Popular Post Hunter Posted November 21, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 21, 2021 I've lurked here for the better part of two years now. Last June, I got my first Porsche and my first Cayman. While ownership hasn't been totally without drama, it's been pretty close. I'm pleased to have been the one to push past 100,000 miles in what turned out to be a mechanically sound beast; a fantastic entry into the marque. However, life circumstances and my wish to begin tracking something means I'm in the position to sell. I don't want to tempt fate with the M97, even with the TLC I've poured into it. I noticed that I've managed my entire time here without any real pictures of the car (bumper-off doesn't count!), so it seems fitting that I share a couple. Not so quick... I'll absolutely be sticking around: for one, the car isn't sold yet! (if anybody is in the market...) For another, this has been an awesome community to be a part of, even primarily as a reader. And, finally, I can't in any way imagine that this will be my last Cayman. What's next? Short term, something that I can give track and daily-duty, with the hope of a slightly cheaper repair bill when things go wrong. A 2010ish MX-5 or TT Quattro are on the table, though I'd love a second (and third) opinion. I've been a little too scared to modify the Cayman; that won't be the case here. I'll be saving a hefty chunk on tax and petrol, too, which will go towards my half-formed plan to buy an air-cooled 911 in a year or two. Longer term, I fully intend on going whole-hog on a track-build Cayman. Possibly a 987.2, possibly a Hartech build... unless things really go my way. The GT4 RS does look quite nice... Back to lurking for now, I suppose! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted November 22, 2021 Share Posted November 22, 2021 Can't blame anyone for having a plan! Car looks lovely though, but having something for track sounds like fun. From the two you have mentioned I would go for the MX5 all day long, rear wheel drive will be a much better driver on the track, you'll learn much more about how far things can be pushed and still be in the rear drive world the Caymen was/is. MX5's have a HUGE amount of aftermarket track parts and companies that supply for them and are very easy to work on, plus being an NA engine you have to actually drive the thing rather than waiting for the glob of turbo to throw you down the next straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted November 22, 2021 Author Share Posted November 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Andy said: From the two you have mentioned I would go for the MX5 all day long, rear wheel drive will be a much better driver on the track, you'll learn much more about how far things can be pushed and still be in the rear drive world the Caymen was/is. MX5's have a HUGE amount of aftermarket track parts and companies that supply for them and are very easy to work on, plus being an NA engine you have to actually drive the thing rather than waiting for the glob of turbo to throw you down the next straight. Having just tested an MX5, I completely agree with you. Even compared to the fancier mk3 TTS I tested some time ago, the MX5 wins out for drivability. That said, there is convenience to consider. I can't justify a second car, so a little boot space could be nice (I have a bike for my short commute if I bin it on track). Likewise, TT track builds do look fantastic ...but there's so much extra work getting it doing what I want: forcing the AWD system to behave and give me a balanced/rear bias, first of all. Rest assured I'll check back in when I've a) sold the Cayman and b) pulled my thumb out and decided on a car. Perhaps I'll join you and your Focus in the darker corners of the forum. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennym1984 Posted November 22, 2021 Share Posted November 22, 2021 I wouldn't buy a TT specifically for track days. They're not particularly sharp drivers and compared to a Cayman they'll feel very dull. Have you thought about a Megane RS or a Civic/Integra type R? Both are FWD but are pretty epic on track and offer a good degree of practicality on the road. My friend had an Integra Type R (a DC5 I think) track car (rose jointed etc) and I was amazed at how well it handled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted November 22, 2021 Author Share Posted November 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Lennym1984 said: I wouldn't buy a TT specifically for track days. They're not particularly sharp drivers and compared to a Cayman they'll feel very dull. Have you thought about a Megane RS or a Civic/Integra type R? Both are FWD but are pretty epic on track and offer a good degree of practicality on the road. My friend had an Integra Type R (a DC5 I think) track car (rose jointed etc) and I was amazed at how well it handled. The TT would certainly require some work, though that's part of the fun - how many MK2 TT's do you see at track days? Though I imagine improving the TT's handling will be a far deeper rabbit hole than adding power to the MX5. As for the hatchbacks, really, I'm just being unreasonable. I prefer the aesthetics of the hairdresser cars (and frankly, don't want to be bundled with the Civic Type R crowd that run round here). That said, I've seen first-hand how insanely fast the Megane RS is, so if I ever needed a four-door, that'd be on the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennym1984 Posted November 23, 2021 Share Posted November 23, 2021 On 13/11/2021 at 10:46, Ginginho said: 10 hours ago, Hunter said: how many MK2 TT's do you see at track days? Almost none. In the past two years, I think I've seen three. On the other hand, I've lost count of the number of MX5s I've seen. The TT is a lovely car (I drove one of the first press cars when the MK2 TT came out) but its not renowned for its handling. I'm sure it would be possible to make it fast round a circuit but I don't think it will be all that fun. How about a GT86? The interior is a bit naff but they're nice to drive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 2 hours ago, Lennym1984 said: Almost none. In the past two years, I think I've seen three. On the other hand, I've lost count of the number of MX5s I've seen. The TT is a lovely car (I drove one of the first press cars when the MK2 TT came out) but its not renowned for its handling. I'm sure it would be possible to make it fast round a circuit but I don't think it will be all that fun. How about a GT86? The interior is a bit naff but they're nice to drive Exactly: a bit more exclusive/special. But yes, not as much of a workhorse as a MX5. A bit like the 'ring: there's a reason you see a lot of Porsches. I seriously considered the GT86, but they're going for similar money to the Cayman I'm selling. Better mileage and maintainance but, since I'm looking to put some money away for the next oil burner, not an option right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windymiller Posted November 27, 2021 Share Posted November 27, 2021 Buy my 987.2 S in May next year - a perfect start point for a ‘daily track toy’. 😉 she hasn’t put a foot wrong for me after ~20 track days 2018-21 👍🏻 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 23 hours ago, Windymiller said: Buy my 987.2 S in May next year - a perfect start point for a ‘daily track toy’. 😉 she hasn’t put a foot wrong for me after ~20 track days 2018-21 👍🏻 Deal! ... you'll take 2010 MX-5 money, right? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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