Planet 9

**engnr1** · #1 07-27-2008, 09:48 PM

As I posted elsewhere, last week I ordered a 2.7, Ruby Red with sand beige interior, bi-xenons, PCM 2.1 w/nav, Bose, heated seats, mats in interior color, and wheel caps with colored crest. Build date is September, so I have some time to finalize my order. I stayed with the 17" wheels and tires, but I've been vacillating between those and the 18" CS wheel/tires, which look nice and don't seem to ride too much worse than the base config. Flip side is that most Caymans seem to be equipped with those wheels and the 17's seem more distinctive and retro, even though they seem small by modern standards. (funny, I have 17's on my 2002 BMW 325i and my wife has 17's on her Volvo S40 and they are more than big enough.)

But now I am thinking that the $1235 (or whatever deal I get) for 18" CS wheels could instead be spent on lotsa (OK, not so many) desirable options.

Here are some I am thinking about:

- Auto climate control - the Bimmer has this, it's nice but I fuss with it almost as much as normal climate control. The Bimmer requires you to manually activate the A/C, the ACC doesn't do it itself. Not sure it's worth $550.

- Sport steering wheel - For $250, seems worth it for its smaller diameter and thicker rim. Have driven 2 Caymans with sport wheel, 1 without.

- Self-dimming mirrors and rain sensor - A $685 option on this car, which my wife has on her $27,000 Volvo and I have (minus rain sensor) on my Bimmer. The self-dimming mirror is really nice, rain sensor not such a big deal - on the Volvo, it basically works only in a sudden downpour.

- Porsche Crest in Headrest - no particular practical value to this $270 option, other than it looks really cool. More an emotional choice here.

- Sport Seats - For $800, I do like the additional bolstering (one car I tested had them), and I have similar sport seating in the 325i. But the standard Cayman seats work well for me too. A toss-up here. One Cayman I drove had it, two did not.

So, does anyone have some thoughts on whether I should:

(a) keep my current configuration;
(b) just get the 18" CS wheels and be done; or
(c) instead pick from my alterna-list above? Which options above would be most worthwhile based on your experiences?

I could get it all but that adds almost $4k to the cost of the car pronto. Trying to keep things under control here (like $1k extra) - I could afford a more expensive ride, but then I would have to live in it.

**Papa in Austin** · #2 07-27-2008, 10:09 PM

go for option c

had auto climate on my Boxster, don't have it on my Cayman, wish I did

wheels are a personal choice=emotional, what looks good to you, don't think you'll be able to notice significant ride difference

sport steering wheel=yes

self dimming and rain sensors=yes but if you've got a cost cap, then no
first time I've had this option and it's like auto climate, set it and forget it (wish it was standard)

other choices, crest (not for me) and seats depends on the comfort factor, what feels best to you, I was going for adaptive sports but cost won out and got the standard electric instead plus wife wanted supple leather and you can't get it on sport seats

Cayman S · #3 07-27-2008, 10:58 PM

I vote for option C as well. I picked three of your listed items on my spec, and love them:

sport steering wheel - absolutely worth it, for the enhanced steering feel

sport seats - I think they're awesome. They look and feel better than the standard seats. Plus they're highly desirable on the resale market if you decide to sell you car at some point.

Porsche crest on headrest - I felt the same way you do. It's a minor indulgence and a nice touch. After dropping $50K+, what's another $270?

Nitro8472 · #4 07-28-2008, 04:11 PM

The only think I'd recommend is the auto climate control, the others I'd agree about but not recommend, I would've liked the crest on the headrest plus the 17" wheels are too small for my taste (that's why I have 19"), cant really say about the sport wheel coz I never tried it (and I wanted the multifunction wheel which I was not sure it was possible with the sports one)

But I dont see SportChrono in your specs, think this is one of the best things to invest in

________________________

"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!

**Blitzkrieg** · #5 07-28-2008, 04:34 PM

As others stated, I think option C above is your best bet. Here are the 3 I think are the most important.

