Pick Up A Pretty Porsche Cayman S For The Price Of A New Fiesta

Last week we learned that the next generation of Porsche Boxsters and Caymans will have four-cylinder power rather than six. It makes sense with the ever tightening emissions regulations manufacturers have to deal with, but as big fans of that sweet flat-six sound, it makes us sad. Happily, however, the classifieds are chock full of used Caymans, all with six cylinders and temptingly low prices.

The Cayman arrived in 2005, initially as the 3.4-litre S version, which was joined soon after by a base-spec model with 2.7 litres. We'd argue that the S is so good, it makes you question why you'd ever bother with a standard 911 Carrera, especially given the Cayman's optimum mid-engine layout. And with prices of the earliest examples of the 2.7-litre starting at roughly the same amount as the S, it's the faster car you'd be foolish not to go for.

The S packs 295bhp, will hit 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 166mph. They're incredible to drive too, offering great poise and superb balance.

If you choose to check one of these out, listen very carefully for rattles in the engine; this can indicate that the troublesome intermediary shaft (IMS) bearing is on its way out. Also look out for excessive smoke on a cold start, as this can point towards cylinder bore scoring.

So long as you're as careful as you should always be when buying a used car, these are a superb second-hand purchase. This 2006 example has 49,900 miles on the clock, a full service history, and is up for £15,500. Go on, pick up the phone; Porsche perfection awaits for the price of a new Ford Fiesta.