Cgland

Thanks. I just hate to drive or fly hundreds of miles and find scratches or dings that weren't disclosed.

Han Solo

Deciding between the two first generation Cayman S and considering mileage may not be as easy as "less is more". The IMS bearing on those cars is not serviceable without a complete engine re-build. Although that bearing is more robust than the IMS bearing in 986, there are reports of failure. Consider also that IMS bearings in "garage queen" cars with low milage, low average RPMs and infrequent oil changes appear to be most suspect to IMS bearing failure. A higher mileage car with "spirited" driving record and 3000 mile oil changes may be the better choice. But the higher mileage car (with identical options as the other) should be less expensive.

Should you decide to move on a second generation car, the IMS bearing issue is not present. The newer engine design doesn't have that bearing.

Cgland

Thanks Han. Do you think the performance diff is that great between an 09 base and a Gen1 S? I know it's only 30hp and .6 diff in 0-60, but what about acceleration in higher gears, etc.?

Han Solo

I haven't driven a 2nd gen Cayman base or S model yet. But I did make a comparison between 1st gen base and S. If you want performance, I'd save up for either S model. Save a little more and get Sports Crono. That option really makes these cars something special

NJ-GT

I have driven every Cayman except the 2012 R. The acceleration difference between the 2010 2.9 (Base) and the 2006 3.4 is gigantic. The 2.9 feels ok, the Gen I 3.4 feels strong. Most noticeable is the mid range.

Despite of the 2009 coming with a lighter engine, the transmission gained weight, and the cars are a little heavier.

The power steering cooling is an easy fix with a pulley and a oil line cooler, I just got it done to my 2007 Cayman S. The oil ingestion is another easy fix, with the Motorsports oil separator and a X51 oil pan, I got it done as well.

06-08 Cayman S are more affordable on the used market than 09 Cayman 2.9.

Very few Cayman 2.9 were ordered with the optional Limited Slip diff, which is not a great unit, but worth it. There are better diffs available aftermarket.

The 2009+ Cayman S 3.4 is a much better car than the 06-08 Cayman S. The engine is very strong (3.4 DFI), it has the mid-range of a 996 GT3, and good top end, I think Porsche underrated the engine at 320hp, as it feels like a 340Hp engine (compared to 295Hp for the 06-08 Cayman S). This car fetches another $15k over the equivalent Gen I Cayman S.

It is a challenge to find a clean Cayman, so get a broker to work on the search for your car, and save your time and money.

Cgland

NJ - what did the two mods cost you to get done?

NJ-GT

The Porsche Motorsports Oil Separator, X51 oil pan, underdrive pulley for the PS pump and ps oil cooler are somewhere in the $3k range for all parts and labor. It is a worthy upgrade if you plan to track the car.

If you won't track the car, I don't see any need for the oiling issues and power steering issues to be resolved, as they just become issues on tracked cars.

The $15k price delta between a Gen I M97 Cayman S and Gen II 9A1 Cayman S is a little step, especially considering that a clean low miles 07 Cayman S is a $35k car while the same mileage 09 Cayman S is in the $50k range, so the gap is almost 50% more.