Porsche's secret cheap bargain? Cayman 2.0 road review | 4K

[@patrickodonnell6651]

Nice job with that base 718 Cayman review. Truly a car that is amazing in the base model and beyond. And these comments are from a 718 GT4 owner and also have owned and tracked three 911’s. All Porsche have a soul .

[@williamjackson5357]

Yes they do, and it comes alive at start up

[@videogazer801]

You tool. Cars don’t have a souls. Humans do. Pathetic

[@corvettez06usa]

It's hilarious to me that these days I'd rather have a Porsche over a Corvette. A base Caymen is probably a blast to drive, a more return to basics, and doesn't have a ridiculous amount of power that exceeds most people's ability to enjoy at more spirited paces. A step up from the experience the Miata promises. I'd take one of these with a manual gear box over a base C8.

[@mfan2492]

I wouldn't get an automatic Corvette ever.

[@williamjackson5357]

I agree100, The Porsche driving experience of a base cayman is probably more than most drivers can handle

[@robi2452]

even my base 987 Cayman bears enough Power for a very sportive drive also on the Autobahn

[@ashleyjames308]

I had a new 2L 718, it was much faster than my 981S because the power comes in at 1960 rather than 4,500 and it’s enough to spin the wheels in the wet.

[@drunvert]

Well I have a base 981 with a manual and it's absolutely fantastic. A C8 would be a little bit better however. I probably wouldn't spend the extra money if I had it. Dollar for dollar. I'd probably get the GT S with a flat 6 non-turbo

[@drewbaisden3475]

From a Porsche site-"The 7-speed PDK transmission can precisely change gears in fractions of a second without interrupting the flow of power." Sounds great. Problem is I don't care. I'm not racing it, I'm driving it on weekends for fun. It's a Porsche. A Sports Car. And a big part of the fun is I being in control. I'm fully aware that I'll never be able to technically compete with the PDK and I'm at peace with that fact. I'm 61, an old guy, I grew up a block away from a Porsche/BMW dealership and as a kid I'd go up there often and drool over the new 911's when they came in and for me the true Porsche experience only comes with a stick paired to a manual gear box. But as they say, to each his own. I guess.

[@lolowong439]

I guess the Cayman, as an entry car, is to target the younger generation. For this generation tbf, I haven't seen as much infatuation on 911 as the older groups. Perhaps that's why Porsche is doing different things.

[@Resist_Oppression]

Definitely showing your age.

[@joevecchio4687]

I’m 70 Never owned a sports car I ordered a 2025 boxster S Manual Should be entertaining

[@HaiRune]

@@lolowong439 From what I’ve seen as a young guy, it’s all about bmws and the mustangs. BMW fans all want to trade in their car for a Porsche but it’s way too expensive to justify it

[@scurfawatches]

I traded my C43 for a 718S and the sound difference is massive, put 4000 miles on the car and the sound changes, Porsche should of supplied motoring journalists cars with plenty of miles on from the start, the 718 is an amazing car and perfectly suited to U.K. roads.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

What happened after 4000 miles? Can you elaborate please because the sound is the only thing putting me off

[@oliverthemog3525]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial , I've had a 2.5 718. From new, it was almost whisper quite, hardly any crackles or pops from the exhaust but after a few 1000 miles, it started to sound better and by 4-5000 miles, it was a lot better. Throatier, more noise on the overrun etc. Mine was a UK car with GPF and PSE

[@Driftuner]

From that list the only thing i would keep is the PTV. Because its not only the torque vectoring programm, the ptv package comes with a mechanical limited slip diff...thats worth the price..

[@Jay-xr3sb]

At this power level is it really needed?

[@ControlLingOo]

For including that you need to also include the PASM ... which is an additional 1400 € (cant have PTV without PASM)

[@Driftuner]

@@ControlLingOo depends on the market. Here in germany i believe you actually can have ptv without pasm, not sure though. I know that in the states and in the uk you cant

[@Driftuner]

@@Jay-xr3sb are you serious? Ive owned an mx5 with 145hp and even that needed an lsd...its not about the power...

