Planet 9

Hey everyone, let me give my situation and maybe you can help me make a decision.

I'm 29, single and I make pretty good money for someone my age. I've already bought a house, and I contribute to my 401K. So I think I might be financially stable enough to go ahead and purchase a really nice sports car.

I've only owned two cars my entire life, an Oldsmobile Achieva, and a 2003 VW GTI 1.8T. I am extremely picky about cars. In 2003 the GTI in silver was the only car I wanted to buy in my price range, it was an easy choice. I did ECU and just about every bolton you can do. Everyday I drive the GTI it puts a huge smile on my face, however I've had it for 6 years now and I would really like to get something more grown up. I'll keep the VW and share the miles between that and my new car.

So here I am shopping for a second car, and again I find myself being super picky. First off my new car has to be German, I just don't like any other cars. I don't want another VW, I hate the way Audi's look, and MBenz just isn't me.

This left me with just BMW. So here I am thinking it's going to be either a 328i or a 335i in silver. Yeah I'm that picky!

Two days ago I find out the Porsche 911 $100K+ car I see everyday and drool over is actually a reasonably priced Porsche Cayman. I haven't been able to get it out my mind since, I'm completely and totally in love. I haven't test driven one yet, but I know it's going to handle many times better than my VW. It's just suchhhh a sexy car, and is everything I want!!! I mean just the name Porsche gets me all giddy.

I'm young, single, and can afford this car. It just really scares me to buy a $40K used car.

I think it scares the **** out of me because I just never thought of myself as being a Porsche owner.

Am I going to regret this? Is there anything that makes owning a Porsche different than a BMW? Really how bad are the maintenance costs?

If you do your homework, which it sounds like you will do, you WILL NOT be disappointed. For example, I bought a 2006 Cayman S with only 3,900 miles for low $40's last year. The sticker was over $70K and the car was optioned exactly as I would've wanted it.

This is definitely one of the best sports cars I've owned.

Take your time and look for a cream puff. Good luck!

MJ

You mean you thought the Cayman to be a 911??

I know how that felt, but believe me you'll need to get over that. Its much like not imagining yourself with a hot supermodel, that way, you'll never be!

REGRET THIS??? Well only in 2 cases I can think of:

1. You cant really afford it and you'll need the money later, but you said above this is not the case!
2. You dont do your homework and end up with a badly maintained Cayman!

Other than that, I can think of no way one would regret such a car. And about the BMW comparo, I've never owned one (though driven several) and Yes, it is a completely different experience!

Check the FAQ for used car buying advice!

Planet Porsche - FAQ: Questions & Answers

Some reads about Porsche and BMW (use the search for more)
http://www.planetporsche.net/cayman-...-vs-135-a.html

http://www.planetporsche.net/cayman-...mw-e92-m3.html

Oh and Welcome aboard

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

Like MJ I too bought my Boxster with 3,900 miles and 1 year old. I got it with 3 years and 46,000 miles remaining on the warranty so although you want to take your time and shop carefully you will be protected. What amazed me most about Porsche ownership that I realized after I bought the car and became a member of the PCA is that far more (IMO) Porsche owners bought them as resales than are buying them new. One thing I can fairly confidently say is that if you've only owned an Olds Achieva and a GTI so far you'll be blown away with your first drive of the Cayman. Although the GTI is a wonderful car, probably handles beautifully and like all German cars is screwed together real well you haven't driven a sports car yet. To be in your position at your early age (owning a home, taking care of savings, having a daily driver and looking for a Porsche as your first Auto Toy) is quite an accomplishment. Go out and enjoy the hunt. Look for the lowest mileage car you can find and have a blast. You sound like you've earned it.

This is an emotional decision- a want not a need. You are intellectualizing it too much- these cars are bad financial decisions- always have been.

You are already a Porsche owner because you are salivating like one!!

I rented a Cayman in vegas for the day. I have owned 15 cars over the last 20 years and have driven several of my friends exotic cars. But this Cayman was special. There are no affordable mid-engine cars that give you this much of a thrill and driver involvment as this car. As as the prior poster said, the high end car market is dead. Cayman both base and S are going for ridiculously low prices at the auction. "New" 08s are still on dealer lots.

