When new, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Porsche Cayman was arguably one of the best-handling cars on the planet. Let’s see how well we all handle this well-used example’s price.
Many of you felt that the 3.0 Mercedes diesel—the most notable feature of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo we looked at yesterday—was, in fact, its only redeeming detail. That engine, however, didn’t redeem it to the tune of its $9,800 asking price, and hence, it fell in a sizable 68 percent No Dice loss.
Fortunately, today, we’re going to look at a model of car that isn’t defined by one single aspect but is arguably one of the best and most rewarding cars on the planet when taken as a whole.
Upon its 2005 introduction, Porsche’s Cayman was derided by many as nothing more than a Boxster with a roof. However, once people experienced the model’s significantly improved driving dynamics owed to its stiffer and better-controlled chassis, the Cayman was elevated to the point where people asked, “Boxster who?”
This 2008 Porsche Cayman is the base model and hence has a 2.7-liter DOHC flat-six under the engine cover and an Audi-sourced five-speed stick backing that up. From the factory, the base Cayman brought 245 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque to the party. According to the ad, this car’s Borla exhaust bumps those numbers up by some unspecified amount.
That exhaust is just one of a small number of what the seller calls “tasteful upgrades.” Others include carbon fiber-look extended air intakes on the sides and a Sony double-DIN head unit in the dash that also adds a rear license plate frame backup camera to the car. On a more practical note, the brakes have been upgraded with larger calipers for a better bite.
The seller claims the car “runs like a top” but offers no information regarding its maintenance history other than the added enticement, “Smogged and oil just changed.
Considering the car has a substantial 143,000 miles on the clock, it’s likely that other components, such as the suspension joints and engine consumables, could stand attention.
Aesthetically, the car shows its age and miles, but if the photos in the ad present an honest picture of the car, it’s still respectable. The seller notes some peppering in the Midnight Blue paint and some fading on the horizontal surfaces, but overall, it seems serviceable. The wheels appear unmarred, but as is typical of Porsches from this era, the wheel bolts show their age.
The cabin comes in for criticism, too, as there’s wear on the steering wheel and shift knob as well as an issue with a headliner that’s more interested in becoming an understudy. The current owner has fashioned a brace for the latter out of what is described as “a beautiful milled piece of ash” but will include a repair kit in the sale for less of a backyard fix. On the plus side, the seats and dash look in good condition, and the cabin doesn’t seem to suffer from sticky button syndrome.
The seller claims the car is clean inside and out, gets positive attention wherever it goes, and is the most fun car they have ever driven. The reason given for the sale is the need for a family car with more than just two seats. Upon request, the seller will offer interested parties the CarFax report detailing the Porsche’s clean-title history. For a test drive, however, cash on hand is required.
That cash totals $15,900, which the seller claims has been REDUCED in light of the high mileage and aesthetic issues. They suggest doing some research before “rudely lowballing” them. Fortunately, we’re all armchair analysts regarding car valuations, so we can posit our opinions on this Porsche’s price tag all we want without the threat of pushback. Let’s do that right now.
What’s your take on this Cayman and that $15,900 asking? Is that where things currently stand in Porsche Town for a car in this condition? Or, are the seller’s expectations, like this Cayman’s headliner, going to need to come down?
You decide!
Monterey, California, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to RevUnlimiter for the hookup!
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