Cayman 987.2 Buyers Tips - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hi All - I was hoping for some wisdom. I am currently researching buying a Cayman 987.2 for my next car (I prefer the look over the earlier cars). I have looked at a lot of buyers guides, and while they are often quite thorough, they are mostly for 987 cars in general and spend a lot of time talking about potential engine issues in the 987.1. I would probably be looking for a 2.9 (mainly due to budget!) and was wondering whether there was a good buyers guide for 987.2 specifically? Equally, if anyone here has any tips they would be gratefully received. I am aware that crossover pipes are something to check, and that a 'Cayman trunk rattle' is a thing! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I ran a 987.2 2.9 for 6 years and they are probably the most reliable Porsche for known horrors, as I am sure you know, they do not have an IMS to worry about and bore score isn't a thing. They are even reasonable cheap to run, I specifically bought one with 17" wheels, and even a full set of Michelins was only £600, Texstar OE pads & Brembo discs were only £400 and I fitted them. The three biggest bug issues are the crossover pipes, they will need doing at 8-10 years, and will probably need doing again at 16-20 years. AC condensers corrode with muck build up in the bottom corners of the ducts. The other issue, which is common, but doesn't seem to get mentioned as much, is gear cables. They last about 10 years, seemingly regardless of mileage, both mine and my dad's failed at ~10 despite a mileage difference.

Had a 2009 2.9 PDK for a couple of years and loved it. It was about 12 years old when I bought it and you'd have expected any problems to have been showing up by that stage. But nothing. To be fair, it was a one-owner car and the guy who had it originally was a PCGB type so it had been well looked after. The crossover pipes hadn't been done and they didn't need doing in the time I had it. Apart from a couple of routine services the only thing it had was a pair of tyres, Eagle F1s so they weren't cheap but I was replacing like with like. Oh, the pop-out coffee cup holder was broken when I bought it and had been glued shut. Irritated I'd not noticed it before I bought the car and it cost an arm and a leg to buy a replacement part - and it was painful dealing with a Porsche main dealer. But when your only complaint is a non-functioning coffee cup holder it kind of says all you need to know about the kind of car it was. Edited by clive_candy on Friday 1st May 16:46

Mine is a 2009 Cayman S 987.2 currently on 21,000 miles, in the fourteen years I've owned it apart from the regular maintenance items it has had the following. Two rear water hoses. One new aircon condenser (warranty covered it) New Battery. A couple of MOD's I've done, replaced the stock steering wheel with a Sports Design wheel which was a bit pricey (£2000) but it looks so much better and I am convinced it makes it drive better...worth it absolutely, and a new pre-modified Carnewal Cayman R exhaust for more noise. Currently it has few age related issues to be fixed, last year at the MOT (OPC) an advisory for a rear coffin arm popped up, and water is leaking from under the front somewhere (probably the cross over pipes) and that's about it up to now. So would I recommend one of these cars...100% definitely, I wouldn't change my 987.2 for any Porsche in the line-up, I does everything I want a sports car to do, it looks great, drives amazing, and sounds fabulous. One thing to think about...lots of people say the 2.9 is enough, having driven both I would disagree the 3.4 is way better. Edited by Clad-Hach on Friday 1st May 18:46

Thanks for the feedback, it's most helpful. It does seem these are pretty reliable cars, with a few weaknesses that don't sound too bad to address at home. They seem to get under the skin of owners too! Edited by Lewis's Friend on Friday 1st May 21:25

Sold my 2009 987.2 3.4 at the end of last year after a 2.5year project to get it up to scratch, it had been a bit neglected but went into it with eyes open. Tbh im still not 100% i did the right thing in letting it go. They are getting to an age now where if not already done then they will be needing a bit of a refresh. Coffin arms and all the other suspension link bushes especially. Coffin arms are an experience to change if in poor state, a reciprocating saw is your friend. Dampers are subject to porsche tax even for aftermarket. As above coolant pipes will likely need doing if theyve not been done. Check in the openings in the front bumpers for leaves. If they are mucky they rot the condensers and rads behind. Brake pipes are known for rotting. The main front to back runs live under an undertray so slowly corrode away without anyone noticing. The caliper link pipes also let go. Not sure if the 2.9 is the same as the 3.4 but the aux belt tensioner can seize causing issues and its a 350 quid bit from porsche. Rear lights on the 987.2 are known for crazing/cracking and are not cheap to replace, although the design911 'non genuine' ones are made by the same manufacturer as oem. Standard halogen headlights are borderline dangerous so try and get one with the upgraded ones or budget for an upgrade to hid. For me the .2 is a little muted in stock form, personal preference obvs but a stainless exhaust really livens them up. I put a lot of time and prob 5k into mine but it drove beautifully once all done. Make sure any potential purchase has a decent history and plenty of receipts. If its been run on a shoestring with deferred issues it will cost you in the long run. Best of luck with the search.

