2006 Porsche Cayman S Review - Is The 987.1 Still A Good Buy?

[@bhaveshashok565]

Hey Fenton, thanks for reviewing my car! I figured I'd pitch in some quick info for the comment section - I do most, if not all the work myself in the driveway without a lift or fancy tools. The one thing that a shop did was my exhaust, because it was too hot to work that weekend and the bolts for the over-axle pipe were rusted solidly onto the catted header. The only way to save money on maintenance (with ANY car, there is no such thing as cheap labour anymore, especially in CA) is to do the work yourself. I haven't had any significant clearance or access issues with the RMR platform and it's a pretty beginner-friendly car to work on if you invest the time doing research before you start a job. For those who are shopping for 987.1's, the key is a PPI from a reputable shop with a borescope inspection. This car came back with a clean bill of health and the cylinder walls were in good condition, prompting me to purchase the car. Do not let the IMS bearing turn you away. That is an issue for the 986 and 996 generation cars. If you keep up with the oil changes (I do Motul 300V 5w40 every 3000 miles) and do not defer maintenance, the car will treat you well. Shop for deals on big ticket items and use the hell out of FCPEuro's lifetime replacement guarantee. This is not a cheap car to own, but it is a joy to drive and it will take care of you as long as you take care of it. There is no such thing as a cheap Porsche, but there is no substitute.

[@winnieatshunny]

are you worried about bore scoring in the future? I think if I were to get a 987.1 that's always going to be in the back of mind. it's such a catastrophic event that I might as well just find a better .2 example

[@bhaveshashok565]

@@winnieatshunny Hi, this is a tough question. The answer is yes and no - there are ways that bore-score and oil starvation can be mitigated. When the car is cold-started, do not let the car idle for longer than the time it takes for the cats to pre-heat and the revs to drop below 1k. After that, I'll let the car's coolant hit temp and add 5 minutes for the oil to come to temp before I exceed 3k rpm or go WOT. My friend with a 987 made a custom Arduino nano-powered oil pressure/temp sensor that is getting installed on the car to indicate when the oil is at temp as well as add a low oil-pressure alarm.

[@Digiphex]

There is something to be said for the aesthetics of the car as well, compared to lots of other choices the Cayman is stunningly beautiful when parked next to them.

[@josephlim8941]

987.1 received 3rd Gen IMS. It’s a larger diameter located inside the shaft. Porsche’s Do Not Touch. Bore scoring is imminent with time and milage. But can be prolonged with oil management.

[@holelee7834]

Reliability is relative, i think the 987.1 is still way up there for a modern Porsche. Before i owned one i was blinded by 911 superiority complex and IMS bearings, but i think time has shown it's overblown plus there is an actual fix. Now you got new Subaru Toyotas blowing up for making right turns on the track 😂. I'd rather own a stock base 987 with dry sump, port injection, hydraulic steering, good brakes, more power, better genes /looks/sound. These days, everything is expensive to fix unless you do the work yourself. Ohlins for a non electronic 987 is only a little more than the s2k kit. I thought Cayman was difficult to work on until i watched videos of 911, the front and top access panels made it easy as mid engine can be given you have access to lift.

[@yeedub]

987.2 is the answer , no worries about bore scoring and ims

[@DC5Brandon]

That's why I got one 😎 Although these are becoming increasingly difficult to find since Porsche made much less of them.

[@romulus_]

@@DC5Brandon took me months to find the right one but it was worth it. I swore I wouldn't hang onto it forever, but six years in I'm pretty sure I've got a future classic on my hands. and prices will only go up from here.

[@DC5Brandon]

@@romulus_ Also owned mine for six years. Another owner asked me recently if I was thinking of upgrading to a newer one, and I just laughed. Although the 981 has a stiffer chassis, it chaged to electric power steering, which some journalists say doesn't feel as good as the hydraulic rack in the 987. As the 997 911 of the same generation keep getting more sought after, it won't take long for some to realize the 987.2 is cut from a similar cloth.

[@romulus_]

@@DC5Brandon I drove a 981 when I was shopping for my Cayman and immediately noticed that the steering feel wasn't nearly as direct. I think you're right -- there's just enough comfort and technology.

[@Jeweldoeshair]

The reason why I got a 987.1 2.7 ,no bore scoring issues and low chance of IMS issue. The S models with 3.4 are the 987 with bore scoring issues .

