Why the 987-generation Porsche Cayman S is a future classic.

[@Jwdude123]

I agree, the 987 IS better looking than generations that came after it.

[@Retromod]

It's definitely a very good looking Porsche.

[@nickh1933]

Agreed, it’s timeless and Classic looking. Also the smaller size lends a very incredible driving experience.

[@bliglum]

Agreed X2. Currently shopping Caymans, and I too much prefer the look of the first gen Cayman to the second.. And I suppose the 'Third gen' Cayman would be the newest 4 banger?. So it get's worse and worse!!

[@uweheinrich6784]

I like all Cayman's except the 4 cylinder turbo's .....I am always amazed how good even older Porsche's look. I have the 981 GTS and although newer cars have more Turbo torque or are faster....I still think even a base Porsche is fast enough and gives you unbelievable driver engagement and enjoyment, which I think is even more important than just the plain horsepower numbers....

[@idokwatcher2062]

Consider Nissan 370z NISMO, a competitor, it is 1650KG (3600LB) in base Euro trim and 345bhp which is 260KG heavier than a GTS. The fanboys always excuse it with "modern safety features", but come on you can't seriously claim Porsche safety is some second grade citizen. Anyway, great power to weight ratio on your car, I wouldn't look twice at anything more modern.

[@Jwdude123]

The original 987’s are the most beautiful design.

[@philandviki]

I agree with all that you said. These cars are fantastic . Even the base models

[@andyg6465]

I also have a 981 GTS.

[@jgs966]

987 front is the most amazing among all cayman versions. It still preserves the Porsche spirit.

[@zgredfryd]

I'm in love with this car for a long time but still cannot afford to buy one. I like the video, very informative and "straight to the point". I hope in the future to buy Cayman S and drive it as a daily car!

[@kimberlyjones2269]

You will have a Cayman one day! I bought a 2008 Cayman S, 3 years ago. Saved up for many years. You don't have to be wealthy to buy one. They are wonderful fun cars! Praying you will be blessed with one. You will love it!

[@zgredfryd]

@@kimberlyjones2269 ohh I forgot I wrote this comment :) and btw….. I am a proud owner of 2009 Cayman S (987.2) PDK. I have it for a month now and already made 1400 km (~870mi). Great car and veeeery fast. One thing I did not expect is how eye-catching this car is - that is something new to me when people turn their heads.

[@Good_News_King]

@@zgredfrydcongrats! And, enjoy

[@Erleichdafarm]

Recently bought a 2012 Cayman R. We paid top dollar for it, but we have no intention to flip it. We traded in a six speed Boxster which we loved, but we needed an auto due to orthopedic issues. Wonderful car. PDK is amazing.

[@TheTexasOiler]

I love mines 7 yrs of ownership and I still love it 215k on the odometer and its very reliable and surprisingly affordable for a Porsche vs all my previous Bmw’s

[@smaariseth]

Really liking this car, Hope to get a chance to own one someday

[@SLG52]

I have had my 06CS for 18 months now. Purchased with 14k miles and now have 33k. I see why people think Porsches are expensive. The first owner of my car paid just under the build cost of $75,560.00, had the car for 13 years and put 14k miles on it before I purchased it for 28k. Mine is optioned very well and I will likely have it for 10 years, get it up to 80k miles, and still get $20-25k for it. Now is the time to get an 06CS.

[@Retromod]

Yup, these are great cars all around.

[@Jwdude123]

With a manual.

[@garysuttles2068]

Got a great deal too!

[@512TXSDIY]

I love my Cayman as well. Maybe it will increase in value one day ...

[@mattyp3119]

If its a 981 then it probably has in the past year

[@stijnvandamme76]

@@mattyp3119 even the 987 in Europe hasn't lost any value in the last 4 years Thanks to Porsches Fart 4 decision they are holding up their value even as I add on the km's

[@donkeyshot4932]

@@stijnvandamme76 downgrading the 718 boxsters and caymans to 4 cylinders in 2014 must be one of porsche`s dumbest decisions, ever. the fact that they are trying to correct that by offering the new 718 4.0 series with the "old" 6 cylinder engine speaks volumes...

[@simonodell2103]

All porsches go up in value .....eventually

[@Angry-Lynx]

It wasnt mistske, It was planned move. Now they have excuse to have super expensive 718 gts....

