85,000 mile original clutch on 2009 Cayman

[p911dad]

I'm looking at a 2009 Cayman S with 85,000 miles and the original clutch. Owner says it is fine, no problems. I am not very familiar with the Cayman, is this an issue I should be concerned about. l'd hate to buy it and then need a new clutch (and all that "while I'm in there.." stuff. Thanks

[husker boxster]

Some people get 100K+ mi on a clutch, some get 30K. It ALL depends on the driver and conditions. So it's plausible the clutch could be good but any clutch with that kind of mileage is probably on the downhill side of life. Porsche clutches are not the most robust items. Doing burnouts or teaching a novice can severely limit it's life. Lots of city driving in rush hr also takes a toll. Conversely, living in a rural area where all the miles are racked up on the highway will extend the life of a clutch. It all depends...

Hopefully you have the chance to drive the car to tell. Look for things like high release point, feeling like you have to slip it a bit to engage, and look for a hesitation when running around 3K rpm and then stepping on the gas.

[mikefocke]

Had a friend who, last I heard, had 340k on her original engine, clutch and transmission. 4 cyl Pontiac. So yea it can happen if the right driver and the right terrain and the right routes coincide.

[p911dad]

Thanks guys. If I bid on it I will figure a new clutch into the price. But hey, it is a used car and all that goes with that purchase. My first 911, an 82 SC, unknown to me, needed head studs when I bought it, an expensive mistake. My Carrera has been bulletproof for all these years, but has gone through 2 clutches in about 100,000 miles, so I am a little wary about these things.

[tcora]

Originally Posted by p911dad

I'm looking at a 2009 Cayman S with 85,000 miles and the original clutch. Owner says it is fine, no problems. I am not very familiar with the Cayman, is this an issue I should be concerned about. l'd hate to buy it and then need a new clutch (and all that "while I'm in there.." stuff. Thanks

I had a new clutch dealer installed in my 03 Boxster at around 40k miles (I bought it with 21k on the clock). Currently at 157k, so that new clutch has ~117k miles on it - I don't abuse it (but I am not particularly gentle on it either). A data point for your consideration.

[Cajundaddy]

85k is well along for most Porsche clutches. Figure $2k into your price just in case but a careful driver might get 150k on the original.

The clutch in my 98 Boxster went 95K including 80 track days where I may have been somewhat less than gentle.