Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a roadster/weekend ride, and I have a budget of around 30K. I've been going through my options, and the ~2007 Cayman S seems to match my budget. I'm aware that Porsches tend to be more expensive maintenance-wise, and I took that into account when calculating my budget.

Of course, being able to afford it and it being a good idea are different things altogether. Is it a bad idea to get a 10-year-old performance car? Should I forget about it and go with a newer car?

 

As a guy who has an '06 I'd say go for it! Granted mine has low miles because I live super closer to work, but it puts a smile on my face every time I fire it up!

 

I bought a 10 year old Cayman last month.

I really want to track it, and I'm realizing it would've been better to pony up for a 987.2. But if you're looking for a street car or an autox car, I'd recommend:

PPI for sure
DME is probably a good idea
Boroscope is a little over the top but not a bad idea

I just had an oil analysis on my 06 CS and it checked out great. If I didn't want to track it, I'd be 100% happy with my choice. Now that I'm looking into track mods...less so, but still thrilled with my first P-Car.

 

Bozz, I'd say go for it when you find the right one. It's interesting how despite there not being a ton of CS listings, you still tend to see a good range within a reasons timeframe - low/high miles stock/modded etc.

Like another poster above, I bought an '06 CS two months ago and love it. Granted, Boston weather sucks so badly I haven't driven it much, but it will be a great weekend cruiser.

Sounds like you have the right idea having factored in maintenance to your budget. I started out with a $30k or so goal as well, but went well over when I came across a fellow 6speed listing for a beautiful example with low miles and mods I personally valued highly.

I read a ton as you probably have and the CS ranks high in the bang for the buck dept. (then again that may apply more to someone on the lower end of the range say mid 20s). Buy the best maintained, low miles CS you can find with the factory options that you want. (The build sheet link comes in handy).

Best of luck with your search.

 

Just bought an 06 CS with 18500 miles. Brought to Porsche Dealer and they did a thorough check up and said it only needed an oil and brake fluid change. A great deal or only $26,500.

 

I have sale pending on my 06 w/41.5k miles with PCCB, Chrono, H/R Springs, 3rd radiator, and ECU tune. Price I got was not far off from what Chasvs paid (that was a really good deal from my research).

The car was a great learning tool for the track and auto-x. I would never have sold the car except that I now have a CPO 2012 Cayman R now sitting in the garage as a replacement.

 

My father has a 15 year old Boxster that's still running fine. Only 40,000 miles and a prime candidate for IMS failure..but no issues. Regular maintenance, oil changes. Spark plugs recently. Starts right up and just as fun to drive.

I personally wouldn't hesitate to buy a 10 year old Porsche and I would have every expectation for it to run over 100,000 miles with no issues. (Owner of 987.1 w/55k)

 

Great Idea! I actually think these cars will start to appreciate or hold there value, from an investment point of view..

I will sell you my "08 S... but it has a TPC stg III turbo kit, tuned & installed by TPC to 495whp on 93 pump with 14k miles for about 20 grand more than you budget...

 

Go for it. I am in the same boat looking for a 2006-2007 CS also. Let us know when you get one and post pics.

 

For 30k you can find a very nice 987.1 CS. Best of luck!

 

I just bought a 2006 Boxster.

18K miles. Metallic Blue, Fully loaded, but was a tip.

Paid $20K.

Ended up putting new Rubber, Coils, Plugs, Alignment, and every fluid flushed.

I'm now $23,500 in it, and have a brand new 10 year old car.

My vote is YES!

 

winter seems to bring about some of the best deals when looking for these types of vehicles. these seem to be the best bargain in a performance/$ ratio.

 

Besides IMS, any other things to look for in a Boxster or Cayman?

 

From what I have researched. Water pump, air oil separator and oil starvation if tracking. That is for Gen 1 Cayman s 987.1 06-08.

 

If car was well maintained you should be ok. These cars are built to last!!!!