I think there's a member here who used to have a Cayman S. His/her username is Dchee. Try reaching him/her by inbox.
I'm not 100% positive though.
I'm not 100% positive though.
Anybody here moved to a Cayman S ?
Hi guys,
I have a 2010 STI which I bought at the dealership and drove since it had 4 km on the counter. Love that car, started auto-x, a couple of hpde with it. I kept it only mildly modded :
RCE black
22mm sways and endlinks
Whiteline comp c strut top
Girodisc 2 piece rotors front/back
Dunlop ZII
It handles pretty good and I think I have the chassis pretty close to neutral with those small changes. I am sitting on all the bits required to go stage II (downpipe, wideband, egt) to add to the excitement now that I have had the car for that long. Somehow, I know that sooner or later the engine will give and I will have to pay 5-8k to get it replaced and because of that I am hesitating in moving ahead with the change
So between my concerns of reliability at stage II level, that the car cost me 500$ of gas a month and that, even though its fun to have the STI everywhere I go (biking trips, kayaking tripes etc) it's not really required in those situation ...
So a friend of mine is selling a 2009 cayman, the car has seen the track and has a bit of mileage on it 68000 km. the pricing is however pretty good. So I am contemplating getting it. Between that and getting a small dd like a fit, I am under the impression that I would save some money on gas and wear and get a performance car that might be an tad more exciting than the STI to drive and that will last me a bit longer since it won't see winter, it's a NA engine so I assume its a bit more rugged.
Any experience on this forum with gen 2 cayman reliability that want to share their experience to help me in my decision ? Don't get me wrong, the STI is the best car I have ever owned, if I had the money to have both I would. Also anybody that are at stage II with more than 150k on their car ?
I have a 2010 STI which I bought at the dealership and drove since it had 4 km on the counter. Love that car, started auto-x, a couple of hpde with it. I kept it only mildly modded :
RCE black
22mm sways and endlinks
Whiteline comp c strut top
Girodisc 2 piece rotors front/back
Dunlop ZII
It handles pretty good and I think I have the chassis pretty close to neutral with those small changes. I am sitting on all the bits required to go stage II (downpipe, wideband, egt) to add to the excitement now that I have had the car for that long. Somehow, I know that sooner or later the engine will give and I will have to pay 5-8k to get it replaced and because of that I am hesitating in moving ahead with the change
So between my concerns of reliability at stage II level, that the car cost me 500$ of gas a month and that, even though its fun to have the STI everywhere I go (biking trips, kayaking tripes etc) it's not really required in those situation ...
So a friend of mine is selling a 2009 cayman, the car has seen the track and has a bit of mileage on it 68000 km. the pricing is however pretty good. So I am contemplating getting it. Between that and getting a small dd like a fit, I am under the impression that I would save some money on gas and wear and get a performance car that might be an tad more exciting than the STI to drive and that will last me a bit longer since it won't see winter, it's a NA engine so I assume its a bit more rugged.
Any experience on this forum with gen 2 cayman reliability that want to share their experience to help me in my decision ? Don't get me wrong, the STI is the best car I have ever owned, if I had the money to have both I would. Also anybody that are at stage II with more than 150k on their car ?
1 - 20 of 48 Posts
Thanks I'll check it out, I am hearing that engine reliability on gen 1 (pre 2009) wasn't great but apparently they fixed the engine
Porsche Cayman's main shaft and seals problems are blown out of proportion just like Subaru ringlands, IMO. Although, I didn't have my Cayman long enough to know its real reliability; it did held on great throughout my 15k mile journey with minor to no issues.
Minor issues includes oil consumption if driven consistently hard on the street and of course the track. Then finally, a weird "clunk" noise coming from the rear occasionally (I never found out what the issue was) :/
Maintenance isn't all that bad either if you are mechanically inclined. Oil is pricey @ around $75-$100 (You'll need 7.75L). Brakes are easy to work on -- but go for aftermarket goodies.
Lastly, find a good legit Porsche shop. Not the dealer. But a trusted Porsche shop.
Edit: I'd take the STi over Cayman for its practicality. :lol:
Minor issues includes oil consumption if driven consistently hard on the street and of course the track. Then finally, a weird "clunk" noise coming from the rear occasionally (I never found out what the issue was) :/
Maintenance isn't all that bad either if you are mechanically inclined. Oil is pricey @ around $75-$100 (You'll need 7.75L). Brakes are easy to work on -- but go for aftermarket goodies.
Lastly, find a good legit Porsche shop. Not the dealer. But a trusted Porsche shop.
