2007 987 Porsche Cayman S Review! - One Year Of Ownership

Vlog 8 has arrived! In this episode I go over my 2007 Porsche Cayman S 987 in review and talk about my first year of ownership. I talk about the best features of the Cayman as well as maintenance and the costs associated with them. Thank you for watching!
Song: No Doubt
Artist: Rogers & Dean
Video link: • Video

[@dblhlr]

Bought my cayman S new in 07 similarly equipped. 11 years later I've replaced a water pump, and the stock radio.

[@adoreslaurel]

And how much did it cost to replace the water pump? is it one of those with a plastic impeller that slips?

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

What about bore scoring? Have you had it inspected? That's what put me of buying a 987. Apparently the 3.2 engine is at high risk of it :/

[@OverlandTT]

dblhlr you ever have IMS problem?

[@dblhlr]

@@OverlandTT no???

[@omm8701]

how many km or miles have you driven? I have an 06 however so many problems haha

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I had a Cayman S and two 911’s including a 993 Turbo. They are all great cars but I prefer the handling of the mid engine Cayman

[@OsirisPL]

Car is really classy. But I want to say: dude, really cool house in a beautiful setting!

[@TheAutisticCat]

@Hans Peiper How about doing something with all those leaves? :)

[@t3b0g0]

@@TheAutisticCat The leaves add to the laid (out)back autum-esk aesthetic 🍃👍

[@sidneybear]

We Cayman people are a different type, we appreciate the sound of the Porsche flat 6 engine, hardly ever have the radio on, the stability is unmatched and feels safe and in control at all times. I almost always hear NICE CAR from people walking by or pulling up next to me..

[@Yoshimurha]

I have an 987.1 S (manual 6 speed gearbox) and love it. What I can say to those who considers an 987 is that the car is not the fastest on the straights, it wasn't meant to be. But in the curves though, that's where the 987 is dominant. With its mid engine the weight won't drag the car away from you and it straightens up perfect whenever you loose track a little bit if you need to shift while turning. I've had an MkIV Supra before this and the Supra was a lot more going to loose its foothold on the return-momentum if you'd loose track in-turn with its rearwheel drive and frontmounted engine and almost no weight at the back. I've driven almost 30.000 km with my Cayman S in 1 year (April 2019 to March 2020) and it is an extremely flexible car. It takes a huge amount of luggage for its size, it is supercomfortable for long roadtrips, smooth to park with and you always feel you are aware of where the corners are, excellent visibility all around, the brakes can handle the track-days, the gearbox can handle the punishment of the slow crawl and stop/go's in trafficjams. The maintenance is relatively reasnoable in relation to the 911 and there is plenty of options on the aftermarket. If the IMS and RMS is taken care of (987 first generation only) then you'll have a blast with this car.

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

Great review on a cool car. I think that fact that it's not loaded with options is a plus. Simpler, lighter, less to go wrong. Look after it and enjoy it.

[@minomarazzini]

This car is an instant classic, timeless!

[@adammoline]

Thanks for the 1yr of ownership review on this car. This is really helping my train of thought on my next buying decision.

[@aquagymm]

Hi Josh, just a thanks as I bought my Cayman S some months ago as I felt confident after your review, cheers

[@DawgYa1]

Why would you push the car out of the garage? I did that once with my mustang so I wouldn't disturb the neighbors. BIG mistake lol. The SOB got away from me...

[@dylanbenker2043]

He don't wanna break it

[@upback3579]

Absolutely dangerous. Even worse if the road is slightly sloped.

[@goldbreadsleep8966]

lol oh man i image the moment of it just starting to get away from your hands

[@MrBagusbah]

I'm a bit late but I still laughed thinking about the stang getting away.

[@jayschaufele7685]

He couldn't open the door. The garage is too small

[@ianholmes4723]

You seem like a very nice guy 👍 And that’s one reason I enjoyed this review. Another reason I enjoyed was because you seem to enjoy the car and making this video

[@justinhill9915]

Thanks for the truthful great review of simple non bias ownership experience. This WILL be my next car when my lease is up. 😁

[@daithilacha1]

Great colour, great wheels and a very good description of your ownership experience. I don't mind the lights much at all, but what is awful is the North American market rear fender protectors. Thank God we don't have them here in Europe.

[@M1LIFECREATIVE]

great video man, thinking about getting one so doing loads of research :) love the colour and love the wheels

[@gabethomas8123]

It rolling in neutral and pushing against it reminds of risky business. I was wondering if that’s an intentional reference?

