[Gibbo]

Mikem,

Really interesting to read you thoughts on a GT3. I have never had the pleasure and to be honest it is far to hard core of car for me to consider buying. I sat in a 996 GT3 in the showroom and after clambering into the buckets I could sit in them ok. Put my foot on the clutch and it felt a real workout to push it to the floor. Love the fact these cars exist but I am nowhere near good enough driver to do justice to this car.

I have driven a 997 Turbo and the engine on that sounds like a bag of spanners on start up and you think what on earth.....

To be honest I loved driving it and obviously it has rediculous pace and performance but what is equally impressive is that you can change gear at low revs and it drive so smoothly. A real everyday supercar.

I have never driven the 996 varient if that is the one you are looking at so I cannot compare but I can only assume it's fantastic. My worry with these cars is the amount of self control you would have to maintain daily not to be driving much quicker than you think all the time.

For 50k you will be able to get a 997 C2 S with the steel sports lowered suspension option with LSD. Later you could add the power kit and this could be a comprimise between GT3 and a turbo. I never found the std. S 355bhp to be lacking to be honest.

Enjoy the turbo and let us know how you get on.

BB sorry to go off 'cayman'

[mikem]

Gibbo, I think you`d be dissapointed at the outright pace of the GT3 compared to your 335d once you`d overcome the thrill of the higher rev range.

The M3 is running at 450 hp at the minute, so going back to a 997 S isn`t an option really (again I`m talking about outright grunt not handling). I`m only looking at the Turbo because I know 550-600 is possible without silly levels of outlay, the newer cars are going to loose more in depreciation also, especially the "entry level 911`s" if this credit crunch does hit hard, which kind of kills of my arguement to the other half over residuals.

Although a Black 997 S cabriolet keeps popping up in my thoughts.

[beemerbird]

Right then gentlemen, test drive of Porsche Cayman S completed. First thing that was apparent was dealer attitude - very good. Approached immediately, offered 'proper' coffee together with excellent quality biscuits.

First went out in an '08 Cayman S with the short shift box. Engine only had just over 1k on it and did feel a bit tight. More coffee and biscuits later, the one I'd gone to look at was taken out of the showroom and off we went again. Felt an immediate difference in responsiveness as this one has just over 3k on the clock. Again another coffee and biscuits later, went out again in the car after dealer filled it up with fuel.

First the negatives: No folding mirrors, single CD and more wind noise than the E92 That's it guys!

Now the positives: Superb engine noise and exhaust note, obviously right behind yer head. Sits FLAT around the twisty stuff and I mean FLAT and grip - err VERY impressive. Scoffed at bumps in the road. Liked the gearbox actually, very positive, direct and easy to use. 6th to 4th or any combo. done with ease. No problems with the clutch whatsoever - certainly did not feel heavy even in built up areas. Steering IMO gave more feedback the faster you went and was communicative at lower speeds. Suspension is obviously firm and yes you do feel bumps in the road, although no more than my memory of the E90 M sport. Sports seats were very comfortable and 'gripped' in all the right places. Found a very comfortable seating position and all round visibility including reversing into a parking space is good. But ohhhh, that noise is FANTASTIC. Yes, as alot of you know, from cold the engine sounds like a bag of spanners, but once warmed up, it's lovely. Managed to get a 'spirited run' in the car on various roads so overall a good test drive.

Now the 'nitty gritty'. Bearing in mind that I know of someone who has just bought from a local dealer, a highly specced E92 335d on a 56 plate with 12k, on the clock for just over 22k, my 'ball park' guesstimate of my cars value was not far off the mark. However, it is the end of the month and they were prepared to 'deal'. Bottom line is tracker monitor, 1 years extended full Porsche warranty, 6 months road tax and full tank of fuel. I decided though to push a bit more. The sales manager appeared AGAIN and I said "Fit a bluetooth kit and you've got a deal." He looked me square in the face and I smiled as nicely as I could and he said "Oh go on then" and offered me his hand. So there you have it - I've bought a Porsche Cayman S !!!!

[scotw]

Well done BB ! We want piccys as soon as possible. I assume you'll still hang around here with us lesser mortals?

[Gibbo]

Well done Helen, I am really pleased for you and I hope you enjoy your new motor.

So come on details full spec & colour and when do you hope to get it on your drive.

[SoYank]

Cool. Hope you got the whole thing instead of one like this:

[Snooky]

Well done BB!

Look forward to the piccies

[Z4 Beemer]

Congrats Helen! and yes... we want the full details on it.

