GaryG182 Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi all, new to the forum and on the hunt for a car. Is it just the time of year or are there always just a handful of cars available!? I've got an autotrader search saved for Porsche Cayman 2009> (gen 2?) 3.4 S manual and there are currently 5 I think. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102128979348 I’ve been considering this one but the description is putting me off a bit. Does anyone know this car or perhaps be able to share their opinion of the work it’s had? Sounds like it’s potentially been left standing then maybe been started using a booster pack which could have spiked the ecu? Enjoying the hunt so far although I’m yet to see or drive a car! Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumac62 Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi Gary. Can't help you on that car, sorry. But I'm in the same situation as you. Just joined and after my first Porsche. Looking for a Gen 2 987. I really want the Aqua Blue, but every time I think I've found one its reserved or sold! Good luck with your search. Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi Stu, yep slim pickings especially if you’re after a specific colour. I did watch this one for a while but it’s gone now https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11245570?cId=10931020&cId=11360892&cId=11202426&cId=11321736&cId=11292239&cId=11321253&cId=11245570&cId=11379079&cId=11321686&cId=10753946&cId=10558563&cId=11365929&cId=11382153&cId=11242310&cId=11286217 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumac62 Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 Hi. Yep saw that one earlier today. There's one on autotrader saying 'Deposit Taken'. Looked perfect! Oh well. I know I shouldn't really focus on a particular colour and just make sure I get the best looked after car, servicing, condition, mileage, etc for my budget. What's your budget? I'm looking at 18-25k range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share Posted March 13, 2021 Same budget really and not in any rush, just looking for the right car as it’s probably going to be a long termer for me. I’m just surprised how few cars are on the market! I would even consider blowing the budget and getting an R if one came up in the “right” spec, although I can’t see that happening! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumac62 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 Same. Not worth rushing it. Get the right car that suits you. An R would be very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie1996 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 (edited) I recently bought a 987 Cayman S, (in January), 2011 model - silver - from a dealership. I kinda rushed into it having previously looked at 911s and not knowing what a Cayman was. Silver I think is a nice neutral colour (maybe the commonest colour on the roads today in any car). I'd love a yellow Porsche but wouldn't dare park it outside my house. I would have thought you've got to pick either colour or car, not both! As you say, thin market. I'm not sure it would be illogical or unreasonable to prioritise colour over the rest. All that stuff under the hood is invisible anyway, haha. But I don't know one end of a spanner from the other. Edited March 14, 2021 by Eddie1996 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlosRich Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 The Gen2 was built in much lower numbers than the Gen1. Also 2009 was the first credit crunch, so again less cars sold. If you're at the top end of the budget, also consider the 981. Yes it isn't as light or pure, but it's a younger car, and likely cheaper to maintain. If you're set on a 987, buy private or from a specialist, and you want to see a stack of bills for all the common faults being fixed e.g. suspension refresh, Aircon condensers, coolant pipes replaced, gear linkage cables etc. If you don't know what to look for get an inspection. Seriously, it will save your credit card from a workout! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlosRich Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 11 hours ago, GaryG182 said: Hi all, new to the forum and on the hunt for a car. Is it just the time of year or are there always just a handful of cars available!? I've got an autotrader search saved for Porsche Cayman 2009> (gen 2?) 3.4 S manual and there are currently 5 I think. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102128979348 I’ve been considering this one but the description is putting me off a bit. Does anyone know this car or perhaps be able to share their opinion of the work it’s had? Sounds like it’s potentially been left standing then maybe been started using a booster pack which could have spiked the ecu? Enjoying the hunt so far although I’m yet to see or drive a car! Cheers That's an example of how it can go wrong, and a £350 service becomes £3500! A way to look at that car, yes it's had a lot of problems fixed, so what else can go wrong? He's admitted to the rear tyres and brakes are due. So maybe another £1k off the price? Also watch Max Revs on YouTube, he has just had a £3k unexpected service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 14, 2021 Author Share Posted March 14, 2021 Thanks guys. From my research I’m just about up to speed on the common things that need doing. I have actually been offered a 2011 2.9 manual for £15k, which is below market (60,000miles) but the friend of a friend hasn’t spent a penny on it, so