USED Porsche Cayman Coupe (05 - 13)

My car

Considering its heritage, this car is a joke, in poor taste. One year on from taking delivery, several weeks late as the factory "lost" the steering wheel, it still suffers from problems that has the After Sales Manager at the dealership "banging my head against the wall". These include the notorious so-called trunk thump, with additional incessant chattering noise that drives me to distraction, especially on warm days; to say nothing of the loose screw that rattles around on every sharp corner, stop and start, both of the latter courtesy of the dealership.

The driver's door leaks and leaves an emulsive smear over a third of the inside glass after the window is wound down and up.

The horn has nearly given up the ghost, and barley has the energy to emit a feeble "parp"; and the headlamp washers don't, and never have.

As for the paintwork, it suffered a dose of red mist undercoat from some exterior contractors at my place of work, which the dealer removed, leaving a finish reminiscent of that left by a Brillo pad.

No wonder that the best offer I have had represents a 31% loss of £18,000.

Porsche? Never ever again.

My car

I looked at many cars before I decided to go for the 3.4S; SLK 350, Audi TT (mk2), Z4 etc. I've had a TT (mk1) and 350Z in the past and this is probably the best one i've driven.

This has to be one of the best handling cars on the road, the grip is just phenominal. I've heard many Porsche dealers say it handles better than a 911 and I believe it. It probably isnt as fast in a straight line (which is expected).

The engine is really flexible - you can easily cruise on the motorway, traffic or rev it hard. I've got a few options such as Sports Chrono Pack and PASM which I highly recommend for those real "drivers" who want it for the drive. Porsche only make sports cars and this shows when your driving it - audi,bmw,merc can't really compete with the what they bring to sports cars and thats why Porsche remain soo popular.

The quality of the materials is great inside and I would definately reccommend the Bose sound system. I've heard the standard and Porsche Sound Package - they were awful so avoid at all costs.

Economy: I get around 25mpg local and I've had upto 35mpg on the motorway! What more do you want?

My car

So far this car is the most complete car I have driven. Its an entry level Porsche but has an accomplished drive and ride. In terms of actual handling and drive its very capable but the ride can get harsh if on a bumpy road. On the motorway or good A roads its excellent, whilst a spirited drive can still maintain a healthy 24MPG a easy going drive can produce a startling 34MPG!

Its now done 20k miles, and since purchase has just been into the dealer for its 1st service and it has been the most relaible car I have ever driven.

With two boots it can be very easy to live with - plenty of storage space for a trip and even whilst moving it was amazing how much could be stored in the car.

Compared to the Boxster this is a much tighter ride which allows you to "feel" the road - on a track this car is completely at home and the grip and poise is amazing! I look forward to many more years of Porsche ownership!

My car

To answer some of the criticisms leveled at this car:

1. Buttons on dashboard are not confusing and the PCM is easy to use once you get used to it. 2. It could take more power but doesn't need a LSD for road use - if you think otherwise you're going too fast! I think more acceleration is needed, it needs to be sub 10 secs 0 to 100. 3. Running costs very good except fuel. I see between 14mpg and 17mpg although I don't wait around at the lights which could be most of the problem. It also seems to like oil having done about a litre in 6k miles. Hoping this will improve as engine beds in. 4. Door handles are cheap plastic but its not the end of the world.

I enjoy my car very much, it is comfortable over long journeys and a blast on weekends. If you want a sports car and you have a budget in the 50k region then this is prob the best thing around.