Differences between 2009 ->2012 Caymans?
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Valencia, Spain
Differences between 2009 ->2012 Caymans?
I'm seeing similar prices that can put me in a very low mile 09 or an average mile 2012 (with 30k more miles). I'm leaning toward low miles, but were there any significant improvements done over the 3 year period? I did search, but if this is all old news and you can point me somewhere it would be appreciated.. 
This will be a PDK car if that matters.
This will be a PDK car if that matters.
Last edited by Gary R.; May 11, 2015 at 04:27 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
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no significant changes that I'm aware of
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,00 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,00 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,695
Likes: 390
From: Valencia, Spain
no significant changes that I'm aware of
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,00 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,00 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 171
fixed that 
no significant changes that I'm aware of
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,000 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
I have a 2010 PDK with 113,000 miles (does that qualify as low mileage?)
been a great all around vehicle, no issues
there weren't that many built, especially during 2012 when I think the Cayman R took up the bulk of the production
so, probably not a lot to choose from
seems like there are many more 2014s available but at an extra $10-$15k
probably minor software updates, etc
don't think there were any visual changes made during the 09-12 model years
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,695
Likes: 390
From: Valencia, Spain
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach,Florida
The only difference in 09 was the steering wheel, some still have the 987.1 wheels. Easy upgrade though. If the car has Nav, obviously the maps will be out of date.
FWIW I bought my 2012 last year, the prices for 09-11 were all about the same. I found my 12, and it checked all the boxes for me.
FWIW I bought my 2012 last year, the prices for 09-11 were all about the same. I found my 12, and it checked all the boxes for me.
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From: Ormond Beach, FL
Yes...the single biggest difference is ESPECIALLY among the PDK cars and that is the fact that if you purchased a car WITH LSD then you got 1 type of PDK transmission that is found in all 2012 Cayman Rs and 2011 987.2 3.4Ls that came equipped with an LSD; otherwise you have another type of PDK transmission. The LSD itself in the Rs and cars with LSD is actually bigger and we note this to customers who are ordering the Guard Transmission LSD from us because the unit itself is different for the above listed cars vs. every PDK 2009 and newer 987.2 that DID NOT have an LSD stock. Outside of this, cars made during 2009 have 1 type of oil pressure sending unit while cars made during 2010 and after have another.
If you can get your hands on a PDK 987.2 3.4L for under $35K the market for these cars is better than i thought because that same car last year was in the low $40s. Hopefully these economics will keep us busy because $30K spent on a $35K PDK Cayman could net you a 3.8L swap with headers, mufflers, an intake and a flash and you would be making 420 crank hp.
If you can get your hands on a PDK 987.2 3.4L for under $35K the market for these cars is better than i thought because that same car last year was in the low $40s. Hopefully these economics will keep us busy because $30K spent on a $35K PDK Cayman could net you a 3.8L swap with headers, mufflers, an intake and a flash and you would be making 420 crank hp.
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Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,695
Likes: 390
From: Valencia, Spain
Yes...the single biggest difference is ESPECIALLY among the PDK cars and that is the fact that if you purchased a car WITH LSD then you got 1 type of PDK transmission that is found in all 2012 Cayman Rs and 2011 987.2 3.4Ls that came equipped with an LSD; otherwise you have another type of PDK transmission. The LSD itself in the Rs and cars with LSD is actually bigger and we note this to customers who are ordering the Guard Transmission LSD from us because the unit itself is different for the above listed cars vs. every PDK 2009 and newer 987.2 that DID NOT have an LSD stock. Outside of this, cars made during 2009 have 1 type of oil pressure sending unit while cars made during 2010 and after have another.
If you can get your hands on a PDK 987.2 3.4L for under $35K the market for these cars is better than i thought because that same car last year was in the low $40s. Hopefully these economics will keep us busy because $30K spent on a $35K PDK Cayman could net you a 3.8L swap with headers, mufflers, an intake and a flash and you would be making 420 crank hp.
If you can get your hands on a PDK 987.2 3.4L for under $35K the market for these cars is better than i thought because that same car last year was in the low $40s. Hopefully these economics will keep us busy because $30K spent on a $35K PDK Cayman could net you a 3.8L swap with headers, mufflers, an intake and a flash and you would be making 420 crank hp.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Ormond Beach, FL
Thank you John. Actually finding an S without high mileage AND a PDK for under $40k is pretty impossible, even a 2009. I've found two 09 PDK cars i'm interested in, but one is a base model and I think I will always look back in regret if I go that route... So I should see if the car has factory LSD from what you say and that would be the better way to go?
You could always find a 2.9L PDK base and send it for a 3.8L swap!
I'm kidding...just find out what's out there for PDK cars and if you want, email me a link.
You can't go wrong with PDK given the lack of over-revs. I think that the word is out about the R because with it you get lightweight doors, an aero kit, sport bucket seats, full throttle ECU and an LSD. When it first came out I was a bit disappointed in the upgrades but just like everything else, the sum of its parts underneath make it a great buy!
Burning Brakes
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You could always find a 2.9L PDK base and send it for a 3.8L swap!
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From: Ormond Beach, FL
I guess that hindsight is 20/20 or maybe that if you give us enough time, we'll find a solution for problems in front of us. I think that this is become more and more of an attractive donor car though because the engine can be removed and sold to a race team because there are roughly 15 Caymans racing today in the IMSA and World Challenge Series and if the donor car is PDK, then there is zero worry of an over-rev.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Valencia, Spain
Saw I never finished up on this but I ended up with an 09 S with PDK, 39K miles, $40k. I am VERY happy with the car so far and soooooo glad I went with the S as it has a LOT more power than my wife's 981 Boxster! Love the PDK in Sport and Sport+, though + is a bit brutal for the street...
First DE in 7/1-2 at Thunderbolt, Dan Jacobs is tossing in H&R springs, a better alignment, changeing/flushing in new PDK oil. I'll flush brake fluid with PFC race fluid and toss on some race pads.. on the track she goes!
First DE in 7/1-2 at Thunderbolt, Dan Jacobs is tossing in H&R springs, a better alignment, changeing/flushing in new PDK oil. I'll flush brake fluid with PFC race fluid and toss on some race pads.. on the track she goes!
