Hello from North Carolina (US). On the waiting list for a new Cayman.

Hi all. What a great forum. Joined a few days ago once I was confident I would be buying a Porsche (my first) -- the base Cayman in this case. I had a chance to test drive a 2018 Cayman S (PDK) today to be sure the Cayman in general lived up to my expectations. Because of Covid restrictions, the salesman could not come with me. So he just handed me the keys and said just be back in about 20 minutes. I think it was closer to 30 when I returned.

Some impressions, leaving out the engine, since I would be getting the 2.0L, except to say that it was much quieter than I expected:

• The PDK shifting with the gear lever is so quick -- very short travel. I'll probably used the paddle shifters more, but I did like that hand lever.
• The car had the GT sport steering wheel. I can't say how it feels compared to the standard wheel, but I liked it.
• The seats were the standard sport seats with 14-way. They were firmer than I expected. I would want to have the Sport Seat Plus for longer drives, which is what I had planned to get anyway (2-way), based on the comments and reviews I've seen for both SP and SP+ seats.
• The small open compartment behind the center console which can be replaced by the smokers package, is much smaller than online pictures seem to convey. There are very few useful items it could store, but I'll probably pass on the smoker's package even if it does provide an additional 12V socket. Hmmm.
• The SA said that the factory has only taken orders through March builds at this point, so it will be months before I can even place my build order -- he gave me about an 8-month delivery time. Not surprised, but ugh.

Anyway, $500 down just to get in their queue for new car builds. I'm guessing it will be at least January before my order can be placed. Good things come to those that wait -- whether or not they have any choice in the matter!