Porsche Owners Thread - If you own one or just like or hate them! :)

[Gibbo]

Mine had the smaller battery and experienced some issues starting so replaced with a new larger original size Yuasa battery.

Although its currently in a garage having clutch and starter replaced

I will see how it goes, if it causes issues I will probably get an anti-gravity lithium unit for it.

Porsche have given the car a clean bill of health, though they have had to do some extra work to get it there, but thankfully this is one bill I am not paying.
The exhaust valve was actually a failed part, that is getting replaced. Brakes all check out good with plenty of life, they have performed major service including plugs, but have also fitted a new drive belt along with a gearbox fluid change and brake fluid change.

So all in all having got money off the car and now around £1500 of work on the car completed I feel I've manage to not only secure a great spec of car but also at a really competitive price, in short should give me two years free motoring (next service due). Should be ready for collection tomorrow so just need to see if I can make it down tomorrow otherwise I will grab it on Saturday, cannot wait.

Already been speaking to my local OPC about some modifications, just need to decide if I want to fit the 997 SSK or a GT3 shifter, I went GT3 in my 997.1 C2S and though it did not shorten the throw I really liked the added positiveness of the shifter so think I may go similar route.

My plan is also to colour code the interior so dump the red seatbelts and red door pulls and change to yellow to tie it in with the brake calipers, I may also do the bucket seat inserts in yellow too, but that is a maybe as it could look tacky. Contemplating also wrapping the mirrors silver to match the side decals as you see on Cayman R's, but will wrap and not spray just in case I want to reverse or use plastidip.

That is about it really, just really enjoy it, car has PS4S on it at moment but once they are done for I might contemplate fitting Cup 2's on it and then enjoying some track days with it as they are supposedly awesome on track.


P.S. Porsche also put coolant hoses as an advisory so the dealer has requested they change them, total bill for this service and work is closing onto £3000, really glad its one bill I did not have to pay. The dealer says he is very OCD and does not want cars he sells coming back to him, as such he is paying to sort the coolant hoses, also the AC condensers have been replaced in past and are in good condition, which is a weakness of these cars.

 

[Gibbo]

Cracking deal there given all the work. Should only cost V Power until the next service and won’t have any problem moving it on with all those boxes ticked on the spec and maintenance sheets.

Enjoy!

I still cringe a bit at the 2 year service intervals. Dropping the oil every year is surely a sensible move?

Yes on my 911 I did it yearly or after every two track days as two years is too long for oil unless you hardly use the car.

 

[Gibbo]

Hi there

Noticed even with PSE on the valves were closing due to Porsche noise management so wondered if it was same as my 911 where just unplug the connector, so had a peak at the engine.



Unplugged it and valves instantly opened, so nice easy mod, checked the air filter which is brand new so all good there.

Also checked all the documentation and back in 2016 a previous owner had Porsche retrofit the 997 SSK so can only assume it’s still in there, but will have a gander at a future date abs check the part code on it but I guess it feels quite short so assume it is.

Car is sensational to drive, the roof and wind noise are a pain but the drive is awesome!

 

[Gibbo]

Hi there

Really starting to gel with the car now, the levels of confidence the car inspires are truly magical and the level of feel and feedback is uncanny which considering the car has heaters, AC, radio and is relatively comfortable is the marvel of Porsches from this era. Yes its no GT4 in the looks department, but its hardly a bad looker but the difference is the car feels absolutely alive and full of feel at legal speeds, though its incredibly capable at the same time you don't feel the need to absolutely go ballistic in it like you kind of need to do so in the new Porsche stuff.

Car has cleaned up amazing well:






Fingers crossed if all goes well the seat belts and door pulls will become yellow at the weekend.
I may also consider getting the bucket inserts painted yellow but that might also be too much and a look a bit naff.


Also spotted this, a potential upgrade in the future to the Spyder, a 997.2 GT3 manual in red, it looks amazing, photo don't do it justice really, in flesh stunning car:

 

[Gibbo]

@Gibbo that is lovely and looks very comfy too.

^ this, looks great.

Thanks, it is a very comfy car to sit in, the buckets are superb, the ride quality is also great on better roads but it is a little choppy on poor quality roads, I did the Peak District at the weekend in the car, lots of single track lanes and hairpins, the fact is the car is sized so spot on to the point I was driving flat out and truly enjoying the car and pushing it very hard and due to the nature of the roads never exceeded 100 or even more over the NSL, it is just so well suited to a British A and B road full of feel and engagement.

There was also a reason for my 120 mile round drive which was doing as I wanted of changing the belts from red to yellow along with door pulls:





Over the moon with the result, the exterior and interior now nicely tie in together, I also plan on getting the roof locating tabs which are currently painted red, also changed to yellow.

