Running costs

[Paz]

4 hours ago, Aaron said:

 

@Yorkie has nailed it.  You would want the extra power on track days but for occasional usage, the 2.7 gen 1 is the car to buy when a gen 2's cost becomes challenging.  If you can afford a gen 2, however, I would recommend one of those instead as the initial purchase price is higher but the total cost of ownership will be less.

 

As a two-time S2000 owner, I would put the Cayman maintenance cost as pretty similar to the S2000 with how much parts for it cost nowadays.  The Porsche "premium" for the older cars is not really there anymore with quality aftermarket parts available at reasonable prices, and the plethora of online guides and tutorials available.  If you're not comfortable working on it yourself/someone you know, there are plenty of specialists around that are extremely skilled and, again, reasonably priced.

 

My advice on the 987 aside... if you're happy with the S2000; what is driving the change to a Cayman?  They are different cars for different purposes and usage despite their apparent similarities as 2-door sports cars.

That’s good to know, it would definitely be a gen 2, more power, better interior. I guess I just fancy a change that’s all really! More torque will be welcomed too. 

[Aaron]

8 hours ago, Paz said:

That’s good to know, it would definitely be a gen 2, more power, better interior. I guess I just fancy a change that’s all really! More torque will be welcomed too. 

 

If the extra torque is desirable, then the 3.4 is definitely the way to go.  It has an extra 70 lb/ft or something like that.  There are no reliability or running cost differences between the 2.9 and 3.4; the only difference is the purchase price.

 

If the power is putting you off, then just stick to the mid range.  It can still be capable and fun without going over 5k.

[Paz]

1 hour ago, Aaron said:

 

If the extra torque is desirable, then the 3.4 is definitely the way to go.  It has an extra 70 lb/ft or something like that.  There are no reliability or running cost differences between the 2.9 and 3.4; the only difference is the purchase price.

 

If the power is putting you off, then just stick to the mid range.  It can still be capable and fun without going over 5k.

I think the 2.9 will be fine as I’m used to barely any torque in comparison, 265 bhp in a relatively lightweight car sounds good. My old S3 had the same bhp but was heavier and that felt quick to me. (Slightly more torque at 350nm vs about 300nm) as I say I’ll have to try one first, I’m used to working the gearbox anyway! Also, I guess fuel and tax will be more on the S, and as you say the purchase price is probably a bit too much for me at this moment. 

[Paz]

I have seen a private sale red gen 2 on autotrader, it’s had 7 owners though which puts me off, but the price is quite a bit less than the others. It’s on nearly 74k miles which isn’t too bad, but a bit higher than I’d like. 

[Aaron]

4 hours ago, Paz said:

I have seen a private sale red gen 2 on autotrader, it’s had 7 owners though which puts me off, but the price is quite a bit less than the others. It’s on nearly 74k miles which isn’t too bad, but a bit higher than I’d like. 

 

The gen 2 cars are at least 12 years old now so most will have changed hands quite a few times.  I don't see how many owners matters in comparison to the condition of the vehicle and its documented service history, but that's my opinion.  If it's is in good condition and has the service history to back it up, then it should be worth a visit and test drive.  If you want low miles and low previous owners; the only way to get those attributes is to pay extra for them, unfortunately! 

 

As a side note: I would recommend a PPI if you're going to buy privately or from a trader rather than from a specialist or OPC.

[Paz]

7 hours ago, Aaron said:

 

The gen 2 cars are at least 12 years old now so most will have changed hands quite a few times.  I don't see how many owners matters in comparison to the condition of the vehicle and its documented service history, but that's my opinion.  If it's is in good condition and has the service history to back it up, then it should be worth a visit and test drive.  If you want low miles and low previous owners; the only way to get those attributes is to pay extra for them, unfortunately! 

 

As a side note: I would recommend a PPI if you're going to buy privately or from a trader rather than from a specialist or OPC.

Yes of course I understand I’d have to pay more. As I say it’s because I’m the second owner of my S2000 and I’ve really looked after it. Service history is clearly important too. A PPI is a good shout. Also having my Dad there as an aircraft mechanic will help.

Edited February 10 by Paz

[Yorkie]

Owner numbers is a funny thing. With these type of cars not at the bottom end of the market I’d think there’s more likely to have been a honeymoon period with each new owner where they spend a few quid fixing the little niggles which is obviously a good thing

[Windymiller]

Re owners, my previous 987 had had 3 owners in 7 years, then me for 5 years, then now it’s current owner. So 5 in 14 years total. 
 

often the first owner will have only had the car (from new) for 1-3 years on some sort of PCP, then possibly next subsequent owners buy them, then can’t afford the next service at an OPC so sell them on. 
 

by the age they are now, I would expect good condition ones to start staying in the same hands for some years - they’re less expensive to maintain in terms of actual parts prices with quality 3rd party OEM parts like MEYLE, MAHLE, TRW, Textar, Pagid etc (although repairs may become more frequent), though at over 10+ years most of the ‘biggie’ items may have been done already - eg front rads / condensers; coolant crossover pieces, clutch (incl DMF); brake pipes; exhaust valves (if PSE); water pump; steering rack, gear select cables….

 

Thus providing you with some good years of relatively worry free motoring 👍🏻

 

 Keep looking, do test drive all models (2.9/3.4, manual/PDK) to ‘feel’ which one you prefer (no amount of car reviews and other people’s opinion will tell you what you want/need/prefer) and remain flexible to go with a car that has ‘90%’ of what you’re looking for. But when you find it - go for it before someone else does. Good ones don’t stick around for long. 
 

Good luck with your search matey 👍🏻

[Paz]

On 21/02/2024 at 08:25, Windymiller said:

Re owners, my previous 987 had had 3 owners in 7 years, then me for 5 years, then now it’s current owner. So 5 in 14 years total. 
 

often the first owner will have only had the car (from new) for 1-3 years on some sort of PCP, then possibly next subsequent owners buy them, then can’t afford the next service at an OPC so sell them on. 
 

by the age they are now, I would expect good condition ones to start staying in the same hands for some years - they’re less expensive to maintain in terms of actual parts prices with quality 3rd party OEM parts like MEYLE, MAHLE, TRW, Textar, Pagid etc (although repairs may become more frequent), though at over 10+ years most of the ‘biggie’ items may have been done already - eg front rads / condensers; coolant crossover pieces, clutch (incl DMF); brake pipes; exhaust valves (if PSE); water pump; steering rack, gear select cables….

 

Thus providing you with some good years of relatively worry free motoring 👍🏻

 

 Keep looking, do test drive all models (2.9/3.4, manual/PDK) to ‘feel’ which one you prefer (no amount of car reviews and other people’s opinion will tell you what you want/need/prefer) and remain flexible to go with a car that has ‘90%’ of what you’re looking for. But when you find it - go for it before someone else does. Good ones don’t stick around for long. 
 

Good luck with your search matey 👍🏻

Thank you for your reply, I am in no rush, as I say I love my Honda but if the right car comes up you never know! It’ll be a manual all the way!