Planet 9

Hi,

I am relatively new here. I recently came up with a short list for my next car. My 2 options couln't be more far appart from each other but, as the title suggests, I am between a brand new S3 sportback and a used Porsche Cayman. Anyone has experience regarding how the mainenance costs and fuel bills for these two options compare?

Any input is appreciated.

New cars come with maintenance plans and warranties so it depends how old the Cayman is. Consumption depends on how you drive. IMO if you're worried about consumption you shouldn't buy a sportscar.

Thanks for the reply defconjos. The Cayman would be a 2007 or a 2006 at most (max 20k miles). Regarding the costs, I'd like to know a few more things (comprative real life figures) since it will also be my everyday car.

I do know a few things about the audi and turbo engines, and I know it costs a bit to keep but I have no clue about the Cayman. Never had a 2.7 ltr boxer engine in my hood either so its power and consumption would be unknown territory for me too.

I do not have false hopes that a sportscar will be an economical choice but I'd generally like to know how far apart is maintaining these 2 cars is in real life.

Maintenance and fuel cost would be about the same on an annual basis. Depreciation will differ and depend on the deal you get on a used Cayman. Cayman will loose more over 5 years, maybe, but it depends on purchase price. Financing cost could also differ if you aren't paying cash.
5 year cost to own on a new Cayman S vs a new S4 could be $20K + more for a Cayman S with all things considered.

Hmm. I ask these questions when I try to justify one or another way.

2.7 vs. S3 - your costs will be very close. 2.7 engine has been very reliable, both take expensive oil. S3 will be comfy and fast, Cayman will handle MUCH better.

IMHO, look at it this way. Would you today rather have a 2000 996 or 2002 Audi S4.

__________________
Tomasz

Apologies for spelling mistakes, most of them are keyboarding errors. To enjoy this forum I run out of time to proof read.
My garage: 2000 Audi S4 (not stock) | 2007 Porsche Cayman S (FabSpeed Headers, RS60 Tips, SRP 4.1, ATB, GT3 Ducts, GT3 RS Steering & Shifter, Custom Aluminum Look, ZR4)

you will get waaaaay better fuel economy with the S3.

you will get waaaaay better car with the cayman .

seriously, don't get the cayman if you don't want squeaks and rattles.

also, forget about the cayman if you want a comfy ride.

and you will get waaaaay more attention with the cayman.

Thanks for the advice people....I am pretty confused right now, just wondering myself, how did I reach this short-list? I am as confused as I will ever be

Did I mention I am confused?

If this is going to be your daily driver, then S3, it is just more practical. If this is going to be fun weekend car then Cayman all the way.

Hi GConn,

Saw your post over on a-s.net too. I assume you're buying from the UK.

My advice: Go for the Cayman if the seats will not be an issue. It is far superior to the S3 and you'll not regret it. I moved from a 330bhp+ S3 to a Boxster S and have not looked back.

As for the running costs. The Porsche will win hands down.

Service costs and intervals are more or less the same.

The S3 chews tyres due to poor balance and a 95% FWD bias in normal drivinng. I went through six tyres in 20K miles.

You will also get better fuel economy in the Porsche. I averaged only 21.5mpg(UK) in the S3 prior to the remap!

Only thing to consider about the Porsche is the p*ss poor two year warranty you get in the UK. An additional years warranty for year three will set you back £1300!

__________________
Now producing 100bhp/l - thanks to Planet 9!
My Garage | My Articles | My Files

'07 987 | '08 987C | '10 GT3 or '08 987C Turbo?

GConn,

You are going to get a myriad of different responses. I find my CS to be very practical. I get pretty good gas mileage, mine is a daily driver. I take it on long trips, throw my golf clubs in the back, suitcases/duffle bag in front. It fits me perfect.

60 miles a day back and forth to work and it is also my "fun" weekend car. AND best of all, I don't have any of the squeeks and rattles that some of the other members mention. I guess I'm just lucky.

Mine is a 2007 and it has 20,000+ miles on it. I love everything about the car.

Bottom line is that you have to go with your gut and what works best for you.

Good Luck

__________________
Cliff
2007 Cayman S- GONE, but not forgotten!

I thought I should ask for an opinion on both Audi and Porsche boards to get a more complete picture, I didn't realize that many people are members on both boards

MoWilson329, this is exactly how I plan to use the car. Daily commute and main transportation + some fun during the weekends. I won't be needing the rear seats at present but who knows about a couple of years from now.

CJP80, thanks for the great comparison. Did you really find the S3 boring as all the magazine reviews suggest?

Hi,

Tbh, not at the time. But then my baseline got skewed when I drove a Cayman S my friend had bought. Once I heard the flat 6 hit 5500rpm I knew it was bye bye four pot.

Don't get me wrong, the S3 is nice, it's just a bit sterile in comparison to the Porsche. The steering, brakes, handling and tactile response of the Cayman are second to none (GT3 aside) in my opinion. It just feels so much more alive and whilst perhaps not as useable as the S3 everyday, I would not go back.

If you are going to drive both cars, be sure not to get seduced by the torque of the turbo four. It will feel faster than the Cayman when you intially drive it, but it is compromised in so many other ways. It is a very easy car to drive fast but does not reward the driver as much. You'll be much happier driving the Porsche at six tenths than the S3 at nine.

__________________
Now producing 100bhp/l - thanks to Planet 9!
My Garage | My Articles | My Files

'07 987 | '08 987C | '10 GT3 or '08 987C Turbo?

S3 is a nice car, but in my opinion, it's way overpriced. (I'd rather have a GTI)

I think you can get a lightly used 2.7 Cayman for around $30K. To me, I think that's an excellent buy. If you're worried about warranty, get a CPO and pay slightly more. If you don't need the extra room from a S3, I'd pick a Cayman all day long. The difference in running costs is inconsequential.

Also, if you intend to use it as a DD, get it lightly specced with the 17" stock wheels. I think it's the best combo DD/sports car in the market.