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

​@@Jay-xr3sbNo You don't need any electronic aids on a mid engine Porsche It handles sublime already and you won't get close to limits driving on public roads Too many spec posers here

[@Russh75]

Great Review, for any Aussies that see this - I have priced the base Cayman 718 during the month of Feb 2022 for future purchase this year and it is AUD$126,597, $300 for the colored badge wheel hubs, those mags you had in the video, here are an extra $2830.00 - the front apron you had I did not price as I did not want it and to get the PDK its $4580.00(since that is an option as well) the GTS Steering wheel you had in the vid is also an option costing another $520.00 - Still keep up the awesome videos, loved it :-)

[@RtB68]

So, in 2024 how do you feel about it?

[@mwh3227]

I have one and I absolutely LOVE it! The down side, is that with options it can be really expensive! My brother had the new Corvette and I got to drive it a lot, before my making a decision on what car to buy. The upside of the Vette - it's a real bargain for what you get (even with the severe dealer mark-ups) - hp and handling! The downside is that GM hasn't been known for quality lately, and I really think that the styling is way over the top! The Cayman handles on par, or maybe slightly better than the Vette! The horsepower is much lower, but how fast can you legally go anyway? Porsche is a high quality product! The design of the Cayman is beautiful and timeless! I also own a 23 year old Boxster. It has been extremely dependable and still looks great! My experience with the Boxster definitely had an influence in buying a Cayman! Anyway this is my opinion!

[@TheFernguerrero58]

Great review. I love my manual base cayman. Best handling car I have ever owned. Save the manuals

[@steveallin601]

I have a base 718 and its a fantastic car; I'm biased therefore but I think the dimensions and its looks make it a better looking car than the 911 too. It gets lots of admiring glances.

[@ekimandersom4478]

It is better looking than a 911

[@BiaMaith]

Base price in Ireland is €90,000 and that's without pdk etc. You would buy a base 911 in most other countries for that. I'm looking at a base 2019 cayman with 25k km on the clock for €79k

[@ferguscasey5301]

Yes Ireland is one of the worst places to buy a nice car.

[@rboddington]

I own this exact car, in graphite blue, has more than enough power for public roads.

[@williamjackson5357]

I also own the exact car in Red Amaranth Metallic 🏎

[@F_Dot_]

How much do you pay for insurance?

[@WalterHart-k5f]

@@F_Dot_I pay 164 full coverage for mine.

[@pringlw]

The most under rated car in Porsche’s mainstream lineup.

[@williamjackson5357]

You are absolutely right!!!

[@tominnc315]

I have a 2021 Cayman Base. Miami Blue. I upgraded a bit. Sound. Black spoiler door handles blue seatbelts etc. 75,000. Absolutely stellar! Braking speed gas economy looks !

[@leonardoluc6362]

Now that sound great omg and in Miami blue in manual gears. If i have the budget 718 Spyder in manual in Miami Blue just dreaming.

[@N495illithian]

For what it's worth, the used Cayman market is where it's at. You can easily beat new models on price, get more power from a 6cyl, and you lose very little in the way of interior and exterior design by going with a 3-5 year old model.

[@williamjackson5357]

I bought a 4 year old Cayman 4 years ago. I know I hit the sweet spot. I drove it to The Porsche Experience Center in ATL. They were amazed by it🏎

[@ashleyjames308]

The fours are more powerful than the sixes which have to be revved all the time.

[@nickdenbow4379]

If you downgrade the two zone climate control, you go down to just heat and fan. There's no single zone climate control option!

[@Alpha718-4.0]

Agreed! You have to keep the 2 zone to at least have automatic climate....otherwise it's just more heat or more cold and that's a terrible experience.