OP feel free to take a look at my garage blog for the 6 years I owned by 987.2 PDK. https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showServiceHis...

Thanks for taking the time to post - it's very useful to hear people's experiences and things to look out for. I feel better when viewing a car if I have a check sheet to go through; it makes me feel like I'm being thorough!

Lewis's Friend said: Thanks for the feedback, it's most helpful. It does seem these are pretty reliable cars, with a few weaknesses that don't sound too bad to address at home. They seem to get under the skin of owners too! Edited by Lewis's Friend on Friday 1st May 21:25 Coolant pipes is not really a DIY job, in theory it can be done at home, but it requires the front subframe to come off, and that usually means getting a car higher in the air than possible at home.

Megaflow said: Coolant pipes is not really a DIY job, in theory it can be done at home, but it requires the front subframe to come off, and that usually means getting a car higher in the air than possible at home. That's interesting to know. I'll have a look and see if there are any videos around. I've done some jobs at home with cars fairly high (front subframe out on a Jag XJ/engine & subframe out on and mx5), but if it's not possible that would be quite a large bill from a garage.

Megaflow said: Coolant pipes is not really a DIY job, in theory it can be done at home, but it requires the front subframe to come off, and that usually means getting a car higher in the air than possible at home. It doesnt need to come off. You can do them with it lowered a few inches. The best way is to use some threaded bar in the subframe bolt holes and lower it. 4 inches or so is enough for access. I did mine on the drive on axles stands. There are a few guides online. Refilling the coolant afterwards is tricky. I persevered and got it bled eventually by jacking the rear up. If doing again id invest in a vacuum filler.

I’ve had my 987.2 S for just over a year. I looked at quite a few private sales & each & every one needed work & were priced very close to what dealers were asking. This ranged from needing services, ancient tyres (on low mileage cars, usually the fronts), condensers leaking, wheel refurbs & other cosmetic jobs. After around 8 months of trawling the classifieds looking for what appeared to holy grail I bought a beautiful Carrara white s from a well regarded independent Porsche dealer. All the work that I asked about had been done or wasn’t required & photos & videos were sent to me to calm my nerves somewhat. The car was as good up close as it was described & I couldn’t have been happier. They put 6 months comprehensive warranty on the car then another 6 months for the engine/gearbox. The .2 cars are quite scarce & when you are reasonably picky on spec/colour the pool gets even smaller. I would’ve loved to buy a private car from an enthusiast that was just about perfect (or priced correctly) but I didn’t manage it so plumped for the dealer option.

andySC said: I ve had my 987.2 S for just over a year. I looked at quite a few private sales & each & every one needed work & were priced very close to what dealers were asking. This ranged from needing services, ancient tyres (on low mileage cars, usually the fronts), condensers leaking, wheel refurbs & other cosmetic jobs. After around 8 months of trawling the classifieds looking for what appeared to holy grail I bought a beautiful Carrara white s from a well regarded independent Porsche dealer. All the work that I asked about had been done or wasn t required & photos & videos were sent to me to calm my nerves somewhat. The car was as good up close as it was described & I couldn t have been happier. They put 6 months comprehensive warranty on the car then another 6 months for the engine/gearbox. The .2 cars are quite scarce & when you are reasonably picky on spec/colour the pool gets even smaller. I would ve loved to buy a private car from an enthusiast that was just about perfect (or priced correctly) but I didn t manage it so plumped for the dealer option. It's interesting you say that. I've started observing cars for sale, and with the caveat that I haven't stood in front of any yet, the prices seem all over the place, from private sellers and dealers. That may just mean I need to physically look at some and then the prices will make sense to me. I enjoy working on my cars, so buying one that needs a few jobs doing would be fine for me, but only if the purchase price reflects the work required. I'm also zeroing in on my ideal spec, but as you say that very much decreases the pool - often to none! So compromises will probably have to be made there... maybe a few more will pop up over the summer.

