2006 Porsche Cayman S (6-Speed Manual) - POV Ownership Impressions

[@trs8696]

i love how he's immitating topher's cadence and hand gestures

[@TopherDrives]

This takes lots of Topher Training.

[@jacoblanda2731]

EVEN SOUNDS THE SAME

[@mistercrab]

I always thought that's the same person

[@fkkkkkenig]

Counterpoint: they both probably codeveloped this style from being friends lol

[@trs8696]

@@fkkkkkenig haha very possible!

[@patricklinkous]

Beautiful Cayman! I agree that the 987 is the best looking. My mom has daily driven a 2007 Cayman 2.7 since 2011 and she's loved it. It has around 100k miles and it's been reliable. Tons of fun to drive.

[@chriskilgore2521]

147k on my 06 987.1 Cayman S, so far so good. The only thing other than regular services that I’ve had to do was a heater core, which was a surprisingly easy diy. I agree with his sentiments about it being the best car he’s ever owned. I’ve had an E92 M3 with a supercharger that made almost double the power, which until this car was my favorite, other E9X M3s, E46 M3s, Honda S2000s, a C6 corvette, E63 M6, E36 M roadsters, E36 M3s, AMG cars (CLS55 and SLK32), and many other cars over the years. I never expected the cayman to fill the spot of favorite car I’ve ever owned but after a bit over a year of owning it, it’s my absolute favorite. Porsches were always somewhat on my radar, as I sold my supercharged M3 to buy a 996 Turbo, which unfortunately fell through after selling the M3. I didn’t end up revisiting the idea of buying a Porsche until years later, when I had the opportunity to drive a 981 Cayman base on the twisties to a Porsche event, with my buddy following me in another E92 M3 I owned that was in stock form. I was blown away at the fact that I, in the base Cayman in the corners was outpacing my buddy in M3 (enough so where he wasn’t catching me in the straights). It wasn’t long after that I sold the M3 and began the hunt for the Cayman S.

[@fleejax8633]

@@chriskilgore2521 Im looking to upgrade from my e90 335 next year or two...of course debating the e9x m3 route.never driven cars as nice as that or porsche.hard to decide when i can only have 1!

[@Alanpiggy123]

I've purchased a 2006 Cayman S with a manual transmission about 11 months ago. Total dream come true. Best car i've ever driven. I've been daily driving it and honestly it's the perfect car. I cannot think of anything better to buy without spending twice the price and even then it would be too modern for me. I love this era of modern-ish but still analog feeling cars. Definitely a future classic in my opinion. If you're thinking about getting one, do it. You won't regret it.

[@F80mthree]

I get the chance to drive my buddies cayman s from time to time. Such a good package. There’s something amazing about having 300hp and a great chassis. You can really use all of that power and still be relatively safe.

[@Robert-un3cf]

That natural brown interior is fantastic, I've never seen it on a 987 before. Good stuff.

[@carlosantos6029]

My first Porsche was this exact year and spec, which I bought on my 28th birthday in 2020. I still remember driving it home from the guy who sold it to me, thinking, "wow, is this even real?!" I would spend endless hours into the early morning detailing it, putting it through the clay bar treatment, and finally waxing it afterward. Needless to say, there were many nights where I would just sit in it and enjoy its presence. On clear winter days in Calgary, Canada when the streets were free of snow, I would drive that thing, windows down, with the utmost satisfaction. I got some catless exhaust manifolds, which made that 3.4 flat six roar. Oh my. I went on two road trips in it from Calgary to Vancouver, which have been the best road trips of my life. Fast forward to May 2022, and I can't believe (yet again!) that I was able to get into a 2016 GT4 - in guards red too! I'm fortunate to be experiencing all those sensations I had when I got the 987. Dreams do come true! Thanks for taking me on a trip down memory lane. Enjoy your car in good health! 👍😎

[@agvwc]

this was really cool to read. I drove between Calgary and Kamloops (6/10 hours to Vancouver) last year quite a bit in my Volkswagen Jetta for school, as I'm from Kamloops but spent the year in Calgary, and I really enjoyed that drive too, but I often think about doing trips like that in a Porsche. I'm a broke college kid but your story gives me hope I can one day have one of these cars and enjoy that trip to the full potential. Thank you for sharing!

[@shadow36057]

do you still have the car? curious how much the 987 was?

[@carlosantos6029]

@@shadow36057 I bought it for around $40,000 Canadian dollars in 2020 and sold it a year ago for a few grand more than that after putting 20,000 km on it. Pretty good deal to me!