[@BradSteeg]

I love your house. The stone retaining wall looks great with the house siding.

[@lamarrneely2355]

Great information and review. Thanks for sharing

[@iantownsend500]

I’ve driven one on track great fun. Felt good being able to use all the performance

[@johns3822]

I’ve got one of these great Cayman S cars and I’m like you, love it Keep on top of maintenance, like you should on any car and this Porsche will reward you back many times over

[@seinsmeld13]

Josh, I live in southern Ontario, therefore, we have similar weather to Minnesota. My Boxster S is parked from Halloween to hide March. The nice thing about parking it for the winter is that I have a new car each spring. I love my Porsche. Nice review.

[@supernovachampions]

excellent review sir! i appreciate the honesty and balance of your thoughts. it is a beautiful choice of a car, and i like that you went with a base option - less to go wrong, right! just my opinion, but i prefer the athleticism of the cayman vs the 911. the 911 with its wide rear-end is debatably a bloated look. again, clearly i am biased. enjoy the ride.

[@AutoAmateur]

A fellow Minnesota Porsche owner! Great video end awesome looking car!

[@3333across]

Love the color and design of this Porsche! Nice review

[@RichExclusive]

I also lóve the lines of this car. Gorgeous ! When my Boxster is sold, I will buy a Cayman S. Great car.

[@coliban]

Thank you for that review! I will also try to get one

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Great review and your 987 looks great. I'm sold!

[@FF-545]

finally a review which features everything I like when it comes to reviews

[@JoshHway]

Glad you liked it. More videos like this coming in the Spring. Please subscribe!

[@mauriciocastro6363]

Love your car. The Cayman is a sweet little sport car. Thank you for sharing your owner experience.

[@SAABaholics]

I need one of these real soon!

[@Akkinone1]

Good video, good work bro. Keep it up and all the best.

[@luismanrique5373]

Nice car buddy! I bought my base Cayman for $21.5k speed yellow black interior @ 46k miles. Love the car as a daily driver.

[@HippHoppAddict]

Luis Manrique what year? How we holding up?

[@larsveldman2374]

I also want to know this

[@luismanrique5373]

I just saw this now 😂 it’s a 2007 and I still have the car and loving it

[@luismanrique5373]

The car is a tank man!!! Just make sure all of the oil changes have been done between 10k or 5k, and make sure to replace the AOS with the motor sport version unless is a manual... I keep messing up mine

[@fucuszullanti7877]

Luis Manrique another update please

[@CobraKyle]

Beautiful car, and well done video!

[@Chitown388]

Very nice and clean for a 10yo CS. I have an 08 Cayman S. And the Porsche key was not well designed; all it takes is a slight push on the key while holding or while in your pocket to have an unintended door lock and front/back trunk open.

[@stevetherriault]

Nice car. I really dig the wheels and color combo!

[@fluffyfingersmd]

Thanks for the video. Hope to also be a TC Cayman owner in the future.

[@scratchy996]

This car still looks so good, it could easily pass as a 2017 model. I'm thinking of getting one in the spring for my birthday :)

[@bladerunner6282]

the 2009-2012 models look marginally better aesthetically speaking, IMO, but only a cayman geek would even notice the very minor differences and of course they had some mechanically desirable changes that were not so minor. ...2013 and beyond? don't ask.

[@TC-bc9fu]

Blade Runner what about 2013 and beyond?

[@bbpleg]

Enjoyed the vid! I’ve owned my Cayman S for 3 years now and haven’t had a single issue. Had it on track numerous times and while the brakes don’t fade, I’ve chosen to upgrade pads, lines and fluid. Oh and like you I change the oil way more frequently than what the service book recommends.

[@Robripslibs]

Yeah with syn. oil once every 10K is fine.

[@fw1421]

bbpleg oil is cheap,motors are not!🙀

[@chrisbod3521]

Nice looking are I have a 2007 as well and I'm coming up on 1 year as well. Great car hopefully it will last a long time.

[@AlosDiallo]

Great review man!

