Used car buying guide: Porsche Cayman

The GTS was simpler in this respect because it bundled options. Some subtle styling changes accompanied the standard fitment of Sport Chrono and either active suspension management or 20mm-lower sports suspension. This even more driver-focused variant also had deeper reserves: 335bhp and 280lb ft from its 3.4 flat six. 

In 2015, the Cayman received the attentions of Porsche’s GT department in the form of the mighty GT4. It gained striking aerodynamics and the 3.8-litre engine from the 911 Carrera S, delivering 375bhp and 309lb ft. The rear suspension was new and the front was taken from the GT3. There were also new dampers, three-way adjustable anti-roll bars and Michelin Cup 2 tyres. 

Today, used Caymans of this vintage look great value. You can grab yourself a good example for just £25,000, and that makes it very desirable indeed. It’s an excellent all-rounder: an engaging steer on a challenging road or undemanding transport to the shops, and anything in between. There’s excellent storage for a mid-engined two-seater and a luxurious yet robust interior. Depreciation, such as it exists, will be low – or even non-existent if you decide you’ll never sell it. And no one could blame you for that.

What we said then 

17.01.06 - “It’s enough to expect its rivals to measure up to such stellar performance and handling, but only when you consider the Cayman’s static virtues – such as competitive list price, distinguishing residual value, creditable economy, comfy cabin and GT practicality for two – do you get the fullest sense of what this car represents.”

An expert's view

Ian Phillips, owner: “I bought my 2014 Porsche Cayman 981 four years ago mainly to use for pleasure. My first choice would have been a 911, but after driving a Cayman, I was hooked. These cars are pretty tough so I bought one privately with a full Porsche history. 

“It’s one of the best driver’s cars out there, with fantastic handling and a sublime engine note above 5000rpm. I can even get 40mpg on a long journey. I’ve kept up the Porsche servicing, which for my car works out at £400 per year. It’s worth noting that overall maintenance costs are high. I’ve recently had a large bill to fix the air conditioning. 

“Despite some running costs, the Cayman 981 is well engineered, reasonably practical and brilliant fun to own and drive.”

Buyer beware 

Maintenance: Porsche has a two-year/20,000- mile service schedule, but experts recommend an annual check-up both to keep the fluids fresh and to get a more frequent professional look at the car, just to check for any lurking problems. It’s best (and cheaper) to catch any issues early.

Dampers: There are rare cases of PASM dampers leaking but it’s an easy fix when taken to a specialist.

Diagnostics check: Get a diagnostic of the engine management system to check that the dashboard clock mileage is legitimate and to check for any fault codes or cases of over-revving.

Corrosion: If not monitored properly, corrosion can set in on certain parts such as air condensers, damaged radiators, exhaust fixings and brake parts.

Buttons: The standard steering wheel came with hateful shift buttons for the PDK gearbox instead of paddles on the sports wheel. These parts can be professionally retro-fitted.

Bodywork: Much of it is made from bonded aluminium, so corrosion there is not a problem. However, check for stone chips and gravel rash, especially on the front bumper, wheel arches, front and rear wings, sills and windscreen.

Clutch: A heavy clutch pedal is a sign that it may be about to go, so get it checked.

Tyres: The car came as standard on N-rated Pirelli P Zeros, but they have a reputation for cracking, so some owners favour Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Cup 2 tyres instead.

Brakes: Brake pedal bushes are known to bind, which means the pedal does not fully return. This can lead to eventual overheating and should be caught quickly.

Also worth knowing 

For the birthday of Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche’s GT department – led by Andreas Preuninger – surprised him with a Cayman GT4 that had been adapted to take a GT3 engine, which was an idea that Hatz had been toying with for a while. When Porsche executives drove this prototype, they gave the green light to the recently released Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.