[dreamer]

So I got the fever last week after my first drive of the 718. I’m still trying to convince my SO that going Porsche is the way to go. I’m thinking/hoping after some confabs and her driving/riding in the Cayman she will feel differently. We bought an SLK roadster four years ago and she likes it but she really doesn’t care about the drop top option. Considering the way I would option the car, ordering is probably the best way to go. With that I have a few decisions to make. (I’m thinking if I can order before winter, I can get it by Spring).
I believe that the PDK is probably a more sensible option but I enjoy the control of a manual trans so that’s decision number one.
I’ve read that sports exhaust is going to be standard in 2019 but that option is not available on the online configuration so will that be standard? But then again, should it matter if I consider installing an aftermarket exhaust? And if I go in that direction will it void warranty?
The seat options are mind numbing with the variety of packages that can be attached to that choice. And also a big price swing. I was considering Sport Tex fabric just for something different but I may stick with traditional leather. That said, I realize it’s a personal choice but is there anyone who has strong opinion on Standard Sports seats or the Sports Plus?
I’m not planning on getting any of the major performance upgrades nor am I going to option nav, connection or dual zone but is there anything that anyone thinks is a “must option”
There’s also one detail that I have yet to see on anyone’s Cayman. I think that painting the air intakes would make the car more finished. Anyone out there do this?
Thanks in advance for any input/opinions

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

painting the air intakes would make the car more finished.

Have definitely seen in pictured here within the last year but good luck finding it with a forum search. However you can see it (likely in your preferred color) by doing a Google Images search on:
718 "rear side air intake grilles painted in ext color"
That's the phrase used in dealer options lists. $680 option, often paired on Boxsters with Supplemental Safety Bars in Exterior Color $640

I think both look really good on most colors apart from Black and White. Kinda surprised they don't show up in more of the options lists here.

 

[duegatti]

123

 

[GregW]

Painting the air intakes in body colour makes the large black holes a little smaller. It depends if you value consistency over contrast.

I went for the PDK because of left knee problems and despite being a committed manual driver for well over 50 years I'm glad I did. When driving in a spirited manner the gear changes come so fast (remember the 0->60 times are around 4.5 seconds!) that I'm happy to have the extra concentration to focus on the road.

The dual zone AC is standard here in Australia so I have no knowledge of how the standard one works, but the dual zone works well when my daughter wants freezing air blowing on her and I don't.

The GT wheel felt better in my hands, and the multi-function allows me to do lots without removing my hands from the wheel.

My guess is that whatever you get the driving experience will predominate and will be wonderful.

 

[ArchiProf]

That said, I realize it’s a personal choice but is there anyone who has strong opinion on Standard Sports seats or the Sports Plus?
I’m not planning on getting any of the major performance upgrades nor am I going to option nav, connection or dual zone but is there anything that anyone thinks is a “must option”

I strongly recommend the 14-way seats with memory, especially if your SO will ever drive the car, so you both can keep a personal setting. Or the 18-way but of course, they are more expensive.

The dual zone is important if your SO wants to be able to control the temperature separately from what you want. My spouse and I differ a bit on what "comfortable" means, so this helps. Seat ventilation is also a nice option. I also suggest the lighting package that include the lighted mirror on the visors. My 2014 Cayman lacked this option and my spouse was not happy about that!

 

[RGM718]

A few thoughts, if you order a dark color, the painted side intakes are much less important if you want it to sort of blend better. I had a 2014 Black, currently have a Mahogany Metallic 981 and ordered a Night Blue Metallic 2019 and in all cases, the side intakes are not that apparent. This will be my 5th Cayman. The first two were 6MTs and the last two plus the ordered one are all PDK. The last two and ordered are 14Way, Premium for just the reasons mentioned by another that the adjustability and memory function are nice to have.

 

[porkey]

So I got the fever last week after my first drive of the 718. I’m still trying to convince my SO that going Porsche is the way to go. I’m thinking/hoping after some confabs and her driving/riding in the Cayman she will feel differently. We bought an SLK roadster four years ago and she likes it but she really doesn’t care about the drop top option. Considering the way I would option the car, ordering is probably the best way to go. With that I have a few decisions to make. (I’m thinking if I can order before winter, I can get it by Spring).
I believe that the PDK is probably a more sensible option but I enjoy the control of a manual trans so that’s decision number one.
I’ve read that sports exhaust is going to be standard in 2019 but that option is not available on the online configuration so will that be standard? But then again, should it matter if I consider installing an aftermarket exhaust? And if I go in that direction will it void warranty?
The seat options are mind numbing with the variety of packages that can be attached to that choice. And also a big price swing. I was considering Sport Tex fabric just for something different but I may stick with traditional leather. That said, I realize it’s a personal choice but is there anyone who has strong opinion on Standard Sports seats or the Sports Plus?
I’m not planning on getting any of the major performance upgrades nor am I going to option nav, connection or dual zone but is there anything that anyone thinks is a “must option”
There’s also one detail that I have yet to see on anyone’s Cayman. I think that painting the air intakes would make the car more finished. Anyone out there do this?
Thanks in advance for any input/opinions