[@backseatcovers]

I started speccing one for fun and got a weird feeling if you ticked every option box you would double the price of the car 🤔🤔🤔

[@torrhthc4103]

Base is the best. Min disappointment as your expectation is lower , max fun and highest reliability

[@strebrr]

Depends on what you want to do with the car. I wouldn't skip PTV because of the locking diff, and PASM makes the car more comfortable. The "Normal" setting you're talking about in the video is softer than the Normal mode in a car without PASM. I would do long road trips with such a car so some comfort features like cruise control would be important for me. But yeah, you don't really NEED them. I would prefer a 2nd hand car with more options as you said it.

[@DontTellMeMore]

I have one with PTV and one without. What Porsche calls PTV is really Pee without TV, liars. I have true TV in two other cars and it is amazing. True TV in a Porsche is called PTV+ stands for TV plus no lies.

[@DarkoPleli]

Thank you for this. Almost bought a KIA this morning.

[@jeebsy718]

Got a mk3 TTS just now and not due to change for another 2-3 years probably but have been watching a lot of 718 Cayman / Cayman S videos recently. Would lose a lot of practicality but 718s are so cool.

[@n0vast0rm]

Or get a nice 987.2 secondhand with more options and the flat 6 while spending a lot less?

[@GoodwoodRR]

See the second half of the video

[@marktsui01]

Yes, I prefer the 987.2 S I drove a 981 GT4 on track and the grip with Pilot Sports Cup 2s was incredible. I liked the stiffer suspension and the interior is nicer. However, I'm more than happy with the basic 987 interior, and looking back, the 981 exhaust actually sounded a bit silly with the cracks and burble. Maybe if I upgrade the suspension on my 987, I'll get a similar experience, and keep the better steering feel. I'd also like to try the 718 GT4 some time to see if it is leaps ahead.

[@keithsada1380]

I couldn't imagine turning down the stability management option. Porsches are great cars to travel in. I would definitely want cruise control.

[@GoodwoodRR]

Same price as an A110, cheaper than an EV6. Would you buy a Cayman 2.0?

[@dedygho]

If Porsche accepts kidney as payment, i might consider it...

[@Alpha718-4.0]

The A110 is not at all capable of being driven on a regular basis. The suspension, basic interior and noise dampening aren't on the same level. Iirc the Alpine has minimal, no sound dampening.

[@1530swimmer]

I'm more than happy with my flat 6 2.7 987.1 base with 5 speed MANUAL gearbox!! (That's the reliable engine). Even at the price of the most basic spec new 718 you could own at least 3 x 987.1 2.7s and it would bring you more smiles from driver engagement! It's 👎 from me.

[@jonfrench7133]

So nearly did get a 981.2 but instead went for a better optioned used 982. It’s something about the looks of the latest car. I had an early 987 boxster which just never quite looked 100% right but the evolution of the design has been spot on and the 718 version has nailed it for me more that the 981, particularly the rear end Yes i’d prefer the flat 6 but used or new that’s £££ so i will “make do”’with a flat 4 which has its own characteristics which for me isn’t much of a loss. I’ve put aftermarket exhausts on quite a few 4 cylinder cars and the sports exhaust on the 718 s still sounds better

[@1957robertjohnson]

I think the Cayenne or Macan are the entry level Porsche. The base Cayman is the entry level Porsche sports car. I'd keep most if not all of those options.

[@mikemack7933]

Porsche are more of an experience the sound design and performance makes people who love Porsche buy them

[@aaronedgerton1843]

The base model Porsche 718 manual without any extras in Australia is $134,621AUD!!! (£70,370!!!) that's excluding on-road costs!!

[@nessuno5403]

And they drive shyte

[@nessuno5403]

@@thatcopenguy bit that's tax regimes... awful

[@put4ng1n4m0]

Have you seen its price in Singapore. It’s AUD/SGD 400,000!!!

