Croc Bite Fever: 2007 Porsche Cayman
Bald men and redheads rejoiced in 2006 when Porsche released a fixed top version of the phenomenal Porsche Boxster. Finally, there was a way to get crisp handling of a mid-engined Porsche without being subjected to the structural and solar issues that are endemic to floppy roofed cars…albeit at a considerable sticker price. This Cayman cost nearly $50k when new but thanks to the magic of depreciation, it now can be purchased for less than the price of a new Ford Focus. Find this 2007 Porsche Cayman offered for $16,500 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
Porsche introduced the high performance Cayman S version before the regular Cayman, which breaks every rule in the performance car release handbook. Regardless, the base Cayman was every bit an athletic performer as the S version, just with the dial turned down a few notches. What that means in the real world is that you can dial up the throttle pedal a few notches before getting hauled off in the paddy wagon…and that is money in the bank.
Powering the base Cayman in 2007 was a 2.7 litre M97.20 flat-6 rated at 245 horsepower and 201 ft-lbs of torque. Before someone starts talking about IMS issues, in 2007 Porsche introduced the M97 version of their flat-6 which included a new cam chain drive system that reduced stress on the IMS bearing and a redesigned/beefier IMS bearing — it doesn’t put the IMS issue to bed, but PJs are on and teeth are brushed. This Cayman is equipped with a 5-speed gearbox (the base Cayman was also available with an optional 6-spd) which is a perfectly good gearbox and forces you to fight for the peaky power of the smaller engine. I really hate to argue that the lesser performer in a family is a better car…but sometimes less is more.
See a nicer example of a modern car you could drive everyday and have everyone think you are loaded? tips@dailyturismo.com
To me Boxster & Cayman are some of the best values in the used market for a newish car. If I were looking for a car and was only worried about fun to drive factor, I'm not sure you can beat a Boxster S / Cayman for the money – I don't care if there is a stigma.
A Cayman would be at the top of my list even if I won the lottery.
I tried to convince the wife that I should stretch the budget and get one when I sold the 1800ES.
That trail balloon didn't fly so I got the Miata.
I also have a Miata and what kept me away from a Cayman / Boxster is consumables cost. Brakes and tires are so much more expensive for the Porsche it would have eaten into my track day budget.
This one is spot on spec I would want. Dark color with grey interior. I hate tan interiors and 90% of the Caymen I have looked at had tan interiors that looked very dirty. The grey hides dirt so much better.
That's fair, especially for a track day car when you really burn up the consumables quickly. But if you're looking for a back roads canyon car, where you're not going to blow through the consumables at the same rate I think the consumables can be managed on these cars. That fear is what seems to keep prices low!
Do these have the throw away motors or is that in the 911 bunch year series ? Looks cheap @ this price….