[@carlosantos6029]

@@agvwc Nice to hear that! Thanks for sharing too. Send me a message next time you plan to be in Calgary! It seems like we both have an affinity for P cars :) All the best in college! What are you studying?

[@agvwc]

@@carlosantos6029 Thank you, I will definitely reach out, I'd love to see your car! I'm in Psychology planning to be a lawyer hopefully, then maybe I'll be able to afford a porsche hopefully not defending criminals though haha

[@jts0221]

Recently got a new Job of career caliber (Network Administrator) and I have been saving to buy a fun weekend car. For as long as I have known the 987 has been my dream. I am eyeballing a few cars of this model year and watching this has really reinforced my decisions and I am excited to finally get behind the wheel of the most beautiful Porsche ever made.

[@midnight0tides]

I love my 987.1 Boxster S for all the same reasons! Fun fact, it's the last Boxster/Cayman generation with hydraulic steering. Since you mentioned the shift action, Numeric Racing offers a short shifter and shift cables that really improves feel and engagement. OEM cables are known for breaking, so it's preventative maintenance too.

[@diegoazcuy300]

The OEM Gt3 shifter is a drop in replacement and that is good too.

[@gzeus6332]

146k on my previous 2.7 (sold and bought another with the 2.9 9a1) and it was very reliable and easy to maintain myself in the garage! Parts can get a bit expensive, but most of the work can be done yourself with relative ease. Recommend getting some Quick jacks and Fumoto Valve for the easiest oil changes of your life. Love your 987.1, try to enjoy it more if you can!

[@MatthewGaither]

One of the very first Porsche cars I ever drove was a 987.1 Cayman and I loved it. I bought a 987.1 Boxster not long after and have also owned a 718 Cayman since then. The 987 cars are so raw and so full of sound and feel. You have a great spec and I hope you continue to enjoy it!

[@Jwdude123]

Subscribed to this channel because of this car. I have a Cayman with black wheels. Has a slightly lighter tan interior. And a Manual transmission. As God intended. Pure. Original. Design.

[@Not_Lewis]

imagine owing this in college lol

[@RobSchlegel]

Amazing spec. Love my 987. They’re still a lot of car for the money, especially the base models. You get like 80% of the experience of much more expensive cars for a fraction of the price.

[@doctorrobert60]

I bought a 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe new and still have it. I remember was always being compared to the Porsche Cayman S in reviews. Both are great cars to drive, comfortable enough while handling well with enough power to entertain. Always love red with tan/brown interior. I had NSX that was red/tan back in the day while they were relatively simple cars and affordable. Porsches are special to be sure.

[@Nice_Clean_Run_Autocross]

You inspired me to take my 2006 Cayman S out for a drive today. Thanks for the cool video. Please drive your car more. I've put nearly 3,000 miles on mine in the 7-8 months that I've owned it. I feel like I need to drive it more than I do.

[@AlexRemy-cp6vx]

Great video and beautiful spec! I took a massive risk for myself at the time 3 years ago and got myself a 987.1 S MT in Cobalt Blue and now that I've driven lots of sportscars and can afford a new one I still just can't justify letting it go. A GT4 might be the only thing I'll make the move on eventually but I still might just keep my 06. The handling, relative comfort, timeless looks, and revs (especially thru a custom exhaust) has had me in love for the last 40k miles including the harsh Midwest winters! Here's to another 40k!

[@marlonmalave7098]

Subs Topher has a Cayman???? holy shit that’s awesome!!!

[@jehl1963]

BTW - it's a bad habit to close the frunk by pressing down on the badge. The panel is unsupported under the badge, and you risk developing a divot or cracks in the paint there. You should press down in front (below) the badge where frunk-lid has a cross-member supporting the panel.

[@Cam-pe3nd]

These have aged so well in terms of design. A modern LED tail light swap and most people will think it's fresh off the assembly line.

[@Jwdude123]

Never modify anything except LED driving lights LED interior lights and license plate lights.

[@SerPurple51]

I agree this year and model look the best of the Cayman's. It's design language is so Porsche-esque.

[@msunardi]

That's a beautiful car, inside and out.

[@MrCarGuy]

The 987 is my favorite water-cooled Porsche other than the Carrera GT

[@WantonSoup192]

Love how your watch wristband matches the interior leather. That's awesome

[@kenmccready2870]

Nice review of a fabulous car which Porsche restricted in an attempt to not overshadow the 911. It's mid engine with the 3.4 power train is spot on. High power to weight ratio and manual . With my favourite interior colour ,,,,,,,, thank you for the honest review and happy motoring to you

[@afonsovieira5608]

Tenho um Cayman S 2008. Excelente carro, dá prazer em pilotar. Tudo de bom.

