sharper exterior/interior looks and additional warranty. All this you already know, I'm sure.

Can't really go wrong either way. If you're not hung up on speed, I'd go for the 981. It's not like the base Cayman is slow, it's just not a fast car.

Best advice, go test drive a 981. Then you'll know for sure if it's quick enough.

Dino944

You really need to drive both to see what appeals to you more. We owned an '08 first gen 987S, and we found the 981S is a night and day improvement. While some complain about the 981 steering feel compared to that of the 987, but I find that to be not significant enough to make me choose a 987 over a 981. In addition, the rest of the 981 is so much better that I enjoy driving the 981 more than our old 987.

I'm not sure if I'd be happy with a base model over an S. That is something only you can decide. Maybe if you wait and save up a bit you'll be able to get into a pre-owned 981S. Wishing you luck and lots of fun with your test drives.

Dr.Bill

You need to drive both to decide.
I'm one who prefers the 987 in every way. I'd put a 2012 Cayman R at the top of the list, followed closely by the 987.2 Cayman S.

HoBoJoe

The 09-12 S will hold value better than a 981 base for the simple reason that they already took their big hit. Depreciation is something I try not to focus on when shopping for my toys, they're not investments they are for enjoyment.

However, drive both before making a decision because one might speak to you more. I've had a 981 Boxster/S for a loaner a few times and I find the 981 more comfortable and easier to drive (PDK). However when I get back into my Cayman S it feels more like a sports car and a little more raw.

matttheboatman

Hello QZ,

My input is that although total cost and resale are both very logical considerations, my advice would be to follow your heart and go with a new generation 981 S. Because, at the end of the day you will be very glad you did. You should be able to find a good one PDK for about $62K, or 6sp for $59k

If your right brain says no, stay in budget, I think the best value out there today on any sports car is a Base 981 Cayman 6 speed. The manual will make it feel fast, the 2.7 sounds great, and the car is truly outstanding. Should be able to find one for below $50k.

Best of luck to you. Matt

Spokayman

It sounds like this is your real conflict here.
1. You like the 981 styling.
2. You like the 987 S performance.
3. You are thinking about resale value in the future.
The first item points toward a 981.
The second and third items indicate a 987 S.

My opinion is that if you like the 981 styling better than the 987, buy it as you will be happier in the long run. By all objective measures it is a better car than a 987. Subjectively some like the 987 "steering feel" better.
Either wait until an S is in your price range, or go with the base model.

I personally like the 987 styling better, and I also appreciate the performance and sharpness of my S, so I would choose the 987S (second gen) if I were in your shoes. I bought mine (first gen) at a very low price in 2010, and so in the 4 years I have owned it, depreciation is maybe $4K.

thomapa1

May not be a popular opinion - but I drove a base 987 and a base 981 back to back. I would take the 981 every time.
I was expecting the 987 to feel more raw, however after driving both back to back, the 987 felt old - not raw. The buffeting noise on my ears was terrible, all windows up...very annoying. Stellar brakes, position,feel - classic porsche stuff in both models. A base 981 is more than adequate for daily and fun use. Plus it looks awesome.

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BGB Motorsports

You need to drive both. There are a lot of reasons on here that are adequate. Depreciation on the 987.2 has already occurred; yet the 981 is new and will depreciate quickly. However, it's NEW and everyone seems to usually prefer the newer, shinier object compared to the old. You can't go wrong with either car. You need to drive the 275 hp 981 though with possibly Sport Chrono. It surprised me.