I am writing this to all,but some of what I say is addressed to those on this site that have not experienced PORSCHE. I noticed that some may be thinking about other car companies. I would say don't do it! Just say no.
This particular car is exceptional in every way. If you can appreciate a car that was made to feel when driving then you should buy from this company. I paid $65,000 and made the best deal of my driving life.
The only option thatI feel is necessary is the sport chrono. This option makes a big difference in performance. The other options are personal luxury items but do little to improve the driving experience.
The greatest distinction that Porsche has over others is that they have not yielded to the electronic craze. The car has modern features but it is it's basic simplicity that attracts me so.
I picked the car up Thursday 1-19-06
Cayman S:
-Sport Chrono
-PASM
no other options
LONG INTERSTATE DRIVE
I am 54 years old,6'3', 225lbs, size 14 shoe. I drove 5 hours on the interstate to get home and I was comfortable. I had forgotten how superior these cars were. I owned a 930 Turbo in the early 80,s. The standard seats are perfect for large people. I also was able to stretch out my legs completely when I put it in cruise and placed my shoe less feet behind the clutch and break pedals. After 5 hours I experienced no bottom fatigue and the next morning I felt fine. This is a testimony to very high quality seats and proper engineering.
As for the performance driving experience, the car handles like a big go kart.The acceleration is acceptable to me and I understand that some would desire a greater kick from increased torque but this car is well balanced for fun back road twisties and would benefit little from more horsepoweron these roads.In sport mode I accelerated up an interstate ramp to 120, and it was quite exhilarating.I have raced purpose built road racing cars so I have very high standards. I love the car. The only thing thatwould want to change now at 450 miles is the exhaust note. I like a little more engine music, but just a little more, not much.NowI must qualify this last statement with the fact that I lost part of my hearingwhile in military service.
The looks speak for themselves it is a piece of engineering art.
Mike
Mike, its great to hear from someone who has put in a longroad tripin the Cayman. Thanks.
A great report Mike. If you haven't done so already, drive around with the windows open; the sounds get a little better that way.
I can attest that the longer I have the car and the more I use it, the bigger the smile on my face.
I do tend to drive the car with the windows down to hear that intoxicating sound.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I thought I had been doing a pretty good job of keeping my excitement in check while waiting for my Feb delivery but a test drive on Saturday has put an end to that! While not at RussK levels, I am getting excited. [/quote]My one problem during the test drive was the very bad three-quarters blind spots that made merging/pulling out at Y junctions rather treacherous. As an avid motorcyclist I am paranoid about blind spots in cars. [/quote]
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Anybody else had this blind spot problem?
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I was also a little disappointed with the feel of the switch gear. Nothing like the nice ”fall to hand” and tactile sense that I always get from a BMW’s switches and stalks. However, in the big picture and the thrill of driving (and listening to) the car that doesn’t really matter.
I have been adjusting my passenger side view mirror a lot to try and get rid of the blind spot. I too am bothered by and paranoid of it.
JHellow
The blind spot is bad when turning left out of a parking lot into traffic. As you start your turn the road to the right totally disappears. I'm now a little paranoid when doing this.
Note: Try holding the drivers door open a bit when you start the car. Sounds great.
Blind spots are a bit of a problem, agreed. When merging, they do allow you to take advantage of the car's best 'safety feature' though - the throttle. /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/wink_smile.gif
I now have 700 miles on mine and the only problem is that it keeps yelling to me in the middle of the night, saying 'Drive me, please drive me'. This car rocks. This is Porsche #4 for me and it is the best yet.
As for blind spots, I find that a little push on the pedal and they turn into behind spots ....
LL
After our little outing this past week I have not noticed any blind spots while driving. Thebetter half had a turn at driving as well and commented about how much she could see out of the car. She truly loves driving this car. NOW she says maybe she shoulda gotten the new car instead of me....