Living With a Porsche Cayman S 987 UK REVIEW | 6000 Mile Owners Update | Reliability, Modifications

Having covered 6000 miles since buying my UK Porsche Cayman S 987 I wanted to do a living with a Porsche Cayman 987 Review in the UK ownership update on what it was been like to live with over the last few months. Has it been reliable? Watch to the end to see what it has been like and if I would recommend a Cayman 987 S to sombody else.
There are so many plans I have with this car over the coming years what would you like to see? Should I straight pipe, upgrade the headlights, turbo it, wide body or just generally build it to a track car. Any ideas on what you would like to see pop a comment below.
I have done many videos on this car from my first ownership thoughts, reviews and cost breakdowns on the channel so if this is something you would be interested in seeing more of please be sure to check out my other videos featuring the Cayman S but also my Golf GTI Mk6.

[@yung9801]

such a good review!

[@tank618]

Stunning 😍

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you:) it’s not a bad looking thing. One of the best Porsches in my opinion.

[@parvinkukar1259]

Great job, very honest. Your are on a similar path to me. Got my base cayman 987 in Feb 2020, just over a year. Straight away did a service but only oil and filters as plugs were ok. During the year did a full alignment and changed battery to a new one as it fell below 74% efficiency that cost around £250. Upgraded steering wheel and gear knob to alcantara and again around £300. Just did a full service last week through a Porsche specialist and they noticed front brakes disc and pads, needed replacing, condenser left side was not working and coolant hose pipes were leaking a little and definitely on their way out. So did both condenser but only front brakes left back ones for later as they were not terrible, no lip and still had lots meat on the pads. That cost in total £2,100. Will be looking into tyre and back brake disc and pads later on this year. So far in total around £3,000 over 15 months. However got the car cheap so budget £2,000 for such repairs. Finally definitely recommend a touch screen stereo with apple play and reverse camera got mine supply and fitted for around £350, no regrets on that. It was a basic Kenwood but fine for me

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you very much! Considering it’s a Porsche is not so bad, you have had some expensive jobs done and out of the way now so should be ok for some years. Coolant hose pipes are a right pain, don’t think mine has ever been done so it’s a ticking time bomb. No leaks yet tho. I do need to start looking for headunits but heard it can be a pain due to the Bose speakers running fibre optic. Will have to do some research. Thank you once again for your comment👍🚘

[@parvinkukar1259]

@@JoeTalksCars oh yes , the optical fibres needed on the Bose system was expensive so opted out as my ears are not that sharp anyway so will not benefit from the crisp sound. With the coolant pipes I did not see any leaks on my drive way, just when they did the inspection it was clear they were not in good condition. Possiblly dogged a bullet. Last year my usual mechanic did not notice anything but he rarely gets a Porsche to work on hence going to Porsche specialist this time and hopefully will not see him again for another two years. Keep us updated on tyres you have done

[@andyreichert499]

I've had a 987.2 for the past 3 years and I love it. So far it's needed tires, battery, and oil changes. It's not my only summer car, so I only managed to put about 2k per year on it. I've found that rotating cars helps because I get a chance to miss each of them throughout the year. I'm really looking forward to driving my Cayman S again, but won't likely get it out of storage for another month or so.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Really wish I could store it over winter. I always worry that there will be stunning weather one day in winter and id regret not having at home.

[@mikemorris7776]

Soul street performance exhaust is what I have on mine and love it

[@JoeTalksCars]

I’d like something with a valve as I want it to be quiet for driving my wife around and not to upset my neighbours 😂 just KZbind the soul exhaust 😆 sounds incredible!

[@mikemorris7776]

@@JoeTalksCars it is valved. When the valves are closed it sounds a lot like the stock exhaust. When opened its loud but not obnoxiously loud. Has a real nice sound.

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@mikemorris7776 nice!!! That would be perfect!

[@takearide4845]

Check out the Capristo exhaust for Cayman 987.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Oooh not heard of that one. So so many choices. Thanks for the suggestion, I will certainly have a look into those.

[@gonetolunch7890]

I bought a 2011 987.2 Cayman S, PDK last october for £21K and love for what i looks like and how it performs. Wanted the later model 981 but the difference in cost is circa £10K more for a car that is only a year or 2 newer and didnt feel it was worth the extra money. I spent £1000 on a full service, £180 on new rear brakes, £500 on Rear Pirelli Tyres, £800 on new JVC Stero Blue tooth system with reversing Camera built in, £800 on Tracker and Front and Rear Dash Cams. Will have to spend another £400 on Front tyres in the next couple of months. Only done 1500 mile in last 6 months and fuel economy have never seen more than 25mpg Oh well the costly joys of owing a Porsche, but well worth it.

[@JoeTalksCars]

I actually prefer the way the 987 looks but the thing with Porsche is you always want the next, newest car. Ive well an truly got the bug now. I drool everytime I see a 718 4.0. They are very expensive but considering what you can buy for £21,000 It makes it a bargain. That would only get you a well specced fiesta. Guessing you are at a Porsche Main Dealer? Service seems a lot. Im lucky my local garage is a specialist and was one of the main reasons for buying it. I really need to upgrade the stereo, its just too old now. Thanks for the comment. Hope you are enjoying the content. Joe

[@richfixescars]

The prices are skewed ATM due to Covid, high demand and low supply, and lots of people want a 'fun' car. Caymans are not investments, so don't expect to make a profit selling it, they are cars to be enjoyed. I know what you mean about being clinical and a bit character less, I didn't really gel with mine. Sounds like your expenses are about right, £1k a year for a service or repairs/new parts is about what I spent. The rattles might be the tailgate, try winding out the rubber stoppers a bit more, or might be the suspension top mounts. Also get a torch out and check under the upper tailgate edge for rust, where it rubs on the roof trim. All the best Rich

[@JoeTalksCars]

They seem to be cheap to run providing nothing major goes. Prices are so weird, doubt il lose much, hope not anyway. If I’d got a 996 it could well be an investment. Il check those rubber stoppers, I’m sure it’s those. Better not be rust but il check. Cheers for the tips!!

