On Tuesday I attended the Kuwait Auto Show, which closed up that day.
I had the very good fortune of sitting in a Cayenne Turbo, Boxter S, Carrera 4S and a Cayman. It was in blue and looked superb.
The interior of the Cayman is beyond comparison. High quality materials everywhere. The wood especially feels beautiful and I couldn't stop running my fingers on it. The leather feels rich and of high quality. The car had an automatic transmission. The wheel is large and comfortable to hold. Seat comfort is superb, and the gauges are easy to read.
My only comforts are that this vehicle is only for smaller people. I'm about 5"11, 175 pounds and the vehicle felt cramped. Not too much room to move around. Felt very different from my Camry. Then again, pretty much all cars in this category aren't known for interior room. My buddy who is 5"10, 210 pounds was especially uncomfortable. His head touched the roof and he couldnt move much.
The center stack looks very nice, however I'm not sure how simple it is to use. The storage space under the armrest is kinda shallow, I can imagine a few CDS and a cell phone filling it up fast. There is storage behind the seats, but only enough for maybe two duffel bags.
Still, a beautiful car. I'll post pictures of my Porsche experience later.
This car will be a success for sure. If I had the money, I'd get one despite the lack of interior room.
Now if only they had let me sit in the red Carrera GT there.....
I am a Porsche 911 Carrera owner and must say that I personally find the new Cayman styling to be more on the feminine side. I like the harder lines on the 911 and don't like the multiple waves of rounded edges on the Cayman. I've heard the handling on the Cayman is superior to the 911, but that Porsche has purposely chipped-down the horsepower on the Cayman to keep the price points on the 911 alive. Also heard that there may be some speed shops out there who can chip mod the Cayman to be as fast as a 911-S. Is this true? If so, then it's a great bargain.
I think that Porsche are re-engineering their strategy and aiming the 911 to be a performance family car and the Cayman more of a direct sports car.
You know I've driven the Boxster, 911 Carerra and I now own a Cayman S and I must say that I enjoy driving the Cayman much more, It's more fun and feels great.
I must say that I enjoyed driving the Boxster and 911 aswell, though the Cayman feels a lot more raw and energetic.
It also looks very agressive and the design and curves in my eyes add to this.
I must admit however my CaymanS is highly specified with the larger 19" Sport Design Alloys, Sports Chrono Plus, PCM, Sports Steering Wheel, PASM, BOSE etc etc
It's hard to explain until you've driven a CaymanS there's something about it that makes you come back for more and leaves a smile on your face when you park it up...
And you see I didn't need the 4 seats of the standard 911 and the 911 didnt feel as refined as the CaymanS. The Mid-engine sounds great and hey the Cayman should hold its value better too as its still new.
I think that the 911 is aimed at a different market and as two seaters go the CaymanS is the benchmark. For Four seaters its the 911.
And the likes of BMW, Mercedes will continue to compete but will never build cars the way Porsche brings them to us, Porsches have always been a joy to drive...
:surprise: what are your thoughts on a $1000 deposit requested of me to get "in line" to place an order for a fall delivery of cayman S!
I will buy a Caymen S but do not want to take delivery (or close deal) until later in the year (fall or winter, possible Jan '07).
Should I take my chances and simply wait. I could order a 2007 in late '06. I think demand exceeds supply now but I suspect it will catch up (i.e. cool off)
Do I need to stand "in line" for a chance to order in a state (MI) for which I soon be moving OR simply take my chances with higher volume dealers in the CT/RI area.
While outta my price range now, that Cayman S sure is nice to look at. Anyone heard if the Cayman will get a lower powered/priced non 'S' version like the other Porsche models? The Boxster 'S' 3.2 motor would seem a logical choice (likely down a few ponies). Gotta have something to dream for... maybe an 08 or 09. Any current bugs should be worked out by then as well as a saved down payment.
My husband was ordering a 911 on Saturday--I was a bit bored and took a test drive. Oh, oh. I wrote out a check and drove it off the lot. Cayman S Tip, seal gray. This is the last car I imagined myself buying. I currently drive a BMW 530i but it is now sitting in the garage, lonely. The Cayman S is a dream. Every sense is satisfied. This one came with Bose but I keep turning it off just so I can enjoy the roar. I feel safe because of the incredible handling, steering and braking. Most of all, it is fun---I smile like a fool when I am driving it. I didn't even know that a car could make you happy! I think I now get the guy thing and cars. If this is a midlife crisis, bring it on!