...regarding the Sport Tex material, I'd put it in everything if I could...it's that good! The selection is limited, however. No it isn't "leather", but it's comfortable, easy to clean, more durable, doesn't crack....superior to leather IMO. Wish I could put it in my upcoming GT4!... ?

 

[Peter]

Had Sports Plus Seats in a 718 Boxster, now 14-way standards in a 911. No noticeable difference in comfort and support in my opinion from the Pluses and the silver plastic backs don't look particularly good, again IMHO. The 14 way memory seats are really useful if you have 2 drivers and, even if not, if you want to set up 2 memory settings for yourself. They also revert to fully back and lift steering wheel when you switch off ignition and then go to your setting when you switch on so good for getting in and out if you're a big fella. May only apply to Boxters but I also reckon the Standards adjust further back than the thicker Pluses. Can't see paying the same extra for fabric as you do for lovely perforated leather.

 

[dreamer]

Thanks for the feedback (so far!) If I was doing a white car with black wheels, I think the side intakes being black would be fine. Right now, my color choices are white, night blue or possibly gray. We currently have a grey car so might want to do something different. I think the sport tex interior in graphite blue/chalk might be good choice for the white car. Not so much for the night blue (think it might clash). For the blue, I would probably choose the partial leather/black/chalk. I honestly like lighter color interiors but with a white car I think a darker interior looks better. The two tone might just be the ticket. The one thing that may change that choice is I might really like to have seat ventilation. But going with the fabric seats might make it tolerable. Adding the adjustability to these seats really runs the price up but I'm sure it's a good choice. Main thing is if the Sports Plus seats are more comfortable, for what I'm putting into this, I want it to be comfy and I def want to get these. If there's little difference, going with the regular seats is fine. Save money for other options.
SO gave me a glimmer of hope this morning as she said we should look into this car. Haha! My thing now is how late in the year will an order get me a 2019 rather than a 2018? I'll have to get with a dealer on that. Options might be a bit different.Most cars I'm seeing in dealer stock aren't close to being specd the way I would do it.

 

[Guaji]

I have a basic white car, maybe not the most exciting color, but with gloss black sport design package, gloss black vent and spoiler....I thinks it’s a great combo.

I originally ordered Carrara White with painted side air intake. I much prefer the car that I ended up with.

 

[dreamer]

I have a basic white car, maybe not the most exciting color, but with gloss black sport design package, gloss black vent and spoiler....I thinks it’s a great combo.

I originally ordered Carrara White with painted side air intake. I much prefer the car that I ended up with.

I just found a Carrera White with black interior and basic 19" cayman wheels in manual trans. Has black pipes too. Hadn't had much luck finding anything in inventories that match what I want. But this one is close. Looks sharp!

 

[puffyD]

Just last week, at least for us here in NZ it ticked over to MY2019. I checked the USA configurator and it also ticked over to MY2019. Mine is building in November and ETA is Feb/March.

My dealer said A/M exhaust would void warranty, but they always say that. I think I will at least get the fabspeed carbon tips.

I went for a Manual Trans S in Carrera White with Carrera S Wheels in Satin Platinum. For me the black is too much and make the wheels 'disappear'. Obviously is subjective. I guess just keep flicking through Google Images and you'll get a feel for what will make you smile every time.

From all the research I have done in the last few weeks, the general consensus is that the Sports Plus seats are the most comfy. So then it's 2-way vs 18-way. For me, an expensive car with manual seats just didn't feel right. Plus at least I will know I can get it set just right. And then the auto easy entry exit is always nice. Your SO would probably like it too.

I didn't paint the side grills, for the me the contrast looks good on the white body.

On the interior I got the full leather package and also the leather trim. I wanted it to at least feel like an expensive car and a nice place to be inside. The silver plastic trim on the cup holders, doors and the lower console really looks cheap IMO.