Sounds like you are ready to make the move.

Thank you everyone for your input. I'm going to go for it.

I already know I want artic silver, now I have two options,

1) - Get a Cayman S and enjoy the 300 HP
2) - Get a Cayman, and stage III the GTI and enjoy the GTI's 300 HP

BTW, you guys are really helpful!

I'm on the same road. Trying to hold out till next year and get a slightly used 2009 model.

I'm seeing very little price difference between the 08 Cayman and Cayman S. Depends on how optioned the car is.

I have only one bit of advice:

Take a test drive with a salesman that will allow you to push it a bit...

Nothing more needs to be said, the Cayman will seduce you...

I bought a 2007 Base Cayman (absolutely mint) from the original purchaser with 12,400 miles for $32k, he paid $50k, sticker was $56k. Be patient and find the right seller. Really test drive the base cayman, it might be perfectly adequate, and you can continue to beef up the car you know very well, the VW.

I think when most people put up a car for sale, they don't like to wait too long to sell it. Porsche's aren't for the common buyer.

Good luck.

I respectfully disagree, I think 300 hp on a Cayman are better than 300 hp on a GTI

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

Get a Cayman s (imo) it sounds to me that you like a little performance and to tweak thinks a little, so why not get the factory hi-po model? As for the 300 hp vw in comparison to a 300hp -/+ Cayman.With all due respect to the GTI It is not the same experience as the Cayman s will offer.....On the flip side, either way i'm sure you will be happy with which ever model Cayman you purchase .Goodluck and post pics when you get her

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I got the car. Talked them down to 38.5K + a hat and polo shirt. I'm going to pick it up tonight!

Thanks for all the advice, I'll post pics etc when I get the chance.

P.S. OMG what a fun car to drive!!!!

Solid move. If I'd been thinking at your age, instead of buying a new car, a previously owned 911 would have been a better move, especially as a then single guy.

With the Cayman, it's almost a no brainer. As you note, real fun to drive and even sort of a joy to take care of...

I was also surprised the insurance was very reasonable too... Enjoy!

You don't have to justify your purchase with us. It sounds like you have your priorities straight.

I owned hot cars when I was young. I met my wife in my used 912E. Thank goodness I did not over reach financially with my single man purchases.

Buy a cayman. Post pictures. Enjoy your search.

Wow! Two whole days of hand-wringing, agonizing decision-making! May be a new record! ...just kidding, I saw mine on a Thursday night, drove it Friday, I had to work Saturday, the dealer was closed Sunday, and Monday morning I was down there buying it! You will not regret your purchase!

The smile comes over you as soon as you put the key in your left hand and remains long after you take the key back out. Your GTI will be jealous. And lonely.

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chas

2006 CS Midnight Blue, Bi-Xenon, SportDesign Wheels, Heated Seats, Automatic Climate, Sport Shifter, SS Tailpipe

2006 Cayman S, black on black, 14K of the OD.

OPTIONS:
BOSE SOUND
FLOOR MATS
HEATED SEATS
SELF DIM MIRRORS
AUTO CLIMATE
19" CARRERA SPORT WHEELS <--- which I LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SPORT SHIFTER <--- also amazing!!!
PREFERRED PACKAGE
SPORT CHRONO
SPORT WHEEL

Very very nice. I was pretty much in the exact boat as you. I am 23, single, make decent money, and own a home. I went out and bought a black 07 Cayman S a few weeks ago and traded in my Acura RSX Type S. I couldn't be any happier with the car. It is amazing. I never would have thought I'd be able to get it for around 40k either. You should post some pics when you get the car. I just posted mine up today on here. Enjoy it!!

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07 Cayman S- Black w/ Black Leather
Preferred Package Plus (incl. Bose Surround Sound and Remote CD Changer among other things) / 19" Carrera Classic wheels with crest wheel caps / PCM 2.1 (incl. Navigation) / Porsche Sport Exhaust System