Edit: I'd take the STi over Cayman for its practicality. :lol:
I would go stage 2 protuned before I would consider trading. It will feel like you did trade for a MUCH faster Subaru. My 07 ran perfectly for 85k miles with 360 wtq and my 11 is at 35k miles almost 400 wtq on E85. If needed, pistons installed would be about $2500 and shortblock $5k. I have to think that a nicely used Cayman would come with some potentially high costs for repairs if needed as well. And the stage 2 STi With some suspension mods is the perfect balance of power and handling, there arent too many cars I would be happy trading for. Then you have the practicality of the awd and hatch. Ive done the rwd 2 seater thing before and it gets tiresome. Now if you were considering a 996TT, that would be a different story.
STI is like power fucking a 22 year old that wants to punish you.
Caymen S is like seducing a 40 year old woman and taking your time with her.
Porsche builds these cars with purpose, whereas the STI will always be a commuter car with add-ons. Better aerodynamics, better stability, and better out of the box handling dynamics and there is no auto manufacturer that can match Porsche braking. The PCCB brakes on my GT3 RS would put you in your harnesses and your soul on the dash.
It's just a different experience, one that I feel you need, but I don't think I'd sell an STI for it. I really enjoyed my GT3 because it was a completely different experience than my STI. When I grew tired of turbo rowdiness I would drive my GT3. When it's rainy and cold I would drive nothing other than my STI ... not because of AWD, but because you could do some hoonigan ass shit all day thanks to 350wtq.
Ultimately as a car guy you have to look past the badges and labels, or even the maintenance (within reason) and just go for it. Experience all that we have out there. Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren ... they are all just cars, just like the STI. The panache of owning one and people ooing and awing at them gets old hat. The experience of driving any sports car, doesn't.
Caymen S is like seducing a 40 year old woman and taking your time with her.
Porsche builds these cars with purpose, whereas the STI will always be a commuter car with add-ons. Better aerodynamics, better stability, and better out of the box handling dynamics and there is no auto manufacturer that can match Porsche braking. The PCCB brakes on my GT3 RS would put you in your harnesses and your soul on the dash.
It's just a different experience, one that I feel you need, but I don't think I'd sell an STI for it. I really enjoyed my GT3 because it was a completely different experience than my STI. When I grew tired of turbo rowdiness I would drive my GT3. When it's rainy and cold I would drive nothing other than my STI ... not because of AWD, but because you could do some hoonigan ass shit all day thanks to 350wtq.
Ultimately as a car guy you have to look past the badges and labels, or even the maintenance (within reason) and just go for it. Experience all that we have out there. Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren ... they are all just cars, just like the STI. The panache of owning one and people ooing and awing at them gets old hat. The experience of driving any sports car, doesn't.
You guys have awesome analogies, I think both can be enjoyable in that sense lol.STI is like power fucking a 22 year old that wants to punish you.
Caymen S is like seducing a 40 year old woman and taking your time with her.
I don't care for it being a Porsche, I find the STI in some way cooler and more bad ass looking. The STI has been my dream car for so long and if I could afford it as I said I would keep it in my garage and just buy the Porsche. I would really miss winter driving with it, it's just ridiculous fun to whale on that car in a snow storm. Driving a Honda fit in those condition would be no fun.
I think where my desire is coming from is :
- by not seeing winter it would stay nice. Yes you could do that with the STI too but I feel like driving that thing in the slush is the whole point
- I have the impression that the drivetrain of the Porsche would be more robust. Have you seen that rig they built to simulate gforces around the ring ??
- as you say, a good handling Rwd car would be a nice experience
- I am sure the interior is kinda cool
- I do mechanical work, having a second car in the driveway would increase the size of my balls and I could take my time
- again I do not need to drive a car with a 20mpg + 1000 $ tires everywhere I go. It's fun but its a bit wasteful, but its fun
Arrg. One thing is that I really want to tune the damn thing. I spent the last year reading on open source tuning and on romraider. I think I can totally do it and it would be kinda fun. Maybe I just install all my hw, tune the car this weekend and take a decision after ?
I am also not sure that the Porsche Internet community is like, I have to say, this one is pretty good
I recently went the opposite way picking up a 2013 STI and selling a '03 F150 and a '07 911 S. Owning 2 cars (particularly when one is a Porsche) is rarely as economical as owning 1 and I did it partly to simplify things as well as I find the STI to be a pretty good jack-of-all-trades.
My 911 was a fantastic car, finesse + power. The GT3 is pure sex as was described earlier. If I were looking at a Porsche now, I'd probably go with the Cayman as well. One other thought - historically the naturally aspirated Porsche engines were not too effective to tune, but if that is your bag a 996 or 997 turbo would fit the bill.
Long story short, if you feel passionate about going with a Porsche, go for it. Your cost of ownership may not be oppressive either (but still more $ than owning 1 car) due to the way those things hold their value (as long as you don't buy new).
My 911 was a fantastic car, finesse + power. The GT3 is pure sex as was described earlier. If I were looking at a Porsche now, I'd probably go with the Cayman as well. One other thought - historically the naturally aspirated Porsche engines were not too effective to tune, but if that is your bag a 996 or 997 turbo would fit the bill.