The seat inserts in the buckets I am still unsure off, I think that could be too much then so will probably leave those black.

I also removed the baffle plate over the air induction vent and added some mesh, car now sounds even better, throttle feels a touch crisper too.

 

[Gibbo]

Looking good, seems like a hell of a car for the cash.

Cheers buddy.

Yep its a great bit of kit, got used to the roof now, strangely enough its also OK to drive roof up as removing the weather shield part gives it a real nice open feeling even roof up and you get to enjoy the induction and exhaust noises.

They are extremely rare cars and I feel these and Cayman R's will become very sought after, these more so due to rarity, JZM sold their manual this week at 49.5k with 21k miles, which seemed a very toppy price considering I feel my example is a better specification having the ceramics. Someone on PH said their is only 40 Spyders in the UK with buckets and manual combination. Crazy as they were never a limited edition but they were released around recession, I remember having my 911 and owning this has really brought back memories of how my 911 used to drive, they certainly differ in some ways, but similar in others.

The other advantage of the R and Spyder is they are not classed as GT cars, as such the servicing and running cost is the same as regular models, so a service at a specialist is around £250, so pretty cheap running cost. Also a lot of people say the 987.2 and 997.2 generation are the most reliable Porsches ever made, one of the guys on PH has had his Spyder from new, now on 120,000 miles and zero failures, just serviced correctly.

It will either be a keeper or a stop gap into something else, I have a serious hording problem at the moment which sometimes I say to myself FFS just sell them all and stick with just 2-3 cars as this might sound silly but at times it can be a little stressful thinking about which one to drive or I must drive that one because I've not done so for a couple of weeks and not to drive it may create reliability issues.

Sensible garage would be a 458 Spyder or 600LT, keep the Corvette and GR Yaris, sell 458, Aston and this, but when was sensible ever fun and at the moment they are all pretty much appreciating assets with pretty much minimal ownership cost apart from insurance and road tax except for Corvette which has FREE tax, no MOT requirement and cost £160 to insure.

Next mod is a full alignment and tweaking for better track performance as got a track day booked in October at Curborough for the Spyder if dry.

 

[Gibbo]

Does seem on the higher side but then isn't everything else?!
Good luck with the sale, looks like a lovely example - wouldn't be surprised if you get some trade offers.

Indeed keep us updated, if it was a manual could even ask more, the tiptronic unfortunately will put a lot off but in current climate you will shift it easily enough and for good money!

 

[Gibbo]

Cannot remember if I posted this but it made me chuckle:

 

[Gibbo]

I actually bloody love that Spyder, Porsche seem to be growing on me. I've never really been drawn to them as the looks just don't do it for me, but I've always respected the fact that they are proper drivers cars. Every petrolhead should own one

@Gibbo, would you mind if I send you a trust message about V8 Vantage ownership? I'm looking at buying one as a toy for the weekend but had some questions and you've got a solid example so probably know everything I'd be looking to find out

That is fine mate, but maybe make a thread on the forum as their are a few Vantage owners here and mine has not caused any trouble so regarding running cost I cannot add much really apart from expect around 22-25mpg on a cruise and around 15mpg typically, tyres fit Michelin PS4S, service with a specialist, I use AML and a full service is £500-£750 per year dependent on what is required and if your not using often then you can service every couple of years. Brakes are quite expensive been two-piece items, about a grand all round if memory serves me right.

Mine has been trouble free, its a 2009 4.7 manual with under 30k miles, done a few thousand in my ownership, they can be driven all year round but they are prone to rust on the underside so I would avoid using on salty roads and an underside inspection on any purchase is a must to ensure its rust free. I have contemplated selling mine but right now I don't need to free up the cash and the values continue increasing on the manual 4.7 cars as they are the ones to have.

A test drive might put you off, it is the car you need to drive for at least an hour or two before you can gel with it, once you do get that gelling as to speak the things you dislike in the first five minutes, namely the heavy clutch and clunky shifter you adapt too and you forget worrying about them and start to pick up on how magical the steering feels (hydraulic) and how much communication is sent to your bum and how well balanced the car is been a transaxle layout and the noise is just incredible as long as you pull fuse 22 or wire a switch to that fuse as I've done so I can operate it on a switch though in all honesty for me the exhaust valves are always open. It sounds magical pootling along and sounds incredible at full chat, the engine will pull and rev linear right to 7000rpm but there is not really much to be had for passing 6000rpm.

The engines are noisy on these cars, clatter a lot, tick a lot and can sound broken, I had mine investigated both by Aston Martin and a specialist to confirm nothing was wrong, its simply dry sump noise as it is quite a complicated engine, even an oil chance is not simple as it has like three drain points.