You will probably already read people mentioning about cars with a plastic dash and they wouldn't buy one without extended leather...yes the leather is a nice have but there is nothing wrong with the soft touch plastic, I wouldn't loose out on a nice car because of the material of the dash. Wheels...lots of comments about how these cars ride and handle better on smaller diameter wheels and the 19's ruin it, mine feels perfectly fine on 19's. Private buying...I can only tell you my experience. When I went looking for one my car was a private sale on Autotrader, when I went to see it I wasn't only looking at the car I was checking out the owner and his house to see how it looked, my thinking nice chap well kept house and gardens so the chances are the car will be the same. Good luck finding a nicely kept car its worth the time and effort to find a good one...but don't dither the nice ones go fast.

Clad-Hach said: You will probably already read people mentioning about cars with a plastic dash and they wouldn't buy one without extended leather...yes the leather is a nice have but there is nothing wrong with the soft touch plastic, I wouldn't loose out on a nice car because of the material of the dash. Wheels...lots of comments about how these cars ride and handle better on smaller diameter wheels and the 19's ruin it, mine feels perfectly fine on 19's. Private buying...I can only tell you my experience. When I went looking for one my car was a private sale on Autotrader, when I went to see it I wasn't only looking at the car I was checking out the owner and his house to see how it looked, my thinking nice chap well kept house and gardens so the chances are the car will be the same. Good luck finding a nicely kept car its worth the time and effort to find a good one...but don't dither the nice ones go fast. Very much like my experience; a 2.9 on 19" wheels, but with PASM the ride is fine. The extended leather was the icing on the cake. And a similar experience with the private seller; he turned out to be a fellow Caterham owner too, so we got on well.

Again, thanks for the replies. In terms of spec, I would like: - a colour that isn't white, silver or black - heated seats - cruise control - upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - rear parking sensors - multifunctional steering wheel Whether all these things are possible to achieve in one car, I guess we shall see! Equally, I am happy to compromise, the above is just what I would ideally like.

sdh2903 said: Megaflow said: Coolant pipes is not really a DIY job, in theory it can be done at home, but it requires the front subframe to come off, and that usually means getting a car higher in the air than possible at home. It doesnt need to come off. You can do them with it lowered a few inches. The best way is to use some threaded bar in the subframe bolt holes and lower it. 4 inches or so is enough for access. I did mine on the drive on axles stands. There are a few guides online. Refilling the coolant afterwards is tricky. I persevered and got it bled eventually by jacking the rear up. If doing again id invest in a vacuum filler. Oh, ok. I understood it had to come off to do it. That said, it's not a job I'd want to tackle without a ramp, but I am getting old! The refilling is a good point though, they are a slag to bleed.

Lewis's Friend said: Again, thanks for the replies. In terms of spec, I would like: - a colour that isn't white, silver or black - heated seats - cruise control - upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - rear parking sensors - multifunctional steering wheel Whether all these things are possible to achieve in one car, I guess we shall see! Equally, I am happy to compromise, the above is just what I would ideally like. Unless you have a ton of money sloshing about look for one that has the big items mentioned above done recently (pipes, rads, suspension, brakelines etc.) and a regular service schedule kept to. Prioritise the stuff you can't easily/cheaply retrofit: Paint PASM Xenons Chrono Auto Mirrors Extended Leather Auto AC etc. You/OPC/Indy can retrofit/code: Cruise Exhaust Sports+ Sensors Seats Steering Wheel etc. Upgraded sound but not bose is interesting because that is the upgrade. I guess you mean you'd want one which someone else has retrofit an upgrade to. If so then just do it yourself. Besides, you have a flat-6 orchestra as a backpack and very little soundproofing - a better system would be wasted. Multifunction wheel. I can't see any reason for this but if you get a car with a Sport Wheel then I'll happily swap you my multifunction one and pay for the coding! Not silver I understand but don't ignore ones optioned with GT Silver Metallic, it is a stunning colour in the sun and possibly rarer than guards red as it was a price tier above (I think...).