[@jonathanbeale3978]

A Golf mk8 R is £50k +. £45 to £50k is about the normal now for top fast hot hatch

[@final_mile_music9713]

The 2.0L with manual is perfect on the road. Arguably better than the 4.0. You can thrash it and go very quickly. In manual, you are never waiting for power.

[@silverdroid]

The 20” 911 Carrera wheel option is almost a must. The standard 18” wheels look like spare tires in person.

[@edombre4637]

the 18" give a more comfortable ride though

[@silverdroid]

@@edombre4637 My dealer gave a shpiel about how suspension systems have evolved since the 60s and 70s. There's not supposed to be a big difference between 18 and 20. I don't know what the reality is....

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

@@edombre4637 Get PASM with 20's - I'd get 19's with PASM if on a budget

[@williamjackson5357]

Mine came with 19” as stock. I bought a set of 20” Avant Guard setting on Pirelli P-Zeros, the ride quality stayed great🏎

[@paulira7407]

20” wheels will dramatically increase your risk for flat tires compared to 18” wheels and the ride quality and performance around corners is better with the smaller wheels than the bigger wheels.

[@donkeyshot8472]

many prospective buyers wouldn`t want a four-cylinder porsche at any pricet; a fact that porsche only realised when 718 sales dipped markedly, forcing porsche to reintroduce a six-cylinder engine in "upmarket" versions of the 718...at 30% highher cost when compared to the earlier 981 series...

[@engchoontan8483]

The entry-level and final-level is only one - mid-engine boxster. This is only to ensure inventory for the boxster.

[@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.

[@simonbussey7530]

Loving your reviews! Hope you get picked up by a TV show.

[@petrol_burner]

Just buy the 981 GTS, fully spec’d, flat 6, and you won’t lose much on it.

[@jehl1963]

At 9:24 I suddenly heard you channeling Adrian Belew singing King Chrimson's "Indiscipline". I was just waiting for you to scream "I like it" at the end of the video.

[@juanvasquez3648]

LED headlights? tought the base 718 came with HID and you have to option the LED headlights

[@gnrrpreacher]

I'll take my 987.1S over a base 718 any day. 5 times across the United States says that it is one of the best GT cars I know and will still spank the Tail of the Dragon when asked. Only real option I have is PASM and I love it, however, coilovers will be replacing that when the time comes. Amazing chassis, delightful engine. Used in 2016 with 43k miles I paid less than a Honda Accord. Reliability? I have had to replace the clutch @ 96k miles. Tires are consumable items.

[@gnrrpreacher]

@Noise Control You'd lose financially, in the corners, and probably your significant other on a long trip due to lack of luggage room. Great choices though, a k-swapped s2k or brz would be sweet.

[@lolowong439]

Tbh with such budget you are not considering a 718 base anyhow. These two cars drive totally different. A 718 S is on par with a 997 GT3 on Nordschleife, not to say some smaller tracks or for spirited drive. The electronic steering is also on point unlike the 981 series. It's not like because they are under the Cayman badge so you can compare them directly. 😉

[@johnafish]

6:42 "if it's not in sport mode it'll take a couple of moments" - just put it in sport mode then 6:54 "solved by having a manual ... then you'd save £2000" - the PDK is worth £2k more at sale time, so it's basically free. Just get the options you want and pay a bit more. Didn't watch to the end.

[@behnamanisi1]

This is amazing thank you !

[@topcover7390]

Really hoping this (The Cayman T actually) is my next vehicle purchase.

[@jourdantolentino]

Pre owned 718 or brand new Subaru brz or Nissan z nismo? Guys ,wc one?

[@F_Dot_]

To all the UK people who have owned or currently own this car, how much do you pay for insurance?

[@MindDezign]

Wait wait wait just hold on here! There is NO way! You can compare this car to a Renault Alpine. Because if you were in a parking lot with your New Girl. And she asks which car is yours you say the Porsche she walks in the cars direction. If you said it's the Renault Alpine . She stops in her tracks and looks at you all puzzled..." Wait, so which car is that ?" And THAT right there has value ! No comparison!

