Hey all, I own a Mazda RX8, I've loved the concept of the Cayman S but just couldn't afford a new one. I'm planning on getting one sometime in the near future. I just had a couple questions because I've never driven one. I love handling, that's why I got my RX8, its a very well balanced car that I can push through corners with a lot of confidence. But like most RX8 owners want a little more power. I don't really want to go the route of putting force induction on the car since I drive 5 miles to work each day in it. I've seen some Cayman's in the mid 40s, which is an appealing price. The design of this car has the qualities I want and demand in a car, and it's pretty reasonably priced for a Porsche. So the questions I have are:

1) Is there a lot of engine noise inside the cockpit during normal driving conditions? Is the engine easily accessible?
2) What are you major complaints about the car?
3) What model/configurations would you recommend? (I'm really only interested in the Cayman S but don't know all the packages and options offered, and what are the must haves.)
4) About what type of fuel efficiency are you getting? (My RX8 is only getting me 17-19mpg so it's not a concern, just curious)
5) Is the maintenance and the cost associated with a large burden? (I've owned a few RX7s and now an RX8, so I've dealt with how temperamental some cars can be.)

Thanks in advance, I've seen them around and read some articles in magazines but don't have much knowledge on the car.

__________________
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
2004 Mazda RX8 GT

I got a steal on a 2007 CS in July of last year. It was a demo, not high miles but more than 0. I got it for a great price, so great that I wont post. The engine is loud (to me in the cockpit) but its a good thing. My complaint is that I cant drive it all year round. I would recommend the Bi-Xenons, only cause thats an option I wanted but couldnt find without paying an arm and a leg. On the highway, when I am not going nuts, I can get about 24mpg. I drive a lot so this is not a lie. I have never really tried or wanted to get near the engine so I cannot answer that question. The only maintenance I have had so far is putting gas into it.

First let me welcome you to the Club. I think that you will find that all of your questions have been answered here so I would encourage you to search around the site for some of your answers. Here are some answers to get you started:

1) This is subjective because what is loud to some is intoxicating to others. I personally feel that there could be more engine noise in the cabin since I love the sound but considering the engine is right behind your head it is pretty quiet. Go test drive one to judge for yourself. As for access to the engine compartment. It isn't like popping the hood. There is a form and carpet panel that you need to remove and then a engine compartment hatch cover that requires the removal of like 7 screws. Easy but more involved then what you are probably used to

2) Browse through the complaints section. There are a few minor issues like Trunk Clunk, CD player issues and clutch issues but I have not personally experienced any of them.

3) This is probably the most subjective questions because there are so many options and each individual has must have items on their list. You need to go test drive several different configurations and see what you feel you need and what you can afford. I would say I would think about getting PASM for sure.

4) Do a search on MPG and you will find many opinions on this. According to Porsche it is 20 city and 28 highway. In real world I get about 22 MPG and I tend to drive a little aggressive; quick starts and high RPMs. I have gotten as bad as 18 MPG and as good as 26 MPG. It all depends on how you drive.

5) Maintenance costs can vary dealership to dealership since they are independently owned. Check out our FAQ for more information on this subject. You can expect to pay $500-$700 for your first service but you only have to get the car services once every 12K-20K miles.

I hope this helps, but like I said, search the FAQ, do some key word searches on the forum and most importantly, get out and drive the Cayman and Cayman S with different options to see what you like.

Welcome again.

__________________
Meet my Mistress...
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


My Porsche Cars

2007 Cayman S
2006 Cayenne S Titanium Edition
1982 944 (Amoung first shipment to come to US; number 6 off the boat)

I've only had my CS for a couple of months but I love it. Always dreamed of owning a Porsche but never thought I could afford one. Cayman offers an entry level price and a confidence inspiring warranty. Haven't had any repair costs yet as I'm still in break-in.

As far as must have options - this is, of course, very subjective. There is enough engine/road noise that you may want the Bose stereo upgrade if you listen to alot of music. Personally, I prefer to listen to the car when I'm driving through stop lights (so I don't forget to shift!).

I'm getting just over 20 mpg driving a combination city/highway.

I wouldn't call engine access easy but you can get to it if you have to. For me, mid-engine is a whole new world. Fluid changes are easy.

There's a really neat brotherhood to owning a Porsche. If you do get one, join the PCA and get involved.

And here's my $.02. If you're looking at paying mid 40s for a used car you may want to consider new. I just got an '07 nicely equipped for mid 50s. Dealers are pretty hungry right now. No difference between '07 and '08.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Quick answers:

1. Engine noise is rather quiet. The biggest noise in the cabin is road noise but that to is not a issue to me. Arguably it is quieter than my 996 before and much quieter than my 993 before that. The engine is accessable but not "readily" from the top. It can be done rather easliy but it takes time and some disassembly of the rear interior.

2. My biggest complaint is that Porsche didn't let the car be all it can be. Without getting into the discussion again, the Cayman is a fantastic car but Porsche handicapped the car for marketing reasons. The potential is huge. Another 50 HP and 50 lbs./ft. of torque would almost make it the perfect car. Additionally the gearing of the transmission is complaint. Once again marketing reasons. Using the same ratios as the 997 would have been ideal IMO. None of this is fatal to the car, it is still an awesome car but you wanted complaints

3. Personally I think the Cayman S is the way to go...as for options that is up to you. Porsche has many options. What I may like you may not. Personally the must haves for me were PASM and Sport Chrono. Everything else was wants (I got a lot more options but I don't think any are must haves. Depending on your road conditions, if you want 19" wheels I think PASM is a must have.

