Hello! This is my first post on here. I’ve read many threads and the forum looks great.

I’m about to upgrade cars (I currently drive a 2015 BMW 335i) and I’ve been debating an M4 and Cayman for months. I’m pretty sure the Cayman is my best bet but I’m not sure what my best buy is.

I understand the differences and pros and cons between the 987.1, 987.2, and 981. I’m not a big fan of the 981 looks and I much prefer the 987.

So my issue is how much should I spend, and what’s worth spending the money on. I’ve found 2 Caymans that I’ll describe below. I need a car that’s going to be reliable, road trip friendly, and one that I can drive in backroads a couple times a month. I’d drive at least 10-20k miles a year. I don’t really want to get hit with huge depreciation either and I know Caymans in general are a good bet. Between the following cars, which would you choose in theory and why? Is an R even worth considering?








2012 Cayman S PDK. In Blue with Black Interior. 34k miles, fully optioned out. Excellent condition.$46k

2007 Cayman S Manual. In Blue with Sand Beige interior. 96k miles, PASM, good condition. 20k

2014 Cayman Base. Black on black with GT4 wing & 20 inch wheels. 98k miles, good condition. 28k

I have added pictures as well. As far as mods go I wouldn’t mind lightly modding a 987.1 but I am concerned with the reliability. The 987.2 is too perfect to mess with in my opinion.

Anyways, any input is much appreciated. Thanks for your time and I look forward to chatting!

 

The 07 and 14 are getting up there in mileage and the 12 seems too high priced. If you were looking for a weekend getaway car that you would put 3-5 thousand miles a year on the 14 might be worth a look (imo manual is a must for a weekend car though) but if your gonna tack on an average of 15k miles a year your cost of maintenance is gonna be pretty high if your not a DIYer.

 

Did you mention what you budget is? Those are widely disparate prices.
If price is no issue, then I would go for the 2012. Unfortunately the 2012 (although nice condition) I feel is overpriced. If you can take your time, you can probably pick up a decent 981 Cayman base in the mid $30k's.

As it sounds like you will daily drive quite a bit, then the best "value" is probably a 981.

 

There are 2 Cayman R on the PCA I would take in a heartbeat if I didn't have mine. One is yellow, the other white.

You can use the car everyday (I do) and provided you don't need 4 seats, they are fabulous. You have 2 trunks, a great ride, decent fuel economy and good reliability. There are the common wear/trouble areas as with all cars but it has been a pleasure thus far.

 

What is a must have for you? Manual or PDK? The base 987.2 2.9l are practically bullet proof and port injection. The base 2.7l 981s are DFI. Is the extra 50 HP of an S wanted or needed. The Cayman R is almost a unicorn and demand a premium. Base suspension, PASM or X73? Which sound system? Leather? IMO if you get a PDK Sport Chrono with Sport/Sport+ are a must have. You dealer can add to an 09-12.

 

I did the same hunt after studying I chose 987.2 Boxster S. 3 pedals and top down were mandatory. No Dark colors. And the more I read and looked the more I knew I wanted PASM, LSD, Sport seats, possibly PSE and low mileage. The hunt got harder and harder the more I learned about the cars. I stuck to my criteria even adding no road salt state cars and impeccable maintenance. Eventually I found my car. It needs nothing but gas and the smiles per mile were worth the the cost and the wait.
Make a list of the features and specs you want.
Then you will know your car when you find it.