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

AWESOME I LOVE IT I SEE A LOT OF CAYMAN IN ATHENS FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! !

[@taladon6420]

55 grand isn't bad for a Porsche - and 45 is even better

[@motivationinc6415]

What year is it?

[@Mart77]

Ok it's still a lot of money. Let's forget for a moment that it has Porsche badge on it, is it worth that much as a car?

[@samgarrod4781]

Forgetting about the badge isn't something that people do though.

[@Mart77]

@@samgarrod4781 yes, but for a moment - as this video is all about affordable driver's car

[@strebrr]

@@Mart77 the thing is it's not just the Porsche badge, it's a really special car with it's mid engine flat 4 layout, with awesome everyday usability, lots of space, great quality, great fuel economy and so on.

[@corvettez06usa]

@@strebrr this is something people either get or they don't, and sadly even most car "enthusiasts" get filtered out by MSRP and a few simple statistics on a sheet like 0-60 and lap times.

[@edombre4637]

it may not have the fastest 0-60 or be the best at everything, but what sets porsche apart is the quality of the product and the engineering - that's what you're paying extra for.

[@malcolmc5964]

Would have worked better if you had actually driven a"cheap" Cayman!

[@DriverGuy23]

I was looking for this comment. Spot On my friend, spot on.

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

I just got a 08 Cayman S w PASM without an engine/trans. I’m looking at 3.8/4.0/4.2 P engines which start at about 30k for the long block ie no supporting mods. Too much. Audi 07k turbo 2.5 five cylinder attached to a 01e fwd (800+ WTQ capable), these can be built into a sequential (+15k without a lsd $$$) Subaru’s are too problematic (when modified) and underpowered in stock form. LS V8’s can fit with cutting, and the N/A output with a mild cam and heads can be plenty past 400 whp. Finding a 3.4 and building the car as a stock rebuilt car sound like the boring option, and for similar money an additional 150 whp can be had with the 07k turbo or the n/a LS…

[@coolkatz9012]

Australia's luxury car tax at 33% is a hoot.

[@drunvert]

Lolol, I have a 981 base manual, no extras and I tinted my own tail lights for 150$.

[@keithsada1380]

I don't know what an Alpine is, but I know that Porsche makes the best cars in the world. I think I would gladly pay the $9,000 difference and know that I have a car with decades and decades of r&d. I had a 2008 Boxster S and it was absolutely amazing. And it's 6 cylinder produced 5 horsepower less than the new 4 cylinder base model. I think I would opt for the S model with 50 more horses. And I would definitely get the pdk. And I think anyone out there would be crazy not to get the stability management. It's seamless.

[@robbieschertz3726]

Here in the US the base Cayman is £55k :((

[@hansbig7550]

Starting at 105 k euro's in The Netherlands.

[@DontTellMeMore]

Wrong on PTV

[@geirarnesen6531]

Brilliant!

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

"Affordable"... base price now in 🇨🇦 is $85,000... far from affordable. I'll stick with my fried eggs and taco-equipped 01 996 Carrera, thank you. 😎

[@I999-g2s]

Buy the base car, strip out all the heavy crap, leave it barely road legal. Drive it to the track, wipe the floor with all the super expensive heavy stuff and drive home, grinning the whole way.

[@davidporeilly1]

I would take the Alpine A110. All day long.

[@joeyoung3319]

FOUR CYLINDER...Mehhh. I'll stick with my 01 Boxster S 3.2 l, thank you. 😎

[@LilTaco777]

718 with the turbo or 981 with the flat 6?

[@williamjackson5357]

981 with flat 6

[@joevecchio4687]

718 with 2.5 4 cylinder 350 GP Manual

[@cuthberter]

One day journos will learn the pasm isn’t turned on or off!