[@flat6croc]

IMS is not a risk on any 987.1 Cayman. They all have the final big bearing, which is very reliable. But bore scoring on the 3.4 is a very real risk, and there's not that much you can do to prevent it.

[@1ROCKY89]

Very nice car. Good to see first gen back on the channel you know the 987.1 is an awesome car to drive every time. With the manual of course. Seriously great value. Stunning looks as well.

[@CruiseControl1]

I wanted to love this gen Boxster/Cayman with the hydraulic rack for better feedback. However when I drove an S manual I found out it’s not for me. I much prefer the 981 Cayman/Boxster S.

[@junwuzhang375]

Interesting! Just curious - why? :)

[@CruiseControl1]

@@junwuzhang375 Great question by the way! First category aesthetics: From the external shape to the interior layout I much prefer the 981. The controls have a better quality to them as does the shifter. The 981 Cayman arguably looks better than the 911 of the same period in my opinion. Driving characteristics: With the exception to steering feel the driving dynamic of the 981 Cayamn is superior and the chassis felt like a scalpel in the corners of Speed Vegas. Reliability: The 981 gen seems to be far more reliable.

[@timhayward6833]

All good points. Aesthetics is always subjective and for me the 987 Cayman is a very timeless design and I think will age well, harkens back to classic Porsches of prior years. Don’t get me wrong, the 981 is still fantastic design, but a little harder edged to the 987’s softer lines. Both are amazing!

[@CruiseControl1]

@@timhayward6833 Agreed

[@DC5Brandon]

@@CruiseControl1 Your feelings of the chassis is correct. Porsche improved the rigidness of the 981 chassis from the 987 gen. You say it is more reliable, but the more rare 987.2 (2009-2012) doesn't have the IMS issue (9A1 motor is the same as the 981) and the 'S' does have a dry oil sump (I can't currently recall if the base has the sump or not) Your opinion of the looks are subjective of course.

[@rosa.gigantor]

rode in a high mileage, mostly stock example of these on track with my instructor at thunderhill east and it felt great even as a passenger. but i think a key factor in the used price is the high maintenance cost--even if you mitigate the ims, bore scoring, and oil starvation issues, that's a chunk of change to install AOS/baffle/etc and the parts and other typical maintenance still have that porsche premium

[@Zygrene]

I definitely would not turn a 987.1 into a regular track car. Not worth the cost and risk

[@holelee7834]

I don't think there's anything out of the ordinary on a 987.1 due to gen1 Cayman being El cheapo no frills (this is actually it's greatest attribute). Engine/trans/brake Fluids, filters, pads, spark plugs/coils, suspension bushings (McPherson is pretty simple), tires. AOS is $100 and a 1hr job on a Cayman since it's on top. All the other stuff is like the same price as a Honda if you go on pelican...just gotta get under the car for everything. There's a few quirks like the $500 shifter cables. I think a clutch job on a Cayman is easier than an s2000

[@qikqbn77]

I have owned a 2008 Cayman S 987.1 for over 10 years now and put 50k miles on it. One of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned. Just routine maintenance, brakes and tires. I don't track it much, but I do tear up the canyons quite often. Still can't justify the the $70k difference to upgrade to a new one. The fun factor is still that high on it.

[@neoian94]

This is exactly what I'm looking for in car reviews. Sub'd - liked and thank you for doing the one thing most people want do with this type of purchase.

[@feelthatfeelthat]

Loce this generation Cayman S. To me the 2000s porsches where truly fantastic and from a company who wanted just about anyone to enjoy their cars. The new ones are meant for the elites and mot my cup of cake. Back then when you said i drive a porsche peoples first thought was you are a true driver who enjoys fun cars, todays cars peoples reaction is you're either a macaan owner or a rich guy.

[@jmmch3358]

I was letting go of my Corvette C7 Z51 AT and test drove a Cayman S 981 with the PDK, thinking that I was going to feel in love with the car but missed the strong V8 and the exhaust noise of the exhaust, instead went and got a 6th gen Camaro SS 6MT, I enjoyed more the strong V8 combined with the 6MT. No regrets.

[@Element_y]

Oddly enough, I am shopping around and the C6 is on my radar (along with the Cayman S, some others). There's a clean Z51 for sale nearby I am tempted to go see it. I am amazed by the bang-for-the-buck performance that the Corvette offers. I've never owned a US muscle car (no mustangs, no corvettes), instead opting for European or Japanese cars. But the C6 is really intriguing for a fun performance car under 30k

[@jmmch3358]

@@Element_y I prefer the design of the C7 or C8, but C6 Corvettes are good.