4. You can get 20 in town and 28 on the highway according to Porsche. Driving style will dictate mileage. I don't get those figures in town (more like 17.5). However I also like to drive a 3-4k rpm and see 6 on every trip. Highway driving at close to legal speeds you can get the 28. Even cruising at 80-85 mph will get you 26.

5. Maintenance cost should not be bad. That said Porsche Dealerships are notoriously expensive. DIY maintenance is the way to go on many things IMO. (Note: the following is only from reading about the last RX7, I have no real life experience with the car) In my opinion modern Porsches are much more reliable than the last generation RX7. The Cayman S is my 4th Porsche (Boxster, 993 and 996 prior) and I have never hand any major problems. The factory maintenance intervals are rather long also. Since the Cayman S is based off of, and shares many of the components of the Boxster most of the bugs and issues have been worked out over the years.

__________________
Brian

SwiftRX8,

Welcome to the club. You'll find that there is a LOT of info on tap around here. I'll answers some of your questions directly, and I'll also encourage you to try the search routine to find some of the archived answers.

1). The engine noise is just right. It's not quiet like a Lexus, it's throaty and vivid like a sports car should be. Both Caymans (2.7 and 3.4) sing an incredible song when pushed. It's a mixture of mechanical noises and intake howl that sounds so cool. The 3.4 is deeper and louder in it's sound. When cruising on the highway, they both pretty much vanish into the road noise.

2). A close friend asked me this and I had a hard time answering. I guess my only real complaint is the fact that it's got an open differential (There are LSDs and TBDs available in the aftermarket.)

3). This is where you're going to need to use the Search tool. This is a really hard question to answer, but there are pages and pages of answers here, and to get an accurate answer you will need to read a lot of them. I would recommend that you do not too quickly dismiss the 2.7. It's really quite a fun car to drive and still delivers more torque than you're used to.

4). I have an S and I average 17-19 if I spend a lot of time in the city, 20-22 if I spend a lot of time on the highway, and I often stuff my foot into it. In general, most owners get far less mileage than promised by the EPA rating. When I was driving the 2.7, I was averaging 25.

5). As sports cars go, and especially as exotics go, the Cayman delivers a very low cost of operation. I have a 2007, in which recommended maintenance intervals are 20,000 miles apart (including oil change). The engine is very maintenance free. Timing chains are good for life, hydraulic lifters need no adjustments, 9 quarts of synthetic oil makes oil changes infrequent. The car has achieved the safest possible rating with insurance companies, so you are likely to be pleasantly surprised when you call your agent. The biggest expenses of ownership will likely be tires and brakes.

I must present a disclaimer before my next recommendation. If you are not prepared to buy a Cayman, stop reading now and skip to the next post.

I think you need to take a test drive. Drive both, the 2.7 and the 3.4. If you do, I suggest starting with the 2.7. And make sure you visit the 5,000 to 6,000 RPM neighborhood during your drive. As an RX-8 driver who loves handling and balance, I suspect that this will answer many questions for you and seal your fate.

Once again, welcome to the club and I look forward to seeing your new car (It's just a matter of time bud...).

__________________
Gator Bite
(
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
)

Hey thanks for the feedback, there is a Porsche dealership on the other side of town from me, I live in Arlington, VA. It's near Regan airport for those familiar (I live over in the Ballston area). I think I might try to go check one out this weekend. I'll be honest I'm in my mid 20s so I'm not sure if they will let me drive away with one but at least I will be able to check one out. I know some salesmen at dealerships act like I'm going to go wreck their car or something. When I was looking at my RX8, I went to test drive a 350Z and the guy acted like it was a Ferrari and I had no business test driving it. I paid around $36K for my RX8 (I have every single option) so it's not that much to dish out another $7-10K (in financing money) and get a lot nicer and better performing car. I don't think I could afford anything too far over $45K so new is out of the question for me. I've seen a few steals online, I will probably wait for the price to depreciate a little on them. I just wanted to get a feel for what some owners thought.

__________________
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
2004 Mazda RX8 GT

I wouldn't worry too much about getting a test drive. If your dealership is anything like my local dealer, they will throw you the keys and say have fun. My salesman didn't even drive with me on my first drive.

On the flip side, I went to a Chevy dealership to test drive a Z06 and they told me I needed to fill out a credit application and talk numbers before I could test drive. Go figure...

Needless to say, I never drove a Z06 and I own a Cayman S.

__________________
Meet my Mistress...
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


My Porsche Cars

2007 Cayman S
2006 Cayenne S Titanium Edition
1982 944 (Amoung first shipment to come to US; number 6 off the boat)

I suggest you send a PM to Casey. He's an active member of the club and a Porsche salesperson / sponsor. He's in MD, not too far from you. I think it would be worth the visit. As a club member, a little interaction with him will likely break down those barriers that you're likely to run into at other dealerships.

If Casey doesn't have the perfect used car for you, he can keep his eyes open for one. Everyone here who has gone to him rave about his friendly and helpful style.

__________________
Gator Bite
(
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
)