Looking for first P car!
#16
I came to the Cayman from a 944. For me, in my very low price range at the time, I could only compare 996 911s and 987.1 Caymans.
I prefer the handling of the Cayman for cornering and flickability. The Cayman (to me) feels lighter in all situations. I do prefer the 911 2+2 interior for functionality. If you have kids, more of them will be able to come with you in a 911.
The Cayman's interior feels ever so slightly cramped, to me, where the 944 allowed me to fully stretch out my legs. 981s, at least, allow me leg extension that my early car does not. Depends on your size. A Cayman feels like being fitted into a close fitting scuba suit, where a 911 feels like comfy sweatpants. But I bought mine for being a sports car, and the extra edginess of the Cayman is what I asked for. YMMV.
I am right on the fence with the tradeoff of hatchback storage space vs backseat beer holder seats. I use the hatch a lot in the Cayman. And it is just two of us, so rear seats would never be used for people.
I prefer the handling of the Cayman for cornering and flickability. The Cayman (to me) feels lighter in all situations. I do prefer the 911 2+2 interior for functionality. If you have kids, more of them will be able to come with you in a 911.
The Cayman's interior feels ever so slightly cramped, to me, where the 944 allowed me to fully stretch out my legs. 981s, at least, allow me leg extension that my early car does not. Depends on your size. A Cayman feels like being fitted into a close fitting scuba suit, where a 911 feels like comfy sweatpants. But I bought mine for being a sports car, and the extra edginess of the Cayman is what I asked for. YMMV.
I am right on the fence with the tradeoff of hatchback storage space vs backseat beer holder seats. I use the hatch a lot in the Cayman. And it is just two of us, so rear seats would never be used for people.
#17
2012 cayman black edition. Carrera 3.6 liter 340hp motor, just a blast to drive. Low production car so holds value. Kind of a watered down Cayman R. I have the sister ship a 987 spyder with 330hp it is a pocket rocket and gorgeous car. My thrill ride is a 997.2 GT3, however all around great ride is still the 987 Spyder. Good luck!
#18
Track Day
Thread Starter
2012 cayman black edition. Carrera 3.6 liter 340hp motor, just a blast to drive. Low production car so holds value. Kind of a watered down Cayman R. I have the sister ship a 987 spyder with 330hp it is a pocket rocket and gorgeous car. My thrill ride is a 997.2 GT3, however all around great ride is still the 987 Spyder. Good luck!
#19
Track Day
Thread Starter
What are your guys thoughts on the 987.2? I almost like the look more than the 981. If I find a good example of one what should I look for during ppi? I will then buy a 3rd party extended warranty and want to know some reputable companies you guys use.
#20
I was in your shoes a few months ago and found that I prefered the look of the 987.2 as well. I found a CPO 2011 Cayman Base in Rochester, NY and drove it back to its new home in the Pacific NW. Getting a CPO was a great move for me with the 2 year warranty and new tires for the long ride home.
#21
Rennlist Member
I came to the Cayman from a 944. For me, in my very low price range at the time, I could only compare 996 911s and 987.1 Caymans.
I prefer the handling of the Cayman for cornering and flickability. The Cayman (to me) feels lighter in all situations. I do prefer the 911 2+2 interior for functionality. If you have kids, more of them will be able to come with you in a 911.
The Cayman's interior feels ever so slightly cramped, to me, where the 944 allowed me to fully stretch out my legs. 981s, at least, allow me leg extension that my early car does not. Depends on your size. A Cayman feels like being fitted into a close fitting scuba suit, where a 911 feels like comfy sweatpants. But I bought mine for being a sports car, and the extra edginess of the Cayman is what I asked for. YMMV.
I am right on the fence with the tradeoff of hatchback storage space vs backseat beer holder seats. I use the hatch a lot in the Cayman. And it is just two of us, so rear seats would never be used for people.
I prefer the handling of the Cayman for cornering and flickability. The Cayman (to me) feels lighter in all situations. I do prefer the 911 2+2 interior for functionality. If you have kids, more of them will be able to come with you in a 911.
The Cayman's interior feels ever so slightly cramped, to me, where the 944 allowed me to fully stretch out my legs. 981s, at least, allow me leg extension that my early car does not. Depends on your size. A Cayman feels like being fitted into a close fitting scuba suit, where a 911 feels like comfy sweatpants. But I bought mine for being a sports car, and the extra edginess of the Cayman is what I asked for. YMMV.
I am right on the fence with the tradeoff of hatchback storage space vs backseat beer holder seats. I use the hatch a lot in the Cayman. And it is just two of us, so rear seats would never be used for people.
2012 cayman black edition. Carrera 3.6 liter 340hp motor, just a blast to drive. Low production car so holds value. Kind of a watered down Cayman R. I have the sister ship a 987 spyder with 330hp it is a pocket rocket and gorgeous car. My thrill ride is a 997.2 GT3, however all around great ride is still the 987 Spyder. Good luck!
I have looked at a many 987 spyder and love the looks! I’m totally torn..been looking at 993’s and jaguar type f as well. A buddy’s dad has every modern Porsche made 918, gt2 rs etc and he loves the gt3!! I can’t swing it now with two young boys in private school, but it would be amazing! Having options and choices sucks lol!
I've owned a couple 997.1's a really liked them. I'm kind of agreeing that for you with a younger family that MAY be able to sit in the back seats a 997.1/2 would be a fun car to have. And I agree with the idea of borrowing one for a weekend. Your kids may hate the back seats and in which case your back to a 2-seater option. The back seats in the 997's sit quite low so there's not to much to see.