Took a look at one yesterday, much more attractive in person than the photos I have seen to date. But I have to mark it off my list as I am about 6'3" and I could not adjust the seat to a position where my left knee wasn't banging against the steering upon clutch actuation. Oh well, it would have been nice...I guess I will wait until I can afford a 911 as my first Porsche (such a sacrifice..)
Brashman, can you fit into a 911 comfortably? I've been considering one as a next purchse for myself and have toyed with the idea of a Cayman S as well after reading Car and Driver's review of it a few issues back. Either one may be an issue for me since I am about 6'6" and since the Cayman doesn't work for you I guess its out of the picture. How about the 911? Can you fit comfortably in it?
Many have found that raising the seat up then back completely and then lowering the seat actually gave them the room they need. However 6'6" is pretty tall!
Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a shot when I go visit a local Porsche dealer in the upcoming weeks to satisfy my curiosity. I have always been interested in ordering a 911 and now perhaps the Cayman S but I have always wondered if I could even fit in one. Everytime I see someone behind the wheel or exiting one they are never even close to 6'6". I guess they are just not made for us non-vertically challenged folks.
Are you still loving it? (sometimes the thrill of a new car wears off and the warts can begin to show)
When I test drove I was a bit concerned about the "great" engine note which I loved but wondered if the rather loud sound at cruising would become tiresome. How do you find that? Have you taken any long drives? Beautiful car, nicest styled of the line to me.
I picked mine up on Saturday in Denver and drove it to Salt Lake City on several very tasty stretches of highway. It is everything the reviews are saying. Amazing comfort for a long ride, terrific handling andfun to look down on interior technology. I went out to buy a 911 and fell in love with the Cayman. I really think dollar for dollar it is a better car. After 650 miles on Sunday, I came pulling up to my house and wanted to drive around the block a few more times. I couldn't park it!
No warts yet. The thrill is still there and getting better. I took a two hour trip and the only problem I had with the sound was that I kept turning off the CD player to listen to the engine. It gets into your head and I think there is something addictive going on there. I'm glad that I didn't get an upgrade on the sound system. It would have been a waste of money for me.
I will admit that when I change off to my BMW 530i, I am more relaxed, the ride is smoother, and it is easier to go into auto-mode. But that's not the point of having a sports car, right? I think the Porsche isn't very good for my blood pressure, but it sure makes me smile each time I drive it. Last week I was going a bit over the speed limit and was followed by a highway patrol for about 3 miles on the freeway. As I exited, he followed, pulled up alongside, rolled down his window, got my attention and gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up. Whew! He like it too.">
As a Boxster 987 owner, I was invited for a Cayman tech session and test drive. It felt almost exactly like the Boxster-S does. The 15hp will probably make itself known only on a track and not during a test drive.
Sure, it was more "together" than a Boxster, but you EXPECT that in a $70K coupe.
I personally prefer the Boxster [top down in CA *is* fun].
Debating between a Boxster S and a CaymanS (with minimal package),Is the Cayman that much more worth it to warrant the price?.Your help appreciated! Chander
Don't ask here - and don't read the press reviews / road tests. Go out and test drive both cars youself for 20+ miles each. And only on a sunny warm day when you can drop the top of the Boxster.
I've driven the Boxster S extensively and will be getting a chance to drive a Cayman S next week when I take my 911 in for service. From what my dealer has told me, the Cayman S is the best handling, most go-cart like Porsche in history. Slightly quicker than the Boxster S as well (but well short in that department of my 911 S). He (the dealer) claims that it is very different driving experience than the Boxster S.
However, there is also nothing like the roadster open air driving feeling. Driving my family around last night with the top down in our 911S is well worth the slight loss of performance the 911 Cab has relative to the 911 Coupe. At least according to my daughters.
You need to decide between performance and open air fun. And perhaps aesthetics. While the Boxster S looks great with it's top down, the Cayman S looks great all of the time. Both are great cars - if there was ever a personal & subjective decision, the Cayman vs. the Boxster is it.
I have had a couple of convertibles and now I have the cayman. I generally don't like the way convertibles look with the top up. I also don't like the body shimmy and the extra weight added to increase rigitidy for handling with convertibles. I have to admit that I like the open air feeling of a convertible, but only on the open road and not in stop and go freeway driving. There are in my opinion too few times when you can really enjoy a convertible the top down. The Cayman's handing and look I think are worth the extra dough because it gets you so close the the look and feel of a 911 at a big discount.