Long story short, if you feel passionate about going with a Porsche, go for it. Your cost of ownership may not be oppressive either (but still more $ than owning 1 car) due to the way those things hold their value (as long as you don't buy new).
If I could get away with owning a cayman I would be all over it. STi would be goneski. My hang up is that I would have to dump at least 2 cars to be able to justify it to me wife and those two cars would be the STi and my 914. I would be left driving a truck every day.
The Cayman S is a phenom. It is like no other car I have ever driven. There are next to zero cars I would choose over it as a track toy / canyon smasher / weekend toy. I could never justify commuting in such a beautiful and purposeful car so until I can get myself to part with something in the garage, it will have to remain in my fantasies.
To some end, I almost like it better there anyway, its kind of my unicorn, only it does exist.
The Cayman S is a phenom. It is like no other car I have ever driven. There are next to zero cars I would choose over it as a track toy / canyon smasher / weekend toy. I could never justify commuting in such a beautiful and purposeful car so until I can get myself to part with something in the garage, it will have to remain in my fantasies.
To some end, I almost like it better there anyway, its kind of my unicorn, only it does exist.
Drove a 991 911 for 500 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway, wasn't impressed (electric steering FTL). I was missing my STi dearly by the end of that trip :lol:
I only see the 997 911 Turbo with double externally gated GT30s as the true successor/weekend mistress to my car
I only see the 997 911 Turbo with double externally gated GT30s as the true successor/weekend mistress to my car
I love Porsche because it is so low-key as an exotic car, nothing pretentious or ostentatious about it - it's a beetle with running shoes as Clarkson so aptly put it :lol:Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren ... they are all just cars, just like the STI. The panache of owning one and people ooing and awing at them gets old hat. The experience of driving any sports car, doesn't.
I feel in a few years I would be able to save up enough (even if ObamaCare eats into my salary lol) for a Lambo/Ferrari but I will still go with a 911 turbo simply because I don't like the attention. Plus I think it is apropos and good feng shui to have 2 turbo'ed flat motors in the garage
Simon...Simon...
You sound exactly like me before I sold my beloved STI and got Boss 302 for track and Fit for DD.
I know you are asking for our opinion about the Cayman S, but I will tell you how I feel now about the decision of selling the STI.
I regret selling the STI on frekkin daily basis, literally everyday!!
That does not mean the Boss 302 disappointed me ( she is a great track car) and neither means the Fit is boring ( she is fun roomy fuel efficient car)
Now I sit down and think to myself, I could have worked on the STI and made it better and more reliable.
Do this
Get a bigger radiator, oil cooler, may be a bigger intercooler and a racing oil pan, air oil separator and don't exceed a conservatively pro-tuned stage 2 ( less power means less heat) = durable engine.
Get RCE Tarmac 2 or Turning concepts coilovers with some sway bars and stiffer bushings = extremely capable track chassis!!
Spend a good money on it to make safer and better handling.
The reason I say all of that, is I have financial headache now from maintaining 2 cars, paying the loans and paying for the auto insurance for 2 cars plus wear and tear items and gas...headache..headache..I am telling you!
Cayman S is a great car, but think about the financial aspect, they are more expensive to maintain.
Think very very much about this decision, I urge you to take a step back and think.
You sound exactly like me before I sold my beloved STI and got Boss 302 for track and Fit for DD.
I know you are asking for our opinion about the Cayman S, but I will tell you how I feel now about the decision of selling the STI.
I regret selling the STI on frekkin daily basis, literally everyday!!
That does not mean the Boss 302 disappointed me ( she is a great track car) and neither means the Fit is boring ( she is fun roomy fuel efficient car)
Now I sit down and think to myself, I could have worked on the STI and made it better and more reliable.
Do this
Get a bigger radiator, oil cooler, may be a bigger intercooler and a racing oil pan, air oil separator and don't exceed a conservatively pro-tuned stage 2 ( less power means less heat) = durable engine.
Get RCE Tarmac 2 or Turning concepts coilovers with some sway bars and stiffer bushings = extremely capable track chassis!!
Spend a good money on it to make safer and better handling.
The reason I say all of that, is I have financial headache now from maintaining 2 cars, paying the loans and paying for the auto insurance for 2 cars plus wear and tear items and gas...headache..headache..I am telling you!
Cayman S is a great car, but think about the financial aspect, they are more expensive to maintain.
Think very very much about this decision, I urge you to take a step back and think.
Suddenly I find myself wanting to seduce a 40 year old woman.STI is like power fucking a 22 year old that wants to punish you.
Caymen S is like seducing a 40 year old woman and taking your time with her.