Find one, get it inspected and if it passes buy it, they are magical and make great weekend car and can be used fine as a daily, just avoid salty roads if you want to keep it long term, the handling is very good the car just has a steep learning curve and it is a heavy car so they are not the fastest car neither do they feel fast. But do you feel like James Bond driving one? ABSOLUTELY! People really admire it and mine is not a bright colour but people love Aston and it is a very special car to own and drive. Certain marques have a very special feeling and Aston has it.

Any questions feel free to ping me but my advice is make a thread, keep it public to help out future people making the same consideration.

If your ever up this way you are very welcome to come see mine, I will happily take you out just give me plenty of warning as I've SORNED it for Winter and its sat in the garage keeping dry and warm.

 

[Gibbo]

Thank you mate! That's really insightful, as I was going to ask stuff like service costs/intervals

I will create a thread at some point, I do think I need to really test drive one properly first, for a decent amount of time, not just around the block like my experience has been limited to so far, but it's finding a dealership that will let me. A lot of them that have good examples of these are very precious about them and obviously want to make you jump through hoops to put off time-wasters, which is absolutely fair enough, but it means test drives are only really accessible with not so great examples, that might put me off.

I'll have a look around and put the feelers out. Thanks though for the above, much appreciated

Yeah the nice cars are kind of getting locked away now as end of an era, why I've SORN ours, its worth 50k plus now, only paid 42k for it and if the values keep moving it might be worth closer to 60k next year. So just gotta chance your luck, some dealers don't care and some are protective, literally gave Lotus a surprise visit on Saturday late afternoon (was booked in for Sunday) but went Saturday as was in area after Oulton Park track day, asked if I could take out the Evora 410 and the guy just photocopied my license ID, gave me the keys and sent me on my way, so me and the Mrs took it out for a good hour and used up most the 1/2 tank of fuel in the car.

Maybe phone a dealership with a car you like and explain the situation, just say your serious but at same time need to know if its for you and its important to get it right as its a large sum of money to get wrong.

 

[Gibbo]

@Gibbo

Looks like fun

Easily the most fun and also most capable car I’ve driven round there to date. Just so perfect in every way!

Can’t wait get the Exige round there though!

Thank you for the video Kosta and thanks to other guys who took the great photos.

 

[Gibbo]

Porsche finally gave the Cayman its all - GT4RS:

Shame you can't buy one.

 

[Gibbo]

More unobtanium

Done a spec:
https://cc.porsche.com/icc/ccCall.d.../modelstart/all/default.ashx&webcode=PNKE5858

Also emailed it to dealership, will see if they get in touch and what timeframe and deposit they request.......

Or save 25k with more basic spec with what I think is a nicer interior look:
http://www.porsche-code.com/PN6LG123

I'd also get the yellow centre stripe on the bonnet, does not seem to be an option right now but I know Porsche do that, be also nice to have yellow interior stitching. Or maybe enquire about a PTS colour, like maybe Gulf Orange.

 

[Gibbo]

Well Porsche Wilmslow returned my call and it went along these lines:

1. What are your previous purchases with us?
2. We have been allocated ONE car so far which we have allocated to one of our big spenders basically, of course not worded as such but its how it works, we all know this.
3. We might get allocated another car which will of course be allocated to another big spender, again not worded as such but basically you only really stand a chance of getting a car if you have solid previous buying history.
4. So far today we have had 30 enquiries on this car which we expect to be 100 enquires by end of week and we expect to maybe get 2-3 cars during the product cycle maximum.

In short it is unobtanium, Porsche might not be limiting and might be building them for 2-3 years but it seems that still makes the car very limited to around 2-3 cars per dealership in the UK and each dealership could probably easily sell in the region of 30 cars each.

So unless your a very good customer of Porsche which I suspect means you have purchased every model in the range brand new you stand very little chance of getting one, I also have to agree with how they do it, the loyal customers should get first dibs, that is only fair, why should little me who has spent hardly anything with the dealership stand a chance of getting their flagship product. The only issue is when they are clearly been sold to customers who have one intention, which is flipping the car, but I suppose if they can be flipped for 100k profit, then I guess the real question is who would not do that, it would be very tempting.

Still its fair to say it will be one hell of a car but expect them to be around 200k plus unless your amongst Porsche top customers who can buy one of the very few available at MSRP.

 

[Gibbo]

Does anyone know the inspection & warranty start/renewal costs for a 718 Cayman GTS? The 2.5T not the new 4.0. I know I know Porsche should be a Flat 6 but they seem to offer a lot of bang for buck atm, and tuneable.