Auto Climate Control is excellent, I've had mine set at 68 since my pickup and I've only touched it once on an extremely hot day to cool down the cabin more quickly after being parked in the sun for a couple hours.

Sports Steering Wheel- I'm kicking myself for not adding this for $250, I had it in my test drive and should have insisted on them swapping it into my vehicle prior to pickup. I've been looking at doing it aftermarket, but having to buy the round airbag insert ~$500 to go with the sports wheel $700-1500 (standard sports - XPA sports) just seems like a lot for a wheel.

Sports Seats- I was only in the standard leather seats for one test drive, but I definately prefer the feeling of the sports seats. The cost for this upgrade is more than the others on your list, but when you start driving agressively these seats will pay for themselves.

The above 3 should put you in the same ballpark as upgrading to the 18" wheels, and they are things you will feel every time you drive the car. The aesthetic things, wheels and crest in headrest are always nice to look at, but they will only be noticed when you're not driving.

**dreis44** · #6 07-28-2008, 04:54 PM

Out of your choices, I have the sports steering wheel in my car, and I would highly suggest it. Well worth the $250.

**Atlas_Croc** · #7 07-28-2008, 06:13 PM

My

Keep the 17"s....a Cayman with any wheel/tire combo will still outhandle just about anything out there. It's in the mid-engine layout and suspension, not the tires. Most people here couldn't even reach the limits of the 17"s.

Auto A/C: I have it on mine, but in all honesty I still mess with it a lot. I would probably be just as happy with the regular control and put the $550 somewhere else.

Sport Wheel: Yes!....one of the better bargains out there for the money.

SD Mirrors: Nice to have, but not for $685. My CS doesn't go out in the rain so who cares about the rain sensor. If you could get them apart from the rain sensor for $200-$300 I would have gone for them. The ONLY time I miss them is when some moron with a grossly misaligned headlight is behind me,....and I make quick work solving that problem. The slight back window tint I have for the most part takes care of their job anyway.

Crest in head rest: Pass, looks nice, but in the Cayman no one sees it!! I'd get it if I had a Boxster or Cab.

Sport Seats: Nice to have, but again not necessary, the base seats are just fine.

As a suggestion: Ruby Red and Sand is such a great combo,.....add a painted center console, it would look awesome. It really makes a statement and something you (and everyone else) can see and admire.

So, add the Sport Wheel + Painted Center Column = about $1k. You just upgraded the interior to another level.

Good luck!

freedom · #8 07-29-2008, 10:55 PM

definitely get the sport wheel. I think it looks a lot better and it feels great. for $250 you won't regret it. I would always get this option.

I'd stay with the 17"s. cheaper tires when they wear out and the ride will probably be somewhat softer. Plus they look good.

AC climate control, take it or leave it. it's nice, but probably not 550 nice.

headcrests, have it, definitely would get it again

autodimming mirrors. not worth it unless this is a daily driver even then at 700, probably not the best cash outflow!

the nav is great btw!

Shoestring7 · #9 07-30-2008, 03:50 AM

Sorry to be the dissenter here; but keep the seats, climate, embossed badge, Bose, wipers etc., and spec. PASM and Sport Chrono.

Its the single option package that tops the 'my Cayman regrets' polls here, and adds a whole dimension to the driving experience. And unlike some of those above (wheels, seats) PASM/S_C is also almost impossible to retro-fit.

SS7

**engnr1** · #10 07-30-2008, 08:22 PM

Wow.....looks like somewhat of a consensus here, at least for the sport steering wheel..... Now I'm debating between the sport seats and the rear console in exterior color (thanks, Atlas-croc).

I've stayed clear of PASM because then I would get tempted to buy bigger wheels and then other things I crave like a blood red full leather interior, but at that point with all those options I might as well get the S model or a slightly used 997 Carrera.

Thanks all...

freedom · #11 07-31-2008, 12:07 PM

make sure you sit in sports seats before you buy, some people don't like how they feel, though they do look better.

