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Porsche Cayman Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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The problem with the Cayman is that Porsche tried to fill a niche which ultimately proved to be nonexistent. There are no other two seaters in the $60k range. There is nothing compelling about a Cayman at $60k, but not so at $50k.
As for no other 2-seaters in the $60k range? You need to get out more often. Start with the $200k Ferrari 430 and work your way down. Hell, you can even spend $80k on a couple of American made 2 seaters in the Corvette Z06 and Viper. As for the "$60k range", when the average "entry level luxury performance sedan" (ELLPS) runs around $40k+, a world class sports car like the Cayman S can seem like a bargain to some. Not necessarily me, as I wanted my kids to come along and got a 911 instead.
CL 63 AMG boasts the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world.???
I dont know much in details about car engine, can any1 tell me whats the difference between the naturally aspired and the twin turbo??? i know the twin turbo engines are fast but what else is the difference, i wanna to know in detail.
I want to know everything abt it how does it feel while driving whats the power difference whatever info u guys got....... all kinds of info will be appreciated
I purchased a 997 C2S new in September 2005. I am 6 ft 1 in. tall and weight 235 lbs. ( 40 in. waist..okay so i'm " chunky !) Getting into my 997 with the door size as it is, presents absolutely no problem. Head and leg room galore and I actually have to move the seat forward for comfortable driving. I looked at a Cayman at an auto show earlier this year. I could not get my left leg in the car. My head was hitting the ceiling and the steering wheel was in my chest with the seat fully back. Could this be the reason for the less that sterling Cayman sales here in the US? I put this car on the level of the 3 series BMW, I couln't get in that damned car either, so I bought a 5 series. I don't consider myself to be a huge individual, but the Cayman obviously seats a smaller person. I can't arque with the design or the performance... what a great looking and performing car...after all it's a Porsche. But just not the car for me and in fact , probably not for the general french fry eating American. I would suspect the market target for the Cayman to be the 25 to 40 year old moderate income earner less likely to be in the older age catagory carrying around that well endowed, expensive love handle at the waist.
Chromedome.
Because, I know it will be asked, I'm 41yrs of age, 6'4 (35"inseam), 210lbs, and have a 34" waist. I've noticed at caymanclub.net, that most of the folks tend to be male, seemingly very well off, and 30-70yrs of age, with a good healthy chunk over 50yrs.
What am I missing?
Thanks
Even though its the same horsepower, is it worth spending an extra 5k and you don't get a convertible?
Thanks
I own a 911S Cab which is, in fact, virtually identical to the 911 Coupe except for the top. But the Cayman is a different body style and has the a liftback for more storage, etc. You may think that paying extra for similar performance in a coupe vs. a roadster is odd, but the few Cayman buyers I know didn't even consider the Boxster. They cross shopped it with a 911 (non-S) Coupe.
the answer will be clear...If you like the way the Boxster handles; you will absolutely love the Cayman.
As an everyday driver, I just like the hatch...room to lay out dry cleaning, groceries, even golf clubs will fit in there without any effort...Just a lifestyle thing I guess...
If you view having a convertible as a bonus, then it might be a toss-up..
If you don't want a convertible, then the Cayman will be worth every penny (this is my feeling).
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The base car comes with the 5-speed and the "S" model comes with a 6-speed.
regards,
kyfdx
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Incorrect. The "sport" option on the base Cayman gives you PASM and a 6-speed (instead of 5 speed) manual transmission, for a price of around $2,500.
As far as being more fun to drive, I don't think the extra gear in the transmission makes much of a difference in performance. In a base 911, PASM (Adjustable suspension) is a $2k stand alone option, so that's mostly what you are paying for in that sport package on the base Cayman. I think PASM, which was standard on my 911S (which has 19" wheels), is a very nice option. Set on "normal" the car handles very well, but provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Set on "sport", the suspension stiffens up considerably for even tighter handling, but you feel every bump. Having the ability to toggle between the two depending upon road conditions and your driving mood is very nice, particularly if you are also thinking about a wheel and tire upgrade to larger/lower profile tires. But it is an expensive option and you might want to try test driving cars equiped with PASM and non-PASM cars before deciding.
P.S. The PASM also lowers the car/ride height by about 1/2", which helps with handling even on the "normal" setting, but most drivers would find that hard to distinguish.
