Lack of 987.2 Caymans for sale - inspection questions - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I’ve been looking for a couple of months, and there is just so little out there! I know production numbers were not massive compared to the Gen 1 but I’m still surprised at few cars there are. I would like an early 2009/2010 manual S, and have up to around £27k to spend, ideally black or aqua blue with sports seats and the standard 18” alloys and sub 50k miles. I’ve been limiting myself to OPC and recognised specialists (JZM/RSJ/Paragon/911V etc) and ignoring the non-specialist dealers who seem to have most of the cars, since they command dealer prices without the comfort that they know what they are selling or sufficient warranty back up. I’d consider private cars with a Porsche warranty, but again, none around. I’ve started looking at other colours and specs, and even 2.9’s since there seem to be more out there but just need to be patient. With the non-specialist cars or private purchase, I’d want a decent inspection done to provide comfort that there are no current issues I should be aware of. I understand Porsche can do this, does anyone know the cost and how easy it is to arrange? Is it the same check they would do if you were getting a Porsche warranty and can you then use that to get the warranty, even if you were not the owner at the time, or does that have to be paid at the time of inspection? Are there any other inspections that people can recommend? Thanks

The Gen II Cayman is much rarer than the Gen I, I was also surprised at the official produciton numbers. I wouldn't be put off by looking at cars from non-specialist dealers if i'm honest, provided the price is right and you may have a better chance of negotiating a deal with them, whereas the likes of JZM/Paragon etc are known for generally not moving on the screen price, if they do it's by very little at all. I would go with either pre-warranty check and the dealer to cover the cost of the Warranty from Porsche, that way you've had the car checked by an OPC and a good warranty. If you're paying a premium then you should insist on a premium deal. Aside from that, Peter Morgan is often recommended for performing Porsche Inspections. http://www.porscheinspections.com/

It took me a long time to find my 2010 987.2 S. But having done loads of research, I realised it was the 'sweet spot' in the whole Porsche range, so I wasn't going to compromise on the model choice. Like you I was starting to think I wouldn't find my car, and tbh I was being quite strict on spec. In the end, in July this year, I found a manual with PSE, 19s, PASM and PCM at an independent dealer. But I did have to compromise on colour. Mine is Amethyst (Purple) which was special order. I had to think about that colour long and hard, but its really grown on me so in the end I made the right choice. The dealers warranty was pretty worthless, but I knew from my research that you must own a car for 3 months before you can get an OPC warranty (if purchased outside their network). I took a risk, but based on the checks I did and knowing that the 987.2 is pretty bullet proof I thought it was worth doing. Exactly on 3 months I took it in for the inspection and PCM upgrade. Only thing they found wrong was the non Porsche battery so I was forced to buy their one for £200 fitted (I negotiated a discount!). So I now have a full 2 year OPC warranty, although you need to budget for the cost at £1500. I personally wouldn't buy one of these without an OPC warranty. The OPC inspection has quite a few critics, so I'm not sure I would use it other than a way to get the warranty. And it will have to be done again 3 months later before they will issue the warranty. Good luck with your search.

If you buy private the current owner can warranty a car straight away if it passes the 101 point check, just pay the owner the cost of the warranty and it's good to go. That's what I did when I bought my 987.2.

OP, YHM

Do you really need a warranty on a 987.2? I wouldnt bother. The only thing you are really in need of protecting yourself against is the old IMS and bore scoring which are hopefully a thing of the gen 1 cars. The gen 2 cars are great well worth persevering to find a nice one but I would put the warranty money in the bank.

Harbour cars in Chichester have a white gen2 S with circa 18k miles on the clock. Price is £31k which may be above your budget but it looks a pretty clean car and their prep is good and warranty about as good as independent specialist get. Like others have said fairly rare cars and I'm not sure this is the best time to find the pick of models. A lot of good ones will not be advertised until the spring when prices are generally firmer. Anyway good luck with your search and keep us all posted on how you get on..

Thanks all. Re having a warranty, I know that the Gen 2 is supposedly far more reliable and that is why I'm looking at them rather than the Gen 1 cars, but for me a warranty would be a comfort as my first Porsche ownership experience. There was a guy on here recently who broke down on day 2 of Gen 2 ownership, although sounds like a relatively minor issue in the end. I think the warranty is less important for me than having a good inspection, so that I know what I'm getting. Will take a detailed look at the Peter Morgan inspections, although seems pricey compared to a thorough Lotus inspection I had previously.

I've just recently sold this one I thought was pretty good value. Great car with the carnewall GT exhaust! http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

anonymous said: [redacted] I think that's the lowest spec 987.2 S I've ever seen. Seller says its Metallic, but doesn't look like Ruby Red to me, more like Guards (but red in photos is difficult to judge). And I think I'm right in saying AFN haven't existed for years?

I've already enquired about that car, no options other than extended leather, nice to have I guess but why that and nothing else! Owner didn't seem to know much about it at which was a bit worrying but will probably go and see it. Red is not high on my list but slowly warming to guards

To me the advert reads like a trader dealing from home. Doesn't read like he is the owner of the car. Also doesn't mention how many owners and overall service history. Just a few things I would like check into IMO. I also though AFN were no longer. The guy is in west London so you could also drop into 911virgin and have a look at their Caymans to get some perspective on condition of other cars in the market albeit at a higher price.

JackReacher said: I've already enquired about that car, no options other than extended leather, nice to have I guess but why that and nothing else! Owner didn't seem to know much about it at which was a bit worrying but will probably go and see it. Red is not high on my list but slowly warming to guards If you want an OPC warranty, I would ask what tyres it has before you go. They must be N rated, or you'll need to swap all 4. Extended leather is nice, but not near the top of many people's 'must have' list.

I wouldn't worry about a poverty spec Cayman, the optional sat nav isn't that great, Bose sound system is basically rubbish, the standard soft touch plastic dash is perfectly fine and the good old fashioned suspension is bloody excellent. That Guards Red car at £24k is an absolute steal.

I recently bought an 09 Cayman S with 19k miles for just under 25k from Hamilton Audi,outside Glasgow. They included a one year independent warranty but I also had a Porsche club recommended guy go and do a full inspection beforehand which it passed with flying colours. I'm now a couple of months in and couldn't be happier - it's a fantastic piece of kit at that price. I think I probably saved at least 3 grand compared to buying the car from an OPC. I was toying with buying an older 911 but the Gen 1 engine issues frightened me to death ! There are a few Gen 2 24v cars kicking around for circa 22k which also look to be a good deal. My car wasn't loaded with options (still add up to 5k of course!) but I'm pretty happy with the spec. The only think which would've been nice were Xenons - the standard headlights are pretty pants. I've just ordered some Phillips Xtreme vision replacement bulbs so lets see if they improve things. Otherwise it's happy days so far... Happy Car Hunting,