Porsche Cayman | Used Car Buying Guide

The Gen 1 S has a bored-out 3.4-litre flat six developing 295bhp and it is capable of pushing the Cayman from zero to 62mph in 5.4sec. It has a six-speed gearbox as standard or an optional Tiptronic.

Standard Gen 2 cars have a larger (2.9) all-new flat six with a new fuel-injection system, 265bhp and a six-speed manual, together shaving 0.5sec off the 0-62mph sprint time. In place of the optional, laid-back Tiptronic ’box is a super-efficient PDK auto. The new 315bhp 3.4-litre S version cracks 0-62mph in 5.0sec.

Naturally, there are special editions to look out for, including the Design Edition and the 911 GT3 RS-inspired S Sport (both based on the Gen 1), and the lightweight R, with a limited-slip diff, and S Black Edition (both Gen 2-based). With its uprated engine, choice of green or orange finish and extensive levels of kit (highlights include active suspension and the Sport Chrono package of performance modes) the S Sport is hugely popular.

HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

An expert’s view...

Jonathan Leach, Cridfords Garage (cridfords.co.uk)

“Gen 1 and 2 are in equal demand, but while there’s little difference between the S versions, the difference between 2.7 and 2.9 is huge.

"A 2.9 Gen 2 is a better buy than a Gen 1 S. Older cars may have had multiple owners, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because with each change of owner, the car experiences a honeymoon period of care and attention. The PDK was the must-have option when it first came out, but now manual ’boxes are in demand as people look to connect more closely with the car.

"Options to look for are 19in wheels with active ride suspension — it takes out a lot of the harshness so that it rides like a standard car on 18in wheels — sat-nav, Bose sound system and heated seats.”

Porsche Cayman problems - buyer beware…

BAD BUYS

Around one in 10 used Caymans bought privately or from the trade is a serious money pit, and as many as half could need at least £2000 of work.

MISSED OIL CHANGES

Despite what the schedule may say, an annual oil change is essential.

CYLINDER SCORING

A tiny minority of Gen 1 S 3.4s suffered bore scoring, caused by the liners being too thin and inefficient cooling of cylinders five and six. Check for an oily tailpipe and high oil consumption.

LEAKY COOLING AND AIR-CON SYSTEMS

Check the vulnerable, front-mounted radiator and condenser for pin holes, and the hoses for splitting.

BEWARE LOW-MILEAGE CITY CARS

Cold running means poor lubrication, which means accelerated engine wear.

CHECK OVER-REVVING

Pay a specialist to interrogate the car’s DME (digital motronic electronics) system to check how often the engine has been over-revved. The results need to be interpreted correctly, though.

CLUTCH 

Gentle driving can actually cause clutch plates to glaze over. Give it a thrash and check the operation again.

SUSPENSION KNOCKS

A particular problem with Gen 1 cars. The likely cause is worn ‘tuning fork’ arms and ‘coffin’ arms on the front and rear suspension.

EXHAUST FIXINGS

Early Gen 1 cars suffer bad corrosion of the exhaust fixings.

CHECK TYRES

Tyres should be Porsche-approved N-rated. If they’re not, suspect neglect elsewhere.

GEAR CABLES

Check for a loose shift. Cables can stretch and even snap.

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