Not sure if this should go here or in another forum, but I have given serious consideration to selling my AP1 S2k. For those who have moved on to different cars, or those who have come back, or even those who are thinking about doing the same thing, this may be for you.

So I have had my S2k for about three years, and it has been awesome. The S2k was the first car I seriously tracked and it was perfect for it. A true drivers car with a radical engine and unique feel. However this year I was only able to do 3 track days plus I only drove 1k miles. As fun as the car is, setting it up for more track work has made it less appealing to drive to work. Now I am not talking about getting out of sports cars, but actually replacing it. With something that can still be good on the track but a bit better on the drive to work. Something that still has that true drivers car feel. What?

A Porsche Cayman S. Before all the hate, lets talk it out. Here is my list on why this makes sense.

1) New experience. The best reason to get a new sports car. You can't take any car with you when you die, but maybe you can take the experience.
2) Prices on used 987.1 Caymans has now fallen into the top of the S2k price ranges
3) My S2k may have actually appreciated. Looking at sale prices, it seems likely I will actually be able to sell it for more than I paid. Not a bad time to sell.
4) I Want a car that can be commuted a little more.
5) I Want a car I can still track, maybe even faster.
6) I will miss the convertible, but I like coupes for performance cars.
7) I am looking forward to my first rear/mid engined platform
8) I am looking forward to my first flat 6 engine.

Mind you I am no Porsche fan boy. The 911 has never appealed to me, but the Cayman actually makes sense. Obviously there is more risk with a Cayman than an S2k, but I would say I am a competent mechanic, and I have the tools to drop the flat 6 out of the Cayman if need be.

What are your thoughts on both leaving the S2k and the Cayman specifically?

Thanks,

 

I think both Cayman's and Boxsters are great cars...
I had an 05 S2000 which I purchased new and sold in 2010.
Always regretted it and found a low mileage 2002 which I bought last March.
When I was looking I came across some used Boxsters and Caymans and
was very, very tempted. They are both great cars with great performance and
are much more comfortable than an S2000. What scared me away is
the maintenance costs on Porsche cars. Unlike you I am not a mechanic
and would have to pay for any maintenance and repairs. I wanted something reliable that
wasn't going to break the bank so to speak so I am back in an S2000.

 

You can't go wrong with a P car if you are prepared for and capable (mechanically and/or financially) to maintain it. You may have little to few problems with one or many depending on your luck - buying used is always a risk. My friend has an '08 911 4S with very little issues... but regular maintenance can be very expensive still.
I'm a fan of the Boxster/Cayman but I'm not a fan of the 987.1 styling - it would need to be newer for me. I'd prob need to invest 70-80k for the right Cayman or Boxster car I'd be happy with - most likely a GTS. That said - I will have a P car at some point.
Make the move! You will love the car I'm sure... Just like the S2000 though you can significantly improve it's "trackability" with upgrades - P-Car upgrades are much more expensive.

 

What's done to the S2000 that makes it lesd streetable?

 

The coilovers and tires have made it a bit more aggressive. The s2000, especially the ap1, Isn't really a great commuter car anyway. It needs to be driven at a high level to be enjoyed. I feel like the cayman will be better at 3/10s but also be very good at 9/10.

 

LOL. "coilovers and tyres are making it less streetable" is kind of a sign that you're coming up with reasons to be done with the car.

Don't you have Ohlins?

The Cayman will have more refinement for sure. I wouldn't say the AP1 makes a bad commuter, however.

In the most friendly way possible...it sounds like you're kinda reaching to justify this.

Eff justifications, though. Go for it because you want a Cayman. The fact that you're looking for reasons just says that you're ready to move on.

 

Q: When do you know its time to move on?

A: When you make a thread titled: When do you know its time to move on?

 

Ha! Thats actually a good point. Modifications are not going to make the difference, its the car itself that is the issue. About the time I swapped in the 10k springs in the rear and backed it down to 20 out on the clickers and drove it to work the other day... Thats when I said, "why am I not driving this car as much anymore". On the track its a rush, and it has helped hone my skills as a driver. However the more I track it, the less I enjoy it on the street. And the less I drive it.

Appreciate the feedback. Mind you I am not making any decisions yet. Can I have a car that is just as fun and capable on the track and be nicer on the street? Not sure... I don't want to be greedy either.

 

Yeah.....

Or maybe its time to move on when there is no thread at all, just a for sale sign.

Have you ever driven a car other than a S2000? Ever thought about another car after you had a S2000? If not, maybe this thread isn't for you.

 

Pre 2009 Caymans and Boxsters have oiling problems when run with sticky EHP tires in a track situation.

The oil scavenging system was changed in 2009 to cure the starvation problem experienced in the earlier cars.

Just something to consider if you will be tracking a Boxster or Cayman