[@michaeldyer6304]

Bam! For the win....

[@ZDY66666]

Cayman sounds so much better than 911s on the inside. I drive both and it can't be understated. I genuinely wished back when 996 came out, Porsche should have just abandoned rear engine and made 911 mid engine

[@qikqbn77]

I have owned a 2008 Cayman S 987.1 for over 10 years now and put 50k miles on it. One of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned. Just routine maintenance, brakes and tires. I change oil every 5k miles and send it in for oil analysis to keep an eye on the engine health. I don't track it much, but I do tear up the canyons quite often. It is a blast! Still can't justify the the $70k difference to upgrade to a new one. The fun to drive factor is still that high on it compared to the new ones. For those scared of IMS/Bore Scoring... it's over hyped. Name any other high performance car that is guaranteed for life and has zero issues.... they don't exist. Labor costs, even at honda/toyota, are approaching $200 an hour. Nothing is cheap to fix anymore.

[@strengthbuild]

I'm a huge Porsche guy but a BRZ/86 is simply better for the money plus they'll warranty track lubrication issues.

[@005AGIMA]

Great video. Makes me want to take mine out for a spin. Shame it's got a fuel tank leak (common failure). Porsche build quality is shocking. I do love mine though. IF the engine munches itself, just throw in an LS3 and you'll never look back.

[@Datsun510zen]

Some times a cheep price is more expensive in the long run. This car has earned its reputation, and I think that stands true with your 987.

[@Zygrene]

If I had the motorsport AOS in mine, it might have been fine. I didn't do that car justice, TBH

[@moneyshift8190]

"I rarely see these fail" 😂. I was at the track day when yours failed.

[@rcDoom]

I always like Porsche cars but never owned one. Maybe one day ill get one

[@odoroussmegma2191]

Same im poverty.

[@mullner88]

Skip this one and wait for 987.2’s to come down in price some. Fun cars. Learn to DIY on them and they aren’t that expensive to run

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

i have owned many a cars and my Cayman is the best car i ever owned.

[@nottherealaaron]

@@mullner88 I think the 987.2 is near the bottom for clean examples with reasonable miles, especially those with the MT. Everyone knows they're great and at least in North America, there are only around 5,000 987.2 Caymans I believe.

[@rudedude1863]

Great video ... great automobile. Can you provide more details and product item that replaced the stock PCM allowing CarPlay to be installed & I'm assuming a rear view camera. Thank you.

[@rafaelmoreno3243]

I've seen some with blown engines for about $10,000. They already make a adapter plate/swap kit for a LS😊. This is also a mid-engine so it won't affect performance and the LS3 is only 40 lb more

[@Porsche996driver]

Thanks for this - starting to look what’s available in the $30-40k mark. Would be fun to get the mid-motor model to explore that handling compared to my old 996/7 platform. Yes 300hp in these lighter cars is great and it never complains.

[@markuk4599]

The 2.9 base model is the best Porsche today. It has no DFi, which every new Cayman, Boxster and 911 has. Play it safe get a 2.9.

[@mattkent2651]

I have owned my 3.4 Cayman S 2007 since 2017. It has 70,000 on the clock and is bulletproof. Beautiful car. Sorry... but I paid £16,000 for it back in the day. Worth more now.

[@Tonga2]

Nice car but I’d never buy a used one. Nice to see your reviews for sure, keep them coming !!

[@juliuscaesar2792]

The person who installed the roof bars, should be exiled to Antarctica.

[@drunvert]

Absolutely yes.

[@GissanNTR]

IMS is not an issue for 987 both .1 and .2 borescoring however, is quite concerning for 987.1 S 3.2. But their base model (2.7) is bulletproof! borescoring issue for 987.2 S (3.4) is significantly reduced! cheers

[@pedromk2]

actually the opposite, way way more borescoring on 3.4 than 3.2, and the 3.2 was only on the boxster, the cayman always had the 3.4

[@fforfuji9668]

keep up the good videos, btw what happened to that spreadsheet with car/ ratings you had?

