06 Cayman s Vs 03 911c2 conv

pai · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 04:32 PM

Hi all,

I am almost close to signing my papers for the 06 cayman s when my dealer calls and say there is certified 2003 911 conv with 18k on it...black,leather, cd, bi-xenon, autoclimate, 19 inch wheels ...for almost the same price (extra 2k)

911 is my old love

and always dreamt about it...but now cayman being a fantastic car and priced at my budget am confused between the two...a pre-owned 911vs a new 06 cayman s

Please let me know your thoughts from a old vs new perspective rather than technical difference b/w 911 and cayman

pai · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 04:37 PM

Also, which do you think will have a better resale in 3 yrs. i put around 8-10K miles/yr

Appreciate your input!!!!

**Mr. MRI** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 04:42 PM

Have you driven both cars?

~C.J.

**beez** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 04:57 PM

I agree with the MRI man - actually drive both cars, then you can make a decision based on your butt, not your eyes and heart.

I will say this - the difference in the technology between the 2003 996 and the Cayman (depending on what options you're planning on the Cayman) is lightyears, imo.

In terms of resale in 3 years? that's big guess... the 911 has already taken the depreciation hit, and the Cayman will take one, too. But I htink the Cayman is just an all-around better car with three-plus years of engineering and technology improvements.

brad

**fmarshall** · #5 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 04:59 PM

It looks like you have many questions to answer:

1. Old vs New
2. Coupe or Rag Top
3. 911 vs Cayman
4. Tried vs True

In this day of high technology, I prefer more warranty to less warranty, which makes new a better choice. A ragtop is a decision that comes with the weather. I had an 911SC targa and parted with it t buy the Cayman. Don't get me wrong, I love the top off in beautiful weather. I can't have that anymore, but this car is good enough (IMO) to not need the top off. But it is a personal preference to choose unparalelled performance for a little spring air. The fact is, unless you're the passenger, the road should all look the same ...

What you really always wanted was the 911 that first made you think that. It was older and more true to its heritage. The Cayman has 'that' feel. It is connected to the road like the older Porsches - 911s and 356s, but has todays technology (warranted technology).

As for resale, there should be a rather long line of folks just waiting to get well maintained, used Caymans - moreso, than 911s. Its the old vs new and tried vs true thing.

Which should you buy/ How does that ad go?

'Its the single biggest no-brainer in the history of mankind'.

Enjoy your car ...

Edited by - fmarshall on 06/15/2006 11:57:14 AM

pai · #6 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 05:00 PM

yes...to be both are almost same.....as i do not track or burn rubber....

**Atlas_Croc** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 05:35 PM

I really don't see how you can compare the two......if you like a ragtop then look more at the 911, but the 996 911 is getting a little long in tooth now and the styling (except for maybe the C4S and Turbo) was pretty bland IMO. If I was to buy any drop top Porsche today it would probably be a '07 Boxster with the uprated engines......you just can't beat the mid-engined platform for all around fun.

**gatorcayman** · #8 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 05:51 PM

Interesting story! I too was looking for a 2003 Carrera and found a coupe with only 16000 miles. I took it out for the afternoon and returned to the dealer to buy it. Believe it or not, he suggested that I test drive the Cayman S before making my decision. The Carrera was CPO and was in excellent, one owner condition. It was black with black sport seats. Not a scratch on it and had new rubber. It drove like a dream and my dream had always been to own a 911. But....................I slipped into the Cayman S and what a difference. Fmarshall is right. Three years newer technology and a full factory warranty coupled with the best driving car I've ever driven. I live in northeast Ohio (Cleveland area) and I can go for days without seeing another Porsche. I've had my Cayman S for 2 months and I've yet to see another Cayman S on the road around here although I know several have been sold.

Drive both of them and decide. The 911 experience is just as unique as the Cayman S. I decided on the CS and my dealer located my color and preferred options at another dealer and did a trade. It's a great car and I'm happy with my decision. Good Luck!