If you're not doing a lot of track time, you really don't need the extra support. Sports seats are harder to get in and out of the car.

gmsracing · #12 07-31-2008, 01:00 PM

I'm not sure where you are in the country but this is what I'd do:

1. Order the things that you want now that can't be cheaply retrofitted. (Seats, wheel, etc.)
2. Get your 17's with the winter tires if you live in a snow state and need to drive it year round.
3. Buy a set of 18's (or whatever you want) as your summer tires on the used market. You can always add wheels and tires later. Think of it this way--If you took the money you'd buy to UPGRADE the wheels and bought another set of wheels used for ~ 2k, you'd get a whole 2nd set for an additional 800-1000. You can use those for track, snow, etc.

I did something similar. I ordered my CS with the stock 18's and use them for the track. I then bought a set of 19's for the street. Saved money overall. In retrospec, I should have ordered the car with the winters, but that is another story....

**gfspencer** · #13 07-31-2008, 02:02 PM

I'm a "wheel guy"

so I had to get the 18" wheels.

scintilla · #14 08-01-2008, 12:14 AM

Some of the options are purely personal preference; me, I hated and I do mean -hated- the sport steering wheel. Those wide regions that are supposed to be supports for your hands really annoyed me and were -not- comfortable. But I spec'd my 2.7 w/sport chrono, PASM and I also kept the 17s. I have the auto-climate and self-dim mirrors too and full leather. I spent nothing extra on audio and am not wanting at this point; for me the base stereo has been adequate even though I am an "audiophile" for at home. I have 900 miles on her so far and have no regrets about my options save not getting leather visors with deviated stitching to math the rest of the interior. The 17s handle fabulously and are also better on bad surfaces in combination with PASM than the 18s The sport-chrono is a must for spirited driving and I may add a sport exhaust later.

Kwaaiman · #15 08-01-2008, 06:40 AM

Here's my 2 cents

I briefly considered

window with top tint, full leather and 18" wheels but in the end I just got the centers with coloured crests for about $150. Best value option there is especially with the 17" wheels which you should keep, as the first thing you have to learn with the car is not to brake for corners.

**engnr1** · #16 08-30-2008, 09:14 AM

The car is now reconfigured with the sports steering wheel, rear console in exterior color and self-dimming mirrors.

Added about $1400 or so, but now I'm complete. Bad news is the car doesn't get built until Nov 6 (birthday is Nov 15).

Good news is the car will be here 3 weeks after build(Thanksgiving / Xmas / Hanukkah present to myself).

Hopefully no icebergs off the coast. Looks like I'll have one of the last of "1st generation" Caymans.

The sales mgr did say that the 2010 models will be "a lot more expensive" (hoping they also have substantially more standard equipment, not just the power upgrades).

**check 6** · #17 08-31-2008, 04:10 PM

Just picked up a Cayman S to replace my GT3 ( was constantly in the shop for oil leaks). Good choice on the sport steering wheel. My dealer found me a car with everything I wanted except the sport steering wheel so I'm getting it through parts and paying a bunch, but after the GT3 it is worth it.

My car is Carrera White with sand beige interior. I have the adaptive sport seats, again coming from a GT3 and I do like support. Nav and Bose with Bi-Z headlights and heated seats. The headlights and heated seats were a must. I will be taking my 18 inch Cayman S wheels off and putting either Champion or BBS on. I did not get the short shifter even though I liked it in the GT3, as my track car a Euro Spec '83 SC has the longer throw between gears and I wanted to keep the same feel. In truth the '83 (915 gearbox) is modified with WEVO parts but still has a longish throw. I can honestly say that while I loved the GT3, the Cayman ( base or S) is just great fun to drive and more practical day to day. Enjoy your new toy. I picked up my Cayman S last week on my 66th birthday. I may be getting older but I refuse to grow up and act my age. After all as my license plate frame (designed by my wife) states "Fighter Pilots never grow up" ... and thank God for that.