The Boxster S is only 11 pounds heavier than Cayman. Although the latter is much more rigid, the Boxster is still considered extremely rigid for a droptop. There’s none of that shimmy. Some people just don’t like convertibles or the initial thrill wears off quickly, in which case it makes no sense getting one. Weather permitting, the top on my 986S is always down. I don’t even mind being nestled among the Kenworths when traffic is thick. You can go deaf though.
I took a Cayman out a couple of weeks ago and drove it back-to-back with an equally specked 987S, that is, 19” wheels, no PASM. They felt virtually the same on the casual and, for the most part, sedate test drive with the salesman riding shotgun. It would be nice to have each for some quality time to fish for differences. No doubt the stiffness would become more apparent.
Congrats to all of you new Cayman owners. It’s a great driver.
I am the current owner of an 04 G35 Coupe, purchased new with 14,000 miles on it. I love the raw power of my car but am quite intrigued with the lines of the Cayman. I have never owned a Porsche but have had numerous German cars, Benz, Audi, Volks, etc. My main concern is reliability and electrical gremlins. I am planning on test driving one soon. I will report back with my impression. I'm sure I will be impressed with the handling. Life is short and I feel like going for the gusto!
I will be purchasing a Cayman S, but I am in a quandry about whether to get the standard or sport seats. I will be using the car mostly for daily transportation and sometimes longer trips. Has anyone had experience with either? I'd love to get some feedback...
I just picked up my Cayman yesterday, I love the car. My only regret is that I didn't try a car with the sport seats. I have the regular seats with power controls and they are a bit narrow near my shoulders and the headrest is fixed in a slightly awkward position. I don't know if the sport seats would be better but you should try one with both before you buy. Other than that - go for it!
Thanks for writing - I have tried the car with both regular and sport seats. The sport seats were more confining, especially at the shoulders and hips - and it seems that the lumbar portion was thicker than the regular seats. I found that I could recline further back with the regular seats. So you probably made the right decision - even though you never tried both. I am leaning towards the regular seats, which are not as confining and perhaps better on a long trip.
Has anyone been successful buying below sticker? I am looking at one around 63K MSRP, I have never bought a luxury car before (always been an American muscle or SUV type) and was wondering if I could buy around 60K. Is this naive of me or could this be a realistic sales price? Appreciate the feedback.
Not sure where you "heard" that, but here in the DC area, that would be a fair discount for a Boxster S, but there are almost no un-sold Cayman S's sitting in inventory. My dealer has yet to discount one more than a "courtesy" $1,000 and only then for repeat customers.
Reports from buyers in other forums. There appear to be varying price/demand pockets throughout the country as Cayman proceeds from launch to saturation among the FMY must haves. But it seems this car is starting follow Boxster pricing and depreciation right out the window, not because it isn’t a great car, rather because the demand for a deuce coupe is limited. I expect to see $10K+ off sticker come December just as it has been with the Boxster for the past three years unless Porsche is conservative with production.
Another thing. As we know 911 cabs sell considerably more than the coupes. Will the Boxster coupe reverse that trend? Doubt it.
FWIW, a friend of mine recently went Cayman browsing in northern NJ. He didn’t get a price from the dealer on a new car but the dealer offered him a Cayman with 400 miles on it for $52K. It stickered at ~$64K.
If your friend had a chance to buy a Cayman at $12K off w/only 400 miles, he should have done so. That seems like too good of a deal. I just got a Cayman last week for over $4K off, I didn't shop or haggle extremely aggressively, if I did I'm sure I could have saved a few more $ but I'm going to be ordering another Porsche from this dealer next winter and I want to build a long term relationship with them. Many parts of the country are not discounting cars much at all.
No matter what you pay this is a great car. I went to the dealer about 6 weeks ago fully expecting to buy a Boxster S at a very big discount. After driving the Cayman I had to buy it instead. The Boxster is also a wonderful car but the Cayman felt much more substantial in many regards plus I can fully track the Cayman. I also drove a Carrera as well and I chose the Cayman based upon driving enjoyment - the price differential was not an issue.
I hope you are able to get a Cayman at a great deal and you enjoy it as much as I do.
If your friend had a chance to buy a Cayman at $12K off w/only 400 miles, he should have done so.
He wasn’t serious, just curious.