[@Rachelnymetal]

super cute car. I saw a yellow one yesterday. Very curvy like the old 911's. I love that

[@mikedodd9294]

I have 120k on my 2007 Cayman S, IMS is not an issue. Just change the oil every 6,000 miles and use 5W-40 oil. Mobil 1 isn't the best for this car, and neither is 0W-40, I used to run that, and do 10k oil changes but my used oil analysis always came back bad, as in wear metals too high. Switched to 5W-40 Joe Gibbs oil or HDEO 5W-40, yes HDEO you can get at Walmart DELO for $19 a jug (high Moly vs car oils), and now I have almost no wear on the car. I don't think I could live with the 19 inch optional wheels, the 18's are stiff enough! The stereo system didn't age well, and I feel sorry for the NAV owners! I swapped in a Alpine wireless Apple CarPlay unit and its now up to modern standard, for you without BOSE its a simple plug and play swap. One thing I would recommend NOT doing is tracking your car, the IMS isn't an issue, but oil pickup and spun bearing are pushing it to redline and high G turns on a race track, the 987.2 is a race car, the 987.1 is a great canyon carver for the street and auto-x but it ends there.

[@rich.exclusive.imports1598]

Great video! Absolutely Gorgeous car.

[@goldbreadsleep8966]

great review man great job taking care of your car i feel its always best to do as much as the maintenance yourself its part of playing with your toys lol

[@bernardbarbour]

Thank you Sir, great review.

[@gzablodski]

Nice review. Thank you very much!

[@dangrbitch]

i like this car. I think I like it better than the new one. It's more pure and classic. The new cars are getting too geeked up for me. This will always look great, like a nice swiss watch. The ones are just iphones for the road that practically drive themselves. I always thought the roofline was a bit odd and too tall, but from most angles, I like the look of it.

[@rad3934]

Awesome info thanks for sharing

[@thetunedtank8048]

Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of this gen Porsche for my next car next year. As long as it's not slower than my Turbo S Beetle >,

[@allans7281]

Cool video! did you have the car professionally inspected before you bought it?

[@djblanton]

like the review. Well done. I just bought a 911 base model. My first Porsche. Loving it.

[@JoshHway]

Nice, congrats! Which generation? 991?

[@djblanton]

2018 991.2 -- went with the base model. Not a speed demand so didn't feel I needed the extra HP. Found one with the 99% of the equipment I wanted on the lot. Black with black interior, PDK, Glass Sunroof, Bose, etc. Added a K40 laser outfit and a BlackVue two channel camera set-up. Hope you get time to do more videos - great delivery style. So much noise our here. You've got good stuff to offer - keep it flowing. have a nice weekend,

[@JoshHway]

Sounds like a nice rig! Enjoy it! Thank you for the kind words!

[@iantovey273]

Josh thank you for the review. I am interested in purchasing a used Boxter.

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

Oh, no...He mentioned Doug. That gives it a few more points.

[@eddiedoherty2349]

Josh, nice review. I have a 2008 Cayman S I purchased 3 years ago. I use it everyday, except dead of winter. My car has PSAM and heater seats!! Sport Crono. My issues were I replaced two front left tires from hitting bumps on the highway. I hate that. I also had the air oil separator. Fail and that was looked like a blown engine but not. 19 inch wheels. I have the same color car, just replaced the headlights as I think they were degrading. I fixed the drink holder and will be sharing that on you tube.

[@JoshHway]

What Xenons did you switch to? Factory setup? Or aftermarket.

[@tkindred335]

Great review. Thanks

[@maxxweber4336]

Great masonry retaining wall.

[@creativeangles3793]

She's a "BEAUTY" keep on loving it!

[@trido3815]

Very informative! Thx.

[@Mike-ew3gw]

Seen you on the road before! Beautiful ride!

[@JoshHway]

What do you drive?

[@neverenoughgames72]

Saving up for one as my first car. Hoping ill be able to get one in May '23

[@maximusadramadus1385]

Sweet ride, Gratitude!

[@timewilltell9438]

For all of us concerned about the Porsche IMS Bearing issue - I found a very informative article from Autohaus Hamilton in Australia about the IMS. The article also lists all the models and engines (with engine numbers) that are affected. To read the article just type in “Autohaus Hamilton IMS” into google. The Porsche models that are prone to IMS failure and should be replaced are: - All 986 Boxster models. - 987 Cayman & Boxster models up to engine number 61504715 - All 996 models (not including: GT and Turbo models) - 997 3.6ltr with M96/05 up to engine number 6950745

[@Cherb123456]

Cool! Thanks!

[@asmoth360]

I gave a thumbs up and the counter went from 997 to 998 "likes". I like it.