[@screamingchicken86]

Congrats Tropher! Super cool car

[@sidneybear]

Very well done !!!!

[@kt1220]

Looks great. Only missing the sport chrono which is an underrated option.

[@nanashi7779]

Would love to see a review of the 987 cayman PDK. These Caymans look like awesome cars

[@GinoFoto]

Interior basicness is actually a good thing, as is without unwanted outworn tech, which would further dates the space.

[@jamesledermann5601]

Really nice spec. Topher 2 ftw 🙌

[@a.kblur04]

so funny watching this and knowing all the roads haha. grew up around there! 8:30 is fun, my grand marquis rolllllls lol. hope you got to enjoy this car enough with all the weird warm weather lately!

[@inositisfly4496]

As a german thank you very much for pronouncing it the right way

[@dima1603]

FYI the tube with the blue cap next to the engine oil tube is for coolant fluid.

[@RyanRoadReaper]

These cars are gorgeous, and they drive so well! But I could never own one, due to the bore scoring issues. A $10,000+ repair bill for a car thats worth $25-35k at best is just absolutely insane.

[@herculesrockefeller8784]

Less than 5% chance of bore scoring. Also the $10k could be spend on LN engineering 3.8L kit. Repairing the scored engine and resulting in a 400hp Cayman.

[@muffcabbage9742]

LS swap would be better more horsepower torque and better reliability and less maintenance and maintenance costs

[@RyanRoadReaper]

@@muffcabbage9742 and there goes your resale value because no Porsche purist will ever want to touch an LS swapped car with a 10ft pole.

[@marioobrien8185]

@@muffcabbage9742 this is also $25k-$30k but is awesome

[@jasonruch3529]

What I REALLY dont get is these were 70k new???? Price a 2024 cayman s..... 80k😂😂😂 68k for base😊 160k gt4 115k gts WHY DO PEOPLE THINK WITH THE BORE SCORE THEY ALL WILL HAVE BY 125K ON THE CLOCK AND IMS THAT THEY ARE EVEN CLOSE TO BEING WORTH 25K TO 30K😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 AS ALWAYS.....I WILL BUY NEW😊

[@JoakimPorscheCaymanS]

Bought my Cayman S 2006 6 days ago.......feels VERY close to my pearl and "precious" but sold 25 years ago, a Porsche 911 Targa 1980.

[@backroadseeker08]

Nice Virginia inspection sticker! As a VA local, I instantly wanted to point out it's overdue but nope, guess that just marks the date of purchase.

[@pyrokreisgrevenbroich7486]

PORSCHE CAYMAN S JUNGS JAWOOOOLLLL

[@clementf7880]

I am currently looking for one - dream coming true. This video is therapeutic to me

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

I completely agree that this is the best looking Cayman. Though clearly silver with the lobster claws and black interior is the superior spec. Great drive, it is very cool to hear that new Porsches have a similar feel. I've only ever driven my 987.1, but I understand.

[@Watankatanka]

Beautiful car and nice driving. And yes, you're describing that 'Porsche feeling' very well. A mood lifter it is))

[@thearousedeunuch]

I would've liked to heard the sounds of the buttons and the radio/climate control UI. Other than that, good video. That engine sounds great.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

The guards red and the rims are really nice on your Cayman! I love my 2006 Cayman S, great reliable car and believe it or not, its actually pretty easy to work on! Oil changes are pretty easy you can get ramps and its fine.

[@andrewciebrant5789]

think cylinder bore scoreing was a bigger problem than ims on these 3.4’s. High mileage cars seem to be fine as oil seeps through. Also do the rms. Other than that love the spec on this one, rims look great

[@TopherDrives]

Yep. Definitely seems to be that way. Looks like I need to start driving it more!

[@marioobrien8185]

Im hitting 2 years of ownership on my 06 CS and absolutely love it. Totally practical for day to day and is a blast on the weekends! Pricey on maintenance however it was $70k and adjusted for todays prices I am sure that's pushing $80k+++ , so what would you expect on a MR Porsche?

[@christophervang8090]

Hello from Grand Rapids. Sweet Ride!

[@JkidGamer21]

For a while I thought substitute Topher was just his son lol

[@twrecks4598]

Gorgeous Cayman S man... I hope to have one some day! Not sure if they ever came with red interior, but I'd love a black or silver with red interior.