I hope you are able to get a Cayman at a great deal and you enjoy it as much as I do.
Well I have an 02 Boxster S and am not seriously shopping now, just being a fan, yapping away about Porsches. I’m not sure I can give up the ragtop anyway. Good luck with your car.
I agree with you on giving up the ragtop. I have a 2001 BMW 330Cic which I was planning to trade in for my impending Boxster S purchase. Well when I decided that I wanted the Cayman S instead I also decided to keep the convertible BMW for those days when you just need to enjoy the sun. I now have four cars and one wife who just doesn't understand our need for toys such as these.
What has been Porsches record on new mdl problems?What was the Boxters record the first few years? The 911 has been evolving for almost 40 years.Porsche has added and dropped some mdls over the years and this will be our first Porsche and I would like input from those of you who have owned them for a while.Thanks.
Although the Cayman is not a simple "hardtop Boxster S", it does share quite a bit of chassis, suspension and engine technology with the Boxster and even the 911 (I believe the 3.4 liter engine is a variant of the 3.6 liter in the base 911). Certainly the interior shows virtually the exact same electronics & options - PSM, ABS, PASM, Nav, Bose, Sport-chrono etc. - as found in the new Boxster S and 911(997). That suggests to me that if any of these systems had gremlins, they were resolved well before the Cayman.
Although the Cayenne SUV consistently makes the list of most problematic new vehicles, it had no relationship to any previous Porsche model. Based upon my research and favorable experience with a 911, I would have no hesitation on buying a Cayman S. The owner of my hometown Acura/Mercedes dealer bought one of the first Caymans to arrive in the US as his personal car. That's a pretty stong competitive endorsement, given that the nearest Porsche dealership is 80+ miles away.
I think anybody over 6-2 will be tight in the Cayman. I'm almost 6-4 and I can't get my seat far back enough to be comfortable. The same with the boxter. It's tight for people 6 foot plus.
I just picked up my arctic silver Cayman S Thursday. I got a $2500 discount and the dealer found one in another city and I got it after only two weeks wait (the other dealer in my ares said it would be 8-12 weeks since it had to be ordered and would only give me $1500 off sticker.
My first weekend experience: an awesome car! I had a 951 (944 turbo) with a rcaing chip and altered wastegate, which I drive 172 mph (at dawn on a Sunday morning). The turbo felt much larger and the turbo kept increasing power (like an afterburner), but the Cayman is smaller and quicker with an awesome feel (like being in rails). Although it is supposed to go 171, I doubt if I will try that again as I'm now older and wiser (I hope). There is a little more road noise that I expected, but it doesn't bother me (I drove a Boxster a few years back and I guess the open cockpit cut down on preceived noise). Also, it was a warm weekend and I noticed the back of the seat felt too warm (up against the engine) even with the climate control making other parts comfortable. You can get silver super insulation (about 1/4 inch thick) that could potentially be put between the engine and the cabin. I will have to ask my mechanic at Parktown Imports about this. All in all baby Cayman is a joy!
I can't agree more. A beautiful car in person. My husband and I went to the local dealership last night so he could finally drive one. I was hoping he wouldn't like it. But the look on his face when he came back was trouble. The biggest smile in the world. He's a pretty big guy, 5'11" 240 or so and he said it was very comfortable; just as much as his 911. Decisions decisions...I would say one thing... I think the Cayman is a car that should have that "look at me" color. That yellow is something else...
Has anyone (besides Arctic Silver) found that heat from the engine is warming seats? I am awaiting delivery of my new Cayman S and am wondering if this is a serious or minor problem. Thanks.
I purchased a Cayman S with 1600 miles on it from my local dealer, 2 weeks after delivery, I had an oil leak, Shaft Sealing Ring. They fixed it with no problems or questions. Two weeks later, agian I have the same leak. Has anyone else had this problem? :mad: Besides this little problem, this car is a BLAST to drive, I traded in an 04 Audi S4 AWD, this car is as much fun to drive with better looks.
That sounds like a car that wasn't broken in properly - according to my dealer. At least that is what he believes has a lot to do with the RMS leak problems in the past. Failure to properly break in the car is not something that can be "undone" short of dropping a new engine in the car.
We are getting ready to place an order for a 2007 Cayman S for a September delivery date. Has anyone experience any mechanical problems on the 2006 Cayman S? It is definitely a gorgeous car but I don't know much about it and would appreciate your feedback good and bad. Thank you.