I’m going to pass. No doubt if I got my hands on it and it’ll end up needing a clutch, condensers, coolant pipes, shift cable, suspension refresh etc etc then I’m up to £18k odd and in a car that I didn’t really want in the first place (think I need the 3.4 S!?) Perhaps I’ll go see the black one, like you say, might be able to get tyres and brakes off the asking, although I’ve noticed it’s been dropped a thousand recently already. Does anyone know if the problems he describes in the ad are common, it’s just putting me off for some reason..don’t want to end up with something that’s going to end up troublesome! Also the fact it’s a “London car” and mot history flags lots of nails in tyres so sounds like it’s been street parked a lot....man I’m fussy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 Don't shy away from a car just because it hasn't had all of the common faults! My R has only had the exhaust triangle joints corrosion; condensers are absolutely fine and so are the coolant pipes. Suspension is aged but there's still no play in anything and it drives as good as the day I bought it. Any decent seller would allow the car to be inspected before you buy it so that you can go in eyes wide open. If something feels off, then get it checked. Don't wait until the service interval - that's how you end up with a bigger bill and a bad surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windymiller Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 5 hours ago, GlosRich said: That's an example of how it can go wrong, and a £350 service becomes £3500! A major service was never going to be ‘only’ £350 anyway, and certainly not at an OPC. I just had a major service on mine (incl RBF600 brake fluid, V belt, Bosch spark plugs + aircon and millers nano-drive oil) at Porschacare (Stevenage) and that was £710, so at an OPC I’d anticipate a major service to be close to £1k. I like MaxRevs videos because they seem very down to earth and he’s a guy who clearly dotes on his car as many of us do (although I dispute his claim to have the best kept and looked after 987.2 in the U.K., because that’s my one that is.... 😜🤩👍🏻), and not knocking him for using an OPC but his brakes could have cost ~50% less if he’d bought the same OEM parts from eurocarparts and got a reputable Indy to fit them for him. My point being - running these cars with TLC need not cost the earth and need not compromise their integrity. Not intending to come across as argumentative, just trying to demonstrate to the guys on here looking for the first dip into (older) porker ownership that it isn’t necessarily a scary money pit. I would however say seek cars that are well evidenced as having been thoroughly looked after, especially as the 987 is getting older now and they are cars that ‘invite’ you to drive them fast / hard. eg, mines 11 years old and I have every invoice for every service and every receipt for every DIY fitted part. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windymiller Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 (edited) When I was buying mine it was the 9th one I’d seen (all trade sellers) and it still wasn’t ‘100%’ the spec nor colour I wanted, but in the end it was close enough and I have never regretted it since. Also do drive the 2.9 as well as I’d suggest it’s ‘better’ for ‘normal’ (but still spirited 😉) road driving than the S as you can really wring its revs out for that fabulous flat-6 howl and still be doing sane speeds on the public highway. my experience: focus on those aspects of the car that will enhance your driving experience - eg, if you really want PSE / PASM / sport design seats / steering wheel (a £150 option when new and now £1300 from OPC!), then hang out for those. Things like wheels can always be changed, as can colour even with a wrap these days, and perhaps have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference of colour. Sports chrono can be semi-achieved with the aftermarket sprint-boost kit, or possibly even OE retro fitted, as can cruise control. At the age they’re all approaching now things like coolant hoses and pipes will need replacing very soon if not already done recently; clutch longevity seems to vary but definitely budget for one in near future (~£800 Sachs parts & Indy fitting + another £900 if DMF needed too - seems to be one of the few parts you sadly can’t find aftermarket) if not done in the last 50k miles If you’re comfortable with DIY mechaniking you can change your own pads & discs for <£500 either end of the car (sebro / pagid / brembo discs and Textar pads from CP4L / ECP + sensors, shims and clips/pins/spring kits are all OEM or equivalent quality). One thing I’ve observed working on mine is that Porsche designs a car to be quite easily disassembled AND for it to all go back together just as well as new afterwards without rattles and squeaks etc. it’s worth investing £10 into a set of trim removal tools off Amazon to save you breaking any trim if you do DIY the car. If financially possible I’d recommend a ‘slush fund’ for the occasional unforeseen ‘big’ bill - with the exception of a major engine / transmission failure (rate on the gen 2) ~£2k would be a comfortable ‘cushion’ (or an ‘emergency use’ credit card). Ive had mine 4 years now and have spoilt her rotten in that time but the reward she provides in sheer driving JOY is worth the time and money spent both finding her and keeping her well ever since 🥰😉👍🏻 Good luck in your searches and do keep us posted on ones you find as it is a relatively small community