Test drove a Cayman

[mr.tourette]

The only downside is, it's a Porsche

Pray tell? Doesn't strike me as a downside

[john-e89]

The hype is real isn't it Steve....Bmw just can't get near to them in terms of handling and poise. Interiors are dull as dishwater like the E85/6 but that's soon forgotten once it's up and running.

Best of luck in your quest.

Thanks John, yep the hype is definitely real and I'm beginning to see myself in one for a couple of years... the corvette bug though is still nibbling away at me.. need to make a decision one way or the other soon.. not easy finding one to test drive though

I get that Steve....V8 muscle in a hot looking car compared to Porsche finesse...tricky choice. I can't help you....

[mr.tourette]

The hype is real isn't it Steve....Bmw just can't get near to them in terms of handling and poise. Interiors are dull as dishwater like the E85/6 but that's soon forgotten once it's up and running.

Best of luck in your quest.

Thanks John, yep the hype is definitely real and I'm beginning to see myself in one for a couple of years... the corvette bug though is still nibbling away at me.. need to make a decision one way or the other soon.. not easy finding one to test drive though

I get that Steve....V8 muscle in a hot looking car compared to Porsche finesse...tricky choice. I can't help you....

correct, no doubt Ill own both of them at some point, its just which one now?

[Pondrew]

Hehe.. that old chestnut I think Ive ruled out the 370z..looks nice and the 3.7 v6 is tempting but I object to putting 615 large into the taxmans pocket every year for a weekend toy.. porker is half that.. sl is a non starter after the test drive, its down to the corvette and the porker I believe

So a Cayman it is then. Show us some pictures when you find one.

[Mr Tidy]

I think Ive ruled out the 370z..looks nice and the 3.7 v6 is tempting but I object to putting 615 large into the taxmans pocket every year for a weekend toy.. porker is half that.. sl is a non starter after the test drive, its down to the corvette and the porker I believe

I think the Nissans were developed with the US market in mind so are probably a bit more GT than Sports car, and by all accounts are heavier than Z4s.

But 370Zs aren't exactly lookers! I can (reluctantly) live with £600+ a year road tax for my MC, but would never pay that for a 370Z.

I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

[Argyll Andy]

My mate’s got one like you drove today, he loves his

[philip27]

They are great cars I loved mine. Regarding the brakes check if it needs the brake fluid changing that can make quite a big difference. It’s supposed to be changed every 2 years.

[mr.tourette]

I think Ive ruled out the 370z..looks nice and the 3.7 v6 is tempting but I object to putting 615 large into the taxmans pocket every year for a weekend toy.. porker is half that.. sl is a non starter after the test drive, its down to the corvette and the porker I believe

I think the Nissans were developed with the US market in mind so are probably a bit more GT than Sports car, and by all accounts are heavier than Z4s.

But 370Zs aren't exactly lookers! I can (reluctantly) live with £600+ a year road tax for my MC, but would never pay that for a 370Z.

I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

Really? Ive always quite liked the look of them, a bit squat looking I guess but not an ugly car imho.. I guess its subjective

[Big Bad Boris]

Shame it's not a 'proper' Porsche.
Only joking....of the cars you've looked at; Corvette (?), Merc SL, 370z (?), it would be a Porker for me any day of the week. It's a Porsche!
I am old enough to remember when a Porsche was the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Still is, arguably!

Hehe.. that old chestnut I think Ive ruled out the 370z..looks nice and the 3.7 v6 is tempting but I object to putting 615 large into the taxmans pocket every year for a weekend toy.. porker is half that.. sl is a non starter after the test drive, its down to the corvette and the porker I believe

I believe you’ll have to avoid the ”s” if you want avoid the £600+ road tax

[plenty]

So refreshing to find on display here the ability to appreciate other marques, which is rarely present in model-specific communities.

[M1k3yC]

well that was nice!! Im impressed

Needless to say it drove lovely, was a 2006 3.2s, probably wont be buying that as Im looking to the 987.2 series with the upgraded engine but in terms of driving experience it was way ahead of the z4 and the sl340, cabin was understated but a nice place to be, engine was fantastic.. brakes not so much but it had been sat ona forecourt for a while.. its certainly heading to the top of my very short list

Was it a manual or an auto? I'm following this with interest because a move into a Boxster or Cayman one day is on my wish list. I've never owned an auto but would be open to a PDK.

[Silverstar]

well that was nice!! Im impressed

Needless to say it drove lovely, was a 2006 3.2s, probably wont be buying that as Im looking to the 987.2 series with the upgraded engine but in terms of drivng experience it was way ahead of the z4 and the sl340, cabin was understated but a nice place to be, engine was fantastic.. brakes not so much but it had been sat ona forecourt for a while.. its certainly heading to the top of my very short list

Was it a manual or an auto? I'm following this with interest because a move into a Boxster or Cayman one day is on my wish list. I've never owned an auto but would be open to a PDK.

Having driven my mates 911 991.2 with PDK all I can say is it is a fantastic box, lightning quick changes. I would have it over a manual any day.

[hopz121]

I know its not a Cayman but essentially it's the same car. I have driven a few Boxster's over the years on road trips and the like and I have always been blown away by them as an overall package. They are really practical too for the size!

The first one I drove was a 987.2 S Black Edition PDK (Shown below) I took this to the highlands for a week with my wife and had an amazing time, it had quite a few desirable options including all important sport chrono pack and the switchable sports exhaust.

SCOTLAND - Pic 6.JPG (230 KiB) Viewed 479 times

The Second one i have driven recently is a 718 GTS PDK (Shown below) I took this out around Dartmoor and Devon and it was a completely different animal to the 987, it doesn't sound as good but other than sound its a much much better car in all aspects. It was silly fast too with all the extra torque the turbo brings to the table.

Devon 1.jpg (323.22 KiB) Viewed 479 times

Devon 2.jpg (305.74 KiB) Viewed 479 times

I haven't driven 981 but I am led to believe they are brilliant cars with the great sounding engine and some more creature comforts over the 987. The only downside is the steering feel isn't as good being as its the first effort at electric steering.

I'd stay away from 987.1 cars in general as they can have reliability issues, also be a bit careful with the 987.2 S as a few of them have started to see a few issues (no where near as common or as major as the 987.1 issues though) the sweet sport for reliability of the 987 is the base gen 2 model with the 2.9 litre engine.

Options wise see if you can find one with the sports seats, Porsche sports exhaust and full leather as it really makes the car that extra bit special.

I am always keeping an eye out for a Cayman as they offer alot of car for the money, servicing and maintenance is a massive step up over BMW though so bear that in mind. I'd recommend you get a PPI done if you aren't up to speed with the common weaknesses which there are quite a few.

Good luck with the search, if you decide to go for one.

[mr.tourette]

Shame it's not a 'proper' Porsche.
Only joking....of the cars you've looked at; Corvette (?), Merc SL, 370z (?), it would be a Porker for me any day of the week. It's a Porsche!
I am old enough to remember when a Porsche was the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Still is, arguably!

Hehe.. that old chestnut I think Ive ruled out the 370z..looks nice and the 3.7 v6 is tempting but I object to putting 615 large into the taxmans pocket every year for a weekend toy.. porker is half that.. sl is a non starter after the test drive, its down to the corvette and the porker I believe

I believe you’ll have to avoid the ”s” if you want avoid the £600+ road tax

Yup[ I'm looking at the 2nd gen 2.9 , pokey enough for me

[mr.tourette]

Good info Hopz..thanks