[@a64738]

Ski rack on the roof lovers the top speed and increases the fuel consumption by quite a bit... On my moms Diesel Polo it took 20km/h of the top speed and fuel consumption went from 0,44 liter per 10km to 0,5 - 0,6 liter per 10 km (a lot more fuel consumption at higher speeds).

[@1859ddd]

Honestly I plan I picking up a 987.1 in about a year and driving it until I blow the motor up. Then I’m going to do the infamous LS swap for more power. 🤷‍♂️

[@throker]

You failed to mention one of the biggest weak points of the Cayman. That would be the ridiculously tall gearing. It is a great car. However, the gearing combined with painful cost of aaaaall maintenance and modifications, unfortunately cut into the ownership experience.

[@AtomicTreBomb]

seems like he didnt mind the gearing in the canyons

[@AtomicTreBomb]

seems like he didnt mind the gearing in the canyons

[@AtomicTreBomb]

seems like he didnt mind the gearing in the canyons

[@quocanhphanho8969]

Would be fun to have a comparo of Supra 2.0 vs GR86 from you!

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

I have 103k on mine and the engine always Porschez. Hard to describe but I'll give the geek out: like flying an X Wing Fighter and R2 is the engine right behind you. You and the car are so one that you're annoyed if you have a passenger.

[@romulus_]

a 987.1 for 30k? better be low mileage and extremely well cared for. I got my 987.2 S for 36k, 55k miles. it's a superior car in every way. buy the 987.2 if you can afford it.

[@willy0783]

Love your videos. I figure you are at the mercy of the cars you have access to but would be interested in a C7 GS on a canyon impression. I have one but unfortunately I live in MS. I come to park city and Colorado to drive yearly but don’t think I would be able to make it al the ay to the coast.

[@mwong987]

What is the mileage like when you drive like that in low gears? 10-12mpg?

[@bombaylychee]

Hello! I want a roof rack for mine too! Any recommendations?

[@pan4632]

u didn't mention the BRZ at all in this vid...guess you forgot about the BRZBOIZ 😥

[@Zygrene]

Once a BRZBOI always a BRZBOI

[@CubanDre]

I dunno. These non GT pcars have me spooked. I did the ims/rms preventative maintenance. Then my AOS failed at the track. The. My second track day the water bottle failed on the way home. Then my third track day ran into oil starvation. I do oil changes before every track day. Get the baffled pan. The final nail was my last track day ran into gas starvation mid corner on a long sweeper. Had over 3/4 a tank. I was as quick as I wanted to be but didn’t want to throw more money into the car to make up for these issues. Saving for a GT car now

[@TheBestWanted112]

Hi, just curious what tires did you use? I tracked mine twice with PS4s and i had no problems, but ive read that grippier tires could be dangerous. That the 987 is not designed for such high G forces.

[@CubanDre]

@@TheBestWanted112 had some falken azenis at the time. Solid 200 TW tire. Once you start getting up there in speed the grippy tires will have you going faster pulling higher g forces and push all your fluids to one side of the tank. Away from the pickup which is a recipe for disaster

[@antonakis79ohyes]

Sounds great! The purchase price is tempting, but the maintenance and IMS bearing issues could be a nightmare and burn a hole through your pocket...

[@Zygrene]

I do think the IMS issue is overblown, with today's solutions at least. But still a tricky car to maintain

[@Rockit181]

Failure on the 3 row sealed IMS bearing of the 987.1 is very very rare. Bore scoring is the issue to watch for, especially cold climate cars that sit. Wrist pins also let go on these motors with extended high RPM track use.

[@DC5Brandon]

Although it is rare, some models are "only" $2K for the fix. Just factor that in your negotiation and purchase cost.

[@Rockit181]

@@DC5Brandon only the 996 and 986, and some early 2005 997s and 987s still have the 1%+ failure prone single row IMS bearing, which is replaceable. The 3 row bearing is not replaceable without a full engine tear down and splitting the case halves. Watch some videos from Jake Raby, arguably the world leading expert on these M96/M97 engines, failure of the 3 row bearing (like the one in this 987.1 S) is extremely rare. IIRC he has never seen one fail and he builds these engines for a living. I do love that IMS fears on 987s keeps them cheap, I wouldn't worry about IMS for a second, but I will check the bores.

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

oooh 987.1 on GMR, nice

[@andycalifornia426]

So how does it compare to the King - the 86, which can be had for similar money?