Lewis's Friend said: Again, thanks for the replies. In terms of spec, I would like: - a colour that isn't white, silver or black - heated seats - cruise control - upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - rear parking sensors - multifunctional steering wheel Whether all these things are possible to achieve in one car, I guess we shall see! Equally, I am happy to compromise, the above is just what I would ideally like. heated seats - a deal breaker..??? cruise control - can be easily retro fitted. upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - I have Bose in mine and yes its rubbish, plenty nice modern system available to swap out. rear parking sensors - I fit these, easy DIY install, top quality, programable, and look OEM once painted - https://cobracartech.co.uk/home/20-cobra-flush-fit... multifunctional steering wheel - can be retro fitted, but cost is eye watering if your car doesn't have a round air bag. I just had a look on Autotrader there are only two manual 3.4's and fourteen 2.9's for sale and of them four under 50k miles. Edited by Clad-Hach on Wednesday 6th May 11:23

said: The heated seats are by no means a deal breaker. Just a preference! Interesting that cruise can be retrofitted fitted fairly simply. That's good to know, and opens up the pool a little. My theory with the sound system is that (according to the internet) they all kinda suck! Therefore I'll be replacing it anyway, so no point spending extra on Bose. However, the mid range upgrade gives extra speaker positions in the door card which would be helpful - and I don't think there is any cost to buying a car with the mid level system, as they don't seem sought after at all. The steering wheel is just useful for volume adjustment, but not very important. Not enough to spend a great deal of money on certainly. The pool of cars is fairly small, so I'm more than aware that I'm unlikely to get my ideal spec in budget. But I can try!

Lewis's Friend said: The heated seats are by no means a deal breaker. Just a preference! Interesting that cruise can be retrofitted fitted fairly simply. That's good to know, and opens up the pool a little. Cruise is simple. Buy and fit the stalk kit yourself and find someone local with piwis to activate it. If you get on the boxa forums or similar there's usually a thread of people who have piwis and are happy to do stuff like this.

Mine was a low spec car and I weirdly think all the better for it. Plastic dash. Passive dampers (much cheaper to replace). Base audio. 18s. Basic steering wheel. I think the only option it had was heated seats. Deal breaker for me in a boxster, but on a cayman not so sure, I very rarely use them in the 718 that has replaced it. I did retrofit cruise too as I had a eurotrip planned, but in reality rarely used it. If i were looking again now I would prioritise the better headlights and if possible the sport seats but they are rare. Nothing else. Horses for courses though. Edited by sdh2903 on Wednesday 6th May 11:59

Silver47 said: Unless you have a ton of money sloshing about look for one that has the big items mentioned above done recently (pipes, rads, suspension, brakelines etc.) and a regular service schedule kept to. Prioritise the stuff you can't easily/cheaply retrofit: Paint PASM Xenons Chrono Auto Mirrors Extended Leather Auto AC etc. You/OPC/Indy can retrofit/code: Cruise Exhaust Sports+ Sensors Seats Steering Wheel etc. Upgraded sound but not bose is interesting because that is the upgrade. I guess you mean you'd want one which someone else has retrofit an upgrade to. If so then just do it yourself. Besides, you have a flat-6 orchestra as a backpack and very little soundproofing - a better system would be wasted. Multifunction wheel. I can't see any reason for this but if you get a car with a Sport Wheel then I'll happily swap you my multifunction one and pay for the coding! Not silver I understand but don't ignore ones optioned with GT Silver Metallic, it is a stunning colour in the sun and possibly rarer than guards red as it was a price tier above (I think...). Zenons sound like something I'd not thought of as being important, but seem useful given the standard lights! Colour wise, I saw a picture of a British racing green car, which I would love. I'm not sure if it was even a factory colour though, and the chances of one coming up for sale seems very remote - especially in budget. I can dream though! The wheel I am fairly quickly coming around to the idea that I don't care if it has functions on it. But again, nice if it did I guess. I don't think I realised some didn't come with auto AC to be honest, so that's another thing to look out for!