Porsche builds these cars with purpose, whereas the STI will always be a commuter car with add-ons. Better aerodynamics, better stability, and better out of the box handling dynamics and there is no auto manufacturer that can match Porsche braking. The PCCB brakes on my GT3 RS would put you in your harnesses and your soul on the dash.
It's just a different experience, one that I feel you need, but I don't think I'd sell an STI for it. I really enjoyed my GT3 because it was a completely different experience than my STI. When I grew tired of turbo rowdiness I would drive my GT3. When it's rainy and cold I would drive nothing other than my STI ... not because of AWD, but because you could do some hoonigan ass shit all day thanks to 350wtq.
Ultimately as a car guy you have to look past the badges and labels, or even the maintenance (within reason) and just go for it. Experience all that we have out there. Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren ... they are all just cars, just like the STI. The panache of owning one and people ooing and awing at them gets old hat. The experience of driving any sports car, doesn't.
This is VERY solid advice. I have not run into one Cayman faster then me on the track and I have driven in a lot of PCA HPDEs.Simon...Simon...
You sound exactly like me before I sold my beloved STI and got Boss 302 for track and Fit for DD.
I know you are asking for our opinion about the Cayman S, but I will tell you how I feel now about the decision of selling the STI.
I regret selling the STI on frekkin daily basis, literally everyday!!
That does not mean the Boss 302 disappointed me ( she is a great track car) and neither means the Fit is boring ( she is fun roomy fuel efficient car)
Now I sit down and think to myself, I could have worked on the STI and made it better and more reliable.
Do this
Get a bigger radiator, oil cooler, may be a bigger intercooler and a racing oil pan, air oil separator and don't exceed a conservatively pro-tuned stage 2 ( less power means less heat) = durable engine.
Get RCE Tarmac 2 or Turning concepts coilovers with some sway bars and stiffer bushings = extremely capable track chassis!!
Spend a good money on it to make safer and better handling.
The reason I say all of that, is I have financial headache now from maintaining 2 cars, paying the loans and paying for the auto insurance for 2 cars plus wear and tear items and gas...headache..headache..I am telling you!
Cayman S is a great car, but think about the financial aspect, they are more expensive to maintain.
Think very very much about this decision, I urge you to take a step back and think.
Cayman S is an awesome car, if you are getting a used one, just ask for service records especially if they have RMS (rear main seal) and IMS (intermediate shaft) bearings issues. It has been an issue with most of Porsche's line-up (boxters, 911's). Goodluck!
I'd hope so ... you make 50 - 100 HP more than the Caymen S. :lol:This is VERY solid advice. I have not run into one Cayman faster then me on the track and I have driven in a lot of PCA HPDEs.
The only thing to watch for on the Caymen S is the rear badges getting reworked to Gayman Sex with relative ease.
Sorry - I am not on the up and up on Cayman's. Excuse me I was too busy driving better than you.I'd hope so ... you make 50 - 100 HP more than the Caymen S. :lol:
The only thing to watch for on the Caymen S is the rear badges getting reworked to Gayman Sex with relative ease.
And 325 hp? The Cayman S - All Cayman Models - All Porsche Vehicles - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG WTF Are you talking about???
Further proof you don't know what you are talking about 320 hp:
2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK - First Drive Review - Car Reviews - Car and Driver
2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK - First Drive Review - Car Reviews - Car and Driver
Sorry - I am not on the up and up on Cayman's. Excuse me I was too busy driving better than you.
And 325 hp? The Cayman S - All Cayman Models - All Porsche Vehicles - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG WTF Are you talking about???
I don't think he had any bad intentions with his comment. He probably just misunderstood and thought you were making something between 320-330whp.Further proof you don't know what you are talking about 320 hp:
2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK - First Drive Review - Car Reviews - Car and Driver
Just to clear things up, GotSTi's car put down 280whp/330wtq on the dyno (according to his journal). That's around 330 crank hp. It all depends on the dyno and how you calculate drivetrain loss, I do it at around 18-20% although it could be more. Anyway, it's around the same power as a cayman s except with much more torque.I'd hope so ... you make 50 - 100 HP more than the Caymen S. :lol:
The only thing to watch for on the Caymen S is the rear badges getting reworked to Gayman Sex with relative ease.
OP, maybe mod your STi a bit a see where that gets you? I'm sure you'll be happy. If not, you could purchase a Cayman R a few years down the road :naughty:
Wow, something to prove?Sorry - I am not on the up and up on Cayman's. Excuse me I was too busy driving better than you.
And 325 hp? The Cayman S - All Cayman Models - All Porsche Vehicles - Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG WTF Are you talking about???
I never said I am a better driver or you weren't up to it, did I?
The older model Caymen's make less than 300 HP, as low as 245 HP. That's a significant power difference when you factor in the mountain of mid-range torque the STI makes. So I don't know why you are getting your panties in a wad.
1 - 20 of 48 Posts
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