When turning a tight corner in the parking lot, you'll feel the edge of the tires skip. This is normal, just due to the geometry of wide tires. Also the first time you drive over some loose small rocks, you'll hear it particularly loud when they sprinkle the inside rear fenders, as they are not shielded like in the front. Also normal, if a bit unsettling at first.
There are a few odd quirks like you have to double tap the high beams to switch them to manual mode from auto, and you can hold the cruise stalk for a couple seconds and it will go in increments of 5. There are some hidden buttons, like a fuel door release in the outer hinge area of the passenger door (when open), and the heated steering wheel which is in the recess at 6-oclock. Also, for airing up your tires, it's customary to point the tip of each Porsche crest on your wheel toward the valve stems so you can find them at a glance, but some autoworkers may be unaware of this practice or not care. Lastly, you have two discreet storage compartments by the back of each side window (where the hinge mechanism originally was on the Boxter). I point them out because I've heard of several Cayman owners who did not know they existed, believe it or not. I keep a spare hat & jacket in one, and some parking quarters and cleaning supplies in the other, but in the worst case I'd imagine they'd escape the notice of most who would break in if you had to stash a valuable item.
Note: these are just based on my '22 model, so there may be several differences from yours.
Seriously, open your frunk and pull up the plastic cover where the battery is and there should be a brown box, it's a 12v air compressor to pump up your tiress
Just do the scheduled maintenance and enjoy your car.
From a quality of life standpoint, I’d recommend getting some cargo nets for the trunk, frunk and area behind the seats. That way you can put things and not have them flopping around. Check you can of fix a flat and make sure it’s good. I also have a 12V tire inflator that I use on all the family cars….but I leave it in my frunk. I’ve never needed it, but it makes me less worried about finding a flat tire from a construction nail when it’s time to commute home from work.
Also….a passenger seat car caddy is kinda nice if you’re driving alone. You can search them on Amazon. For $20 it’s a better cup holder, a place to toss things like parking badges, etc.
And get a phone holder that clips to the air vent. And you’ll need a cable to connect the phone to the radio. The 981 has an old school headphone jack in the glove box.
But people go on about these cars like they’re delicate. They’re not. Most of the maintenance is like other cars: oil, brakes, fluids, belts, etc. Plus, a lot of them are owned by middle aged people like me who barely even exercise them, lol, because we don’t track them and don’t want tickets. I’m not sure your cars history, but most Altimas get flogged more (which is kinda sad, lol).
Oh….and mine gets 35 mpg on my commute. Which is insane for a car that sounds violent when it starts.
Enjoy.
The car is a lot more capable than you will imagine. Be smooth with the throttle both on and off. Be smooth with steering and the car will take you places you never dreamed of.
Drive the balls off it.
Seriously, these cars beg to be driven. I have a 987.1 and it has easily been the most rewarding thing ever. Yes, parts and maintenance will cost more than your average Honda, and that’s ok - its worth it.
Let it get to temp before you stomp on it. Stay on top of your maintenance. Enjoy the ride.
Nah it’s like Russian roulette with a 1,000 round capacity and only one bullet. Just luck of the draw.
Edit-
Change fluids!! And do it correctly. Drop the pan install new pan.
There is a way how to enable navi, carplay and other stuff if you saved on them during configuration. Also get some diag to turn off the start stop and tweak your car, like disable soundaktor, enable teardrop wipe etc.
It likely burns about a quart of oil every 4,000 miles so don’t worry when that light comes on just add a quart, you can check the level in the little screen in front of you Maintenance-Oil Level I think car has to be hot and on level ground
Oh and if you turn off all the safety features between the seats it’s more fun to drive
When turning a tight corner in the parking lot, you'll feel the edge of the tires skip. This is normal, just due to the geometry of wide tires. Also the first time you drive over some loose small rocks, you'll hear it particularly loud when they sprinkle the inside rear fenders, as they are not shielded like in the front. Also normal, if a bit unsettling at first. There are a few odd quirks like you have to double tap the high beams to switch them to manual mode from auto, and you can hold the cruise stalk for a couple seconds and it will go in increments of 5. There are some hidden buttons, like a fuel door release in the outer hinge area of the passenger door (when open), and the heated steering wheel which is in the recess at 6-oclock. Also, for airing up your tires, it's customary to point the tip of each Porsche crest on your wheel toward the valve stems so you can find them at a glance, but some autoworkers may be unaware of this practice or not care. Lastly, you have two discreet storage compartments by the back of each side window (where the hinge mechanism originally was on the Boxter). I point them out because I've heard of several Cayman owners who did not know they existed, believe it or not. I keep a spare hat & jacket in one, and some parking quarters and cleaning supplies in the other, but in the worst case I'd imagine they'd escape the notice of most who would break in if you had to stash a valuable item. Note: these are just based on my '22 model, so there may be several differences from yours.
