must have Cayman options - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

having decided to actually get one of these , I am asking myself the question - what are the must have options - in particular something like PASM or PVT. I understand the need for full leather, sports exhaust, chrno, climate and bigger wheels, but when I look at what is for sale at the OPCs very few have PASM etc - are these the poverty spec ones ?? lol so, bearing in mind I am either going to order new or buy one up to 2 years old with the smaller engine - with a manual gearbox just what are the must haves ?? Thanks

hydraulic steering and manual are two of the biggest things for me.

I don't think there are any 'must haves' that are the same for everyone. It totally depends on your needs and what you'll use the car for.

For me it's Buckets, X73, PCCB's & PTV as a minimum. As above though, there is not a list of must haves as its a very individual thing.

As above, all personal, for me I wouldn't consider a car that didn't have xenons, auto dimming mirrors, some kind of stereo upgrade, phone prep at very least, how this does not come as standard and hasn't for years is beyond shocking

I never spec auto dimming mirrors, I find them not great when seeing what is behind you, ie a police car at night. If one wants to dip the mirror it's not hard to move the knob on the rear view mirror lol but as people love PDK and don't want to use their arms or legs any longer I can see to some people it being a issue lifting ones left arm to move the mirror button !!

With auto dimming mirrors (which includes wing mirrors by the way) comes auto wipers, which are much more useful......

I think a significant start point is the budget - which will determine which model(s) are within range, and, to a certain extent, which options make sense/are affordable. But as everyone says it's so personal that no-one can make sensible comments. You will find (if you trawl this forum) that you will get recommendations for almost every option under the sun and denigration by many others for the same options - including almost all of the ones you mention. As a for instance (and it's only my opinion, which will have many detractors) I wouldn't be bothered by leather or chronosport, would avoid 20" wheels and sports exhaust, am keen on PASM (on a 981) and climate, regard parking sensors as near essential. PCM and phone prep are expected by buyers and so command a premium secondhand and make the car easier to sell - but if you don't need/want them you can drive a hard bargain when buying. And if you haven't tried PDK I recommend you do so and make up your own mind whether you like it or not.

For me PDK, X73, PSE, Sports Chrono, 20 inch ŵheels, extended leather to dash and door cappings, heated seats, PDSL + folding mirrors, Sport seats, as you see you will get a different answer from all respondents. The main thing is they are cracking cars for the money, have no real competition in there market segment enjoy what you get

none

3.8l engine.

Best thing is to try a few demo cars out and see which spec you prefer. Or go to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone and have a thrash. I've driven 4 Cayman 981s in various configs, mine is a manual 981 Cayman S used as an all rounder: nursery runs, daily driver, weekend blasts, road trips, and occasional track use. Here's my opinion on the key mechanical options, but think about how the car will be used when picking your options. PTV (limited slip diff) - unnecessary on the road, great for track work. Can feel the electronic intervention over the rear axle which, whilst effective, feels unnatural. Would avoid unless you're doing extensive track work and want the LSD. PCCB - standard brakes are great on both Cayman and Cayman S so PCCB is a "nice to have" indulgence (minor lower unsprung weight benefits offset by the huge purchase and replacement cost) PASM (adaptive dampers) - excellent for road use, sport setting is perfect for track. Good to have the choice. Would recommend. PSE (switchable sports exhaust) - Loud mode is borderline anti-social on even medium throttle openings. This might be excellent or terrible depending on your point of view! I'm personally on the fence but a couple of my mates think it's an absolute must so definitely down to personal preference. Sports Chrono - throttle blip on downshifts is a neat feature and makes for very smooth and fast progress. Sport Plus setting loosens the electronic safety net further (PSM). Dynamic transmission mounts - largely unnoticeable on the manual cars at least. Wheels - I prefer 19s to 20s as the roads round here (Herts) are disgraceful and the car drives more fluidly (you've also got the option of 18s on the 2.7 Cayman). PASM for me is an absolute must if you're going with 20s. If I was going for the 18s I'd probably live without PASM. They are great cars, all said and done. With the benefit of hindsight I'd happily have bought a base 2.7 Cayman with no options. You really can't go wrong!