No matter what transmission you get, you will love the car as it is the most balanced, fun to drive car available. I was going to buy a 911S but when I drove the Cayman S it was just as much if not more fun and I saved $20K.
Bunk. The 3.8 liter engine in the 911S has 20% more horsepower and torque than the Cayman S. It posts road test results that put it in the 3.9-4.2 second 0-60 range, significantly faster than the Cayman S, which is essentially the same (very good) performance as the Boxster S. I know that there are some that wish Porsche would go mid-engine rather than rear engine layout for the 911, but they are fighting 40+ years of iconic level history. And when you look at how advanced the 997 model 911 is in handling, I don't think there is much of a need for those purists to worry. The new GT3 is being touted as one of the best handling sports car in the world and the best handling production Porsche ever.
dave
Anyone who has a recent experience -- your feedback would be helpful!
donc6
Second, on pricing, there is roughly a 12-13% markup between MSRP and invoice on the entire car, factory options included. I would think you should be able to get a 6-7% discount, although some geographic areas are more competitive than others. A 10% discount would be a great deal on a brand new car (not demo). You might be able to cut a slightly better deal in September, as the 2008's start to arrive, but now's a pretty good time as well.
My dealer indicated that Porsche cut back production on most of its models starting in late 2006 to tighten up supply in anticipation of a bit of a recession in the US. So, in his case, he said he could not match the deal he gave me on a loaded 2005 911S Cab in September 2005 (10.3% discount). He indicated 6-7% is the most he would discount the same car today. That's only one dealer, and the Cayman may be in a different supply situation than the 911S, so shop around.
Lastly, I had my best luck dealing directly with sales managers or general managers, rather than sales staff. And I did have to go outside my immediate area (to Baltimore, from DC) to get the best deal. Hasn't been a problem for service (done locally) or in any other way, and I saved at least $5k+ by driving 55 miles for the purchase.
That seems like a lot...
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No buyers remorse! and I now have a car of my time gone by dreams....
Happy to part of the "club"..
D
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Some dealers had more CS's than standards.. others about 50/50. Even though I was only buying the standard (about the least expensive car on the lot), the sales staff treated me with respect, allocated as much time as I needed and seemed adequately fair. I mean, they still need to make a profit on the car.
That's about it.. thanks to some nice virtual hand-holding from Edmunds and some very good background information..
see you all down the road!
This is my first Porsche and I am absolutely wild about this car, so much fun to drive! Just got back from a drive from LA to Monterey and back to catch the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca, took almost entirely back roads. Must admit that I could not keep up with the sport bikes in the real twisty sections of Pacific Coast Highway 1. Already have about 2,300 miles on the car, and I do not drive it every day. I find that I don't use the sound system much because I enjoy listening to the engine so much.
So have fun with yours!
Thanks-
Shane
I'm not an expert on warranties, but if you modify the suspension, and then a related suspension part fails, then they are likely to deny coverage.
Good luck with it..
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Thanks.
Good luck...and enjoy...
The base Cayman isn't exactly a speed demon to begin with. Handicapping it with a $3,500 tiptronic takes it down a couple of more notches. From my experience driving various 911's, the Tiptronic doesn't just adversely affect the straight line acceleration, but also affects how the car handles curves and transitions, compared to the positive engagement of the Porsche's excellent 6-speed manual. But....to then add a $2,400 sport exhaust system on a base tiptronic Cayman seems like a bad joke. And a potentially embarassing one. You'd end up with a car that sounds like it can keep up with a $200k Ferrari and yet in reality would have a tough time keeping ahead of a $20k Mazda Miata. All image, but limited substance.
IMO, rather than spend a total of $6,000 on Tiptronic and sport exhaust on a base Cayman, you should consider getting a 6-speed Cayman S and have a real world class sports car. Or, just get a manual transmission base Cayman and take the Porsche (or other) performance driving school.
I know my position sounds harsh, but I think you should hear it straight, rather than sugar coated. If you still want to spend $60k on a base Cayman with a lame slushbox and a mean exhaust, it's your money.
As far as the person wanting the sports exhaust there are a lot better options available to you, check the articles section at caymanclub.net and you'll find reviews and dyno tests of several aftermarket exhaust systems for the Cayman, ones that produce real horsepower.
Check out the Capristo system on my Cayman S, just visit YouTube and search for Capristo and Cayman and you'll find it.