I looked for a while back in 2011 for a 987.2 so went through some of this. I ended up with a pretty low to mid spec 2.9 2009 Boxster. I still have it. It’s difficult not to become bogged-down in spec, but they all have the basics of great car to enjoy driving. For what it’s worth… Porsche Racing Green was a colour option, but I don’t think I saw one at all whilst I was searching. Strangely it was a “special” option of the Cayman (£1600), but “basic” metallic on the Boxster (£600). I didn’t want black or white either but mine is GT Silver which I love. That was a “special” colour at the time, so quite rare it seems. Mine has heated seats which I wouldn’t be without (probably less of an issue in a Cayman though), cruise (useful in roadworks, but I could live without it), Sport Chrono (I do like the sharper throttle response when engaged, but I never tried one without it to compare), auto climate (a definite plus), multi-function wheel (personal preference really), basic leather (the extended is obviously nicer, but I don’t care). There were 3 audio options - basic CDR-30 (4 speakers) Sound Package + (7) and Bose (11). The was a basic auxiliary input option, but USB only available with PCM (nav and phone) I think. Mine had SP+ and I’ve replaced the CDR-30 with a CarPlay unit. Mine is 17 years old this year and in all that time I’ve only had it serviced, replaced the tyres as necessary and had the coolant pipes replaced (at 16 years old). I have the brochures from 2011 for both Boxster and Cayman and the Boxster price list if you have any questions. 2011 Cayman colour chart, btw;

Good spec 987.2 Caymans are very much in the minority, and the cars themselves sold in pretty small numbers. Then factor in condition and history and there really are very, very few good cars for sale over a given year. You might get lucky, but it could be a long wait. Do not hesitate if you see a good one. One other thing, don't worry about having the factory Xenons. They're crap and you can get better results with the standard light units by fitting LED bulbs.

Lewis's Friend said: Zenons sound like something I'd not thought of as being important, but seem useful given the standard lights! Colour wise, I saw a picture of a British racing green car, which I would love. I'm not sure if it was even a factory colour though, and the chances of one coming up for sale seems very remote - especially in budget. I can dream though! The wheel I am fairly quickly coming around to the idea that I don't care if it has functions on it. But again, nice if it did I guess. I don't think I realised some didn't come with auto AC to be honest, so that's another thing to look out for! Standard lights vs the Xenons is an interesting one. I say that because retrofitting LED into the running light Xenon is difficult (I tried many LED bulbs and none fit) while in the standard it might be easier? Something to look into but as standard the Xenons are better. The green would be very rare if you found it but maybe worth sacrificing on other features to get. The wheel is your main interaction point with the car so prioritise one that feels good and you like the look of before any functions on it. I should mention that ergonomically it is extremely easy to find and adjust the volume (and AC) and you do have auto-volume based on your speed. Auto AC is nice because you're fiddling with the temperature less. Occasionally it will cool the car down when you yourself feel cold though so it doesn't totally eliminate the need for adjustment. The option list is huge and there are many things you would never realise were options. Interior trim colour, the little bit of trim below the wing mirrors, there was a pack which makes the front intakes body colour, the instrument cluster colour, etc etc etc. Thing is with a Cayman you're not likely to see every option because as buyers spec them they realise they are getting close to 911 money and buy that instead. Knowing where you will compromise and where you wont is the key thing so you're on the right track. A note on Chrono - afaik it does nothing except have an aesthetically pleasing timer on the dash. The Sports and Sports+ buttons that were part of the Sports Chrono package (and can be retrofitted) are what gives the throttle response uplift. Edited by Silver47 on Wednesday 6th May 13:48

I would disagree about the Xenon lights, mine has PDLS with halogen mains it certainly doesn't lack light output. PDLS cars are identified by a chrome washer nozzle in front of the headlight, no fog lights instead they are LED running lights. I don't have these fitted in my Cayman but I have used these in other cars the 4800K colour temperature bulbs have the highest light output. - Philips X-Treme Vision Gen2 D3S Xenon Bulb up to 4800K

Clad-Hach said: I would disagree about the Xenon lights, mine has PDLS with halogen mains it certainly doesn't lack light output. PDLS cars are identified by a chrome washer nozzle in front of the headlight, no fog lights instead they are LED running lights. I don't have these fitted in my Cayman but I have used these in other cars the 4800K colour temperature bulbs have the highest light output. - Philips X-Treme Vision Gen2 D3S Xenon Bulb up to 4800K It is subjective I suppose but I have the PDLS Xenons and if I could find an LED upgrade bulb which fit for the main running lights I'd fit it in a heartbeat. I replaced them recently which did help but it's nowhere near as good as LED.

