I am new to the Porsche world, always wanted one and finally got the money to buy one. I've been looking for a while for a 2008 Cayman S with the Sport Chrono, PASM, Sport mode, etc and I found one today. It's around $43k and has about 17k miles on it. I noticed a couple of suspicious things and just want to see if my fears are valid. Despite having such low mileage, the car has 4 previous owners. In addition to this, the dealer has some mixed reviews. It's got a 5 speed Tiptronic transmission (is this right)?
I've looked at what I can regarding the VIN and everything looks ok. Should I take a chance?
Another question I had, could I buy a Cayman S without the Sports package stuff and still have it implemented in this day and time (PASM, Sport Mode)?
Thanks
The price of Porsche is so crazy right now, if you can wait 6 months my guess is 10K less, I think you will be able to get a 987.2 S for money in the winter, that is a 2009-2012 with a 7 speed dual clutch auto or a 6 speed manual, a much superior transmission, and a better motor.
here is a non s that is a much better deal
Autotrader - page unavailable
$43K for that car with a Tiptronic seems crazy high to me. I paid $38K for my 21K 2010 Cayman S with a PDK (much better than a Tip) last November. A 2008 would have been a $29K car 7 months ago. The 2008 and older cars get less money ($10 - 15K) because the newer cars (2009 and newer) have much improved engines.
My advice is to keep shopping, you should be able to get a better deal.
Valis- If you have no intentions on racing this car, those points above are minor for you. I would be concerned about the possibility of bore scoring, which can happen on even limited mileage cars. Please have the complete PPI done before handing over the cash. I would take it for a very spirited test drive as well, just to make sure it fits your needs, whatever they are. While the PDK auto is a step up, the tiptronic still works well. There is a mod that can be purchased call Sprint Booster, that will give your car some added punch and unlock 1st gear starts in the drive mode. Try to find out info about the previous owners and service records if possible. No wrecks, 17k miles, engine in good shape, no intentions of tracking the car, you maybe the type of customer Porsche intended to drive this car when they designed it.
So would a '09 Base with a gen 2 engine be preferential to an '08 S (if I intended to go with an automatic transmission)?
The 09 base has port injection like the 08S as opposed to direct injection of the 09S and PDK vs Tiptronic. There are a few HP and Torque difference between the 09 base and the 08 S , but with the PDK, I think you are better off if you can find one. The bottom of the 09 base and heads have better oiling, so that is a plus and bore scoring is not an issue. That would be a great car for you. Good luck in finding your dream,