EDIT: https://www.porsche.com/uk/accessoriesandservice/porscheservice/vehicleinformation/approvedwarranty/
Pretty reasonable actually, need to try one.

Driven the 2.5T on track, hugely capable, surprisingly laggy but if you can look past the engine downfall its a remarkable weapon, but for me the engine is a major let down no matter how much horsepower it tunes too. But saying that the whole 718 is a let down even the 4.0l cars, they are very quiet. Handling perfection though!

981 GTS is the one to buy, just be weary of the Porsche bubble but residuals no matter on a 981 GTS or GT4 will be strong, if you can stretch to it buy a 981 GT4 for circa 65k, as a decent 981 GTS will be 50-55k so I'd always suggest the extra 10-15k worth it for big wing alone.

Still as a road car the 987/997 are a far more enjoyable experience on the road, huge fun, better gearing, hydraulic steering and very reliable and solid residuals. Cayman R would be my pick with a manual, you won't find a more enjoyable Porsche for the road and they are very capable on track. Otherwise 997.2 GTS is potentially the best road car Porsche ever made! Solid prices because solid cars!

 

[Gibbo]

I tried a 981 GTS before I bought the 4C, really liked it but just not potent enough IMO. Does look nicer than the 718 though! GT4 I would love but only PDK so way out of budget, not paying overs. 991.1 GTS is definitely an option, personally I never liked the 997 looks wise I'd rather a 996!

I want something I can reliably track 3-5 times a year but not get tinnitus and a bad back getting to / from the circuit, that's preferably a bit quicker than the 4C and not manual. Not a very long list . Remapped 718 2.5T GTS looks a good box ticker but I appreciate it does lack the soul of an N/A 6.

Why not look for a bargain 570S ?
Its quiet, automatic, crazy fast and can be had for 80-90k, looks good, supercar.

Or a 540C or 570GT has the benefits of steel brakes so much lower running cost on consumables with the track days, tuning potential is also beyond the moon.

 

[Gibbo]

R8 V10 Plus Mk1 for 60k would be a massive step up in performance. Work well on track and proper supercar performance. Engine is a masterpiece and brakes can take a hammering, fluid less so.

A great suggestion that, Huracan performance for half the money and half the running cost!

 

[Gibbo]

Yes I test drove a 570s couple weekends ago, absolutely at the top of my list BUT really struggling to get track insurance cover. All the brokers that do a combined road & track policy want it to be garaged which is sadly impossible right now.


Mmmmm maybe, I did fancy a Gen 2 more until recently where prices have skyrocketed to the point where personally I'd prefer a McLaren. Maybe I need to drive one. Do they really last on track? Never seen one at a day that's all, Porsche Lotus McLaren seem to be the choices.

V8 R8 are very robust on track, know a few guys who tracked those, mainly because of steel brakes, not sure if V10 can come with steels, something for you to check...

Tried ManningUK, they insure the 458, Exige and Spyder, all have track cover and all three come in at under £2000, they never stipulated a garage was needed, just the 458 had to have a tracker due to the insured value been over 100k on that car.

Also what about Honda NSX? Also very fast and you can pick them up for 90-110k, making them great value, they have shot up as they were 80-90k several months ago but as with all things put offers in against cars, never pay asking unless its perfect and seller won't budge and you gotta have it.

Also the other odd one, F80 M3 CS, think still a couple available around 60k, quite capable track cars, though maybe not special enough in this company.

Also join the various FB supercar selling groups, always some great buys if you can get in before a dealer buys them just to relist with a few grand thrown on.

 

[Gibbo]

Took the Spyder to Donnington today and to put it simply it was absolutely awesome!






Compared to my 911 the main difference is torque and the place that is noticed most is the uphill section after old hairpin, the Spyder is around 110mph whereas the 911 would be around 115-118mph in this part of track.

The rest of the circuit the Spyder was superb and I’d say it’s more fun in the corners and a lot more adjustable on the limits, much easier at the limit and fun, had a couple of big oversteer moments but recovered them both.

Was a great day, 11-12c, overcast and dry all day, not too busy either, no queuing in pit Lane and about 4 red flags the whole day and all recoveries were quick.

Absolute weapon of a car, PS4S are good for about 10-15 minutes before they seem to get squishy.

 

[Gibbo]

Did the brakes last ok? Donnington has a great mix of sections, one of my favourites for sure.

Brakes were sensational, having huge ceramics will certainly help and then factor in the Spyder is the lightest modern Porsche ever made it’s stopping ability is so good I still never truly manage to build the courage to truly brake late but I was braking as late as a lot of dedicated track cars on slicks.

Does make me consider potentially tuning it as supposedly go from 320 to 350 horses, put some stickier track tyres on and more aggressive alignment.