Good luck on your hunt!
#22
Rennlist Member
I was in the same position this summer, ended up with a 2014 981 base, plus 5 Year extended warranty from Carmax, 28k miles for 43k out of the door. Best car I ever owned and a blast in the twisties down here in the beatiful hill country. Did not test drive the 981 S, and would the S model be more fun, maybe, but this fit my budget of 45k perfectly and I have no regret whatsoever.
#23
Track Day
Thread Starter
I was in the same position this summer, ended up with a 2014 981 base, plus 5 Year extended warranty from Carmax, 28k miles for 43k out of the door. Best car I ever owned and a blast in the twisties down here in the beatiful hill country. Did not test drive the 981 S, and would the S model be more fun, maybe, but this fit my budget of 45k perfectly and I have no regret whatsoever.
#24
Track Day
Thread Starter
It's the one major thing I miss about my base 981 - the hatch. Love the hatch. So wonderfully functional.
Agreed 100%. The 987.2 Spyder is a phenomenal car. I keep saying it's 80 - 90% of a GT3 but you owning both probably have some decent butt-dyno time to refute this. Would love to hear your comparisons. I drove some GT3's (997.2's GT3 and an RS) and gotten bitten quite badly. I'm still looking...
Both the Spyder and the 993's are super sexy. I have one of each and it's super fun to drive them both. They are so radically different, like apples and oranges. The F-type? Well, sorry... it's not a Porsche. The 993's are up in price while the 987 Spyders are still a bargain at their lowly $50K, but alas only two seats. The 993's while super fun are now 20+ years old and need upkeep. With a busy family you find this taxing.
I've owned a couple 997.1's a really liked them. I'm kind of agreeing that for you with a younger family that MAY be able to sit in the back seats a 997.1/2 would be a fun car to have. And I agree with the idea of borrowing one for a weekend. Your kids may hate the back seats and in which case your back to a 2-seater option. The back seats in the 997's sit quite low so there's not to much to see.
Good luck on your hunt!
Agreed 100%. The 987.2 Spyder is a phenomenal car. I keep saying it's 80 - 90% of a GT3 but you owning both probably have some decent butt-dyno time to refute this. Would love to hear your comparisons. I drove some GT3's (997.2's GT3 and an RS) and gotten bitten quite badly. I'm still looking...
Both the Spyder and the 993's are super sexy. I have one of each and it's super fun to drive them both. They are so radically different, like apples and oranges. The F-type? Well, sorry... it's not a Porsche. The 993's are up in price while the 987 Spyders are still a bargain at their lowly $50K, but alas only two seats. The 993's while super fun are now 20+ years old and need upkeep. With a busy family you find this taxing.
I've owned a couple 997.1's a really liked them. I'm kind of agreeing that for you with a younger family that MAY be able to sit in the back seats a 997.1/2 would be a fun car to have. And I agree with the idea of borrowing one for a weekend. Your kids may hate the back seats and in which case your back to a 2-seater option. The back seats in the 997's sit quite low so there's not to much to see.
Good luck on your hunt!
#25
Rennlist Member
One thing that concerns me about the spyder is wind noise can be harsh at certain speeds. I won’t both me a bit but may be harder selling point for the wife. I do think if I get a 987-981 it will have to be an S as that’s all I have driven. I have never driven or been in a 997.1/2. The back seats do seem very low and useless for all but a gym bag etc. What year cayman black has the 3.6?
#26
Track Day
Thread Starter
So after talking with my wife and doing some crunching I have dropped my budget :-(! I’m currently looking at 13-14’ Boxster base or “S” if I can find one within my budget. $33-$38k.
My question is base with the pdk a turd? I know “S” is the preference and that is all I have driven. There is a base with pdk at local bmw dealer I’m going to go drive. I’d really like base/s in manual! The cayman “S” I drove was all of ten min max on local streets. The only other car I have driven more than a block is the s2000 which I really enjoyed!!
My question is base with the pdk a turd? I know “S” is the preference and that is all I have driven. There is a base with pdk at local bmw dealer I’m going to go drive. I’d really like base/s in manual! The cayman “S” I drove was all of ten min max on local streets. The only other car I have driven more than a block is the s2000 which I really enjoyed!!
#27
I've a 987.2 Cayman (2009-2012) and a 997.2 Carrera (2009-2012)... both of those cars would be in your price range. I much prefer the 911 to the Cayman. I find the 911 to be a lot more interesting/rewarding to drive. Plenty of seat time in each car should tell you what you prefer. The equipment (options) of the cars can make a big difference as well. There are options which change the suspension and in my experience that can be some of the largest difference in how the cars feel on the road. Perhaps you can get an extended test drive from a Porsche dealer and take the car home for a day or two. I was able to take a 997.2 Carrera 4 S home for a weekend a few years before I actually bought a 911.
#28
I really think you can find a S 987.2 for that money, I have found both of my Cayman S cars on auto trader one private party one dealer both great cars, my current 987.2 PDK did not have sport plus, I had it added makes a huge difference, I think having the sport button even with a non s will have plenty of power.
#29
Having owned 2 Boxsters 987 S's, (08 & 12 Black Edition), they were 2 of the most fun cars I've owned.. I still miss their handling.
For me the plain 987 felt too under-powered.
For me the plain 987 felt too under-powered.
#30
Instructor
We got ours in September. Had it shipped up from San Diego. Back in a Porsche after 12 years. We’ve only driven our base PDK and it has plenty of power for back road cruising. Looking forward to exploring some back roads down to Garibaldi this weekend.