Sorry, but the PDLS are pretty crap. Currently have them in my car. Also had a 987.2 previously with the halogens and put LED bulbs in them with superior results, though it's a bit hit and miss getting an LED bulb that works really well. Certainly would recommend not passing up a good car with halogens, it's easy and cheap to fit LED bulbs to the halogens.

housemouse said: Sorry, but the PDLS are pretty crap. Currently have them in my car. Also had a 987.2 previously with the halogens and put LED bulbs in them with superior results, though it's a bit hit and miss getting an LED bulb that works really well. Certainly would recommend not passing up a good car with halogens, it's easy and cheap to fit LED bulbs to the halogens. Do you remember which bulbs you used specifically for the D2S? I tried a few and they either didn't physically fit or were all over the place. Main beams is where I really wished it had more power though and looks like there might now be some low profile H7 for them in the Osram HL EASY H7 so possibly those will fit the very tight clearance. I'd say if you know you are going to upgrade to LED then base halogen might be better. If you don't want to mess with that stuff (and the legal/insurance implications) then I'd still go Xenons.

Some Novsight Chinese specials on Amazon. The specific ones I used are NLA, unfortunately, I just looked. I tried a few others at the time, including some Philips and beam pattern varies a lot. I was expecting the Philips to be best (they worked brilliantly on another car), but not on the 987.2. Beam patter was really off. It was tight, but of the three sets I tried, they all fit physically. Beam pattern was the issue. The Chinese stuff is dirt cheap, so it's not a major investment finding out which ones work. That was a few years ago, though, and the current most powerful Philips are a different design. So, I'd personally start there. The tricky thing with the Chinese stuff is that most of them are too cool in colour temp. Philips are 5800K, IIRC, which is fine. 6000K is just about acceptable, anything cooler is silly, too blue and not actually any good for lighting up the road. But most of the stuff on Amazon etc is 6500K+. Crap. I personally don't think there are genuine legal / insurance implications. No chance an MOT tester is going to pull the light unit and remove the bulb to assess its type, they only care about beam pattern. In any case, they have no reference info to tell them what bulb type the car left the factory with. Likewise, on a 15+ year old second hand car, the current owner cannot reasonably be held responsible for every component on the car. Bulbs could easily have been fitted prior to current owner taking possession etc. The law is an arse, but not that much of an arse. No chance of being held liable for that kind of thing, in my view.

Silver47 said: Clad-Hach said: I would disagree about the Xenon lights, mine has PDLS with halogen mains it certainly doesn't lack light output. PDLS cars are identified by a chrome washer nozzle in front of the headlight, no fog lights instead they are LED running lights. I don't have these fitted in my Cayman but I have used these in other cars the 4800K colour temperature bulbs have the highest light output. - Philips X-Treme Vision Gen2 D3S Xenon Bulb up to 4800K It is subjective I suppose but I have the PDLS Xenons and if I could find an LED upgrade bulb which fit for the main running lights I'd fit it in a heartbeat. I replaced them recently which did help but it's nowhere near as good as LED. What did you replace them with.

I’ve had my 2010 987.2 S for nearly 4 years. And it been a fabulous car ,but they do need maintenance. Gen 2 cars all at least 14 yrs old and time is catching up with parts that have come to end of life. I would expect that you will need to look at the following. Suspension part or full refresh Brake pipes all of them Coolant pipes X over Aux belt tensioner Air conditioning rads Steering rack These are the items that I have done over and above general servicing, my car was purchased on 72k and now on 86k. In terms of spec for me I would want. Xeons Hard back sports seats Heated seats Air conditioning PASM PSE - or Exhaust up grade Sports Chrono -better on PDK than manual Car play / Android Auto - can be upgraded Sports Steering Wheel - can be upgraded Cruise - can be upgraded Would have loved crests on seats and extended leather, but its wasn’t a deal breaker. I got LSD which is very rare so can’t complain. My car in a manual in GT Silver on 19 Sport Design Wheels.