[@sidneybear]

I'm also a flat 6 manual transmission guy....this is for the purist of car drivers.

[@Huwberts_Emporium]

Shhh I haven't finished saving yet!

[@drdepena1958]

I was about to get a 2008 Cayman S, gorgeous, but so many bloggers talk about their horrors with bore scoring, they scared the hell out of me buying it.

[@melp1088]

If u r scared of potential bore scoring issues i say get the 987.1 base or better yet get the much better base 987.2. Both very fun cars. I had a 2008 base and 2009 S. Now looking into 2009 base as reliable a daily driver.

[@osodelososos5552]

Same here!

[@padraiggalvin2807]

One of these pulled into the garage i work in today. Fine looking car. Shame the road tax is crazy expensive for them in my country

[@padraiggalvin2807]

@John S 1200euro/year in ireland or so

[@jamieskipp]

@@padraiggalvin2807 £600 here in England, tempted at the base cayman as it's half of that a year to tax

[@automotorvation]

I used to own a Mitsubishi VR4 twin turbo estate when I first drove a cayman 3.2. I did think the cayman obviously sticks to the road well but just didn't have the excitement of a turbo engine. I now own a 911/996 and do find it exciting to drive and enjoy having the engine in the back end to swing about. I'll be interested to drive a cayman again though - maybe a 3.4 or higher powered one though. I do wonder if they are so well balanced that to truly get the excitement you need to run them on track. Tracking one or a Boxster is also on my list of possibilities. Your Cayman is a lovely looking car and I like the lightness of them certainly compared to the newer 911s.

[@adrianwells769]

Nice. Glad such a car is still running after that mileage. My 2011 Cayman S on 58K so hopefully many miles in it yet.

[@Retromod]

Same here!

[@philandviki]

94k on my 2008 . Still runs fantastic !

[@Hamza_Saloojee]

What's the maintenance like on these older cars?

[@Retromod]

They're fundamentally very reliable. But over time they need things like bushings, engine mounts, suspension parts etc. that can add up. If you're able to do a lot of the work yourself, you can save a lot of money. If you have to pay a Porsche tech, it can get expensive very quickly.

[@005AGIMA]

I have mine serviced by the Porsche dealer, and so far (3 years) it's been CHEAPER than looking after the old Alfa Romeo 916 TS I had before it. And that was a $3K car lol. My last Porsche Service was under $1000 (Australian). Meanwhile I just had work done on my wifes Nissan X-Trail costing me nearly $4000 ;) NO car is cheap to run these days so drive whatever puts a smile on your face.

[@TheTexasOiler]

Surprisingly affordable for a Porsche ive had mines for 7yrs and I have 215k on the clock I’ve only changed the water pump main belt and plugs and the clutch at 175k and oil changes at 5k reliable is all i can say

[@19hundoc47]

Every sporty performance car these days is going to be a classic in 40 years.

[@hermes3883]

Agree the best looking porsche

[@6311d]

stock exhaust?

[@davidelmsly9408]

What was the verdict on the ST coilovers. Did it transform the car ? They are cheaper than OEM but i dont really want to lower my car.

[@Retromod]

For the money, I think these are a good solution. They feel pretty close to stock, probably a little stiffer but still fine for daily driving.

[@osodelososos5552]

I’m shopping for one of these right now and everyone is advising me to avoid the 987.1 series because of the issues (IMS and bore scoring). What are your thoughts on this? There are much better deals as well as more cars available prior to 2009.

[@kazmol8249]

In the vid, CEL was on. What’s the issue?

[@Retromod]

It's a bad catalytic converter. We have a pair of Magnaflow headers/cats that are going on next week. Should take care of the problem.

[@bacnguyen8352]

@@Retromod how were the magnaflow headers? I have CEL's for both banks. Considering magnaflow!

[@jerseyfjcruiser]

I have same car and coilovers. Currently researching my ST installation. Can you please provide the height you selected for the front and rear?

[@Retromod]

Thanks for watching. The height from the ground to the top of the front wheel arch is 25.5-inches. The rear is 27 inches. Hope that helps.

[@jerseyfjcruiser]

@@Retromod Perfect, thank you for your response.

