Here Are The Porsche Cayman Years To Avoid
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The Porsche Cayman is a very exciting car. This little beauty was introduced in 2005 as a coupe version of the 987 platform, and it’s actually quite amazing. The Cayman feels like a driver’s car due to a stiffer suspension, and it’s very well-balanced, which makes it more forgiving than something a bit more powerful like the 911. However, would this car be a good investment? Which are the Porsche Cayman years to avoid? Let’s pop the hood of this mid-engine coupe and find out!
How Reliable is The Porsche Cayman?
There aren’t any Porsche Cayman model years to avoid, especially when it comes to reliability and durability. Unfortunately, CarComplaints doesn’t have much information about Cayman and its reliability. However, what you’ll find out about Porsche’s Cayman is that older models have a few problems here and there that are specific to a model year.
Neither do the newer model Porsche Caymans have years to avoid. Still, you might always be able to buy a 911 for the same price; it just depends on what kind of 911 you can buy.
To sum it up, in terms of reliability, Porsche Cayman is a pretty reliable car with a few issues here and there.
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The Best and Worst Porsche Cayman Years
Let’s dive deeper into each generation of the Cayman and decide which years to avoid and which to buy!
Porsche Cayman 2006-2009
This non-S version mid-engine sports-coupe is a very fun daily driver for someone who enjoys sporty cars.
These cars were built to be quick and fun while practical at the same time. You could fit a decent amount of luggage in the front trunk and behind the engine. A slight downside is that you could fit two passengers. The interior has a very similar layout and features as the Boxster II.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE PORSCHE CAYMAN
If you’re in the market for one of these used vehicles, you need to know how to look for the most reliable Porsche Cayman year possible. That’s what this guide will explain, so read on.
The 2.7-liter flat-six engine produces 245 horsepower transitioned to the wheels with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. The VarioCam Plus management system ensures higher low-end torques, which means better acceleration and decent fuel efficiency.
In terms of issues, these models can have two disastrous issues: IMS bearing and bore scoring. However, these issues seem to happen very rarely.
Porsche Cayman 2009-2012
These Cayman model years aren’t the ones to avoid.
These models are almost an entirely different vehicle from the previous generation, as everything was re-worked—everything except the coding system.
Almost everything under the hood was different. The exterior was different, as well as the interior. This was definitely a more modern version of the Porsche Cayman. Porsche increased the engine displacement from 2.7 to 2.9-liter, while the engine received direct fuel injection. This engine produced 265 horsepower transitioned to the wheels by a 7-speed double-clutch unit as an option. You could also go for a standard 6-speed manual.
Overall, this generation of the Cayman is most often sought after. It’s just a flat-out upgrade from the previous generation, and it doesn’t have as many reliability concerns.
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Porsche Cayman 2012-2016
The 2012 Porsche Cayman is very similar to the Boxter. It comes with the same engine and the same suspension, but it has a closed top. The 2.7-liter flat-six makes 275 horsepower, which isn’t an upgrade from the previous generation.
Inside of the Cayman, you could find two bucket seats and a driver-oriented dashboard, with a sound system tuned for the Cayman as an option.
The Cayman S came with a 3.4-liter engine and a 6-speed manual, or an automatic the same as the base model.
Once again, what kind of 911 can you buy for the price of a 2012-2016 Cayman?
Which Model Year Cayman to Purchase?
Overall, each generation has its issues, but nothing major. None of the Porsche Cayman model years should be completely avoided.
The 2009-2012 model years for the Cayman are definitely the best overall option as you’re getting a reliable daily that’s very fun to drive.
The 2006-2009 model years of the Cayman come in second because major issues can occur, however rare. This is also a very fun car to own, and it can even suit a small family.
The 2012-2016 model year Cayman, or the third-generation, is essentially a unibody Boxter. It’s a decent purchase if you love the car, but there are better options out there.
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Used Porsche Cayman: What to Look For?
Porsche Cayman has only been around since 2006. There aren’t any particularly bad years to avoid, but there are better and worse model years.
The major difference between the first-gen and the second-gen Cayman is the DFI engine for the second-gen. The engine produces a little more horsepower, but more importantly, it doesn’t suffer from oil starvation the way that first-gen Cayman’s do.
The most crucial factor you should look at (besides the usual) is the maintenance record. These vehicles are terribly expensive to maintain through dealers, so some owners just took shortcuts. However, if you find a Cayman that’s been properly and regularly maintained, you’ll have yourself a very reliable car.
Talking to a Porsche mechanic about a pre-purchase inspection will save you from a potential major headache later down the road. Some of these vehicles have been extensively modified and tracked, which could mean nothing at all, but it could also mean that they’re “time bombs” waiting to go off—simply put, they could break down at any point.
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Should You Buy a Used Porsche Cayman?
There’s absolutely nothing to dislike about the Cayman. It’s an incredible sports car made to be driven on the streets, and unlike similar sports cars, the Cayman offers comfort while still being a driver’s car.
There aren’t Cayman years to avoid, but the best model years, 2009-2012, are becoming rarer. Even still, any other model year will put a huge smile on your face, whether you’re looking at a base model or the S model.
Before you browse for Caymans, avoid early Cayman models with an automatic since they don’t feel nearly as fun to drive. Other than that, you shouldn’t have any worries!
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