I have had my Cayman for just over 3 weeks and no problems. This is a great car - fun to drive at any speed and on any type of road. If you are going to order a car I would suggest that you get one of the sport steering wheels, they are smaller in diameter and make a difference. I have 19" wheels w/standard suspension, it is a little bumpy on bad roads but it handles great. Also I would get the clear stone guard as this car gets a lot of chips, all German cars have soft paint but the low hoodline makes the Cayman a target. Enjoy your car!
My three good sources for this are: (1) dealership sales manager that worked at the Porsche factory for 6-7 years; (2) neighbor that drove for Porsche's racing team in the 1980's and 1990's; and (3) friend who has been a Porsche nut for 30+ years, has a 996TT and still has a pristine 356.
All three advised me that, in addition to following the owners manual recommendation of not exceeding 4,000 rpms and varying engine speed for the first 1,000 miles, to drive the car for at least 20 minutes every time you start it for the first 1,500 miles. Longer in colder weather. The objective is to fully warm up the oil and all engine parts, seals, etc. during the break in period. This allows them to fully expand and contract. Repeatedly driving the car for short hops during the break in period doesn't allow this to happen and can result in parts that don't "seat" as well. Oil leaks around seals may result, among other things.
My dealership is close to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The sales manager has to slap doctors to get them to listen to these instructions. Yet many will take their new 911 home and then commute about 3 miles/5 minutes to the hospital and back day after day during the break-in period. My dealer claims that about 80% of all of their "rear main seal" leaks can be traced to such bad break-in behavior.
Fortunately, Porsche's instruments include both a water/radiator temperature guage as well as an oil temperature guage. The water temperature reaches equilibrium in about 4-5 minutes. The oil doesn't reach equilibrium for 15-20+ minutes depending upon the ambiant temperature. That's the one you want to watch.
Hope this helps. I was religious about it, figuring I might want to keep the car for a long time.
Are you sure it has nothing to do with new model blues. After 1-2 years all these issues should be resolved and then we dont have to go through this regimen you are recommending.
"Are you sure it has nothing to do with new model blues. After 1-2 years all these issues should be resolved and then we dont have to go through this regimen you are recommending."
Not sure what you mean. The additional break in recommendation I got for my 911 of avoiding short hops that don't get the engine oil fully warmed up had nothing to do with "new model blues". This is simply a good policy for any high performance engine (especially one that holds 9+ quarts of oil to heat up).
But hey, if you want to use your car to dirve to the mailbox at the end of your driveway and back, that's certainly your perogative. I didn't find refraining from short hops for the first 1,500 miles much of a "regimen".
I have a 2003 M5 and was given the same instructions - avoid short trips during the break in period that do not enable the engine to reach full operating temperature. If I'm not mistaken, it's written into the owner's manual.
I believe the boxster sytle engines may be even more sesitive to following this procedure, but it's certainly not new or unique to the Cayman S or even Porsche.
It's in the M5 owner's manual, not sure about the Porsche owner's manual.
FWIW, I have found it more difficult to follow the "vary your engine speed" recommendations during break in than the "no/limit short trips". I managed to break in my M5 within two weeks of getting it, by taking a trip down to our vacation home in Hilton Head (from Pittsburgh). On the way down, I was stopped by a North Carolina trooper for going 90. I used the "breaking-in" excuse to get off with a warning. On the way back, in the dead of night with almost no other cars on the road, I was stopped by the same bloody trooper doing 100. He sent me on my way with another warning, laughing that he had actually been following me from a distance and noted that over 30 miles I varied between 70 and 100 in nice even 10 mph increments. He just wanted to make sure I didn't end up at 150 and he couldn't catch me.
Comments
I had the very good fortune of sitting in a Cayenne Turbo, Boxter S, Carrera 4S and a Cayman. It was in blue and looked superb.
The interior of the Cayman is beyond comparison. High quality materials everywhere. The wood especially feels beautiful and I couldn't stop running my fingers on it. The leather feels rich and of high quality. The car had an automatic transmission. The wheel is large and comfortable to hold. Seat comfort is superb, and the gauges are easy to read.
My only comforts are that this vehicle is only for smaller people. I'm about 5"11, 175 pounds and the vehicle felt cramped. Not too much room to move around. Felt very different from my Camry. Then again, pretty much all cars in this category aren't known for interior room. My buddy who is 5"10, 210 pounds was especially uncomfortable. His head touched the roof and he couldnt move much.