If you plan on keeping the car for a short time buy one with a high spec so it's easy to move on again. Or if your in for long term ownership you don't need all the gizmos as it all about the drive, Bose is rubbish, if you need sat-nav buy a TomTom, standard suspension is excellent, they drive perfectly good on 18" wheels, the standard interior is a nice place to be. If I had to choose a few must have's...Xenon lights, cruise control and sports seats. Edited by Klippie on Thursday 11th February 20:42

my word, what a great variety of feedback - thanks ! do they not come with Xenons as Std ???

Yes but bear in mind std xenon aren't bright enough to require headlamp washers and self-levelling, so whilst acceptable my recommendation would be to upgrade to PDSL.

Porsche911R said: I never spec auto dimming mirrors, I find them not great when seeing what is behind you, ie a police car at night. If one wants to dip the mirror it's not hard to move the knob on the rear view mirror lol but as people love PDK and don't want to use their arms or legs any longer I can see to some people it being a issue lifting ones left arm to move the mirror button !! Or lifting ones left arm to press the off button on the mirror to turn dimming off, so you can see that police car you are worried about

Wouldn't touch a car without PASM; once experienced, the ride of a car without it appears pretty crude. Also like PSE as gives you option for a relatively quiet car for those times when you just want to cruise and then with the flick of a switch you feel like you're in a race car with the the exhaust bellowing, popping and banging in over runs etc. Rest is personal

Six cylinder engine is the only must have. Rest is personal.

markst said: do they not come with Xenons as Std ??? Cayman S has xenons as standard, Cayman 2.7 does not.

Porsche911R said: I never spec auto dimming mirrors, I find them not great when seeing what is behind you, ie a police car at night. If one wants to dip the mirror it's not hard to move the knob on the rear view mirror lol but as people love PDK and don't want to use their arms or legs any longer I can see to some people it being a issue lifting ones left arm to move the mirror button !! I find the auto dipped mirror is just fine for seing what is behind me, I just dont get my retina burnt out by the ever increasing amount of SUV's that are higher than a Cayman/low car, also the side mirrors dip, I consider this essential for a car i may use daily, during the winter months my drive to and from work is mostly in the dark for around 3 months, but obviously this is also a personal thing.

markst said: having decided to actually get one of these , I am asking myself the question - what are the must have options - in particular something like PASM or PVT. I understand the need for full leather, sports exhaust, chrno, climate and bigger wheels, but when I look at what is for sale at the OPCs very few have PASM etc - are these the poverty spec ones ?? lol so, bearing in mind I am either going to order new or buy one up to 2 years old with the smaller engine - with a manual gearbox just what are the must haves ?? Thanks I got my new 2.7 in October and ordered very few extras: CDR+ with DAB and SPP (The base audio is terrible but this all depends if you use the radio) Bluetooth (SAP) - Great for those who don't use IPhone Reverse Parking Beeper - The only option I would not pick again Sports Steering Wheel - Much nicer if you don't want the buttons Bare in mind the new 718 includes most of the above although personally I didn't want a turbo 4 (Have had plenty of those in the past). I would say most options are personal preference but IMHO they are less important for resale on a 2.7 and the old PCM system in the 981.1 is overpriced and crappy (Try one if you don't believe me, your phone or Tom Tom will almost certainly be better). On the chassis options I tried a few and if I did drive on better roads would have taken PASM, just remember that you have 10mm less clearance with PASM so its not entirely a win-win. PTV seemed unnecessary to me in the 2.7 and personally I didn't like the dash adornments of the Chrono pack but a lot of people like them. Edited by Krobar on Friday 12th February 21:35

Porsche911R said: I never spec auto dimming mirrors, I find them not great when seeing what is behind you, ie a police car at night. If one wants to dip the mirror it's not hard to move the knob on the rear view mirror lol but as people love PDK and don't want to use their arms or legs any longer I can see to some people it being a issue lifting ones left arm to move the mirror button !! I agree....had it once in a BMW...hated it....not a fan of rain sensor wipers either....