[@tclarke971]

Great car. It still looks new!

[@onpointproductions8542]

Josh, Great video. Quick question, where is the paint code found for this car?

[@briansteele2723]

I went for a ride in my friend's new Boxter and the older flat6 sounds so much nicer. Nice video thanks... but start it next time :)

[@pandiyannaidu5478]

Beautiful car ...nice color.

[@youcanthandlethetruth4553]

Beautiful Porsche !!

[@justinwaters2104]

I own a 2007 Cayman as well. Take care of it, and it'll drive smooth for another 10 years. Mine has 106,500 miles with an aftermarket exhaust and R type paint job and it still fits in wonderfully with the modern Porsche's. This Cayman in particular has aged so well, it's really hard to complain about what you're getting. I only paid 12,500 for my Porsche, Bose sound system, leather heated seats, electric everything, and the premium wheels. Truly a spectacular car. The only thing I would complain about it is the slow pick-up rate from 0-60 (4-5 seconds?) and the fact there's no USB/Audio jack, but easily fixed with something aftermarket for maybe 150-200 bucks.

[@onedeenonly]

Justin Waters Bluetooth FM Transmitter and Charger - Just Wireless $29.99

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

$12,500? Was it stolen and wrecked? That's a ridiculous price.

[@justinwaters2104]

Nobody would pay the previous owner any higher than the KBB value. This is why I don't like KBB all the time, because it doesn't factor everything into sports cars. KBB value on my car in particular was about 13k. He had it on the market for about a year for about 23k but needed it gone, so offered me the car for slightly lower than the KBB value because the front trunk had some type of goo explode in it and stained the carpet.

[@UncaringAsshat]

That's ridiculous. I got my 2006 with 22,500 miles on it for $27,000 and thought that was very good. No substitute for a desperate seller.

[@justinwaters2104]

I doubt he was desperate. He was living in a quite large lakeside 3 story home with about 7 cars, including an older Ferrari and some sort of kit car. Owned some Magazine company.

[@ajrob69]

Hi Josh, think about to change the taillights, I put the LED on mine and is awesome, the car gets a very good look. Have fun with the Cayman!!

[@JoshHway]

Which ones did you go with?

[@michael987s2]

Haha you have the old key. It’s actually the ridge on the key your have to press and it happens all the time. Get the newer key that black with the metal loop and no more random trunk opening! Nice video subbed oh and line the center caps with the valve stems 👍🏻

[@JoshHway]

Thanks man!

[@michael987s2]

Josh Hway no problem. You can get the key blanks online super cheap . Like 40 bucks then have porsche program it for 1 hours labor. Then you have a spare don’t bust your old one apart. I love my 987S as well good to see more people daily driving them too 31k this for mine 👍🏻 haha

[@clu4u]

Michael987S, 144,000 on my 05 Boxster S. I'll never sell my baby.

[@michael987s2]

clu4u same here! 07 987BS 91k..30k miles this year! Haha

[@AdofHitter2103]

clu4u thinking to buy one but most are over 100K KM. Is it worth it?

[@hotchalupa]

I used to own a 997.1TT, which I sold a few years ago. I've been getting the Porsche itch again and I have pretty much made my mind up that, this time around, a 987 Cayman S will fit the bill perfectly. I test drove a brand new 2011 at the Porsche dealer back in the day and absolutely loved the driving dynamics. I truly felt connected to the car. Any objective Porsche fan would agree, aside from the purpose-built 911s (GT3/GT2/RS), the Cayman platform is the better driver's car. The 911 has grown too much.

[@rveurope]

Nice review, I have my Cayman S since day one when it was released , had a 911 before, now it has 8000 miles on the clock .the Cayman is the purest Porsche feeling I was looking for...its a medical car, once you are really down take it for a spin and you are a new person! Unfortunately you don't get it on prescription..

[@carlosandleon]

just get a Motorcycle

[@TerryLow]

Nice review!

[@theequaliser8026]

Great car, great review

[@ConBroHermano]

Love the video. Where in MN are you? I literally have the same year and color CS but with the 19” Carrera Classic wheels. If you see me around the metro give me a wave! Not too many CS’s around here. Cheers!

[@JoshHway]

Definitely! I am in the west burbs.

[@brianscott4246]

Very cool. Classy car dude.

[@tobanphoto]

Love this review as a fellow photographer, but can you fit a 9ft seamless paper roll in it?