Clad-Hach said: What did you replace them with. OSRAM XENARC COOL BLUE INTENSE D2S But if I knew what I know now I would have fit Philips 85122XV2S1 or OSRAM XENARC NIGHT BREAKER 220 - the blue light thing on the ones I got means you actually get lower visibility. Still better than what it had though which were very old.

Wouldn't get hung up on the soundsystem. Bose is very boomy, but you can play with the EQ settings to tidy it all up. I'm really into my music and pay a lot for decent home setups but think for a ~14 year old car the Bose was fine. The problem with most Porsche's is more the noise generated inside the cabin from tyres, roads, engine and all the other creaks that go with these cars. Placing an emphasis on soundsystem would be quite low on my list, but the ability to hookup a wireless option to phone is worth having (this can be done with a bluetooth receiver if the car has the AUX input)

I was fortunate to come across a very high spec 3.4 S, just right place right time. However, they drive so well that I'd probably also be happy with a lesser spec car. I have a tendency to not keep cars very long, but I've had this one for coming up to 4 years, I can't see me ever selling it. For me it's close to a perfect combination of steering, handling, comfort, it's even reasonably practicable for the type of car that it is. During the same time frame I've had and sold a couple of air cooled 911, 996 Turbo and a Z4M Coupe, but the Cayman is still here. Also test drove 993 and 964, problem is I'm always comparing anything else to the Cayman now, and I question myself as to why buy anything else. Perhaps that is one downside, it's a difficult car to replace, very little to touch it as an allrounder for the money. I did also test drive an R, that's what I was originally after, but I actually preferred mine, found the R a little firm for road use. Perhaps I just needed more time with it. I did buy another Z4M recently, but for another reason. By the way, I find the PDLS lights to be very good, providing they have decent bulbs in them. Not as bright as a modern LED system of course, it's one of the few things that have progressed over the last 15 years, but still way better than a lot of other stuff from that era and more than good enough for every day driving now. It's been mentioned before, but going but what mine has had done over the years, look out for crossover pipes, seized tension bearing on the auxiliary belt and air conditioning radiators. Also, things like worn suspension arms but that will be true for any car. There will be exceptions of course, but I'm starting to think that around 2010 to 201 is in some ways peak Porsche.

Lewis's Friend said: Again, thanks for the replies. In terms of spec, I would like: - a colour that isn't white, silver or black - heated seats - cruise control - upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - rear parking sensors - multifunctional steering wheel Whether all these things are possible to achieve in one car, I guess we shall see! Equally, I am happy to compromise, the above is just what I would ideally like. I got - a colour that isn't white, silver or black - metallic midnight blue - heated seats - cruise control - upgraded sound system (but not Bose) - But BOSE - rear parking sensors - multifunctional steering wheel PLUS PASM 19" Carrera Sport Wheels PCM 3.0 with Nav (Europe) & Phone Extended Leather Automatic Climate Control So, many thanks to the first owner for ticking all those boxes Edited by CanAm on Friday 15th May 12:18

I can only agree with what Jellyfishfields's says; I've had my 2.9 for almost 3 years and keep an eye on the classifieds for something interesting, but with the 6 speed manual, hydraulic steering (not that I'm sensitive enough to appreciate the difference) and a great spec (see my post on p1) I'm finding it hard to find anything to tempt me to change.

Jellyfishfields said: I did also test drive an R, that's what I was originally after, but I actually preferred mine, found the R a little firm for road use. For heavens sake be careful what you say about Cayman R's, someone from that thread may read this and get very upset that somebody has driven one and wasn't absolutely convinced its by far the best driving car on the face of the planet...they can get a bit touchy that lot..!!!

Clad-Hach said: Jellyfishfields said: I did also test drive an R, that's what I was originally after, but I actually preferred mine, found the R a little firm for road use. For heavens sake be careful what you say about Cayman R's, someone from that thread may read this and get very upset that somebody has driven one and wasn't absolutely convinced its by far the best driving car on the face of the planet...they can get a bit touchy that lot..!!! Yes, I had noticed Edited by Jellyfishfields on Friday 15th May 17:07

I did a for sale search the other week, since I miss my old 987.1 base, and 987.2 S, manuals anyway, seem to be pretty much as rare as Cayman Rs. The prices were a bit more than you'd expect. I actually found this 2.9 looks one of the best value deals out there given the miles and condition, and in the best colour obvs: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20042057 Looks like a minter, although would have to get the wheels swapped out.

