Hi Guys,

I am in my initial planning stages for a 06-08 Cayman S. Won't be pulling the trigger on one for at least a month, but I want to cover all my bases first and get some advice from the experts.

1) What additional features do you highly recommend?
2)For the Cayman, does the IMS generally fail before 50,000-60,000 mile range? Would be a low mileage vs medium/high mileage 06?

What do you guys think about the price for these choices?

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...8200/overview/
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9369/overview/

I would love to get a Guard Red Cayman S, but they seem to be incredibly rare.

 

http://www.porscheofcoloradosprings....sche&type=Used&


This one is a little steep on price but with a brand new engine upgraded to 3.6 liters you wouldn't have to worry about the IMS at all and you'd get a little hp bump. It does seem a little on the expensive side, but I'm sure they'd go down on the price. It's been at the dealership for a few months. The interior is a little rough but seems consistent with the mileage. Those soft touch finish buttons they used in 06 and 07 are garbage. I think that's why they fixed them in 08. Between the two you posted, personally, I'd choose the cobalt blue version. 46k miles and no IMS failure, I'd assume you'll be fine. I'm pretty sure the IMS failure rate in the Cayman is around 1%, It's nothing I've ever worried about on either of my Cayman S or my 997. Have your local Porsche dealership do a good PPI on whatever car you decide on and keep us updated. Oh as far as the color, If you pay a little more for the car you want, you won't regret it. Also the options look good on the blue car. Any specific options you are looking for? Do you plan to track the car or are you just looking for a fun DD/2nd car?

 

my perfect options on a 06 would be
-sport chrono (the sport mode is nice, firms up the suspension and the throttle response sharpens, fun but not necessary)
-pasm (lowers the car 10mm, really firms up handling, but recommended on bumpy roads)
-sport seats (hold you in place on the track better than the stock seats, but not imperative as I've never owned a car with these)
-sport steering wheel (again not a deal breaker but these have a nice feel)
-sport shifter (easy and fairly cheap retrofit, the shifts are a little more mechanical feeling and not quite as smooth, but it's fun)
-bose (if I were going to keep the cdr-24 stock, these actually have a pretty nice sound imo)
-heated seats and self dimming mirrors are an absolute must
-6 speed manual transmission, I like to drive not just steer. This is another reason I'd choose that beautiful cobalt over beige cayman over the silver tiptronic

 

How do you intend to use the car? Are you going track it? Use it for autox? Or will it be a daily driver? I ask because I think it's important to know those things before giving you advice on options/features to look for.


As I understand it, and I'm not an expert, IMS failures are very rare but they are brutal. I also don't think mileage is necessarily a driver in the failures.


Does your budget support a 09+ car where you get the DFI engine and then eliminate the IMS risk?

 

It would be a 2nd fun car, possible a DD if I trade in my current vehicle. NO track driving.

I would like to get PASM and Sport Chrono, but it seems almost impossible to find the color and extras.

It almost makes me want to just order a new one from Porsche, but I can't currently afford that

 

Does your budget support an 09+?


Are you looking for a three pedal manual or an tiptronic (or PDK if you get a newer car)?

 

I am in the process of learning how to drive a manual. Previously never had the chance to learn.

So far I'm not leaning either way.

 

I could possibly swing an 09, but I'm sure I could not do an S version.

 

Keep in mind this is one enthusiast's opinion and others may disagree but here goes...


I'm going to strongly consider you wait until you can afford an 09+ Cayman S for a few reasons:
1. You eliminate the IMS issue that is giving you pause.
2. If you're not comfortable driving a true, three pedal manual the PDK in the 09+ cars is just short of a bazillion times better than the tiptronic option of earlier cars. No offense intended to tiptronic owners but that slushbox is just crap compared to modern automatics (like the 8 speed Porsche now uses in the Cayenne) let alone the PDK.


If you're going to DD the car then:
1. Make sure you get the HID headlamps. I think they were optional on base Caymans.
2. Upgraded stereo. The base stereo in the 06-09 is awful. The Bose option is better. The burmeister is stellar.
3. Depending on your body type, the sports seats are worth it.
4. It's not the best value per dollar (esp. when buying new) but I really like the sports exhaust. It doesn't drone like so many aftermarket options and really, really sounds good.


Good luck.

 

I know it's not ideal, but if I found a car with everything I wanted BUT it has 90,000 miles, would anyone here strongly advise against?

I figure for the right price is can be a good buy, just need to figure out exactly what maintenance needs to be done around then.

 

I wouldn't strongly advise against it. These cars are made to be driven. My current cayman s only has 24k miles but my 911 sc had 148,000. I have heard of an 06 cayman s that had 150,000. I'd say as long as the ppi checks out and the maintenance is up to date go for it.

 

I would say 09+ as well. With that budget I'd rather go with new, such as a 2015 Golf R or upcoming Focus RS. The insurance is pretty terrible with Porsche.