The center stack looks very nice, however I'm not sure how simple it is to use. The storage space under the armrest is kinda shallow, I can imagine a few CDS and a cell phone filling it up fast. There is storage behind the seats, but only enough for maybe two duffel bags.
Still, a beautiful car. I'll post pictures of my Porsche experience later.
This car will be a success for sure. If I had the money, I'd get one despite the lack of interior room.
Now if only they had let me sit in the red Carrera GT there.....
You know I've driven the Boxster, 911 Carerra and I now own a Cayman S and I must say that I enjoy driving the Cayman much more, It's more fun and feels great.
I must say that I enjoyed driving the Boxster and 911 aswell, though the Cayman feels a lot more raw and energetic.
It also looks very agressive and the design and curves in my eyes add to this.
I must admit however my CaymanS is highly specified with the larger 19" Sport Design Alloys, Sports Chrono Plus, PCM, Sports Steering Wheel, PASM, BOSE etc etc
It's hard to explain until you've driven a CaymanS there's something about it that makes you come back for more and leaves a smile on your face when you park it up...
And you see I didn't need the 4 seats of the standard 911 and the 911 didnt feel as refined as the CaymanS. The Mid-engine sounds great and hey the Cayman should hold its value better too as its still new.
I think that the 911 is aimed at a different market and
as two seaters go the CaymanS is the benchmark.
For Four seaters its the 911.
And the likes of BMW, Mercedes will continue to compete but will never build cars the way Porsche brings them to us, Porsches have always been a joy to drive...
I will buy a Caymen S but do not want to take delivery (or close deal) until later in the year (fall or winter, possible Jan '07).
Should I take my chances and simply wait. I could order a 2007 in late '06. I think demand exceeds supply now but I suspect it will catch up (i.e. cool off)
Do I need to stand "in line" for a chance to order in a state (MI) for which I soon be moving OR simply take my chances with higher volume dealers in the CT/RI area.
Thanks in advance for your advice
When I test drove I was a bit concerned about the "great" engine note which I loved but wondered if the rather loud sound at cruising would become tiresome. How do you find that? Have you taken any long drives?
Beautiful car, nicest styled of the line to me.
I will admit that when I change off to my BMW 530i, I am more relaxed, the ride is smoother, and it is easier to go into auto-mode. But that's not the point of having a sports car, right? I think the Porsche isn't very good for my blood pressure, but it sure makes me smile each time I drive it. Last week I was going a bit over the speed limit and was followed by a highway patrol for about 3 miles on the freeway. As I exited, he followed, pulled up alongside, rolled down his window, got my attention and gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up. Whew! He like it too.">
Sure, it was more "together" than a Boxster, but you EXPECT that in a $70K coupe.
I personally prefer the Boxster [top down in CA *is* fun].
Bapcha
Chander
I've driven the Boxster S extensively and will be getting a chance to drive a Cayman S next week when I take my 911 in for service. From what my dealer has told me, the Cayman S is the best handling, most go-cart like Porsche in history. Slightly quicker than the Boxster S as well (but well short in that department of my 911 S). He (the dealer) claims that it is very different driving experience than the Boxster S.
However, there is also nothing like the roadster open air driving feeling. Driving my family around last night with the top down in our 911S is well worth the slight loss of performance the 911 Cab has relative to the 911 Coupe. At least according to my daughters.
You need to decide between performance and open air fun. And perhaps aesthetics. While the Boxster S looks great with it's top down, the Cayman S looks great all of the time. Both are great cars - if there was ever a personal & subjective decision, the Cayman vs. the Boxster is it.
I took a Cayman out a couple of weeks ago and drove it back-to-back with an equally specked 987S, that is, 19” wheels, no PASM. They felt virtually the same on the casual and, for the most part, sedate test drive with the salesman riding shotgun. It would be nice to have each for some quality time to fish for differences. No doubt the stiffness would become more apparent.
Congrats to all of you new Cayman owners. It’s a great driver.
Another thing. As we know 911 cabs sell considerably more than the coupes. Will the Boxster coupe reverse that trend? Doubt it.
FWIW, a friend of mine recently went Cayman browsing in northern NJ. He didn’t get a price from the dealer on a new car but the dealer offered him a Cayman with 400 miles on it for $52K. It stickered at ~$64K.