Not sure there are any must haves. For me I like function over flare and also value. I just went through the list and ticked those things I know that I will be happy I went with given their function/appeal vs cost. No PASM or PTV for me. I'm sure they work great but I'm also sure I'll never know if they were there or not. I did get sport chrono though so I can feel like a hero on down shifts.

 

[rdmustang]

Just last week, at least for us here in NZ it ticked over to MY2019. I checked the USA configurator and it also ticked over to MY2019. Mine is building in November and ETA is Feb/March.

Your build sounds very close to mine. Did you also choose leather center console? I did and love it but got a lot of people disagreeing with it online.

 

[puffyD]

Your build sounds very close to mine. Did you also choose leather center console? I did and love it but got a lot of people disagreeing with it online.

The steering column? Yes I did. Saw a Nick Murray vid and he said it looked odd to him with everything leather except the steering column. Figured it would trigger my OCD so I got it. Wasn't too much anyway.

 

[dreamer]

The configurator is absolute madness for me. I have yet to go through it and come up with two builds that are the same. Each time I come up with something different. Eventually I will figure out what's important to me and what's not. Reading some of the rationale people have for their choices can help but sometimes they confuse too. But, more info is better than none...I think.
One thing that keeps popping up as I read is the Porsche Cayman enthusiasts who just can't wrap their minds around the 718s four cylinder engine (or the sound). It had been pointed out to me that maybe I should consider a 981 as this would be my first Porsche and I could save a bit of $$ and still get a great car. More options (Ha! Just what I need). I believe that all the updated things on the 718 including the tech are probably a smarter choice. One day soon.....

 

[porkey]

The configurator is absolute madness for me. I have yet to go through it and come up with two builds that are the same. Each time I come up with something different. Eventually I will figure out what's important to me and what's not. Reading some of the rationale people have for their choices can help but sometimes they confuse too. But, more info is better than none...I think.
One thing that keeps popping up as I read is the Porsche Cayman enthusiasts who just can't wrap their minds around the 718s four cylinder engine (or the sound). It had been pointed out to me that maybe I should consider a 981 as this would be my first Porsche and I could save a bit of $$ and still get a great car. More options (Ha! Just what I need). I believe that all the updated things on the 718 including the tech are probably a smarter choice. One day soon.....

...dreamer, follow YOUR "dream", literally. Pick the one that means the most to you, not what others think you should do. Yes, the 718 has evolved in almost all respects over the 981. But that is not to imply that the 981 isn't a great sports car in its own right. Look inside yourself, see what's most important to you...if you do that, you will be happy which ever way you so choose... ?

 

[dreamer]

Preciate it, Porkey. This car will be used for nothing more than going out and having fun. No daily driver. No long trips. So every time I get in this car I want it to be a great experience. Details do matter to me so going to make sure I get it right. Could have this car for a long time.

 

[duegatti]

The configurator is absolute madness for me. I have yet to go through it and come up with two builds that are the same. Each time I come up with something different. Eventually I will figure out what's important to me and what's not. Reading some of the rationale people have for their choices can help but sometimes they confuse too. But, more info is better than none...I think.
One thing that keeps popping up as I read is the Porsche Cayman enthusiasts who just can't wrap their minds around the 718s four cylinder engine (or the sound). It had been pointed out to me that maybe I should consider a 981 as this would be my first Porsche and I could save a bit of $$ and still get a great car. More options (Ha! Just what I need). I believe that all the updated things on the 718 including the tech are probably a smarter choice. One day soon.....

You need to go through the configurator at least 100 times, or you're just a tourist.

 

[dreamer]

You need to go through the configurator at least 100 times, or you're just a tourist.

Okay. I don’t know if I’ve gotten to 100 but I know I’m quickly gaining on that number. I’ve actually been scouring the country trying to find a Cayman that’s spec’d as close to what I want as possible. But with the number of options being immense, it’s a tough find unless I make a big compromise. In some respects I am being basic in the options I want, but I also want certain details and comforts. In my mind, the more I get it just the way I want, the more likely I am to keep it a long time. But then I step back and realize I would be happy with most 718s out there that are in a color I like.

 

[Dan.B-Cayman]

The configurator is absolute madness for me. I have yet to go through it and come up with two builds that are the same. Each time I come up with something different.

This cracks me up! I have caught myself going back to the configurator just to put together the one I already own!

I can not drive her all the time, but I can think about her, and go to the garage to clean an already clean car, ...

I bet you will love the one you eventually get.