Just got a 987.2 base manual (there were no manuals for the S models) and it has plenty of power for the average roads, fun to drive and can definitely work as a daily driver.
I own a Cayman 987.2 manual tranny 2.9 this engine is excessively adequate for our pothole speed cameras overcrowded roads, a lot of emphasis on the 3.4 which is a remarkable engine but most average drivers will not competently exploit its performance within the parameters of the law or their driving skills. The sweet spot is the 2.9 flat six for both running cost, performance and value. If I lived in Scotland then 3.4 S perhaps.
On B roads you can bend the laws a bit and let it ring out when safe to do so fortunetly. For zooming around town in somewhat agressive manner something more underpowerered and aggressively geared would work. Maybe JDM Keicar sports cars like Suzuki Cappucino, or a bit bigger like MX-5. Ofc that still calls for emptier road within city limits, but still.
No way does 2.9 make sense in running cost. You are already paying excessively arrogantly ballooned Porsche prices for parts and labor, might as well be paying them for the Cayman S and not living with regret for the rest of your life.
Of course you should buy a Porsche Cayman 987.1 or 987.2 base model with a manual transmission they are the most reliable they will be the ones that are sought after in the future when everybody’s driving automatic.
Manuals are always the way to go. Automatics are what killed true sports cars in modern day. First we lost all supercars with manuals, then vast majority of sports cars, not to mention sporty wagons never come with manuals anymore.
