Well I have an opportunity to purchase one of two cars and need help.
First the prices are about the same. The first is a 2003 Carrera 4S, silver on black. 31k on the cloock, no service records, all leather, garage kept, and is in pristine condition, owner was the wife of a local sports team owner who has a "fleet" of cars ind is reducing her fleet. It's at the local dealer, no warranty but drives strong and the inside is perfect.
Second, a 2008 Cayman S, it is CPO'ed, have all service records, 40K on the clock, pristine in and out, aero kit, 19" wheels, owned by a local car dealer, black on black, chrono, leather, perfect inside and out.

As I said they are both about the same price, both really perfect inside and out, both well taken care of, can't decide.
Any advice is greatly appriciated.

 

Wow...big decision. Okay, my two cents; I love 911's and will try not to be biased. When I bought my car I bought it because it was fun to drive and most of my friends have them...all different years. Until I owned my own and "really rallied" it, I had no idea what these cars could do. The completely extra item I got with this car is the wow factor. I get questions, looks, compliments....all on 12 year old vehicle. They cayman is a GREAT car, but it is not the flagship 911. If that does not matter to you, take both out again, drive them hard, and take notes on which you like better. Pull into a gas station, go in, look out at the car sitting there and see which you can best picture yourself in. If still no clear winner, buck up and get a PPI on both cars and see which is most mechanically sound and needs less maintenance to get it 100%.

Good luck, tough decision indeed. Let us all know / or better yet post pics and we'll decide for you...LOL. :-)

 

OH, huge factor I overlooked. IMS issues: has the 2003 had the retrofit? And, does the 2008 need it too, or is it more sound? The retrofit would cost you about $2300 if you did a clutch and RMS too. Anyone know on the issues with the 08 cayman engine?

 

I don't know what you mean when rou say retrofit. The Cayman has been CPO'ed so the warranty is good until 11/2013. The C4S is went through a PPI what it was sold to the dealer and has no issues. Both were garage queens, but the Cayman was owned by a man who did drive it hard, the C4s was owned by a now 80 something lady and was babbied, I mean babbied tp the tune of garage being climate controlled as she had a fleet of about 10 cars. I am leaning towards the C4S because I've always wanted a 911, the only thing it will need is a fixed rear spoiled, the Cayman has the aerokit from the factory.

 

The IMS bearings in years 99-05 are notoriously week. If they wear out, you can end up replacing a whole engine at upwards of $20K. See these links, but better yet, just search IMS in the search above. Due to it being a "garage queen" and not driven hard (911), it is even more susceptable to IMS issues. Again, they both sound like nice cars, but I know you'll love the 911. Ask if the dealer will warranty the IMS if nothing else / Or, have them work in an IMS retrofit into the sales price.

See this link for the best retrofit: http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

 

I don't know that I'd say the IMS bearings are notoriously weak. There have been some reported problems, but most cars don't have any issues. FWIW, a 2008 Cayman is also susceptible to the same IMS issues. I wouldn't let this be the issue that keeps you from buying the 911 if that's what you want. You can upgrade the bearing in either car.

I agree with the previous comments. Drive both cars, and make your choice. They are both excellent.

 

How much are the cars? I had a friend go through the same kind of problem a couple of months ago. He was deciding on a 2008 Cayman and 2005 911. Decided on the 911 because of its legacy. Of course I am biased with an 09 C4S. As far as the 03 C4S, its my favorite 996...it looks like a beast and I could almost argue its as nice as the 997. To me its an easy decision but I agree about the IMS upgrade.

 

The C4S is going to be mid 30's out the door and the Cayman S is right at 40 out the door. When the dealer went over the C4S they took apart the filter and there were no signs of metal flake. I drove both and both are excellant. I am however leaning towards the 911 because it's a car I've always wanted. I'll see if the dealer will retrofit the bearing.

 

C4S without a doubt. Sounds like a good deal. Don't let all the IMS talk scare you off. All engines have been known to blow up. Enjoy!

 

I have to say the 911 ... but would be wise to get the bearing changed ... just the piece of mind is worth it in itself ... Iam most likely doing the same to mine real soon ... I have a 01 996 C4 with only 23,000 miles on the clock ... it was babied also ... but I rather spend the couple of thousand and never have to worry about replacing the engine ... hit the dealer for it .. or chew him down on the price, telling him this is a needed procedure that needs to be done ... Enjoy the car!

 

Two threads for the same information......?........ I answered on the other one.

 

A few points:

First, like a few others have said, IMS is a non-issue for 99%+ of the cars out there. Don't let it worry you.

Second, the 911 has a lot more of its depreciation already built in, so it will almost certainly hold more of its value in 5 years.

Third, the 911 is a bit more practical, if that's a consideration. I actually use the backseat from time-to-time, which isn't an option with the Cayman.

The Cayman is a great car. Really great. I've been seriously considering a Cayman R. But I think if it is even a close call, you have to lean towards the 911. Not that you'll go wrong either way.