My sport exhaust is turned on by the "sport" button which also activates the sport programming in the sport chrono package (faster throttle response, faster braking response). The PASM suspension setting can be toggled separately between normal and sport, but the sport exhaust cannot be toggled separately from the sport chrono.
The net effect of the sport exhaust and faster throttle response of the sport chrono is significant. The car feels and sounds like it took a steroid shot from Barry Bonds trainer. Although Porsche doesn't claim any increase in horsepower, the perception is that the car is quicker.
My bottom line is that:
(a) I would not get the sport exhaust without also getting the sport chrono. The sport chrono is a bigger bang for the buck in terms of throttle response and feel. And they way it integrates with the sport exhaust is a much better package overall.
(b) I would not get an aftermarket sport exhaust, myself. I like the seamless factory integration of the Porsche system and I would want to have the ability to toggle the exhaust off. There are times when you don't want to wake your neighbors coming home. While it is true that some aftermarket systems claim increases in horsepower, that's usually with a series of other options that add significantly to the cost. A friend of mine dumped $15k into modifying a 2001 996 Turbo with a sport exhaust, larger turbos, engine reprogramming and a heavy duty clutch. But, in the end he had a car with 550+ hp at the wheels and a 11.0 second 1/4 mile ticket to show for it. I don't think that's what you are looking for in a base Cayman.
(c) Lastly, while it is your money, I'd have to side with redsoxgirl that a sport exhaust on a base, tiptronic Cayman is a little peculiar. I took my 911S off the lot and got a great deal ($10k off), essentially making the sport exhaust a freebie. But if I was paying for it, I'd likely stretch for an "S" model before I added a sport exhaust to a base model. Especially in the Cayman where the "S" gets you an addtional 50 hp, compared to 30 in the 911. That's a huge difference. As is the 6-speed vs. tiptronic. My manual transmission is a sheer pleasure and exceptionally easy to modulate, even in DC area traffic. There is NO reason, IMO, to get a $3,400 tiptronic unless you are physically disabled.
You should get your hands on a few issues of excellence magazine and check out all of the aftermarket items available for these cars........you will be quite surprised.
First, a "casual driver on the open road" describes the original poster, he would be just as well off driving a slushbox Camry. It's bs to suggest that is the metric for buying a Porsche.
Second, double check your logic, please. In the Boxster and the Cayman, the performance difference between the 6-speed manual and Tiptronic in performance is HUGE, relatively speaking. The manual transmissioned base model in both cars is damn near as quick as the tiptronic in the "S" models with 50 more horsepower. Same goes for the 911. So on the one hand, you are suggesting paying $3,400 for Tiptronic to castrate the equivalent of 30-50 horsepower out of the performance of the car and then spend even more money to reprogram the engine to try to get some of that back? And according to my dealer, you could be flirting with invalidating the warranty.
IMO, it's a no brainer. Get a manual, save a bundle and have a real sports car that will be a lot more fun to drive. Can't expain your claim about the Atlanta market, but my dealer in Maryland will not order any Boxster, Cayman or 911 with a tiptronic without a non-refundable deposit. Maybe it's the Nascar vs. Formula One demographic.
I have to ask, though, claiming the Tiptronic to be an "excellent option" and claiming the performance difference from a manual is "bs", have you ever driven either? That seems like an unbelievable statement if you have.
My brother, a former race team member and still consultant to Porsche doesn't have a single peer in his Porsche group that would opt for the Tiptronic, even on the 911 Turbo, in spite of its claim to being quicker - thanks to a "launch control sequence" that idiots can use to impress other idiots at a stoplight. He still teaches performance driving courses for Porsche and Ferrari - using strictly manuals - and lives outside Atlanta. Perhaps you should look him up. In fairness, there is some positive anticipation of the DSG transmission Porsche has been working on for some time and should be introducing soon. But there is no love lost on the Tiptronic slushbox by anyone who is a serious Porsche enthusiast.
The MSRP is 53,575 not including 860 freight. New '08 Cayman.
The dealer is offering me a 3,000 discount and doesn't seem to be willing to give more than that. Is that an acceptable proposal?
Thanks for your opinion.
While I would never buy a Cayman with Tiptronic, other people would still like to know how much to pay.
I'm on your side, but wading through this debate, every time, is going to obscure the mission of this particular discussion.
Thanks!
kyfdx
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