Okay I am going to be the owner of my very first porsche, and first sports car. I am coming from a 2006 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T. I have been looking and driving for a few weeks and think I have narrowed it down to two different cars. The are bascially the same price, with the same color schemes and basically the same interior options. This will be my daily driver except for nasty winter days.

1. 2007 Porsche Cayman with 47k miles and 19" carrera wheels, 5 speed manual
pros: I like the looks better, coupe, better mpg, and more cargo room, newer

2. 2005 Porsche Boxster S with 35k miles and 19" carrera wheels. 6 speed manual.
pros: More power, short throw shifter?, less miles, wife likes it better.

So from you experience porsche owners and need your basic thoughts, what don't I know about these cars that I should, or that would make a difference in the decision. Thanks a lot for your time reading and responding.

 

I wasn't happy until I got the car I really wanted, a Cayman S. There are plenty of cars out there, take your time.

If it's your money, find one you'll love, not one to settle for.

 

I have a Cayman S with the 3.4L engine + Remus exhaust. Can I just say I think the 2.7L engine + Remus exhaust actually sounds better than the "S" engine—it could be a higher pitch?

 

This could be a really simple decision for you... do you want option for top-down driving or not. That's basically why i got the Boxster S. I have an tuned'98 Audi A4, but when it came down to buying my next car... I really wanted a convertible. If I wanted closed top driving, I can hop back into the A4. Sure, one could argue closed ****pit driving between A4 and Cayman are completely different.. but, for me, the big difference is open top vs. not.
Once you've decided whether convertible is important to you (your wife) or not, you may be able to go for a '06 or '07 Boxster for about the same price as the '07 Cayman.

BTW, if I live in Portland and have access to HWY101,... I would definitely want the top-down option. But that's just me.

 

I do understand the crux of the issue maybe top down or not for me I could probably go either way. I "think" I would prefer a coupe because the number days to drive with the top down are limited in the pacific northwest but even more importantly I am worried about leaks and troubles with the convertible top with all the rain we get. The car would be in the garage while at home but it would be a daily driver for me and would sit out side at work, in the rain. Is this really much of a concern with the boxster convertible tops?

 

In New England, people drive their Boxsters in snow and rain. I think that should be OK.

 

I am going to go with the cayman assuming everything works out. I have a few concerns that need to be address. It is a 2007 with 47k miles on it, I believe from Los Angeles so its seen some traffic. I am having a pre-sell inspection on it tomorrow, and a much longer test drive. On my original test drive I thought the clutch might be a bit worn and there was a bit of a engine smell when I got out. I don't know if it was normal, or burn oil, clutch smell, or just the detailing cleaner they may have used on the engine. I am hoping the PPI will tease that out from me. IF that doesn't work out then I will try and again with the boxster I am looking at.

I am very excited about owning my first porsche. The best handling car I have own was the audi A4 and it was a lot of fun, even though I am giving up some luxury I think that this is going to be a blast.

 

Well I going to take the cayman for a bit longer test drive today and then a Pre Purchase Inspection. I am really excited about getting this car and joining the porsche family. Hopefully it will all come back in good condition, if not then maybe the boxster S or keep looking.

cross your fingers!

 

I say Cayman, it's more refined.

Both are great cars.

-Nathan

 

I ended up with the 2007 Cayman. Very happy about it, it is a blast to drive. It isn't with out a few issues. It needs new from rotors, the pads had been replaced but whoever neclected the rotors. It also has a slight oil leek on one of the valve cover gaskets. I have an appointment for the dealership and warranty work on Monday, the rotors will come next. But it is soooo much fun to drive. yeeeehaaaaaw! happy to be part of the family.

 

I am in Salem and may want to sell my RS Spyder. I do not have enough posts to send you a PM, so please send me one if you are interested.

Thanks!

Mark

 

I like life better with my top off; thus the Boxster.

 

Congrats on the purchase! As the owner of a 2007 Cayman (2.7), I know you are going to love it! I've done the tuning from FVD, but otherwise the car is stock at the moment. You are going to love it!