I was wondering if anyone here has gone from a 911 to a Cayman. I am not quite sure if a regular Cayman is solid alternative to other sports cars but it seems pretty nice. I have seen so many mixed reviews however on styling, performance and most of all the FEEL of the experience I'd like to get some feedback from those who actually owned a 911 prior to there Cayman or Cayman S. You can get a low mileage 2007 Cayman for a hair under $30,000 now. I don't know about the S however. Is there any significant maintenance woes or reliability issues with the car or has it not been out long enough to really say?

 

I'm guessing my last post on your other thread got you thinking about the Cayman. To tell you the truth, no matter how many answers people give you on these forums, you're going to go have to drive the cars you're considering. When I was choosing between the 996, SL55AMG, & M3, I posted many threads on different forums, & the biggest response was to go for the M3 'cause of reliability & all that boring stuff. I went & test drove all of them. As soon as I left the dealer's lot in the 996, I knew that I had to have it. I went & bought it the next day. If I would've listened to everyone's suggestions, I'd be regreting it right now big time. Go drive them all. When you find the right car, you'll know. My vote goes for the 996 or a Cayman S (I personally woudln't buy a non-s), but like I said, YOU have to drive them & see what you like. It's kind of like me choosing Adriana Lima & I tell you why she's so great & blah blah, but then you test drive Gisele Bundchen & you prefer her, lol.

 

Nice analogy. I think the Cayman would be my choice providing it was far less problematic and maintenance intensive. This is almost a deal breaker for me regarding the 911 and it's a shame. I can put up with expensive maintenance, sure that is fine but when things go wrong as frequent it makes the car less desirable to me.

 

I second that unless you are under certain amount of budget.

 

I've had zero trouble with mine from the get go & I think most people have had the same experience. Yes, we've all heard the horror stories, but they seem much worse than they really are because what happens is that when someone has a problem, they immediately go to the internet to rant about it 'cause they're pissed, meanwhile happy Porsche owners are usually out enjoying these beautiful machines or don't even know these forums exist, so you don't hear about them as much. I think the chances of something going wrong are the same as with any other car. The difference is it's more expensive when it does, which is another everyone is terrified of it, lol. If you really like the 996, then buy it. Just make sure you get a car that's been driven, have an extensive PPI done, & keep up with all maintenance & it should be fine.

 

From new 04 996 Targa, to new 06 Cayman S, to slightly used 03 996TT.
Cayman is a great car, but just missed the added power, and the design of the 911.
I also am a bit of a gear head, and the fact that the Cayman's engine is sequestored in the sealed center section was a bit of a turn-off to me. It removed a connection that is part of anybody who's a car guy, and likes to tinker, the quick connection to the powerplant. Yeah, I know, the cover comes off. I have a lift. It just felt too modular.
Don't get me wrong. The Cayman S is a great car. Handles well, the right sounds and Porsche experiance, just not the same as it's bigger brother.
Your results may vary.

 

I second the advice on driving one yourself. My sales guy went from various 911s to a Cayman. I've driven friends 911s as well as test drove a couple while shopping for my Cayman. I loved the extra leg room of the 911 (I'm 6'4") but they handle quite differently than a Cayman. Neither car is a bad choice, it just comes down to your personal preference. These cars are a luxury, so pick whatever gives you the biggest thrill.

 

the extra grunt and additional sound from the exposed engine is what would bring me back to a 911. these 987's are beautiful to drive and imo fit tighter, but the howl keeps calling.

 

The modern 911s and Boxster/Cayman series share considerable technology. RMS failures occurred in both Boxsters and 996s. There is no reason to believe that the 911 is more prone to problems than either of the mid engine Porsches. I had a 99 Boxster, and 06 Cayman S, and now await delivery of a 09 Carrera S Cab. They all require similar maintenance recommendations by Porsche, and once out of warranty they will be expensive to fix. Even if you DIY the parts aren't cheap. I wouldn't choose between a 911 and a Cayman based on projected long term reliability.