NewToThis

I am soon going to purchase a used Cayman ($25,000-$30,000?). This car will be driven on weekends - 3000 miles a year.

For those of you who have had both the S and the Base model - which would you suggest for a "First Time Buyer".

P.S. My wife gave me the go-a-head to buy the car with the condition that I teach her how to drive a stick shift...YIKES

Bill Lehman

With your budget, I assume you are looking at a Gen 1 car (2006-2008). The S has larger front brake rotors, a 6 speed vrs 5 speed transmission, and about 50 more Horsepower. Otherwise, they're the same car. I bought a 2007 base and later traded it in on a 2007 S as I wanted more performance on the track. The base was a great car.

ECS Tuning

I think if it was me and it was going to be a weekend cruiser with no track time, I would opt for the Base. Drive both first and then you should know. Keep up posted on what you end up doing.

Spokayman

I would say find the best car in your price range whether it is a base or S. Look for reasonably low mileage, regular maintenance, and generally just signs that the car has been treated with care.
To use the extra horsepower of the S model well, you really need to be on a track or limited access roadway. The base model might feel more "alive" and it is easier to use the whole car in everyday driving.
You might be able to find a base model with the 6-speed trans (it was an option).

HoBoJoe

Drive both and see what you like. Have you had any other sports car or sporty cars?

NewToThis

HBoJoe - This will be my 1st sporty car - kids are done with college - now I have a bit extra $$$...

extanker

look for a light optioned gen2 09 up base PDK and increase your budget a tad

NewToThis

extanker - as my screen name suggests - I am new to this...I need a tad of help -

Can you explain what "gen2 up base PDK" means ???

My top-end budget is $30,000 not $0.01 more - anything over that and I will be sleeping outside...

flyfisher

He means a 2009 or later base model with the PDK transmission.

eddielasvegas

Yes, but it'll be worth since it will be in a Porsche.

Tell your wife she's the one taking a bigger chance.

Eddie

Macster

What the big deal? I forget how long after I bought my first Porsche I slept outside in the car.

Macster

My recommendation agrees with others: Drive both the base and the S model and buy the one you like best and fits within all you other constraints.

FWIW, my opinion is the base cars are the best cars.

They cost less initially, are the least costly to run, and are the best balanced. By this I mean not the weight ratio between the front and rear wheels but balanced in the sense of engine size, drivetrain, running gear.

While S models have their fans and they are nice cars, they are heavier to withstand the higher speeds/stresses, have heavier drivetrains, heavier running gear.

My base 2.7l Boxster is plenty fast with its perfectly sized and tuned engine which is so tractable at low RPMs yet zings to over 7K in no time. Couple this engine with the car's slick shifting 5-speed -- that thing just snicks snicks snicks from gear to gear to gear. The car hugs the road and never feels like it wants to throw one off like a horse ready for its stable and bucket of oats. The engine/drivetrain package would be hard to beat.

The brakes are very powerful, never fade, wear like iron (are iron...), and yet are not huge. The 17" wheels/tires are just right. Those big wheels/tires can make an otherwise nice car ride like an old-fashioned covered wagon on hardwood wheels.

My base car has all the right options: Cruise control, auto climate control, heated mirrors and that's about it.

If any Porsche can sip the gasoline this one does and yet goes fast enough when I want it to that I have a traffic lawyer in every state west of the Mississippi on speed dial.

In short, base is best.

But drive examples of both models and make up your own mind.

usctrojanGT3

I'm going to be completing the purchase of a used 2010 Cayman S on Saturday. I know that I'll be wanting more power and the car will be fully built into a dedicated track car next year so for me it was a no brainer. My vote is for the S.

shootermcgavin

I would personally recommend a S, well within your price range these days and well worth the diff in price from a base.

ralaisa

I would look at 2009 models. At that price range you'll find a nice Base model. Skip the IMS cars.
2006-2008. There might be an engine issue there. Take your time and have fun test driving !