[@mortenberg2897]

I have the exact same model, colour, wheels ... 👍😎

[@JonoSolo]

What is the exact name of the color ? Seal or Meteor grey?

[@MadeLunar]

Super sweet! Great review and you seem super chill. What are your thoughts on some aftermarket led tail lights?

[@jamesmarshall3311]

Just fit the lights from the G2 version if they bother you.

[@Revvinthe417]

The bearing was upgraded in 2006. Only very early cars had that problem.

[@jamesmarshall3311]

Maybe just a couple of cars from 2005 at most. Never seen an 05 model here in Europe, but plenty of 06 onwards models. I have an 06 S myself and love it. Artic silver with the same wheels as Josh. I also have slightly lowered suspension and a tasty Capristo exhaust.

[@wlebucheitaliane8262]

You made me buy this car! Thanks

[@ThePolaroid669]

Very very gorgeous. Care isn't bad either.

[@chocboyx]

John Grieve yes....really nice!

[@1TB0T]

Nice work. Next car.

[@Allen216.]

Fantastic

[@JoshHway]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertdavis5714]

Yes, those dreeded keys, my 997 key does same thing with front lid. But, have you experienced this, if car is relatively to kitchen, microwave over will set off alarm on car.

[@matthewkylelewis]

Great video. I've been wanting a Cayman for a long time but have been so worried about maintenance costs and reliability. Would you say this is the best model to get my feet wet with? Are there any years to avoid? It would be my daily driver so hopefully the ims issue wouldn't come into play as you mentioned.

[@savariaxa]

mkylelewis hi mkylelewis you should a buy a base 2008 987.1 2.7 245 HP these are the best caymans they have a better engine sound then the S Models and no technical issues at all these Engines can run easily 150.000 miles so yes the base Cayman 2.7 is the best deal ! 😉

[@wernerdanler2742]

Josh, love the color and the wheels. Beautiful car. You might want to research 'full synthetic' oil. My understanding is it is not at all synthetic. Only '100%' synthetic is actually synthetic. Not cheap though. Take good care of your baby lol. See if you can buy an extended warrenty just in case. Major failures on any European cars can break the bank. Take care

[@philrazzi7782]

Very nice looking wheels

[@charlesrussell6065]

This car really reminds me of James Deans Porsche 550 Spyder

[@dralbertcares]

Hello! Thanks for your awesome videos! I have a 2009 cayman S and i dont know how to use the timer on the center of the dashboard. I will really appreciate the help. Thanks!

[@brydensears6318]

Great video

[@RockClass101]

Great review! The 987.2 should age a bit better with the more modern headlights and taillights, but it truly is a beautiful design!

[@JoshHway]

Yeah I would have loved a .2, but it wasn't in the cards just yet. Perhaps the next car.

[@dougantelman2369]

Like that color!

[@QuintonTV]

Considering one of these for my second Porsche. Not 100% sure yet. Subbed.

[@JoshHway]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[@MuscleTeamOfficial]

look who it is

[@QuintonTV]

MuscleTeam guess I couldn't stay away for too long.

[@SAABaholics]

hi quinton! Love your videos, I'm shocked to see you here!

[@QuintonTV]

Hey Kev! I'm usually lurking around most Porsche and Viper channels.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Man, I'd love a basic Cayman like this. Seems like most of the ones at dealers have too many options.

[@rongalloway7809]

Hoooooold up! Correct me if I'm wrong but it doesn't matter how often you get your oil changed, the IMS is a separate component no? Am I mistaken, either a direct feed or ceramic bearings? Please advise!

[@jamesmarshall3311]

There are almost zero issues with IMS bearings on Caymans, even the first gen models. Can be a problem on some Boxsters and 997`s though of that era. Cayman had a much enlarged bearing from previous design.

[@18000rpm]

Had a Cayman S same color as yours. One of the reasons I loved it is how small it was. In my mind I could put it in my pocket lol

[@verygood7155]

Beautiful car! Regardless of what you might think there is a very real possibility of intermediate shaft bearing failure. Your information is inaccurate. The scary thing is that as the car ages the chance of intermediate shaft bearing failure increases. Unfortunately once the bearing fails it will destroy your engine and there are no warning signs when its about to occur. If I owned your car I'd have the bearing switched for the newer one asap!

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

My Cayman S has been 99% for 92k miles. My issue has always been Porsche Brake Sequel. I would call it more of a screech. You have any issues?