Planet 9

reefracer · #1 06-19-2008, 03:48 PM

Do not have a Cayman yet but love many things about the car (It has been on my dream car list since it came out). I was just curious if there is a consensus of sorts that the problems and niggles involved with Porsche Cayman S ownership are worth the price tag. I was considering buying used at some point in the near future and am wondering if that is a wise idea. I am from Manitoba and I want to get as much satisfaction from the car purchased as possible. I want to have a reliable piece of Porsche and am wondering if the Cayman S qualifies. If anyone could post their experiences with the Cayman S in Canada, especially provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that would be great. Please list pros and cons to ownership if possible and whether the maintenance is manageable. Thanks.

**K-Man S** · #2 06-19-2008, 03:53 PM

Worth every penny in my opinion, no better car or ownership experience for even twice the money!

Retired-Teach · #3 06-19-2008, 04:09 PM

Love the car. Best car I've ever owned. I've had no real problems with the car except for a blow out. Servicing the car is a bit expensive, but not needed often. The Cayman is just loads of fun to drive, and, as everyone else says, the only radio you'll need is the sound of the engine.

Fadiboy · #4 06-19-2008, 04:53 PM

If you have made up your mind that you like the car, it won't disappoint. I have had no problems in 12k miles (Except for replacing the rears.....) but it still turns heads and runs like a dream.

gmsracing · #5 06-19-2008, 05:11 PM

Actually exceeded my high expectations.

doc hot rod · #6 06-19-2008, 06:19 PM

The Cayman is my first Porsche and I was definitley nervous about the maintenance/reliability especially as I bought mine pre-owned here in Calgary. I was going to park it for the winter but couldn't resist driving and ended up purchasing a set of quality winter tires (Pirelli sotto zero's) and rims and driving every nice day I had a chance!

We do get less snow here in Calgary than Winnipeg (used to live there) but I had no issues driving it. As has been previously posted, the maintenance costs are high but usually once every two years.

In terms of driving experience, the Cayman is the best care I have ever driven!

***PolarPorsche*** · #7 06-19-2008, 07:34 PM

I'm on my second Porsche; both were purchased new from the Edmonton Porsche Dealer. The first one was a 2005 Boxster with the 2.7L engine, I put 9800K on it before selling it to a happy second owner without any problems at all. I moved up to the "S" for more power, I'm a sucker for more speed. Much to the dismay of the 2.7L owners the 3.4L is much faster. The present one is a 2007 Boxster "S" 3.4L which has the same drive train as the Cayman “S”. It presently has 6800K on it with 2 DE days at Race City in Calgary and 8 Autocross days with the Edmonton PCA club. This car has been flawless and the only regret I have is the short driving season we get up here in the frozen north. I took a 2007 Cayman "S" out for a 4 hour test drive and loved everything about the car; I just have a lust for a 2 door convertible.

This car is not a daily driver for me it's my toy and I love it so I can't speak for DD owners but the car is awesome.
If you are thinking about the Cayman go for it, nothing and I mean nothing compares to it for the price new or used.

There is a slight issue with smoke from the exhaust on startup after I drive the s#$t out of it on the track, nothing to worry about, see other topics about this on the CC site.

***PolarPorsche*** · #8 06-19-2008, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by K-Man S

Worth every penny in my opinion, no better car or ownership experience for even twice the money!

Sorry Ken, but a loaded up Cayman "S" in Canada goes for $95000 and twice that would buy a GT3 RS. I would have to take the GT3RS if I could afford it, no contest.

Kor · #9 06-19-2008, 08:10 PM

I'm from Winnipeg and I would say I would not drive my Cayman there in the winter!! I don't in Calgary but I probably could with winter tires for 95% of winter days.

Other than that - its exceeded my expectations for sure, I haven't had many problems with it.

RobMason · #10 06-19-2008, 08:36 PM

I come from a place of having owned many BMWs over the last 26 years, the sporty models, 323i, and M3s. This is the best car I have ever driven. If you can afford it, do not hesitate.

**CGF** · #11 06-19-2008, 08:41 PM

For what it is worth I think more people post about issues they have than those who have no issues. All cars have issues. I just think forums get you thinking that a few people's issues are actually widespread epidemics. I bought my CS just to track it. 8 days so far in two months of ownership. No issues. I drive it hard, drive it home and park it. Wake up in the morning, fill it up, drive it to the track and do it all over again. It blows me away that I can do this. And that the trips back and forth are such a contrast to what it is capable of on the track (and far more capable than I am at the moment). Strong a/c, great highway ride, nice sound (engine or audio), comfortable, and loads of storage space for weekend get aways. If you love the look or plan to track it there is no equal at the price. There are cheaper cars that are fun on the street but they can't keep up on the track. And if you love the look then nothing else will do anyways. Get one, life is short.

p.s. I bought mine used out of the US. And I will not drive it in the winter. We get too much snow here in Ottawa and often the side streets end up with frozen ruts that my CS with PASM would not clear.

reefracer · #12 06-19-2008, 09:02 PM

Wow, thanks for all the prompt replies. I do love the look of the car and have heard wonderful stories about it's handling. I would most likely baby the car to death and not drive in the snow at all. Is there anything major to look out for in a used Cayman S? It will most likely be a while before I can afford to purchase even a used one but I believe in doing my research before jumping into something...even something as lovely as a Cayman S.

**KS-CS** · #13 06-19-2008, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by reefracer

. . . Is there anything major to look out for in a used Cayman S? It will most likely be a while before I can afford to purchase even a used one but I believe in doing my research before jumping into something...even something as lovely as a Cayman S.

You might want to check this section of the FAQ

3 lions · #14 06-19-2008, 09:25 PM

Awesome. I look for reasons to drive since owning my CS.

**CGF** · #15 06-20-2008, 05:06 AM

Less surfing + more work = Cayman sooner

Or derived another way;

More surfing + less work = very confused potential buyer who can't afford a Cayman anyway

Set a budget and get the most features you desire for that amount of money and stick to it. With Porsches the sky is the limit as far as options and cost and most of us can't afford to get everything we wish we could (PCCBs anyone? Sure many of us want them and can afford them but balk at the replacement cost). At the end of the day if it is the look of a Cayman that is driving your desire you can get a used base Cayman relatively cheaply these days. And only people who frequent boards like this will know it is a base car as you drive by. Hell, most of your friends won't know it is a base car when you take them for a drive. They'll hear the motor open up and forget to ask if it even has a stereo let alone Bose or what seats it has or which rims or which engine.

Bottom line is that no matter which engine or what level of trim they are awesome awesome cars.

Get saving!

Chris