Cgland

Hey guys and gals! New to the forum and I need some help. I am looking at purchasing a Cayman S and I have my eye on 2 of them. The first is an 06 with 17k miles and the second is an 08 with 43k miles. Both are the same price and identical with regards to options. Is there something I should be looking for? Is it better to go with older/less miles? Is there a major diff between the 2 cars? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Cayman_Sense

Same generation so you won't find any 'difference' if the options are similar... on paper. I'd get maintenance records and would suggest getting a PPI done by a certified shop/dealer. A proper PPI by a dealer can reveal many differences such as overrevs, abnormal wear, etc.

FWIW I had an '08 CS which I sold and bought an '06 CS with 17K miles. No issues to report after 8-9 months of enjoyment. If they're both priced the same, why not just go with lower miles

Bill Lehman

Per last post, there is no difference between the 2006 and 2008. There were significant improvements with the 2009 and later model year (known as gen 2). I'd also vote for the low milage car.

No HTwo O

Don't pay for a PPI until you get a DME scan read first to show the range 1-6 over-revs. They should provide this report to you for no charge. Report results here. If the report is good, then proceed with a PPI.

Cgland

Thanks for the help guys. I was thinking the lower mileage car myself. I just didn't know if there was any issues with the first model year. Thanks. I will post pics when I get it

Dave DE

One small difference is that 07 and later have the tire pressure monitoring system.

Jim in St.Louis

I have a 2007 Cayman with the tire monitor and it would be better without it. Changing wheels etc becomes more complicated, plus you have to remove the tires to replace the batteries every 4-5 (?) years. My 2 cents. Although there are a few minor little changes in the 2007. For example, you cannot install the factory sport exhaust on the '06, but I am not sure of other limitations.
Jim

umwolverine

Get a Gen II - 2009 or later! I can't emphasize this enough if you're going to track or drive the car hard. The power steering and oiling issues were completely solved with the Gen II. If you drive the car hard, you can overheat the ps easily, and even worse you can have oiling problems. Take it from someone who has had both extensively on the track.

agu845

gen II = direct fuel injection (DFI). what about the issue of carbon build up? does it not apply to porsche engines as it does others (Audi RS4 in particular). just asking.

as for power steering overheating, here's a $150 solution: http://www.lnengineering.com/store/c...ler-p-132.html

Cgland

Ok, let me throw this out there...... Would it be better to get an 06/07 Cayman S or an 09 Cayman base?? I found an 09 base in my price range. Is the performance that much greater? I don't plan on tracking this car. Im a performance freak, but is it a huge diff especially with the engine changes in the GenII models. My big issue (dumb as it may be) is the incorporation of an iPod hookup. This is a huge decision for me, so Any help is appreciated

Jim in St.Louis

As an owner of a 2007 base Cayman and an Spec Racer Ford, I have to agree with the old adage, "It is more fun driving a slow car fast, than a fast car slow."
Especially if you have no plans to track the car and you will probably save 3-5 miles per gallon in gasoline. Jim

KS-CS

You could always install a Denison Gateway 500 for direct ipod hook-up in the Gen 1 cars, though admittedly, this might not be quite as satisfactory as the OEM hook-up (especially with PCM).

Have you driven both cars (Gen 1 S and Gen 2 non-S)? Strongly suggest you test drive both if you haven't. If you aren't going to track it, then I would agree that the differences in performance on the street will be relatively small.

Cgland

I have not driven the Gen II base yet. I am trying to find one locally to do so. I found a great deal on one and if the performance diff is non existent then I may jump on it. The only thing I'm worried about with the iPod is the clarity. I can still use the iPod to change songs, I just don't want the signal to be transmitted or something like that. How do u guys approach buying cars over the Internet? I'm finding some great deals, but they are all over 200 miles away and I just can't make a quick trip to check it out. Ugh! It's frustrating, cuz I'm ready to pull the trigger

Jim in St.Louis

I have purchased two Porsches I found on the Internet. Both from a dealer in Chicago, after I did a little investigating about them. Both were low milage and they were bought from a Bently dealer that deals in luxury used cars. Check out who you are buying from, check the SN for crash history and allow an out if you get there and don't like it. Both cars still had a remianing factory waranty. which made feel more secure. It was a hoot flying in to buy a car and then driving it home. Jim

enthuz

TPMS was an option (#482) in 06. My 06 has it and I wish it didn't as it's malfunctioning is the only thing wrong with my Cayman S. Was told to wait till tires are needed to replace the batteries. Still love the car. Too bad it will be sitting the rest of the Winter.

My car also cycled through the Bently dealership when new. Not sure why.