Here s the deal: Cayman equals confidence. Any driver who hasn t knocked-back a fifth of sour mash can jump straight into this lil bastard, drive it like he or she stole it, and not die. And I mean really fast. Fast enough to show a clean set of [co-joined] pipes to most anything realistic money can buy — especially in the corners, where the Cayman S hold onto the tarmac like its South American namesake clamping on a wild pig. Short of giving the electronic nanny the afternoon off (PSM causes cramps I m told) or entering the car into the Ice Capades, there is no way you re going to get into trouble caning a Cayman S, other than the kind that takes you to jail.
That s why it needs more power. Grabbing the Cayman s blissfully button-free optional sports wheel, snicking the short-shifting six-speed into any gear (as long as it puts the rev counter above 4000rpm), running the 3.4-liter six to redline with anything but monotonous regularity, you soon discover that everything works so progressively and safely that you have time to think. And the thought that eventually occurs is this: I could have done that a lot faster. So you do.
Obviously, it s an absurd idea. The Cayman S hits sixty from standstill in 5.1 seconds, a plenty quick sprint by any absolute standard and only .9 seconds slower than a base 911 (which is a similarly priced, equally underpowered car). And yes, I know: Porsche s marketing people thought long and hard about the Cayman/Carrera price/power calculus, relative to protecting their rear-engined cash cow from the very real danger of mid-engined fratricide. But like the aforementioned non-phallic adult entertainment, the Cayman S dearth of whoa Nellie excitement is obvious, annoying and absurd. Porsche constantly harps-on about evolution. If they mean it, they should build the best possible Cayman and let the extinctions fall where they may.
This Cayman S is an excellent example of a well taken care of daily driver that still puts you back in your seat if you want to run it wide open. The 6 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly as a Porsche should and it takes twists and turns like only a Porsche can.
This is an ideal car for someone looking for an affordable sports car that hasn't been ragged or abused. It's ready to go and more then ready to be driven.
Here's the indemnification part. I am not a bank so I don't make loans. I'm not a pawn shop so, I don't barter (which means no, I don't need a Harley or a Celica GT with a wing.
The car has some stone chips and a door ding (which can be repaired). The suspension is tight, the tires are 6/32 and are in great shape. There are no error messages and the clutch is tight and responsive. If you're expecting a collector car, I suggest you call Wayne Carini and have him sell you something. This isn't that kind of car.
I don't have the books and records (but have the manuals)
I traded my Mercedes S63 for this lovely car and soon found out it's for skinny Europeans.
Be serious, know something about these cars, and don't kick tires here.
Good luck!