[@davidelmsly9408]

@@Retromod what was the verdict on the ST coil overs. Much improvements ?

[@steveporsche8389]

I have the exact same car. and I want to do coilover just like yours. can you give me the feedback with coilover how is the comfort and handling?

[@Retromod]

We love them. They're probably a little firmer than stock, but are not bouncy. Car handles really nicely. In my opinion, they're the best low budget coilover option for a Cayman/Boxster.

[@steveporsche8389]

@@Retromod Thx u.would u send me the link to that site u bought coilover from?

[@Retromod]

@@steveporsche8389 this is where we bought them: flat6motorsports.com/

[@steveporsche8389]

@@Retromod thx u.

[@mfnchris]

I think im going Fortune Auto 500 series when I do mine. I've been looking into it for a little while now.

[@arifazar786]

Great review..

[@drumbrake68]

Nice video:) how about reliability and engine scratch issue?

[@Retromod]

Car is very reliable so far.

[@jamesmarshall3311]

@@Retromod Excellent overall summary and agree with pretty much everything you say here. I am about 2,5 years into ownership of a 2006 Cayman S and have had zero issues to date with 74k miles on the clock. Your girlfriend`s car has high mileage so that is doubly impressive that you have run into so few issues. Bore scoring can sometimes be an issue with this model, but sounds like you do not have that problem as it would have surfaced long before now. The IMS bearing issue that is often mistakenly discussed in relation to these cars can affect the very few 2005 Cayman S models sold, but not going into `06 and newer. They were re designed with a much larger bearing from 2006.

[@Retromod]

@@jamesmarshall3311 Thanks for watching. And yes, the Cayman is such a great car. We're never getting rid of this one. And if there is ever an issue with the engine, we're planning on replacing it with another good motor. There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the IMS bearings. I think higher mile cars are usually fine if the bearing has lasted this long. I wasn't even aware that they made Caymans in '05!

[@SLG52]

@@Retromod The Cayman was released in Europe in '05 and North America in '06.

[@Retromod]

@@SLG52 You are correct. But that was the base Cayman. I was referring to the first year of the S model in the U.S.

[@deanboshoff6849]

Around 7 mins in there is a light on the cluster... What's that about?

[@Retromod]

Check engine light, from a bad cat. We've installed Magnaflow headers/cats.

[@cliffdickson]

Have you had the IMS bearing checked or know the history of the IMS bearing on your car? I am torn between the 987 or the 981.

[@Retromod]

This car is coming up on 14,000 miles, so we're just driving it. I'd assume the IMS is original to the car. Oddly, lower mile cars seem to suffer from IMS failure more often than high mile cars. 981s are terrific cars. I little more luxurious than the 987.

[@TheTexasOiler]

The 987.1 has the updated ims bearing and doesn’t the ims problem i have a 987 with 215k on the clock

[@acooper1037]

@@TheTexasOiler Gen 1 have the issues Gen 2 don't.

[@TheTexasOiler]

@@acooper1037 Mines is still going and I'm 225k daily driver...

[@acooper1037]

@@TheTexasOiler they are well built, as mentioned above its the under used cars that seem to suffer. the most.

[@0xFluke]

The 987.2 cayman S will become a Porsche classic 🤌

[@TheCj71984]

They caymans nice but I feel like a roadster should be a convertible . I prefer the boxster but that's my opinion . Good video tho

[@outdoorPaki]

I have a 2006 manual cayman S. I will never sell it.

[@Retromod]

They are great cars!

[@limeallens6160]

same here never going to sell. 26000 miles still tight and smells new

[@TomEnduro]

It can't rotate around its centre.. It can only rotate around its front axle. I think you mean it has neutral handling which is the balance between under and over steer, but can be made to step out or breakaway at the rear if you want it to.

[@stijnvandamme76]

well that's nonsense, even if you steer the front wheels normally, it doesn't rotate around the front axle... per definition it will rotate around the rear axle. The only way it can rotate around the front axle, is if the back end comes loose You have a poor understanding of front and back it seems.

[@TomEnduro]

911s73targa, with the back stepping out it is rotating around the front axle. It rotates around the rear on normal driving when the car is doing nothing. The presenter was talking about handling on corners., not pulling in and out of his drive way. Rotating around the centre means neither front nor rear is gripping and both are sliding. That's a four wheel drift. But as he is talking rotating, that's a spin.

