Planet 9

**zenspector** · #1 05-17-2009, 12:04 AM

Okay, after driving an '09 base Cayman w/PDK, I was blown away. Fantastic, quick, seductive, I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I am considering buying this car (options: Bluetooth and Universal Plug). MSRP $56,200. Now two other options have presented themselves at the same dealership. A White w/Gray holdover '08 Cayman w/ Tip, Pref Pkg, Sound Pkg, Seat Heat, Colored Crests, PCM w/Nav, Dimmimg Mirrors-Asking Price $47,900 -OR-A Silver w/Blk '07 Cayman-S with 17,500mi (CPO car w/ 100,000 mi warranty) w/ Tip, Pref Pkg, Bose w/6disc chgr, Xenons, Auto Clime, P Seats, Seat Heat, Painted Crests, Dimming Mirrors-Asking Price-$43,900. The PDK is terriffic. I presently have it in my Audi A-3 and I love it. But am I putting too much emphasis on the new engine and PDK in the '09 and overlooking a no-brainer with the other two? All opinions are appreciated.

**jaica** · #2 05-17-2009, 12:27 AM

I assume you want an automatic. I have not driven the Porsche tiptronics or PDK. Here I go:

1 How long do you keep your cars?
2. Will you track this car?
3. Is this your daily driver, will you drive more than 12k miles a year?
4. Are you the only driver?
5. Will you finanace, lease the car?

If it was me,( I keep cars for a long time, track my car, do not lease, not my daily driver) I would go with the used car. I could live with PDK (friends input about the transmition) would not buy a tiptronics. I drive a 6 speed.

If it is a lease, or you are financing, my guess you will get a better deal $$. on the newer car. If you drive a lot of miles the used car will allready have amortized a lot of the depreciation. If you keep the car for a long time, get the one you really like, after the initial pain you will be happy, all other options will remind your decision for a very long time.

There is no wrong answer, it depends on your priorities and it will be your car.

Superman · #3 05-17-2009, 12:32 AM

Think about the type of driving experience that you want. The 3 cars are quite different. How important is the extra HP that the S will provide? How important is PDK for you? Then think about all the different ways to play the $$ numbers to get the car you really want. Everybody is different and the answer must come from within you. If you are not sure go look at more cars at other dealers to put everything in perspective. Hope this helps & good luck!

**zenspector** · #4 05-17-2009, 01:11 AM

I'll keep the car for several years.
I do not track.
It will be a daily driver.
Iwill be the only driver.
I will pay for the car. No lease.

jman · #5 05-17-2009, 02:04 AM

The answer is simple. Just drive the cars and see which one pulls on your heart strings the most. Rate them in order and then do the numbers. Does the 09' really feel 9K better than last years model. Only you can decide. I drove a bunch of caymans and were offered great deals on 08' but I knew that I'm going to keep this car forever and wanted to order exactly what I wanted. It makes no logical sense but buying a Porches is not about that. The bottom line is which of the three will keep you up most at night thinking about and then figure out how to pay for it...

DrKareem · #6 05-17-2009, 04:42 AM

go for the 09 PDK!

you simply can't go wrong.... the increase in hp, gearbox, and LEDs are well worth it

rocket · #7 05-17-2009, 12:24 PM

Yes, it's a no-brainer that 2.9 Cayman is the best buy. Go for it. I would add PSE though. Unlike Gen-1 Caymans, it's fitted with the bulletproof crankcase (type 9A1). It's even a better buy than the new 3.4 because of DFI issues (see other thread).

DFI

Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), is a new technology that Porsche states can cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, while increasing power by up to 13 percent. DFI cuts emissions by warming up the catalytic converter more quickly, and ensures a sharper throttle response. Better for your right foot - and the planet, then.

DFI allows much more precise measurement of fuel supply and injection at pressures up to 120 bar; it has numerous combustion modes, with different cycles for cold-starting, low-speed driving and performance driving.

As the name suggests, DFI injects fuel directly into the individual combustion chambers, instead of the intake manifold. The injector valves have an electromagnetic mechanism that controls each injection with astonishing precision, while a high-pressure pump provides the necessary pressure—up to 1,740 psi—to accompany the rapid fire of the fuel injection.

Precise geometry of the injector’s position and its spray pattern is a key factor in helping to improve power, torque and emissions of the engines. The specific placement of the fuel as it enters each chamber creates a swirl that improves the air/fuel mixture, and therefore the overall combustion process.

At engine speeds up to 3500 rpm, a double-injection process is used. In this mode, the required fuel volume is delivered in two successive injections per working stroke. The resulting benefits include faster catalyst warm-up and increased torque in the upper load range.

By forming the air/fuel mix directly in the combustion chamber, DFI contributes to engine cooling. As a result, it is possible to increase the compression ratio and with it the power and efficiency of the engine.

The direct injection process is continuously adjusted. The engine management system reads changes to throttle inputs and performance requirements and, as you drive, the air/fuel mix is monitored and adapted as required. Oxygen sensor circuits within the exhaust system provide accurate emissions control.