No matter what you pay this is a great car. I went to the dealer about 6 weeks ago fully expecting to buy a Boxster S at a very big discount. After driving the Cayman I had to buy it instead. The Boxster is also a wonderful car but the Cayman felt much more substantial in many regards plus I can fully track the Cayman. I also drove a Carrera as well and I chose the Cayman based upon driving enjoyment - the price differential was not an issue.
I hope you are able to get a Cayman at a great deal and you enjoy it as much as I do.
He wasn’t serious, just curious.
I hope you are able to get a Cayman at a great deal and you enjoy it as much as I do.
Well I have an 02 Boxster S and am not seriously shopping now, just being a fan, yapping away about Porsches. I’m not sure I can give up the ragtop anyway. Good luck with your car.
Although the Cayenne SUV consistently makes the list of most problematic new vehicles, it had no relationship to any previous Porsche model. Based upon my research and favorable experience with a 911, I would have no hesitation on buying a Cayman S. The owner of my hometown Acura/Mercedes dealer bought one of the first Caymans to arrive in the US as his personal car. That's a pretty stong competitive endorsement, given that the nearest Porsche dealership is 80+ miles away.
My first weekend experience: an awesome car! I had a 951 (944 turbo) with a rcaing chip and altered wastegate, which I drive 172 mph (at dawn on a Sunday morning). The turbo felt much larger and the turbo kept increasing power (like an afterburner), but the Cayman is smaller and quicker with an awesome feel (like being in rails). Although it is supposed to go 171, I doubt if I will try that again as I'm now older and wiser (I hope). There is a little more road noise that I expected, but it doesn't bother me (I drove a Boxster a few years back and I guess the open cockpit cut down on preceived noise). Also, it was a warm weekend and I noticed the back of the seat felt too warm (up against the engine) even with the climate control making other parts comfortable. You can get silver super insulation (about 1/4 inch thick) that could potentially be put between the engine and the cabin. I will have to ask my mechanic at Parktown Imports about this. All in all baby Cayman is a joy!
arctic silver
Stacy
Lillian
All three advised me that, in addition to following the owners manual recommendation of not exceeding 4,000 rpms and varying engine speed for the first 1,000 miles, to drive the car for at least 20 minutes every time you start it for the first 1,500 miles. Longer in colder weather. The objective is to fully warm up the oil and all engine parts, seals, etc. during the break in period. This allows them to fully expand and contract. Repeatedly driving the car for short hops during the break in period doesn't allow this to happen and can result in parts that don't "seat" as well. Oil leaks around seals may result, among other things.
My dealership is close to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The sales manager has to slap doctors to get them to listen to these instructions. Yet many will take their new 911 home and then commute about 3 miles/5 minutes to the hospital and back day after day during the break-in period. My dealer claims that about 80% of all of their "rear main seal" leaks can be traced to such bad break-in behavior.
Fortunately, Porsche's instruments include both a water/radiator temperature guage as well as an oil temperature guage. The water temperature reaches equilibrium in about 4-5 minutes. The oil doesn't reach equilibrium for 15-20+ minutes depending upon the ambiant temperature. That's the one you want to watch.
Hope this helps. I was religious about it, figuring I might want to keep the car for a long time.
Not sure what you mean. The additional break in recommendation I got for my 911 of avoiding short hops that don't get the engine oil fully warmed up had nothing to do with "new model blues". This is simply a good policy for any high performance engine (especially one that holds 9+ quarts of oil to heat up).
But hey, if you want to use your car to dirve to the mailbox at the end of your driveway and back, that's certainly your perogative. I didn't find refraining from short hops for the first 1,500 miles much of a "regimen".
I believe the boxster sytle engines may be even more sesitive to following this procedure, but it's certainly not new or unique to the Cayman S or even Porsche.
FWIW, I have found it more difficult to follow the "vary your engine speed" recommendations during break in than the "no/limit short trips". I managed to break in my M5 within two weeks of getting it, by taking a trip down to our vacation home in Hilton Head (from Pittsburgh). On the way down, I was stopped by a North Carolina trooper for going 90. I used the "breaking-in" excuse to get off with a warning. On the way back, in the dead of night with almost no other cars on the road, I was stopped by the same bloody trooper doing 100. He sent me on my way with another warning, laughing that he had actually been following me from a distance and noted that over 30 miles I varied between 70 and 100 in nice even 10 mph increments. He just wanted to make sure I didn't end up at 150 and he couldn't catch me.