WayOutWest said: I did a for sale search the other week, since I miss my old 987.1 base, and 987.2 S, manuals anyway, seem to be pretty much as rare as Cayman Rs. The prices were a bit more than you'd expect. I actually found this 2.9 looks one of the best value deals out there given the miles and condition, and in the best colour obvs: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20042057 Looks like a minter, although would have to get the wheels swapped out. I have been watching this one as it ticks quite a few boxes - the only thing I noticed from the ad was that it appears to have some gaps in its service history; not that I know what Porsche recommend. I just like to see a yearly service in the history normally.

Yeah, just over 3 year gap around the Covid period, although looks like only low miles (4k) covered between those services. Still, you'd like to see no more than 2 years regardless. Maybe it was SORNed. I probably wouldn't rule it out just for that. Bit unusual the first service wasn't at a main dealer. Edited by WayOutWest on Friday 15th May 18:27

WayOutWest said: I did a for sale search the other week, since I miss my old 987.1 base, and 987.2 S, manuals anyway, seem to be pretty much as rare as Cayman Rs. The prices were a bit more than you'd expect. I actually found this 2.9 looks one of the best value deals out there given the miles and condition, and in the best colour obvs: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20042057 Looks like a minter, although would have to get the wheels swapped out. The rarity's all to do with the 987.2 being launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crash apparently. Fewer orders, fewer cars built.

The 997.2 911 and 987.2 Cayman's and Boxster's being the last of the hydraulic steered cars will over time be regarded as some of the best Porsche cars ever made. Something not often mentioned...they still have proper plush carpets fitted, the kind you can run your fingers through, all the newer cars have the cheap feeling thin carpets....penny pinching by Porsche.

clive_candy said: WayOutWest said: I did a for sale search the other week, since I miss my old 987.1 base, and 987.2 S, manuals anyway, seem to be pretty much as rare as Cayman Rs. The prices were a bit more than you'd expect. I actually found this 2.9 looks one of the best value deals out there given the miles and condition, and in the best colour obvs: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20042057 Looks like a minter, although would have to get the wheels swapped out. The rarity's all to do with the 987.2 being launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crash apparently. Fewer orders, fewer cars built. It gets even harder if you’re looking for a certain spec. The red one seems worth a look, they really are great value for money.

Could be a nice car, but certainly not "high spec." No Bose, no xenons, no PASM, no PSE, no extended leather...etc Basically, it's got sports seat and big rims. Which is fine. Just doesn't need over selling as "high spec." The Guards is bloody nice, though, isn't it. A Guards 2.9 on 17s with extended leather, as per the launch spec, would be a bloody nice little thing. Wouldn't have 18s or 19s with a 2.9. Far too much wheel.

This is my CS on 19" Carrera II wheels...I'd have to disagree I don't think it looks like too much wheel.

Jellyfishfields said: clive_candy said: WayOutWest said: I did a for sale search the other week, since I miss my old 987.1 base, and 987.2 S, manuals anyway, seem to be pretty much as rare as Cayman Rs. The prices were a bit more than you'd expect. I actually found this 2.9 looks one of the best value deals out there given the miles and condition, and in the best colour obvs: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20042057 Looks like a minter, although would have to get the wheels swapped out. The rarity's all to do with the 987.2 being launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crash apparently. Fewer orders, fewer cars built. It gets even harder if you re looking for a certain spec. The red one seems worth a look, they really are great value for money. I rang them about this car over a month ago and they told me it was sold....go figure....

Clad-Hach said: This is my CS on 19" Carrera II wheels...I'd have to disagree I don't think it looks like too much wheel. Your car looks great

Thanks...

Steven hunter in Ayr has a 987.2 3.4s in MANUAL! Love mine

Nice one listed today https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605232...

I was just about to post that, but you beat me to it

Jones the cat said: Nice one listed today https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605232... I'd be all over that if I was in the market for one, looks lovely with aerokit on and black design pack!!

Bought one yet?