[@sarjsrihari1824]

Exactly. Comments on how well it turns after dismissing wheels, active suspension and PTV as options! 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@matthewwain9958]

What do you mean. It shuts on off the valving system in the shocks to increase/decrease flow. On/off is from the perspective of the button on the dash that firms it up when "on".

[@cuthberter]

@@matthewwain9958i mean some people think or imply pasm is either enabled or disabled whereas in fact it is always enabled with the button controlling/limiting the damping within the available range.

[@mashudali8482]

You got me.

[@JakobusVdL]

Will porsche sell you the car with no options?

[@Thunder.lizard]

I'd buy the base Cayman for entering Porsche territory. It's not that expensive in todays standards. Getting a second hand has its dangers.

[@jehl1963]

A previous CEO of Porsche once opined that "The entry level Porsche is a used Porsche." Beyond the obvious truth of that statement, it's nice to see that Porsche is at least making a nod to the fan who doesn't have an unlimited budget.

[@strebrr]

If you're buying a 2nd hand one with Porsche Approved at least there're no financial dangers.

[@edombre4637]

@@jehl1963 I don't understand what the Porsche CEO meant with that statement - could you clarify please - did he mean that they are the same price as a used porsche?

[@billdexhart5179]

I'm not sure it'll do well on the second hand market. A Cayman without cruise control or any option, really. It doesn't even come with rain sensors as standard if I understand from the website.

[@nessuno5403]

😂 Rain sensors are a deal breaker? Wrong type of car to comment on then

[@billdexhart5179]

@@nessuno5403 I didn’t say that. I’m saying it lacks the most basic equipment. And if you spec it to a reasonable level, it gets too expensive to be called a bargain.

[@nessuno5403]

@@billdexhart5179 well, in that sense, their advertised retail price is definitely the price of admission to get into the showroom. When I contemplated specc'ing a GTS, it was about a 15% surplus for key options.

[@GoodwoodRR]

Are you buying a sportscar with the second hand market in mind or with enjoying owning it in mind?

[@billdexhart5179]

@@GoodwoodRR If you make the “affordability” argument, you have to. Because depreciation is the biggest expense of a new car.

[@idokwatcher2062]

It's 2022 car with a super inflated price, and character of turbo lag from 1985. It's a disgrace what they are charging for that.

[@peterj5751]

Having done my driving test in a 1979 Saab 900 turbo and driven a base Boxter 718 last week, I can say without any doubt that there is no comparison. I think we have all forgotten what real turbo lag is.

[@willjones7132]

Would have been cool if they put a slat inline 4 like BMW did in their motorcycles.

[@kestkr]

Well the boxter would be the ENTRY level Porsche sports car

[@simonbussey7530]

Not anymore. The Cayman is the cheaper one now.

[@EscapePlan97]

Poor man’s Porsche. That’s the way it is, was and always will be.

[@williamjackson5357]

I disagree, a poor man could not afford a Porsche. If someone can afford a Porsche, believe me, he or she is not poor!

[@user-rlaalswndkQk]

@@williamjackson5357 AGREE; Porsche is Porsche.

[@mortenberg2897]

I tried it - dismissed it. Engine simply not Porsche

[@jehl1963]

Have you ever tried a 356?

[@grantkuseff4971]

I bought a base 981 - fully optioned , beautiful car - fun to drive - but nowhere near enough power. Had to rev it too high for my liking for any real speed. Sold it after 4 months and bought a 911 991.1 C4S - ahhh. Much better!!

[@peterj5751]

I drove one last weekend and was stunned how much I liked the 4 cylinder. It has a very different character to the flat 6 but it had plenty of character.

[@Encourageable]

The Alpine is a seriously ugly car. I don’t think we have them in the US.

[@Lndmk227]

Porsche's gotten too big for its breeches.

[@andresmattos7541]

Bargain Lol

[@ashiqromeo3455]

Hurr durr not a 911

[@h-j.k.8971]

Porsche für Arme also?