Early build date...

kjf654321 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 05:09 AM

Hello all... after test driving CS I knew this is the car for me. I've been searching and found a candidate car that has an early build date 11/05. Where there any growing pains with the early cars? Another interesting thing about the car it has the "sport" button but no chronograph on the dash. Was this a option in the beginning or is this a retrofit?

Thanks - Ken

kjf654321 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 12:58 AM

Just a follow up...as for the question about the "sport" button, I was going on a picture of the interior and I couldn't really see how the button was labeled. I saw the car today and it turns out it was PASM. Since no one had anything to say about early build dates I'm going for it...

**Santa Fe** · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 01:11 AM

The very early Caymans were called "Launch cars" and each US dealer was allocated one as a demo vehicle. It could have been purchased after the official launch and taken care of or could have been an abused demonstrator. We cannot tell but do point you to the FAQ's on buying a used Cayman which should help you decide if this is a purchase you want to make. Using the safe guards in the FAQ's could save you a bundle or help you sleep well.

http://www.caymanclub.net/faq.php?fa...q_usedcaymanqa

jsdone · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 01:30 AM

I purchased a CS 2006 "launch" car and have enjoyed this car quite a bit. I did get the extended warrenty just for insurance. I did ask to have the 19" wheels replaced with the standard 18" Cayman S wheels and was told that was a wise decision. I had the codes checked and the over revs were is the acceptable range, the car uses no oil and have had few problems. I have no trunk clunk as some describe, the only strange thing that as happened is the driver rear shock tower was replaced and there was a factory brief about this happpening and no matter if you had wattenty I was told it would have been replaced. I have no problem with my car, I would suggest you have a porsched dealer go through the car before going further just in case it was abused.

**beez** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 01:30 AM

If it was built in 11/05, then it was probably not a launch car, since the launch cars were in the showrooms by Thanksgiving weekend - I remember, because my salesman at Carlsen called me on the holiday, and that's when I was finally able to see one. Allowing for how long it takes to ship the cars to the US dealers, I doubt this was a launch car - those were built in Sept/Oct. of '05.

Do read this FAQ about buying a used Cayman and the one below that about taking delivery, that Santa Fe has pointed you to, and I'd suggest a Pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a dealer or reputable Porsche specialty shop... a dealer can read out the DME for you to check for over-revs or other abusive use.

Good luck,
brad