of owners and there is a mine of informed experience in this OC on all things Caymanister 😁 Edited March 14, 2021 by Windymiller 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 14, 2021 Author Share Posted March 14, 2021 Yeah not worried about servicing costs/parts...tbh I’m the type of person that would buy one then immediately take it in my garage, have it up on stands, clean and degrease all arches and underbody, inspect replace pads/discs and probably refresh all the suspension, fit coil overs and head to CoG for geo 🤣 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 14, 2021 Author Share Posted March 14, 2021 3 minutes ago, Windymiller said: When I was buying mine it was the 9th one I’d seen (all trade sellers) and it still wasn’t ‘100%’ the spec nor colour I wanted, but in the end it was close enough and I have never regretted it since. Also do drive the 2.9 as well as I’d suggest it’s ‘better’ for ‘normal’ (but still spirited 😉) road driving than the S as you can really wring its revs out for that fabulous flat-6 howl and still be doing sane speeds on the public highway. my experience: focus on those aspects of the car that will enhance your driving experience - eg, if you really want PSE / PASM / sport design seats / steering wheel (a £150 option when new and now £1300 from OPC!), then hang out for those. Things like wheels can always be changed, as can colour even with a wrap these days, and perhaps have a 1st, 2nd, 3rd preference of colour. Sports chrono can be semi-achieved with the aftermarket sprint-boost kit, or possibly even OE retro fitted, as can cruise control. At the age they’re all approaching now things like coolant hoses and pipes will need replacing very soon if not already done recently; clutch longevity seems to vary but definitely budget for one in near future (~£800 Sachs parts & Indy fitting + another £900 if DMF needed too - seems to be one of the few parts you sadly can’t find aftermarket) if not done in the last 50k miles If you’re comfortable with DIY mechaniking you can change your own pads & discs for <£500 either end of the car (sebro / pagid / brembo discs and Textar pads from CP4L / ECP + sensors, shims and clips/pins/spring kits are all OEM or equivalent quality). One thing I’ve observed working on mine is that Porsche designs a car to be quite easily disassembled AND for it to all go back together just as well as new afterwards without rattles and squeaks etc. it’s worth investing £10 into a set of trim removal tools off Amazon to save you breaking any trim if you do DIY the car. If financially possible I’d recommend a ‘slush fund’ for the occasional unforeseen ‘big’ bill - with the exception of a major engine / transmission failure (rate on the gen 2) ~£2k would be a comfortable ‘cushion’ (or an ‘emergency use’ credit card). Ive had mine 4 years now and have spoilt her rotten in that time but the reward she provides in sheer driving JOY is worth the time and money spent both ringing her and keeping her well ever since 🥰😉👍🏻 Good luck in your searches and do keep us posted on ones you find as it is a relatively small community of owners and there is a mine of informed experience in this OC on all things Caymanister 😁 Sounds like great advice, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlosRich Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 That 2.9 is cheap Gary. Might be worth inspecting it see what it needs. I would say a 2011 car like that would retail for £19k, say £15k is a steal. Depends what you are used to, and what you intend using it for. The 2.9 is still seriously fast and handles well. Sounds like you like a clean car, so buy on condition, as all parts are expensive, and changing that annoying scratched part is not cheap like other cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG182 Posted March 14, 2021 Author Share Posted March 14, 2021 Well. Things have got interesting...I've ended up buying a manual 2009 987 Cayman S Sport in bright orange (GT3RS colour!?) with 33k on the clock. What have I done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumac62 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 Wow! Fantastic! That's great, well done mate. Have you seen it in the flesh then? Got any pics? I'm still staring at ads and reading advice - in other words going over the top with research, as usual! Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian987 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 On 13/03/2021 at 22:33, Stumac62 said: Hi Gary. Can't help you on that car, sorry. But I'm in the same situation as you. Just joined and after my first Porsche. Looking for a Gen 2 987. I really want the Aqua Blue, but every time I think I've found one its reserved or sold! Good luck with your search. Stu. Have you considered an R in Aqua Blue, if PDk is ok for you? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012277440940 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian987 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 13 hours ago, GlosRich said: That's an example of how it can go wrong, and a £350 service becomes £3500! A way to look at that car, yes it's had a lot of problems fixed, so what else can go wrong? He's admitted to the rear tyres and brakes are due. So maybe another £1k off the price? Also watch Max Revs on YouTube, he has just had a £3k unexpected service. was it unexpected? And was it £3k? I think you’ll find it was very much expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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