[@Zygrene]

I did this comparo a while back kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHTckKd6bdNgfqs

[@jmmch3358]

The Toyota GR 86 would be more reliable, but the Porsche Cayman S is a very special sport car.

[@andycalifornia426]

@@Zygrene Thanks :)

[@Alex-ds3fg]

How does it compare to a base Cayman or Boxster 987?

[@holelee7834]

Base (detuned) Cayman is significantly more reliable and usually simpler. It's immune to bore score as it doesn't have the lokasil liners nor forged pistons that cause it. That being said, you won't have torq at any RPM in a base, downshift always required, and keep the revs above 5k like a Honda. It's pretty much the same car otherwise.

[@mautsukuda]

I personally hate floor mounted throttle pedals

[@kgthegreatone943]

Never can go wrong with a cayman unless it needs to be fixed

[@Zygrene]

They are somewhat finicky to maintain

[@kgthegreatone943]

@@Zygrene for sure

[@kgthegreatone943]

I'm getting a s2000 if I have 30k to spend on a sports car

[@moralesmedia4282]

Yeah but thats still a honda

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

Do the electric racks turn easier an the hydraulic ones?

[@Zygrene]

Yeah, pretty sure the Porsche EPS racks have a quicker ratio

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

@@Zygrene i was suprised when you mentioned that the ratio was slower. All i hear about EPS is that the feel isnt the same and the old one was better.

[@kgthegreatone943]

Man that's a lot of movement in the steering wheel for then turns

[@kurts3328]

I am 6' 2". Would I fit in the Cayman?

[@a64738]

Some very tall people report that they can not fit in the 718 models with 4L engine, only the 4 cylinder 2L and 2,5L Turbo versions. The older 3,4L models I do not know...

[@elle8062]

Used to be $ 28 ~ 34 k ten years ago LMAO Great car but it didn't depreciate at all (Meaning that it's great car I guess)

[@JonathanPieforPM]

Need to learn to change gear more often

[@gravity45b]

My guy, where do I get that Öhlins shirt?😂

[@Zygrene]

Dunno, Ohlins sent it to me! Wink wink

[@michaeldyer6304]

Maybe im just a fan boy.. But id say any Porsche anytime is the answer!👍

[@sirglogglubardons150]

$30,000 for an 18 year old car is insane. I dont care what it is. It started at $59000 brand new.

[@cheetos586]

I’ve driven a lot of cars but the 987 is a different beast Feels small and loves to turn in Feels like it’s going straight even on turn in Coming from a turbo I really enjoy this high-end torque

[@majsneruvburak8596]

Insane? It is great, you can buy, drive it for a while and then sell it without losing ton of money. With normal cars, you are happy if they pay quarter of the new one.

[@nobutada55]

Car looking like a hoot going downhill!

[@kekxstar1053]

this is 9k in uk

[@27Ctrojans]

id have a z4m coupe over one of these after owning both

[@ernesternest815]

Spend a little more and get a 981.

[@ernesternest815]

I know I have one. Yes you lose a little feel. But the 981 interior is way better and no IMS issues. The 987.2 is more raw, but I prefer the 981. But all are great drivers cars.

[@rp7662]

The bore scoring issue seems more prevalent as the mileage increases on the Alusil M96/M97 engines. Buying used is a gamble... maybe get lucky and find one that has had all the right things done to minimize bore scoring...but if not, a rebuild could cost as much as what you paid for the car!

[@milchomarkov8158]

ya own one

[@a64738]

Rebuild can tripple the price of the car if you buy it for 100k... But when you rebuild the engine you can bore it up from for example 3,4l to 3,8l and get the benefit of what is practically speaking a brand new engine with more power.

[@flat6croc]

These cars drive a million times better on small wheels - the 17s from the base model. Yes, they will go on the 3.4. Wakes the car up no end. Much mnore steering and chassis feel, far more interactive on the smaller tyres. On 18s and 19s these cars are so dead behind the eyes.

[@johnnyperez3051]

This or a 996?

[@jmmch3358]

Or better yet Cayman S 987 or Porche 911 Carrera S 997

[@Zygrene]

Tough choice. For pure driving dynamics I'd take the 987 S but something about a clean 996 makes me do a double take in a way a 987 doesn't.

[@cibo9994]

In uk they start from 8000£ price , how is 30k $ waw, 3 mins in video watching and I can’t anymore , dude change the gears lol is not automatic

[@muffinman4353]

Stay away from that year....