FrankCayman said: I agree....had it once in a BMW...hated it....not a fan of rain sensor wipers either.... Then you've clearly not had a rain sensor on an Alfa Romeo. Completely useless in clearing the windscreen but they have loads of entertainment value with their unpredictability. Torrential rain - 'no problem an occasional wipe will sort that out'.... Splash of water on the screen - 'whoo hoo lets go mental!'

Timbo_Mint said: Then you've clearly not had a rain sensor on an Alfa Romeo. Completely useless in clearing the windscreen but they have loads of entertainment value with their unpredictability. Torrential rain - 'no problem an occasional wipe will sort that out'.... Splash of water on the screen - 'whoo hoo lets go mental!' Ha ha....Italians always over react to silly little things....yet seem completely chilled with serious issues!!!

Heathrow said: Best thing is to try a few demo cars out and see which spec you prefer. Or go to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone and have a thrash. I've driven 4 Cayman 981s in various configs, mine is a manual 981 Cayman S used as an all rounder: nursery runs, daily driver, weekend blasts, road trips, and occasional track use. Here's my opinion on the key mechanical options, but think about how the car will be used when picking your options. PTV (limited slip diff) - unnecessary on the road, great for track work. Can feel the electronic intervention over the rear axle which, whilst effective, feels unnatural. Would avoid unless you're doing extensive track work and want the LSD. PCCB - standard brakes are great on both Cayman and Cayman S so PCCB is a "nice to have" indulgence (minor lower unsprung weight benefits offset by the huge purchase and replacement cost) PASM (adaptive dampers) - excellent for road use, sport setting is perfect for track. Good to have the choice. Would recommend. PSE (switchable sports exhaust) - Loud mode is borderline anti-social on even medium throttle openings. This might be excellent or terrible depending on your point of view! I'm personally on the fence but a couple of my mates think it's an absolute must so definitely down to personal preference. Sports Chrono - throttle blip on downshifts is a neat feature and makes for very smooth and fast progress. Sport Plus setting loosens the electronic safety net further (PSM). Dynamic transmission mounts - largely unnoticeable on the manual cars at least. Wheels - I prefer 19s to 20s as the roads round here (Herts) are disgraceful and the car drives more fluidly (you've also got the option of 18s on the 2.7 Cayman). PASM for me is an absolute must if you're going with 20s. If I was going for the 18s I'd probably live without PASM. They are great cars, all said and done. With the benefit of hindsight I'd happily have bought a base 2.7 Cayman with no options. You really can't go wrong! I have PASM and 20" wheels and having driven many others without PASM I would definitely go for it. When I went to the PEC for a half day "warm up" session, my instructor said they'd never had a set of steel brakes fail on the track at Silverstone but had had one set of PCCBs fail. My 2.7 981 makes a fantastic noise without PSE. I can imagine PSE might be too much for some. Sports Chrono - unnecessary. Throttle blips on downshift standard with PDK box and no SC. I tried a 3.4 S 981 but it didn't allow so much higher revs within a fairy legal speed, and the NOISE is the thing I love best about my car. 275 bhp is sufficient for me, but I'm getting old!

DJMC said: I tried a 3.4 S 981 but it didn't allow so much higher revs within a fairy legal speed, and the NOISE is the thing I love best about my car. 275 bhp is sufficient for me, but I'm getting old! 3.4 vs 2.7 is very much a personal thing (and depending on my mood I'd prefer either!). The 2.7 is a sweeter engine and loves to be revved. At 10-10ths (or even 9-10ths) the 2.7 is (imo) the nicer car - it has enough power and is just so nice. However it is rather gutless which is much more of an issue at 7 or 8 tenths - particularly with the ridiculously long manual gearing. The 3.4 is a much more relaxing drive with much better mid-range torque - but isn't as sweet at the top end. If you are happy to drive at 5/6 tenths OR 9 or 10 then the 2.7 might well be the better choice. If you mostly drive in the 7 or 8 tenths region then the 3.4 might be a better choice. The snag with the 3.4 is that 3 figures do come up without you noticing even when driving at 5 or 6 tenths (on the continent of course). Odd though it may seem - perhaps because of the refinement, balance, grip and traction - neither car ever feels really fast - which you can view as either positive or negative. Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 13th February 19:13 Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 13th February 19:22