[@faizahmadali]

I own a 987.1 cayman s and took a keen interest to this review (as coming from topher) but found it was short on dynamics and long on resale value. I redline the car every chance I get…and so far it has held up just fine. The reviewer here seems to be a lot more cautious and careful…maybe because it is his personal car… but trust me the car can take it. The throttle response is better in the sport chrono cars. Lastly on the topic of 987.2 - that is a direct ignition car and has its own set of problems but it’s the styling that makes me go for the 987.1….more pure. Maybe next time, push the car harder and get into a comparison with newer Porsches (as you alluded to at the start of the video).

[@eggbertfarnsworth5787]

I recently bought a 2006 S and I am having some regrets. As much as I like it, I dread driving it as each time I expect an IMS issue or bore scoring. Mostly worry about the IMS as it can completely destroy and engine. It' such a pretty car.... like having a gorgeous GF that may... without warning.... someday leave you.

[@glock18supercharger]

2:50 emergency Tire?

[@splkzyy]

my 2010 cayman is aqua blue metallic with natural brown leather😍 however I have the pdk

[@twobrotherscycleanda]

I drove a cobalt blue one home with the same interior as yours in 2007. I bought the car at Manheim for customer that we procured it for. I still think about it.

[@Nice_Clean_Run_Autocross]

Mine is a 2006 S in cobalt blue. Manual, sport chrono, PASM, sport steering wheel, sport seats. Black leather interior. Tons of fun, but hard to fully enjoy on the street.

[@RCXDerp]

@@Nice_Clean_Run_Autocross It looks pretty easy to enjoy compared to my GT350 which only comes alive at 6k

[@carminered]

The only way I could tell it might not be original topher is the lack of speedmaster

[@Nitrolore41]

I had 987.2 with the same combo colours👍underrated car for me

[@copersno]

And I was wondering if those were VA state inspection stickers ... go figure! That's super rad

[@aquaisuseful682]

I am saving up for one! Gonna make a track build out of it

[@olderface9939]

Makes me miss my 987.1 :(

[@Tiagovw]

What a beauty

[@kailerclips997]

Slick Steve has brown interior and red ext

[@aleksaleks93]

i have an A45 and thinking to get one of this too. I need a manual in my life

[@romoo765]

I’be been debating buying this vs importing a 1999 Toyota Celica GT Four and I’m still torn between the two cars

[@abm1623]

the gt4 is beautiful my dad has owned three of them since the early 90s and still has his 1991

[@Alexandeeerr.]

Oh my god it sounds incredible!!!!, it's standard??

[@bluesubie02]

I have an identical M Roadster modified like yours which is a riot to drive. I’ve been thinking of buying an ‘06-08 Cayman S. Which car of you like more and which is more fun? I wouldn’t be able to keep both

[@TopherDrives]

The Cayman S is definitely more fun, and more satisfying to drive. My Roadster has certainly been loved, and it shows. It's also a fabulous car and makes an amazing noise with the Dinan exhaust. I honestly like the carefree nature of the M Roadster, but ultimately would still choose the Porsche!

[@chrisbates7743]

I have a guard's red and natural brown 08 plate RHD, super car to drive.

[@pauldecuyper8911]

nice interior!

[@incyphe]

really nice introduction!

[@barneysman9116]

Do long trips make you tired? 15:05 you are doing a left turn. Isn`t that against the law?

[@DavidJCarrell]

Wow. Porsche recommends a new water pump at 30,000 miles?

[@hunterp589]

I think it a mileage or year type of thing. The car was probably 8 or 12 years old when it reached 30,000 miles, so it was due by age, not mileage. Although some people recommend to change every 40k on these cars.

[@npxmnpxm]

Cool. But what happens when a mid-engine car "snaps" in a corner? Oversteer? Thanks.

[@clkoontz3]

Yes

[@MissingLinkGTRS]

I love these if I could find one I’d have a yellow one with the 5 spokes

[@Tsukuyomi8]

Ιs it true that a Cayman after five years has tremendous repair bills?

[@PapiPurp]

Can’t fix something that’s not broken. Love me some porsche 🔥. Would love to know your thoughts on the Chrysler 200s, bought it recently as my project car because they’re discontinued but i’ve always been in love with the interior over the 300s. Also have the mopar pak with stock E85 and Cold air.

[@nateisright]

Your spec is beautiful! The mid engine 987 Porsches are almost too easy to rail around a corner. The time between brake, turn, throttle is really short. The 997 feels like it needs less brakes, more power for a given corner. Different styles and maybe because I’m older, I prefer the 911.

