FlamsteadHill

FWIW I have the base suspension and 19" wheels and am very pleasantly surprised how comfortable the ride is on most/reasonable surfaces. Sure, on really bad roads it's a bit harsh, but bad roads are never going to feel good unless you're in your 1958 Caddy.

johnrweb

Must have would be the bi-xenon.
I have a 19" wheel without PASM and it rides fine. You can either go with an 18" or PASM if you want it softer. It's hard to find one with PASM.
I don't have automatic A/C. It would be nice to have this.

FlamsteadHill

I would have to concur. I have them, and can't imagine how poor the base lights are - these bi-xenon are the worst of any I've ever used (2 different Mercs, a VW and the aftermarket ones in my Ram). They're not BAD, just not as good as I expected.

elvn

Which options are best and S or Base depends on how and where you want to drive it. If you can narrow down your driving objectives people could help identify the options that meet them, and those which are superfluous. In my recent search, I wanted all the performance options and none of the luxe options. You may want the opposite, but the "best" options have everything to do with how you're going to drive.

MerlinRS

Thanks again everyone! Forgot to add that I'm looking for a 987.1 Cayman, most likely a 2006 Cayman S. The car will solely be used for spirited drives on weekends. Live in Switzerland, good / plain roads, suspension can / ought to be stiff.
As of now, this would be the "perfect" option sheet for me.

2006 Cayman S, <25k $ / CHF, Black, Manual

Very nice to have:
PASM
Sports Exhaust
19" Wheel
Sport Chrono
Sport Steering Wheel
Sport Seats
Leather interior
Bose sound


Nice to have:
Tempomat (cruise control)
seated & adjustable heats
Automatic Climacontrol
Bixenon