Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy my first P car and would greatly appreciate some input. My plan is to find a damaged Cayman. I'm talking body damage that doesn't get very structural or serious. My plan is to replace most of the panels with a body kit anyway.

I found this Cayman on Cars.com that has rear end damage and would like some input. Yes, I know you aren't there in person so it's hard to say how severe the damage is, but just from looking at it, do you think it may be worth buying with my plan in mind? Or do you think the damage is too costly to repair and I'd be better off going with a 25K non-damaged Kman?

How does one go about assessing the damage properly before purchase? How do I find someone that's qualified to check this out in person, and what does it cost?

Sorry for all the noob questions. Thanks.

 

Your taking on a big project that can sometimes turn into a very expensive one as well in the end most guys wish they just purchased one that was accident free and cared for and save the headaches. So I will be honest unless you own or work in a body shape or plan on doing most of the work yourself I think you should just find a good deal on a non damaged 987.

 

Thanks for the advice Sleepy. Since I can't do the work myself, I'm hoping to find a car that really doesn't need much more than new bumpers/lights. That particular car probably needs more, and who knows what all problems it has.

My reasoning is that since I'm going to be getting a G1 and installing a full body kit w/new taillights (either TechArt, or Patritti Widebody ), wouldn't it make sense to save a little money on the parts that will be replaced anyway?

I figure it would cost more to just get an undamaged car then replace all those parts. Do you think resale of the orig. parts would almost offset any saving from a damaged one?

 

I definetly understand your thought process and I am always trying to make sure I am getting the best deal as well. That said if you find a wrecked Cayman for $15k and it looks like all it needs is tail lights and a rear bumper that just doesnt make since bc a dealer would order those parts at cost and make a 10k + profit themselves. Plus your buying a car with zero warranty that has been wrecked and probably been sitting somewhere for awhile. There could be water damage which could lead to electrical issues and that can turn very pricey fast and it will all be out of your pocket expenses since porsche won't warranty a totalled vehicle im sure. I dont want to rain on your parade but I don't think this project is a good idea for anyone unless they are a skilled mechanic that is fully confident tearing apart and reassembling the car on there own bc essentially thats what could happen if things turn ugly.

 

Yeah, you're right. It would seem this car needs a lot more than just a rear bumper and lights. I'm just trying to figure out how to save a little money, but I'd rather spend more and be on the safe side. I guess I've just had this dream of picking up a steal, then installing a wicked body kit for a complete transformation.

I'd like to keep this project around 40k. I don't care about performance upgrades, only visual. It's getting harder to decide if I should go with a used '07 (around 27k) and install a bodykit/G2 taillights, or go with a used '09 with low mileage and no body kit (around 42k).

I'm considering this Patritti Widebody kit too. But if I can get a Techart style kit w/'09 taillights installed for significantly cheaper than Patritti, then I'll take that.

I just fear I can't complete this project within my budget. I mean, I'm seeing DB9's for low 50's and if I'm approaching that with my mods, I'd probably rather have that.

Since I have zero experience with body mods, I have no idea what the total cost will be for the work I want done. Guess it's time to call some people.

 

If it were me, I would go with the 09. enough mechanical changes have been made to make it worth while. JM.02

 

I agree and keep in my mind the previous porsche's that I have owned and did body kits etc on were a pain to sell, it really limits your potential buyers. Just something to keep in mind.

 

I'm aware of the HP improvements on the new model, but other than that is there anything critical that's been fixed that isn't HP related? The thing is, I don't need more HP. The stock performance is fine for me.

With that in mind, I can get an '07 (non-damaged) for much cheaper than an '09. Then, as far as I can tell, all I need to do is get a 987.2 style rear bumper and pop in some 987.2 tail lights. I don't really care about the differences in the headlights.

As for body kits, I would assume kits that look ricey would have a hard time selling. But what about a TechArt kit and GT-3 rear bumper w/diffuser?

 

Yes I believe the intermediate shaft has been eliminated on the 09 which has been a weak link on all the previous engines. If anyone knows different please chime in.

 

if you're planning on buying a damaged car, then you need need need a good 100% estimate of the damage based on a tear down of the vehicle. Preferably written by the shop that will be doing the work.

Without this, you really have no idea what you may be getting in to.

Would you trust some side-of-the-road dealer's "127 point inspection" of a car you were buying, or would you insist on an independant PPI? Same deal here.

 

true, and I'm pretty sure all the oil-starvation problems have been fixed on the .2 motors as well.

 

I'm on my 17th car and I've had tons of projects/show cars.

It makes total sense to want to save money on the front end by buying a cheap Cayman with body damage, but it just doesn't add up in the long run. Caymans are still a little too new to find nice examples with superficial damage. If you do find one that has light damage, it makes more sense for the owner to repair the vehicle than take a huge loss (say, the amount you'd like to pay). With accident write-offs, it's the hidden damage that contributes to the write-off, especially when the vehicle looks outwardly ok.

And with a budget of 40K, it doesn't seem you have many options especially when you're considering something as extreme as the Patritti kit, add to that, by your own admission, you won't be doing the work yourself. You're easily going to exceed 20K for the kit/labor/paint; and that's if you start off with a car that's undamaged.

I think your best bet in saving money on the overall budget is to find a nice car, do the work you want done, and recoup some of the cost by selling the leftover stock parts.

If you want something as extreme as the Patritti kit, why not start with a nice 986S with faded paint for around $12,000? You can probably graft in a 987 roof (or the Zein top if you can find one). Every body panel gets changed, so if looks is what you're after, that seems like the only way to keep this one under 40K.

Other than that, taking classes in custom autobody at your local community college would probably save you much more $$$ than what you'd save in locating a damaged 987. Easy. That's what I did.

Anyway... good luck! And post pics of the progress!

 

Thanks for all the input.

I've thought about the 986 conversion route and it never seemed realistic. I'd hate to see the bill for a cayman roof transplant from a shop. Zeintop boxster window shape looks dorky IMO. Plus, I can't see living with the older interior considering how much money is invested.

I realize 40k is not enough for the Patritti undamaged route and plan on spending more if I choose this kit. It's on ebay for 13k, but after paint and installation, I imagine it would be around 25k.

Maybe my best bet is an undamaged 2nd Gen w/TechArt Areo I style kit. Any ideas how much that kit might cost?

 

I don't have any personal experience with a Patritti kit, but just wanted to add as a word of caution, the photos used in the ebay link you provided are of itmerc's car. Unless someone can correct me, that car did not have a kit added to it, that car was painstakingly pieced together with individual parts and cost a fortune.

Just wanted to mention that so you had realistic expectations.