[@Spazza42]

“This was my daily driver at college” - if that doesn’t describe America to the rest of the world I don’t know what does

[@Shoeless_DA]

What a gem 👍

[@ryanpatterson9526]

Great spec!

[@seanysyang]

Had a question, I have a 2012 Cayman S, can you feel the engine's vibration in high RPM's in your pedals?

[@pko6547]

Nope, not a bit -06 Cayman S @ 127k miles

[@LL-ls8es]

Love the 987 looks, very sleek. But I do not like the interior of 987 nor 911 of that era. Porsche improved a lot on interiors since 981

[@angusmulcahy7946]

cayman in college, props

[@manualgearboxcarparkinggam8667]

Best daily porsche to drive

[@Daniel-pc2ov]

what should i look for when wanting to buy?

[@danmurphy1994]

Substitute Topher you have very good taste in cars: the earlier Cayman/Boxster models seem to be more ‘human’ if that makes any sense. I’m taking liberties with language when speaking like that but I think you know what I mean: It has lower limits than modern Caymans especially GTS or GT4 models - these lower limits are ones that you can quickly crest and then come back down from more quickly and easily without requiring access to a truly rare set of road/driving circumstances. the modern Cayman S which has a turbo I4 engine that sounds like bullsh*t.. Things made worst by a cabin that most likely feels markedly more insulated all whilst emitting less driver feedback than early models. This is what I’d go for.

[@bishopoftroy]

No they don`t sound like bs, they sound just like a turbo engined car. In fact they sound pretty good. NA sound just different.

[@cliffdickson]

Has the IMS been replaced in this car? I love this first generation.

[@automntl]

was this that one kids car--the one you tested with the new GTS months ago?

[@TopherDrives]

It's me. I'm that one kid.

[@doit2win]

"that one kids car" 🤣😂

[@automntl]

@@TopherDrives OH SHIT I just watched with audio 🤣🤣🤣

[@BrianJohnson-kh7mg]

Love these 987s. Any major issue with glare from the sand beige interior?

[@mester84]

Thats the Oil and Antifreeze or Coolant 🤦🏽‍♂️ other then that love the car men nice set up beautiful

[@anthonyhernandez1767]

Is that the original shift cable? if so, it's a ticking time bomb, I know because I had to replace mine with an aftermarket kit (with upgraded short shifter). I did it myself (with help lol).... it wasn't fun... but I will agree with you that I love this car.

[@brickoutside]

sick

[@rayp5547]

Hey is that a replacement top-of-dash area? It’s missing the two lines that stretch from the two center vents to the triangular mesh at the base of the windshield

[@limegpt]

Damn, driving a Porsche in college

[@EdA-bz3bu]

The ones that make fun of getting your cayman dealer serviced are the typical “ couldn’t afford a 911”😂

[@azizaladwani000]

I have a question: Are spare parts expensive or affordable?

[@reidsierhuis9220]

Parts are super cheap and I do all the work myself. Performance parts are not cheap.

[@poff9345]

Would be interested to see a back to back with the 987.2 an R if you must to be different

[@MBTIMemes]

Awesome car and nice review but man it hurts to watch you shift gears

[@Barbwire710]

Ownership? Okay nice

[@Rocheman79]

That looks amazing! What brand of rims

[@RobSchlegel]

Factory option. I think made by BBS.

[@swanauto47]

Love the car but why not a Boxter S?

[@Aegizreal]

How does this drive train feel compared to the new BRZ/GR86? I've always compared the cars and the new BRZ power to weight is similar-ish to this (especially after a tune perhaps). With Topher having the new BRZ, what are your thoughts between the two cars?

[@F80mthree]

Having driven a cayman s and a brz(older & modified model) I’d say the power and where it comes on at is a lot better and stronger in the cayman s.

[@F80mthree]

Both handle great though. I’m not a fan of the brz motor.

[@Aegizreal]

Yeah I’ve owned a supercharged first gen BRZ, and now the new one.. the cars are quick enough for sure, but the engine feels sad and wheezy when you step on it

[@Aegizreal]

I’m not surprised, the bigger engine should have more mid range power, but the gear ratios maybe negate that? Just curious if there is more nuance to it than that

[@F80mthree]

@@Aegizreal yeah, that’s my only complaint with the brz platform. Everything except the engine seems to be in synch lol at least in NA form. The longer gearing in the Porsches I’ve been in are also awkward but some may actually prefer shifting less I guess. Still loads of fun.

[@S5ndwich]

Can someone explain why Porsches have such little horsepower, I love Porsches but I just feel if I get one it wouldn’t thrill me.