Hello! This is my first post on s2ki, I've been lurking quite a bit and doing a ton of research on the s2k as I've been looking to buy one soon. I've been in the market for a new car for a while but haven't really found anything I've really loved until I started learning about the s2k and then then Cayman S. I'm currently driving an 08 civic which has been a FANTASTIC daily but I'm itching for a little more. I've narrowed my two top choices down to an 06+ AP2 or a high mileage 06/7 Cayman S.

My budget is up to 23k (sounds arbitrary I know). This car will be a "daily", but I only drive about a mile to school and here and there for errands. I do most of my driving during the weekends. I am looking for a driver's car. I've gotten into autocross with my civic and I hope to go to some HPDE's and real track time with my new car. I realize this is an s2000 forum, but you guys seem very knowledgeable and more mature than the civic crowd so I'm hoping for some good input.

Reasons I like the s2000 more than the cayman s:
-less miles, less expensive to maintain, more reliable, etc.
-drop top, huge +
-cheaper
-I think it looks way better

Reasons I like the cayman s more:
-easier daily/distance ride
-nicer interior
-more power/tq

If you have any other suggestions as well, please feel free to give me your opinions. I'm a young guy and don't plan on having kids anytime soon so the less seats the better! Space isn't a concern for me, I'm 5'11" and have no problem in any reasonable car. I'm looking to test drive each vehicle soon. I've considered the 370z as well, but I just haven't gotten that "I love that" hit from it.

Sorry if this write up is long, I'm just looking to do it right the first time and have a car that will last me until I finish grad school! (a while haha)

 

Based on your price range and the fact that you're in school, I would say to get the S2k. It's a nice step up from your Civic, it's reliable and it's not going to cost you a nut when something does break.

 

Don't forget to look at insurance costs. That may change your outlook on which car.

Also, I don't know if I could spend that amount of money on a really high mileage Cayman S. (did a quick search and you're looking at 90k+)

You should also talk to the bank and see if they'll even finance something that high, unless you're buying with ca$h.

 

Good tip on the insurance costs, I better take a look. The lowest mileage one I could find was 76k for 23.5, but yea you're right most are around 85-90+. Edit:nevermind the 76k one was a cayman base

I'll be buying with cash assuming I don't go over budget.

 

Very cool.

Good luck with your choice. Both are great cars.

 

I'd like to have the Cayman S for a bit. The thought of the boxer engine right on my back would be pretty cool. The S2000 does have a more precision feel to the gear box and is easier to drive in general. Cayman has more storage. More storage or top down, that is tough...

 

I'd go a step further and suggest you wait until you get out of school and start on your career before you get a car. Maybe try and get a cushion in case we double dip into a recession like Britain has or collapse like Greece or Spain. I'm not sure if you've seen the news, but the job market is tight. But it sounds like your financial situation is probably waaaaaaaay different than mine was in college, it sounds like you don't eat a lot of Ramen noodles and cereal.

So, forget the waiting part, I say get the Porsche.. Live it up, it's only money, Bernanke will print more, loans are cheap, Caymans are fun.. You deserve the best. Enjoy and don't forget to post pics!!

 

Where can you get a cayman S for 23k?

 

Get the s2000. It think it's a much better value, more fun, reliable and will hold it's value. Do your research on Caymans--engine/over rev issues and high maintenance costs. Caymans are amazing cars, but not as special and doesn't have the same community as the s2000. Being part of the s2ki community adds significant value to s2000 ownership. S2000 all the way

 

Watch for a sale on Gilt. It'll probably be $8,000.



To the OP: don't forget to think about maintenance/possible repair costs, since out of warranty, and also costs of track days etc. Likely these things will be different for the two cars.