DWF

I am considering making the transition from my '09 Cayman to '09 or '10 Carrera. This will likely involve selling my car and locating the future Carrera. The logistics of this seems time consuming and inconvenient at best (for example: the perfect car may comes along with mine not sold; no space to store two vehicles at the same time, etc.) I may need to accept that this process will take some time to accomplish but just wondering from those of you who have been through similar if there is a "best" way to manage?

Zeus993

Go through a dealer. There's great incentive to move inventory.

DWF

I would likely get beat up on my trade if I go this route.

997_rich

consider public garage ($200/MO) and a car rental if necessary (~$400/wk). The expenses are low in comparison with the purchase/sale cost.

I would highly recommend CPO for the purchase of the 997, especially if you are nit-picky. It gives you time to get the car well sorted at zero cost.

DWF

Thanks for suggestion. I'm definitely nit-picky. My Cayman is showroom (hell!--I order my car cleaning products from AutoGeek.com!) so I have some reluctance of letting it go for a "pre-owned" car from someone who is likely not as nit-picky. I have considered just biting the bullet a buying a new one but with 30% off of a vehicle with a few miles it's difficult to justify.

alexb76

I am not sure where you are located and how's your state taxes are calculated, but here, the trade-in save of taxes sometimes BEATS the extra $$ you might get selling the car privately.

centerisl

What is it about the Carrera that you find so compelling over your Cayman?

DWF

Good question. I think given the extra interior room and overall size it may be a better daily driver and honestly I just like the history and iconic nature of the Carrera. The Cayman is fantastic car--in fact I like it better than I thought I would when I bought it new a year ago in Feb. This whole Porsche thing I have found is addicting.

ELUSIVE

You'll enjoy the additional interior space, power and overall appeal from others.
You'll miss the handling and responsiveness.

stevepow

Same here in GA (we only pay tax on the "beyond trade" balance)- I have only had a few times where private sale turned out to be a benefit - most times just a hassle for break-even results. If I trade in a car worth $50K, I save $3500 tax (7%) - Atlanta City residents save $4000 (8%).

DWF

For those of you who have had both is there much difference in ride quality between the two?

DWF

I think we are around 7% in Texas. I guess where a trade in becomes complicated is when you have located your new vehicle out of state.

Bruce R

DWF is your Cayman a "S" & PDK? If so I might have a buyer.

DWF

Nope--neither. Thank you though.

stevepow

From the loaners I have had:
- the Cayman feels lighter, nimbler, more responsive, and less harsh of a ride
- the Carrera feels heavier, more solid, more powerful
- and for God's sake get the Bose sound, weak as it is - in comparison, that normal system is just about horrible unless you just don't plan to use it for anything beyond talk radio. It is embarrassing that Porsche would put anything like that in a car - it's worse than my 1981 Corolla was and my '85 325e was miles better with the stock BMW radio - the PAG system must be worth about $50.

I have had two Cayman loaners and a Boxster - so that's not loads of experience, but the Boxster was a blast!

Net Net - I'd say there is notable difference in the driving feel of these cars.