Please don't flame me because it's a serious question and no trolling involved. Have been on the forum for several months now and have read many many threads on this and many other topics. Haven't posted much not being an owner.

Have lusted for a Cayman ever since I saw one at an auto show in 2006, but never thought I could afford one until they came out with the 2.7. Last fall I went to the dealer and just sat in one to see how it felt. We finally had a warm Saturday and my finances are ready so I went out last weekend for a test drive in a 2.7 with 19" wheels and standard 5 speed.

The salesman let my wife and I take it out. It was an '07 with over 1900 miles on it so I did not hesitate about winding it out. We probably had it for a half hour mainly on the interstate. Took it on a few off/on ramps and tried out acceleration and braking as well as cornering.

It sounded great and felt good, but I was underwhelmed for some reason. Just did not feel a connection. And I want to like this car. Can anyone help me out here? I'm thinking about asking the salesman for another try at it.

Feel I must add that I've been driving my little 6 speed Miata for the last 7 years as a daily driver, but would like to step up to the Porsche. From the Porsche dealer I went straight to a Mazda dealer and drove a new Miata which I have stayed away from with all my Cayman dreams. Soon as I pulled away in it, I was smiling to myself like I read about all you guys in your Caymans. Maybe I'm just meant to be a lowly Miata schmuck but any advice, thoughts, or comments would be welcome.

Jack

There is nothing wrong with a Miata. I still have my '91 and drive it every week, more with nice weather. I find buying cars to be a viceral experience, some turn me on and others that I think I will like leave me blah. Maybe you love the ragtop experience, I can relate. Try a Boxster. Buy what you enjoy, you are the only person you have to justify it to.

Try a Boxster? Perhaps the visceral feel you get from driving a convertible (Miata) isn't translating well to the Cayman. I got mine after hanging up my leathers and the closed coupe just doesn't give you the same vibes as a open car (or bike).

Or, try a Lotus Elise?

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"I thought I was invincible, but that's only true for comic book heroes." Valentino Rossi

Maybe you didn't find the right fit yet. I would definitely take several test drives. Afterall, you're about to drop a pretty penny on a car, you should love it if you're going to spend your hard earned money.

Try different seats, and try a Cayman S. Maybe you're longing for more power. Maybe you really want another ragtop like others have suggested. I wouldn't give up yet. I went on like half a dozen test drives before I plopped down my checkbook.

Then there is always the possibility that the Cayman is not a car that is suited for you. It's not for everyone. At any rate, go back and test drive it again and try out some different cars to see what fits you.

Good Luck!!

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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 had a '95R Miata for 6 years, and frankly still have never driven a car that was so involving and such a pure joy for spirited driving. I think the manual steering, 2050lbs, torquey engine, and 50/50 weight distribution all contributed.

The 2.7 is very linear, and does not feel exceptionally powerful to me until its above 4.5K. That said, the smoothness, flexibility and sound of the 2.7 have won me over. The steering, handling, and comfort of the Cayman are all exceptional; plus it has a lot more luggage space than the Miata. Additionally, my wife never borrowed the Miata, but she is always inventing reasons to borrow the Cayman.

I looked at the Gen 3 Miata before the Cayman, but at 6'4", there was just no way that I could fit. If I fit it would be a tough call. Most folks dismiss Miata's as underpowered hairdresser cars, but they most likely have never driven one nor have driven with one of these "knats" on the track.

It's a lot of money and you may feel that what you experienced wasn't worth what you'd have to pay to play. The Cayman is what it is and it "does what it does" very well by objective measurements. Whether that's worth what it costs is purely subjective. Clearly we cannot, and should not, try to sway you one way or the other. The CS has more power but is also more money and many disappoint even more on a value basis. If what you've got floats your boat I'd say in your in good shape.

try a cayman s. the 2.7 left me wanting. also, there's not much joy to be had on the interstate unless you're into triple digit speeds.

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- chris

'07 987CS
'71 911E

Can you put your finger on what specifically might have disappointed you?

If it was more power that you were expecting, you might want to try a CS (you could always buy a low mileage used one if your budget is for a 2.7).

The MX5 is a great sports car also - I seriously considered the retractable hardtop version, but decided it wasn't as practical for me as a Cayman, and wouldn't fulfill my lifelong dream to own a Porsche.

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2006 CS Tip (Daily Driver & Part-time Track Toy)
2005 Ford Expedition (to haul the CS)
2006 Lexus RX400h (wifey's)
Gone, but not forgotten: 2002 WRX, 2004 MINI

The miata is a nice, light, little car. The Cayman S or Boxster S may give you that feeling you get from the Miata. However, I would almost peg a Miata akin to early 911's (from what I hear). It's difficult to get that crisp, light-car feeling from a modern car burdened with a ton of "safety" and some "luxury" weight.

As a side note, I specifically picked my Cayman S for it's lack of extra stuff... Sport Chrono, that's it. No weight of the Sat Nav, seat heaters, nothing... Still feels heavy compared to my 944, though. :-)

the cayman is underwhelming in highways. take it to the mountains and hills. It's not a monster torque machine. take it to somewhere you have to brake, downshift ... corner, varying grades.

I bought a Cayman S and within the first month thought to myself "I love this car and the base Cayman would be a really great deal for anyone willing ot forgo some power....". Then I had my car in for service (clear bra) and took a base Cayman loaner. I was less impressed than I expected to be. I tend to like sports cars that either 1) feel light on their feet (fun) or 2) feel powerful (more fun... and didn't feel the base Cayman quite hit either of these marks. It felt a little heavy and a little under powered.

The interstate is the last place I would try a Cayman. They are so much more fun on back roads. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Miata. I owned on. I loved it. I would like to have another. In fact I looked at one before I bought my Cayman. But I was looking for a daily driver and the Cayman was a better choice for me. When you buy a car you spend a lot of money. Get what you want.

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Porsche Cayman 2.7
Mercedes E320 Bluetec
Ducati Paul Smart LE
BMW R1200GS