[@curtaustin8119]

This is often how a low polar moment of inertia - the concentration of weight near the center of the car- is described. "Low polar moment of inertia" is the simplest and most correct description, but is too technical for a general audience. So the choice is made to confuse them!

[@joebutlersnr7017]

I bought my first and last new car in 05 it was a mk 5 gti and couldn't get away with front wheel drive so I had a test of the 3.2 Cayman , a beautiful car with automatic transmission because I'm an amputee above the knee , getting in was a struggle because of the very wide door sill , changing gear was awful with those rocker switches on the wheel , but what really put me off was the lack of grunt IE it had non , I couldn't understand why my 2ltr golf had more grunt than a 3.2ltr , I guess I didn't appreciate the turbo in the golf , when I got back home I had a look at my evo magazines and the in gear mid range roll on proved that the golf had more midrange grunt than the Cayman , a few months later I part ext the golf for a BMW 335i , that was 14 yrs ago and I've still got the BMW , two turbos an tuned with a Cobb access port gives up 390bhp but a huge 507ft/lbs of torque , love the car .

[@automotorvation]

I have to say I was about to write something similar to your comment! I used to own a Mitsubishi VR4 when I first drove a cayman 3.2. I did think the cayman obviously sticks to the road well but just didn't have the excitement of a turbo engine. I now own a 911/996 and do find it exciting to drive and enjoy having the engine in the back end. I'll be interested to drive a cayman again though - maybe a 3.4 or higher powered one though....

[@Jwdude123]

manual transmission is best.

[@Retromod]

I agree, a manual is preferable.

[@Jwdude123]

@@Retromod I agree, future classic.

[@Gnrnrvids]

I have a manual, 2006 987 Cayman S with PASM and Sport Chrono. Just a phenomenal package to drove as a daily. The manual is about the most perfect setup I have ever driven in how it feels and is so intuitive to use.

[@brianbrotherton8047]

Grezt review

[@mattyp3119]

Not sure the 987 will appreciate in value, the 981 already has.. in the last two years, prices are 5-10k higher than in 2019 and gt4s still at nearly the same price they were even in 2017, meanwhile 987s are consistently coming down unless they are rare models, sometimes going for 1/3 of their 981 counterparts. However it makes them an amazing steal to purchase and likely the price for value is the best on the market.

[@stokeseta7107]

The 987.2, so basically the models from 2009-2012, hold their value way better. They fixed most major complaints with the 987.1, so yeah if you look for the models after 2009 they make a noticeable price jump. (+ I feel the 987 drives more raw then then 981, not better just different)

[@arrrrr9831]

The recent price increase is only because of the covid lockdowns, many manufactureres haulted production and demand for the 2nd hand market increased.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Remember nothings free. 981 is about 50-60% more expensive but is also way more modern, younger and more importantly its very reliable. I did some calcs and 981 is better choice. Ownership will be a little higher of 981 but still very similar. Because first gen loan payments will be much lower but you ll pay much more on maintenance and repairs so difference is very little in the end and you get more modern, reliable and overall better car with second gen. Also less stress thst something break and more timr on road instead of garage

[@005AGIMA]

My 987.1 in Australia I purchased for $56,500 3 years ago (That's just what they cost here). Today, going by cars available, it's worth around $65,000, and the insurance company agrees and have just INCREASED the agreed value on my policy. However, I'm not blind to the fact that MOST (not all) cars have gone up during Covid. So this may be a blip. We'll see.

[@robertbauer3419]

I have a 2010 Cayman S in Chicago. In 2017 when I looked around how much could I get for it if I sold it (it had about 40,000 miles on it), the going rate was about $20,000-$25,000 and they were selling for $25,000-$32,000. Today, I'm being offered easily $35,000-$40,000 and you can't find one cheaper to buy for less than $40,000 at least!!!! So, they hold their value...

[@anthonyjaswinski5732]

Great review, no pretensions and informative. I have a 2006 S with 95k that handles like a dream but get the brake squeal after an hour of warm up. Guess it comes with Porsche.

[@Yeoldelole]

Same here!