[@richfixescars]

@@JoeTalksCars My 2009 Gen2 had rust at the top of the tailgate, where it rubs on the rubber trim on the back edge of the roof. Also consider the Bridgestones, they are N rated and a fair bit cheaper.

[@josephjoestar995]

Hey Rich - how would you say the market looks now? Cost of living = less demand surely, have you seen any affect on used car prices yet in particular the 987 or 997? Cheers

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

i often wonder if i would not prefer a 2009-2012 987.2 S manual over my 2007 aston martin vantage manual. surely the transmission would be an improvement. update.... just bought a 2007 987.2 in ferrari red/tan with 30,000 miles. and it does drive like no other car i've ever owned. only two downsides i am aware of (will be taking it across the U.S. soon and will learn more about likes/dislikes soon enough though) and those are. 1) road noise is substantial. don't know if it's the tires or lack of sound deadening and 2) right knee lays against side of vertical console stack and becomes painful after a couple hours (yes, i drove it about 300 miles home after purchase so have some time in it already). will be seeking a different driving position to avoid it if possible. and oil level has remained consistent after 600 miles of driving thus far.

[@JoeTalksCars]

A vantage manual!! Nice, never driven one but would love to. The Porsche will be a different car but I think you will prefer the theatre of the Aston.

[@jc171177]

its interesting, i think the reason I'm going to go for the 2.7 (not the 3.4} is kinda because of what you said earlier in the video...you feel that you are only using the 3.4 at 40% all the time. I've heard that the 2.7 can be pushed to what feels harder and still be safe and sensible. Sorry the bore score you mentioned didn't age well

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah the 2.7 although I have never driven one are said to be great. Not slow at all and much much more reliable.

[@chriskgrigg]

Check out Carnewal for the exhaust. I have one on my 981 base and I love it. No drone. 👍

[@JoeTalksCars]

I’ve heard they are really nice, always thought they were super loud tho. Interesting there is no drone, that’s a major thing for me as I can’t cope with cars with exhaust drone.

[@paulhussey4648]

@@JoeTalksCars definitely no drone from the Carnewal and sounds like a GT3

[@chriskgrigg]

It’s certainly louder, but in a good way if that makes sense. I don’t find any drone cruising at 70/80ish. Obviously when you open the throttle it’s noticeable, but for me no problems. I couldn’t cope with it if it did - or was too loud/anti social.

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@chriskgrigg just watched some on here. 😍 sounds amazing!

[@VictoryHand]

34mpg is good. I was pleased with 31.4.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Struggle to get 29 now haha

[@chrisbutler2636]

Keep looking at these, or a 996 I cant decide! Arrrrrrr😬

[@JoeTalksCars]

Would have been an easy answer 6 months ago but I’m liking 996 more and more! Plus the prices are soaring!

[@chrisbutler2636]

@@JoeTalksCars I nearly bought a 997s early last year, god wish I had now the same car now 5k more ! 😬

[@chrisbutler2636]

Cracking Cayman by the way mate 👍

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@chrisbutler2636 thank you:) she is a beaut! I was looking at 997s too, the budget didn’t really allow for it but they are a lot more money now. Found some nice ones for 28k early 2019! Crazy what covid has done to the market.

[@WallanderBP]

Really don't want to hurt you, but this car is not for easy everyday commuting. It can do that, but you won't get to love it. It has to be thrown into corners, you have to feel its playful balance, and connect to all its mechanical bits (no auto gearbox), then it will be love.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Lockdown 3.0 or whatever we are in means I can only commute. Nurburgring plans are in place, along with some other road trips. I’m sure il love it in the end.

[@dan1231123]

I commute in mine 70miles a day , don’t care about about how many miles are going on the car just enjoy it

[@ShelbyPaget]

Get the Top Gear exhaust! Check my channel for how it sounds! NO drone whatsoever

[@JoeTalksCars]

Will do :) thanks!

[@chrisbutler2636]

Mate dont buy cheap tyres, pilots all the way it's worth it. I walk away from a car with budget tyres on !

[@JoeTalksCars]

Will be getting good tyres. Always do. Just crazy how much they cost on a 987 😱

[@chrisbutler2636]

@@JoeTalksCars I know mate but that's what's between you and the road .

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@chrisbutler2636 that’s what I always think. Not much of a contact patch in reality. Only car I’ve ever had cheap tyres on is a little van I had, couldn’t get it over 70 so got ditch finders on it.

[@WallanderBP]

On the streets, without not getting into too risky high speed situations, 17" wheels and not too fancy tires are the recipe for having fun on this car.

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@WallanderBP in my Golf GTI it is 17 inch wheels and old school handling. It’s such great fun. In a 300bhp mid engined Porsche il stick to good tyres 😂

[@carotherscontent]

Straight pipe and you’ll love it real quick

[@JoeTalksCars]

100% would love that! Not sure I could daily it with a straight pipe tho 😂 my neighbours would probably not approve. Exhaust is coming tho!

[@honguenloh4612]

Time for a haircut mate lol

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah it was a bit long then. Was rocking the Boris Johnson