What to Look For When Buying a Used Cayman

[crosson9]

Hi All, I'm looking to by a pre owned Cayman S 06-08. anything to look out for? Have any of you had a particular problem around a certain mileage? Major servicing at certain mileages? Thanks for any info given. -T.J.

[Travis84]

That engine does not like over-revs at all. Have the dealer or anyone with a durametric check ignition ranges (over-revs). Rod bolts stretch. Other than that, be aware that the IMS bearing can not be changed without disassembling the engine, although the rear seal of the bearing can be removed to lengthen its life. Clutches last 60-80k depending on driving habits and the spark plugs are due at 60. If you like to do your own work, there is no maintenance that is out of the question, except perhaps the clutch job. If you find one that you are pretty sure you want to buy, have the oil pan pulled to check for debris (30 min job), oil filter inspected for ferrous material.
I would personally recommend seeing if your budget will allow for an 09+, which does not have an intermediate shaft, PDK is also available.

[Scnell Gelb]

There are lots of Buyers Guides on the Internet. There is a huge amount of info and opinion. The challenge is to give a precis of all this. My offering is this:

1. The biggest question about any car with the M96 is "how long before this M96 needs major repairs?"Often, even an M96 specialist can't answer that .This is your introduction lesson to high-stakes risk analysis. The buy-in on M96 is seductively cheap but to stay in the game can be very expensive.

2. Any one of the 30 Modes of Failure can cause expensive damage because of the ensuing collateral damage. Yes, the IMS is one (but only one) of the problems. Don't fixate on that and overlook the other 29. The awful gambling aspect of the M96 is that one of the other 29 is more likely to cause catastrophic failure than the IMS ?

3.If your chosen Indie(you do have one?) can't enumerate most of the 30 Modes of Failure , he doesn't even know what to look for - so how can he do a competent PPI?

So the logical sequence in the hunt is to gather info and accumulate knowledge (or learn to love high stakes gambling). Consider buying a car that was serviced & repaired by the Indie for a well heeled P-car enthusiast customer over a long period.
Unfortunately the used P-car market does not differentiate much between cars with a good chance of long term durability and those with little or no chance. Perceiving that difference is the task of the enlightened enthusiast and his Indie.
You can find a nice Boxster for less than 20k but a roller is only worth $3 !
Happy hunting!

[mikefocke]

Scnell, I like your #3 and would extend it to "choose your mechanic before you choose your car".

Know the mechanic's reputation, visit the shop, look at the cars and especially the engines he has on stands in varying states of disassembly.

Plus points if he has racing machines in the shop. You learn a lot extra from stressing the cars.

[Cajundaddy]

Scnell gives the "devil's advocate" tale to buying one. On the flip side... all Caymans have the m97 motor, not m96 so the issues are different and probably a lot less doom and gloom. Hopefully your indy mechanic will know the difference.

If I were shopping for a 06-08 I would look hard at a car well cared for with frequent oil changes (5k) and no indication of overheat or downshift over-rev. These offer the best future I believe and will likely live a long and fruitful life. In the worst case scenario, if your shiny Porsche tosses it's motor, used ones are fairly plentiful and a lot less $$ than a typical top end rebuild on your 911sc or 964. In the end, there is no cheap Porsche and they all get us one way or another. Everything is fixable and it all costs $$$..

This generation of cars still represent a lotta bang for the buck. Good luck!

[Scnell Gelb]

"all Caymans have the m97 motor, not m96 so the issues are different and probably a lot less doom and gloom. Hopefully your indy mechanic will know the difference."
Actually many of the M96 parts are present in the M97. These "3 chain engines" have their own issues that are now surfacing. Just search for what Jake Raby has found in the M97.It certainly seems a less problematic engine but the M97 is no panacea unfortunately. A search on this Forum and the others will soon provide the background.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by Scnell Gelb

"all Caymans have the m97 motor, not m96 so the issues are different and probably a lot less doom and gloom. Hopefully your indy mechanic will know the difference."
Actually many of the M96 parts are present in the M97. These "3 chain engines" have their own issues that are now surfacing. Just search for what Jake Raby has found in the M97.It certainly seems a less problematic engine but the M97 is no panacea unfortunately. A search on this Forum and the others will soon provide the background.

Yep, I'd say similar yet different. Jake and I have had several conversations about them. There are no panacea Porsche motors that I know of. They are marvelous machines in many ways but every one has "stuff" to deal with. GT3 and Turbos too. We haven't found the 991 issues yet because they haven't been on the road long enough but there will certainly be issues with them as well. They all got warts and they can all be fixed with appropriate amounts of $$$ and talent.

[Scnell Gelb]

...but imho the important issue is neither money nor talent - see #3 above. Without knowledge all the money and talent is futile. Looks like you've been a successful student for quite a while and have the badges :-).