[@Angry-Lynx]

You have issue with squeeling brakes? Haha wait for bore scoring, aos fail, gear shifter cable snap and ims grenade for dessert 😂

[@Yeoldelole]

@@Angry-Lynx as if these things are a given.

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

It’s 325 BHP the gen 2 S. it’s like shit off a shovel. Around 170mph top end plus you can get out of them. I remapped mine & it’s pushing 360BHP. Next I’m installing the TPC turbo I’ll get the brakes done to support it & suspension as that will push it to 600 BHP. Need to be ceramic. Quicker than a 911 GT Turbo it will end up at a fraction of the price.

[@parkertheskittle7372]

My Instagram is crownreale this is exactly what I want to do with one when I buy one. If you have a IG please send me the build numbers and cost when you do Yours very interested in doing this as a future project.

[@Zenowitz22]

People say when you mod these cars like that it kills the reliability, is that true?

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

@@Zenowitz22 Yes, they’re already at the limit really out of the factory. It’s a Porsche so they don’t leave a lot in it anyway to remap, So it’s an aggressive remapping. getting more out of it does effect reliability I was told as it’s more wear.

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

@@Zenowitz22 so the more aggressive the remap the more wear is on the the engine etc. Stage 2 remap could f*ck it up. I was advised not to do it so went for the TPC Turbo system, even that puts more wear on it.

[@Zenowitz22]

@@theamaturegolfer7798 did you feel that the power was underwhelming in the S? Or did you just want more?

[@curtaustin8119]

These came to be known as 987.1 cars. 2009 brought the 987.2, with a different engine (no IMS bearing) and the availability of PDK. I had one of those for a few years - fantastic car, but it threatened my license. Will future 'classics' owners draw a big distinction? Dunno. The guy I sold it to has asked me if I wanted to buy it back...

[@Angry-Lynx]

Haha its like hot potato nobody wants to have this liability for long . Cant blame, that's why i look into second gen only - 981

[@brianbrotherton8047]

Sorry meant excellent review

[@idokwatcher2062]

When they adopted 911 design for 981 generation it ruined the old ones for me, I can't stand their bumpers and side scoops in comparison to the modern ones.

[@jameshutchings593]

The 987 is more beautiful than the newer 981s etc, the later cars have a horrid split in the rear wing.

[@gus8378]

03:09 just flat out really FUCKS

[@MadMike991]

😂

[@Aeneas137]

I also have an '06 CS and love it. but it's not without its challenges. it's the most bitchy car I've ever owned. The front trunk just randomly refuses to open at the most inopportune times. never had any trouble with the engine although without service it starts to degrade. these engines need plugs more often than the norm. like every 10K. My car has 40K so I'll be doing plugs, coils, AOS, and various hoses, etc.

[@limeallens6160]

lets be honest the back end on this car is hideous ! i should know i own one. i have an 06 s model basalt black 26000 miles that still has the new car smell in it. fun car but needs more horse power and yes it is a smooth operator even above 100 mph.

[@fegik5922]

I like the older look of the Cayman, imagine it with an electric power train retrofitted 😃

[@odinikita4821]

You obviously do drugs and have no idea about enjoying cars driving an electric car would be just like driving a toaster

[@thestifmyster1]

Buy low sell high.

[@limeallens6160]

thats right waiting for btc to do another dive

[@Conversus]

If YOU would push it to its limits you’d die.

[@sidneybear]

Sorry Man but I am a flat 6 MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAN, not interested in a "automatic" PDK sports car.

[@limeallens6160]

6 speed 06 s here yep i have to row gears no automatic for me

[@acooper1037]

@@limeallens6160 the PDK is faster and more economical, think you can change gear faster than a computer?

[@limeallens6160]

@@acooper1037 absolutely and drive more efficiently as well.

[@acooper1037]

@@limeallens6160 it was a rhetorical question. but the answer of of course no, just look at the specs /data.

[@ryanthejackalkuhn7]

The specsheet of this one actually says manual models accelerate faster.

[@barrybarnes96]

I get the same thrill out of my 6 speed Corolla L.

[@Retromod]

Well good for you...

[@jimwong2823]

I would avoid 2006 to 2008 997 or Cayman. Non serviceable IMS😠😠😵😵