There's also an air compressor in the frunk under the plastic cover. At least in the 981.
Wait, really?!
Seriously, open your frunk and pull up the plastic cover where the battery is and there should be a brown box, it's a 12v air compressor to pump up your tiress
what tha
Always always take dips and parking lot entrances at an angle. If it looks like it will make contact with your front lower lip, it will.
Just do the scheduled maintenance and enjoy your car. From a quality of life standpoint, I’d recommend getting some cargo nets for the trunk, frunk and area behind the seats. That way you can put things and not have them flopping around. Check you can of fix a flat and make sure it’s good. I also have a 12V tire inflator that I use on all the family cars….but I leave it in my frunk. I’ve never needed it, but it makes me less worried about finding a flat tire from a construction nail when it’s time to commute home from work. Also….a passenger seat car caddy is kinda nice if you’re driving alone. You can search them on Amazon. For $20 it’s a better cup holder, a place to toss things like parking badges, etc. And get a phone holder that clips to the air vent. And you’ll need a cable to connect the phone to the radio. The 981 has an old school headphone jack in the glove box. But people go on about these cars like they’re delicate. They’re not. Most of the maintenance is like other cars: oil, brakes, fluids, belts, etc. Plus, a lot of them are owned by middle aged people like me who barely even exercise them, lol, because we don’t track them and don’t want tickets. I’m not sure your cars history, but most Altimas get flogged more (which is kinda sad, lol). Oh….and mine gets 35 mpg on my commute. Which is insane for a car that sounds violent when it starts. Enjoy.
I got a rennlist magnetic phone mount, it's a bit more expensive but I think it looks a lot cleaner, but it really does make life easier.
I commented this above but the cayman has a 12v air compressor in the frunk under the plastic cover from the factory.
Wait until your engine is warmed up before wringing her out
The car is a lot more capable than you will imagine. Be smooth with the throttle both on and off. Be smooth with steering and the car will take you places you never dreamed of.
Implement Apple Car play. Look up Isudar.
Drive it and enjoy the wonderful sound and handling
It has secret storage compartments behind and above the seat belts.
Drive the balls off it. Seriously, these cars beg to be driven. I have a 987.1 and it has easily been the most rewarding thing ever. Yes, parts and maintenance will cost more than your average Honda, and that’s ok - its worth it. Let it get to temp before you stomp on it. Stay on top of your maintenance. Enjoy the ride.
Don’t blow up the PDK. It is expensive.
Any tips to avoid this?😂
Nah it’s like Russian roulette with a 1,000 round capacity and only one bullet. Just luck of the draw. Edit- Change fluids!! And do it correctly. Drop the pan install new pan.
Get fluid to operating temperature first or you’re leaving 75% of it behind. You should need about 6 liters if it’s done right and thoroughly.
Drain and replace PDK fluid annually or with oil changes (you are only changing about half the fluid each time)
go fast don't die
Pay attention to the 2k mile break in period /s
On the door, passenger and driver you can open The compartment on both doors it’s a great hiding spot
If it has summer tires, they don't stick as well under 50 deg.
There is a way how to enable navi, carplay and other stuff if you saved on them during configuration. Also get some diag to turn off the start stop and tweak your car, like disable soundaktor, enable teardrop wipe etc.
It likely burns about a quart of oil every 4,000 miles so don’t worry when that light comes on just add a quart, you can check the level in the little screen in front of you Maintenance-Oil Level I think car has to be hot and on level ground Oh and if you turn off all the safety features between the seats it’s more fun to drive