[mcintoshw2000]

Hi All,

This is my first post. I am searching for a Porsche to purchase and take to DE and autocross events. I have never owned a Porsche or driven either type of event before, so I am definitely a novice. Any advice offered on buying a used Porsche or driving at a PCA event would be greatly appreciated. (I have read the DE intro on the forum.)

I think a used Cayman (S) 2006-2008 would be a good option. I drove the new Cayman and loved it but I am not sure that taking a new car to the track is a good idea. I have been out test driving cars and that has been fun in itself. I want to get a good car at a moderate price and go have fun at the track!

Here are my questions:

Do I need to be concerned about IMS failure with a Cayman of this vintage?
Are there any other problems with this model to watch for?
Where is a good shop in the Herndon area? (Chapman?)
How much wear and tear do DE days put on a car?

Thanks for your help.

[N0tt0N]

I have a 2006 CS with 62K on it. It has been a truly great car to own and drive. I've never had a single issue with it in 7 years. That said, the M97 (Boxter, Cayman, 997) has some of the same issues the M96 (Boxter, 996) had in the area of oiling. The IMS in the M96, finally settled by Porsche, was problematic on the track but is easy to retrofit. The M97 went the other way and the IMS is failing on the street in low mile cares and requires an engine break down to replace. These failures are more rare than the M96s but are an engineered weakness - its a shame as the car is great. Definitely get the 3.4L S with the 6-speed (only one in 2006, btw). The Gen 2 (2009-2012) are generally thought to be more reliable. The Cayman is surprisingly approachable, well-mannered, and has a lot of storage At their current price point they're a good value, IMO, with about 13% annualized depreciation.

Everyone else here will tell you that they aren't Porsches but keep your chin up! Welcome!

[Jase007]

Welcome Bill M.

Everyone else here will tell you that they aren't Porsches but keep your chin up!

We just like to razz each other a bit.

[FTS]

Welcome Bill.

A MkII Cayman S (2009-12) would be an excellent choice, MkI had limitations with oiling as Martin says that will hold you back or require needless money to be spent to fix although quite doable.

For more detailed info on Caymans, visit http://caymanregister.org/

[Patrick3000]

Bill,

Welcome to the nut house!

[Dr K]

Although none have said it yet, I'll give a vote for an older (less powerful) car to learn on at the track. If you really want to learn how to drive, you want to get your car near the limit, and being able to be at the limit at a somewhat slower speed give more time to recover and plan as you are driving. Quite a number on this board have learned extremely well in Caymans (and new 911s), but as an instructor I can say there is often an issue with new track drivers learning their way around in a car that is so fast and capable. There is also a certain fun of rotating the car and throttle steering, easier to do early on in a less powerful car, but certainly not impossible to learn just starting out in a quick car. Spending time at autocross (I notice you mentioned it) and on the skid pad will help you learn car control in any car you choose.

Take your time buying and drive LOTS of cars. This is a particularly good time to buy as people got through the summer and fall and are thinking of winter stuff (and not driving their P-car).

[mcintoshw2000]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I am off to test drive a 996. Going older is also an option. I want to compare the 996 and the Cayman. It is fun just test driving. I really appreciate the advice on DE. That is my main objective.

I went to the Coffee and Cars event in Great Falls this morning and met some very nice owners who offered some good advice. One was a longtime owner who tracked for many years. He said autocross is no harder on the car than street driving and that a beginning DE driver won't be driving hard enough to over stress the car.

[CanAm]

Originally Posted by mcintoshw2000

Hi All,

This is my first post. I am searching for a Porsche to purchase and take to DE and autocross events. I have never owned a Porsche or driven either type of event before, so I am definitely a novice. Any advice offered on buying a used Porsche or driving at a PCA event would be greatly appreciated. (I have read the DE intro on the forum.)

I think a used Cayman (S) 2006-2008 would be a good option. I drove the new Cayman and loved it but I am not sure that taking a new car to the track is a good idea. I have been out test driving cars and that has been fun in itself. I want to get a good car at a moderate price and go have fun at the track!

Here are my questions:

Do I need to be concerned about IMS failure with a Cayman of this vintage?
Are there any other problems with this model to watch for?
Where is a good shop in the Herndon area? (Chapman?)
How much wear and tear do DE days put on a car?

Thanks for your help.

There are a lot of good choices in Porsches for DE and autocross use, it really depends on your budget, how much DE and autocross you'll do, and how much you'll drive the car on the road. As far as older vs newer, both have their appeal. I do agree that a used Porsche probably makes more sense for track use, though you'll see plenty of new ones at the track also.

[FTS]

Originally Posted by mcintoshw2000

He said autocross is no harder on the car than street driving and that a beginning DE driver won't be driving hard enough to over stress the car.

Although this is not the place for the discussion, My experience has been that autox is significantly harder on the transmission, suspension joints and axles than DE. DE on the other hand is harder on brakes, chassis and engine over the long run. I also am not in the camp of those that recommend older models for DE, IMHO one should have the latest model they can afford, advancements are too good to pass up

[Roxtar]

BEHOLD! I HAS RETURNED!

Sold my red '86 944 parts car, still have the green '88 944
sent the new owner of the '86 this direction.

the plan is to change the registration on the '88 to antique plates now that it's eligible. that way I get start driving it again.