[beemerbird]

Thanks everyone - needless to say I'm chuffed. Could do with cheering up TBH. Scott - if I can stay here if it's ok with you lot then I would like to

Spec is:

Atlas Grey metallic
Full leather interior in ocean blue
19 inch sport design wheels
BOSE surround sound
Bi-Xenons
Cruise control
Fully automatic climate control
Floor mats (plush as well)
Heated seats (for boys really)
Home Link
Park assist
PCM including extended navigation module
Porsche crest embossed on head restraints
Rear wiper
Sport seats
Three-spoke multi functional steering wheel
Tyre pressure warning system
Wheel centre set

and the pics. which I've had to re-size & it's taken ages. It will be on the drive soon, very soon, so wait and see.

Attachment 149688

Attachment 149689

Attachment 149690

Attachment 149691

Attachment 149692

Attachment 149693

Attachment 149694

Forgot to say, it's a March 2007 car. One owner.

[mikem]

Congrats BB and a great spec.

Why do you need cheering up BB ?

[Gibbo]

Mega spec and loads of toys.

My Boxster was Atlas it's a fab colour almost Black in some lights and then has a blueish tinge in others. Lots of depth to it when it's clean and waxed.

[Z4 Beemer]

Very nice spec indeed.

I think the dash looks a bit empty without the PCM system, so good to see your car has it, and with that curvy body (on the Porsche ) you really need Park assist.

Hope you don't need to wait too long.

[beemerbird]

Gibbo and MikeM, thanks you two, I've enjoyed reading your thoughts and opinions on Porsches.

Probably consider a full detail on this car as I reckon it would come up really nice.

Was impressed with the dealers as others have said and I really can't wait until I become fully used to the car as that handling is superb. Sales exec. made a comment, something about the way I drive, I'll probably have to top up with oil now and then as it is not uncommon for them to use a bit of oil when driven 'enthusiastically'. Can't think what he meant TBH . Anyhow, that engine just cries out to be revved, so one MUST oblige eh.

Another point I forgot to mention - the brakes......bloody excellent.

[booforty]

Congratulations! Hope you have many miles of happy motoring!

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by mikem

Why do you need cheering up BB ?

Mum's been ill, thankfully not what we thought. That's why I missed UK 5 unfortunately.

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

I think the dash looks a bit empty without the PCM system, so good to see your car has it, and with that curvy body (on the Porsche ) you really need Park assist.

Hope you don't need to wait too long.

Car's got bigger 'hips' than me Gordon. You can clearly see them in the wing mirrors.

Porsche will be here...... say mid week First question was whether I wanted it delivering....cool. I'm going over there to collect, then I can head for the wonderful twisty roads of North Yorkshire.

[mikem]

Hope your mum gets better soon BB and when you get "used" to the performance there`s a 3.8 (385 hp) conversion for it.

[Fatbloke]

Nice one BB!

I'm insanely jealous. I've wanted a porker since I was about 6 years old.

[beemerbird]

Originally Posted by mikem

Hope your mum gets better soon BB and when you get "used" to the performance there`s a 3.8 (385 hp) conversion for it.

Thanks Mike. The conversion sounds very interesting, what do they do exactly?

I've read that many believe the Cayman chassis is capable of taking more power without compromising the handling and grip.

[RichardM]

Looks lovely Helen. Out of interest did you save much from the new price? When ever I look at the approved used prices they never seem far off the new price.

[dxb335d]

Helen, hope your mother gets well soon!

Congrats on the Porscha purchase!!


Carlos

[Bumps]

Fantastic Helen - congrats!! Superb choice of car

Best wishes and hope your mum is well soon.

[Porscha!]

Congratulations!

Cayman S in black does look wonderful, also a massive fan of the Sport Designs but be aware they are quite hard to clean!

They do handle sublime, I had one for a few days when my 986 Boxster S was having some suspension work done, it was a great car, a lot of fun.

Join Porsche Club GB, for £70something a year it is worth it, a few insurance partners and 10% off parts at your local OPC.

You will find your OPC will be a better service of dealer, I took all my Porsche to them as they just did the best job for the same price as an independent, well maybe a bit more. When your car reaches four years old you'll get a reduced Labour rate to entice you to stay.

If you need to ask any questions about Porsche don't hesitate to give me a shout! I've owned three and you'll have to ask me the ones I haven't driven rather than the ones I have!!

Be aware "once a Porsche owner always a Porsche owner" ... I'm currently between Porsche LOL but still have massive brand loyality, they are just so good, both the new ones and the classics!

Porscha!