Any Cayman experts here?

[A930Rocket]

Our son is thinking about getting a 2008 to 2010 Cayman. He wants one not too old, not too new. He’s in an apartment and not mechanically inclined, so hopefully something reliable.

What is everyone’s thoughts for cost, reliability and maintenance?

Is one like this in the ballpark?

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Porsche-Cayman-San-Francisco-d993_L2793

Edit: it’ll be an automatic transmission.

[WPOZZZ]

Those are 2 different versions. 987.1 and 987.2. I had an 08 Boxster base (987.1) and it was very reliable. Good power with the Tip, but wish it had an extra gear. I think the display on my head unit went wonky, but that was it over 3 or 4 years.

I bought ITM TPMS for replacement and no problems with them. Oil change is easy. The heater flap in the center console disintegrates and you get foam bits flying around.

[Steve Carlton]

You need to get a 987.2 (2009 on) to avoid the IMS failure risk, right?

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

You need to get a 987.2 (2009 on) to avoid the IMS failure risk, right?

True, but the IMS issue was blown out of proportion. Supposedly on the later motors, the failure rate was very low, about 1%.

987.2 has its own problems, primarily the hpfp.

[look 171]

The 09 on up has the direct injection engine. Its known to be better then the previous models w/o IMS issues. All are lots of fun to drive. I have an S that has 90,000 miles on it. Shocks have been changed. Other then that, its been reliable with no major problems. Bushing have also been replaced that's just me while we are in there.

Oh, mine is PDK. My wrench tells me that the tranny oil need to be changed at 50k. Cheap insurance.

One more thing:

Try and get one with the Sports Chrono package. It is rare, and very hard to find but they are out there. Its also worth more on the resale market. When turned on, its suppose to have different transmission shift points. I can't tell the difference on mine to be honest.

[bob deluke]

I purchased a one owner 2010 base Cayman (987.2) with PDK this spring. My 4th Porsche and by far the best one. My advise, buy the best Porsche you can afford.

[JackDidley]

I have an 08 with 95000 miles and no issues but to be safe go with an 09 up.

[WPOZZZ]

Oh yeah, de-snork it. It sounds much better.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

True, but the IMS issue was blown out of proportion. Supposedly on the later motors, the failure rate was very low, about 1%.

987.2 has its own problems, primarily the hpfp.

I'd love to have a Cayman. As mentioned above, I'd buy a nicest one I could afford (that's clear of any serious issues). You tie up more money; it's worth more money.

[GothingNC]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

True, but the IMS issue was blown out of proportion. Supposedly on the later motors, the failure rate was very low, about 1%.

987.2 has its own problems, primarily the hpfp.

Bigger issue is cylinder wall scoring on the pre-2009 S models.

[Geronimo '74]

Maybe Svandamme will chime in.
He knows a thing or two about Caymans.

[David]

I love mine so I certainly recommend them but holy cow the current prices are crazy!

[jhynesrockmtn]

.2 brings direct injection and PDK availability vs the previous tiptronic. A much more engaging transmission. From my experience I would service the PDK more often than the factory recommendations. We had a PDK failure on our 2015 Macan S that had been serviced regularly at the dealership. Luckily it was under a CPO warranty.

[RedBaron]

2006-2008 Cayman S models had issues with bore scoring.

[Steve Carlton]

What's the oldest model year(s) clear of expensive issues?

[Crowbob]

Since were talking Caymans and also since I want one, what’s the current ball park price for a post ‘09 S?

[trj911]

I have an '06 S with 85k miles. The water pump is the only issue I have had. It seems to go bad about every 45k miles. I don't have that problem in my '83 911 fortunately.

[stealthn]

Cayman is a great car!

I have an 06 with no major issues. Did the water pump and alternator as a precaution. Never worried about the IMS issue (Can't do anything about it anyway). All years can have issues, but if they are taken care of, they won't.

Can't speak to the PDK.

I have not drive all the line-up but I will say the Cayman is one of THE best driving Porsche ever.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

What's the oldest model year(s) clear of expensive issues?

The direct injection engines started in 09 on the 911's and Boxster/Cayman. I'm no expert and they may have their own issues, but generally viewed as more robust I believe. If my 2004 C4S wasn't up to date on everything and I was looking for one, I'd be looking at a 997.2.

[masraum]

They have their limitations...