Runningbum

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get some input from current owners. I am about to buy my first pcar! I am so excited.

But I am having a hard time deciding what to get.

My dream car (of many) has always been a 911. I have been searching for months and found one locally. It's a 2005 C2 with sport chrono, and 6 speed. It's priced at $39k and has about 25k miles.

However, lately I've been searching for 987.2 Caymans and have to say I am starting to fall in love with them. I've been looking at 2009s and 10s. I like everything I've heard about dependability and also many of the ones on auto trader are CPOs. For a base 987.2 Cayman they are around $30,000 with around 20-30k miles. And it sure is a nice feeling to save around 10k from an older 911.

So what should I do??? I plan on keeping it for a while and thinking that a 911 will hold it's value better if I sell it down the road.

I'm sure both cars are amazing but I would love to hear what you all think.

I don't plan on racing it, don't have kids yet and plan on taking weekend drives with my wife.

Thanks in advance.

energetik9

I was in a very similar situation and just purchased an C4S (997.2). I love the Cayman S and debated it for some time, even looking at the Cayman R. In the end, I've always wanted a 911. I still love the Cayman, but in the end I just decided that 1) the 911 was more iconic and I don't know about you, but a 911 has ALWAYS been on my wish list. 2) 911's were better equipped in general than the Caymans (in general of course) and 3) a 911 would be more desirable over time. Just my $.02 of course.

Alex 911

Well, what do you want? Do you want a Porsche or do you want a 911? I was also considering a new Boxster or Cayman instead of a 911 until after I test drove a coupe of 911s. In the end, I realized what I wanted was a 911, not just any Porsche. After 20 years, I finally got one

Austin997.2

My 2 cents. 911 all the way, it is the icon, it does not go out of style it is always a 911. The Cayman and Boxster in my eyes are just a lesser 911. They look very similar but the Cayman and Boxster look like the little brother. I could see back in the day debating a 928 and 911 because they both had unique looks.

My friend has a 1999 911 (996) and it still looks great and does not look dated.

Robocop305

911 all the way! These Caymans and Boxer are everywhere. I like the uniqueness, history and overall feeling of the 911. I would only get a Cayman as a second car, first one being the 911.

Runningbum

Thanks for the comments so far guys. I definitely agree the 911 is more iconic. When I see 911s on the road I can't help but ogle. There are a lot of Boxsters and Caymans around and I give them a good glance but it doesn't strike me like a 911 does.

But, being that this is a large financial purchase, I'm trying my hardest to think objectively. If I was loaded, I wouldn't even be debating it. But I'm wondering if keeping a perfect 5 year old Cayman on the road will be easier than a 911 that's approaching 10 years old. Thoughts?

But thinking purely on emotion, I'd way rather be a 911 owner.

Runningbum

One other question... is there any reason to avoid a 2005 911 being that it was the first year of the redesign? I've heard the 997.2 had some great improvements...

Austin997.2

I had a 2003 911 Tiptronic, and total cost of ownership with taxes and maintenance but not gas was $380 per month. Bought it for $31k and sold it for $25k three years later with 6k in maintenance over the 3 years.

The 997.2 no longer has any IMS issues. My 996 was a good starter Porsche but my 997.2 PDK is a whole nother ballgame but it was a pretty big price increase.

sandwedge

Totally different cars in a lot of ways so I doubt this thread will give you good direction. Especially since you always wanted a 911 and the Cayman isn't that. Drive and look at both and decide for yourself. Too subjective a matter to ask for other's opinions. Post the same question in the Cayman forum and you'll see what I mean.

Runningbum

Ya, that's true. I definitely like hearing owner's opinions. You know I was debating which forum to post in and I decided 911 owners will tell me what I really want to hear.

Runningbum

Thanks for the info.

SpeedyD

I drove bunch of cars from cayman s to turbos, R8s, etc. I went with what really excited me, and at a price point I was comfortable with. If money and maintenance weren't a concern, I would have bought an F40!

If you enjoyed the caymans you've tried, and if you have any concern with an 05 911, then perhaps the Cayman is the right purchase right now? Really, any of these cars are a blast.

workhurts

997.2 Base vs a 997.1? Get the 997.1. 987.2 S vs a 997.1 get the CS.

Seriously though, you answered your own question. You said the 911 is your dream car. So, why not get your dream car?

Only thing I'd be concerned about it maintenance. If you don't do your own work then I'd worry a bit more about the older car.

I actually see more 911s around here than Caymans. There is a little bit of a stigma with the Cayman but it's a fantastic platform. 911 folks don't know what they're missing.

shoot2score67

You're in win-win situation.

I had same decision. 911 vs. Cayman.

Cayman was my top choice, but my wife hated having firewall right at her back, and felt claustrophobic. She wouldn't want to go on long trips. So 911 it was. Woe is me.

Spouses notwithstanding, 987.2 Cayman would be very tempting. All the new stuff, new engine, etc. Really, really great driver's car. And probably a steal as you mentioned. Plus mid-engine!

Runningbum

Thanks guys... really appreciate it.

So here is the 911 I am thinking about:

http://inventory.coloradopreownedveh...91#photos-full

It's had 3 owners though. And the first looks like it was a 5 month lease. Not sure if that should be a concern. I like the color... seats look in good condition. The red gauges are actually pretty cool. I've never seen them in red before. But I see that it is an option on Porsche's site. I probably wouldn't pick that if I was building it ... but oh well it's there!

For the '09, '10 caymans, I like the slight interior change, new motor and of course the LED tail lights look soooo good. And it seems like a lot of them have the tan leather, which is nice. Most of the 05-06 911's I've looked at all have black leather. But that's not a big deal.

Tough call... both seem like winners. I just have a feeling there are more people out there with Caymans that wish they got a 911 than 911 owners who wish they got a Cayman.

Anyway, take a look at the 911 and tell me what you think.