trojanman1

I'm finally in a position to own a Cayman, but I a not made of $$$. Frankly I have been looking at 2007 Caymans as I can pick up a few S's for between 28k and 32k. My concern is whether or not I am going to be facing more issues since most people say to get a 2009 or later. I understand the engine changed and I don't want to buy something that is going to bury me in maintenance bills. I will use it as a DD. I am looking at C and CS's that have between 45k and 60k miles.

I LOVE the Cayman. I just want to enjoy the next 3-5 years with it. I probably drive 12k a year.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

welles

Buying a used car is a cr@p shoot by nature, but if you have reasonable experience buying used cars, you should be able to weed out the ones that weren't well cared for. If you still aren't sure about a particular car, get a PPI.

That said, I'll assume your real question is, "Are Caymans reliable in general?". The (relatively) unbiased sources (CR, TrueDelta) say they are. My personal experience with an '04 Boxster and my current '08 Cayman S supports this. Basic maintenance (oil and spark plug changes, brake fluid flushes, etc.) can be done with a little education and some moderately priced tools. Parts are more expensive than for a Toyota, but not dramatically so.

The main argument for the '09+ cars is that they no longer have the IMSB. However, the failure rate of this item for '06-'08 models appears to be near zero.

Generally speaking, these are well engineered, durable, easy to maintain cars. Do your homework, choose wisely, and enjoy.

RickBetterley

If you can afford a certified pre-owned it can help reduce the risk of a surprise.

cds4402

This is the truth.

RickBetterley

And I should mention - I love Porsches but the repair costs are not for the faint hearted.
I'll never forget the 1st major service on my 928S4 - $1600. I thought they would also ask for my first born.
And that was in 1987!
Of course, now I have a race car; its service costs are multiples of a street car's.

bernb6

Gen1's may have some (relatively) minor issues that show up on the street but the real problems seem to show up only on the track, principally oil starvation, power steering fluid overheating. As Welles mentioned and otherwise discussed here and on other forums, the Gen1 has near zero problems with the IMSB. Gen1's are much more available than Gen2's and, I think, are quite reliable on the street. I had a high mileage 2006 CS and would have kept it forever except I wanted to begin tracking.

trojanman1

I test drove a 2007 CS today and noticed the rear end seemed to bounce a bit hard and the truck rattled as well. Are these normal issues that occur in a 60k 2007 CS? Do the rear shocks need to be replaced at this age? I'm a newbie, but trying to learn so I can enjoy my first Porsche.

RareAir

Hatch rattle when going over bumps is normal from what I understand. On the Cayman that hatch piece is much longer than a regular hatch/wagon design.

Can't comment on the rear struts, as my car is still under 20k.

Spokayman

Did the '07 have 19" wheels? My '06 does, and the ride quality is easily upset by poor roads. I have heard that 18" wheels make quite a difference in ride quality, and if I was to daily drive my CS, I would immediately switch to 18s.

I also should mention that I don't have PASM, and I understand that make a significant difference too on ride quality on poor streets.

Cuda911

I have an '07 Cayman. Not a single rattle of any sort. I love the car, and it is very reliable. Always a pleasure to drive on any road at all.
.

Vampyre

I have a 2006 CS, No rattles, I have 19" wheels and do not find the ride / drive quality rough in any way, with PASM set to either mode.

extanker

09 17 inchers....it has rattles

Vampyre

Where are your rattles coming from ???

extanker

one from the dash [had it day one of new purchase] other right rear some place. stopped asking dealer to find it in 2011

RaceCarDriver

I have an 08 CS that I bought two years ago. Most reliable car I've ever owned, no problems or rattles. worth every penny.