Positive Review
I've had the base Cayman with PDK for 26 months as my daily driver. Great car, lots of fun, especially on twisty roads where this mid-engine car really shines. Drive comfort is good for a sports car. Acceleration is good in sports mode, and handling is outstanding. Interior is comfortable and very functional. Controls are laid out well and NAV system is good and worth having since you have limited space for dash mounted device. Gas milage is great, I average about 25 MPG on mostly back road driving. Downside I'll note include; 1- no spare tire, get a flat and your day is over. 2- On really cold days (-5 to 5 f) the washer fluid (even winter fluid) has a tendency to freeze in the line as the resevoir is in the unheated front trunk. 3- As with all Porsches, the options run the price up very quickly, so choose wisely.
Critical Review
I picked mine up with 300 miles on it from a Porsche dealer in 2017. I was surprised how unrefined the engine harmonics were, because at certain RPMs the car would resonate and rattle. The fit and finish were hit and miss and definitely not the quality you'd expect for a car with a average selling price in the mid $60k. I ended up selling it after putting 15,000 miles on it. The other problem with the Cayman is that so many cars are better at the same price with better performance and/or build quality.
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It's a Porsche
It's a Porsche and eats gas
I love this car, I have a GTS as my daily driver and it's a beast. As long as maintenance is kept up, it's a dream to drive.
Near-Exotic Automobile with Dealers Worldwide
The Porsche Cayman S offers uncompromised sports car handling, brisk acceleration, and excellent braking at no cost whatsoever to ride comfort. This fine piece of machinery is beautiful inside and out, and is even remarkably spacious and comfortable for a mid-engine 2-seater. When researching used Caymans of the 981 variety, I initially thought the prices were a bit steep; That is, until I drove one. I've had mine for a year and find myself loving it more with every passing day. I originally intended to own the car for a year or so, then move on to something else fun and exciting, but the idea of not owning this car is a dreadful thought! Besides, if I was to have any other car that did everything as well as this one does, it would cost twice as much and likely start with the letters "Ferr...".
Handling, engine, styling and seat comfort.
Leather dash and headliner came loose.
A wonderful handling vehicle especially with the X73 option, although that makes the ride very firm. The sound of the engine, power and quick shifting of the PDK are exceptional. The Cayman is one of the best handling sports cars made regardless of price. The downsides in my car with only 23,000 miles and always garaged except when driven are: Headliner came loose from the roof and fell down on my head; the radio controls became sticky and the leather dash cover started peeling loose from its base. The latter is approximately a $10,000 repair. These three items are unacceptable in a $96,000 car.
NA Engine, Handling, Resale Value
None
Purchased the vehicle new and was a rough year and half breaking the vehicle in properly. After breaking the car in and finally opening the 4.0 up, it was AMAZING. Hearing the motor scream up to 8,000 rpms and feeling all the feedback this car provides leaves me speechless. The only other car that provides this type of feedback is a Lotus Exige, but that car lacks a lot of the creature comforts. I looked at some of the other reviews complaining about options being expensive. Its a Porsche, and you don't need to go all out optioning the car. Identify what options are must-haves for yourself and nothing else. Also, know what car you are buying. Mass produced cars will most likely depreciate. GT cars hold their value very well and may appreciate even as vehicles move electric. I wouldn't use this vehicle in bad weather, the Sport Cup 2 tires are great in sunny warm weather, but would have a second vehicle for inclement weather. Otherwise, the car gets swirly. Would I buy this GT4 again? Yes, without hesitation
Sports car performance, build quality, comfort
Cost of entry and service for high-end brand
It would be difficult to say anything bad about this sports car without nitpicking. The 981-series Cayman S is an excellent-performing two-seat, mid-engine, almost-exotic level sports car with an attractive, spacious, and comfortable cabin. Many would also agree that is has drop-dead good looks from every angle, and no one can argue its incredible agility. Porsches are often seen as older men's sports cars, and here is why: Refinement rates 11 on a scale of 10, while putting up high-level, almost-exotic level specs. How Porsche is able to combine this level of performance with excellent ride and cabin comfort in such a lightweight package is beyond my comprehension. What you have here are all the makings of an exotic car at a more accessible price point, and with worldwide dealer support. What's not to like! Note: I have been thru and loved Miatas, a 370Z Nismo, and am reluctantly letting go of my low-mileage S2000 tomorrow. All will be distant memories the moment I slide back into the seat of my Cayman S. What a car!
It is not in the top line of cars but it is still a Porsche! Any Porsche gives you the highest quality with the most luxurious features! Also if you get to hear that engine you will love it. Ts I own this car
None
Value is going down, Gasoline, Etc.
Resale value is deprecating fast on these cars. I, personally wouldn't recommend this car. Gasoline vehicles are taking a value hit. This car was fun, it's the value that is hurting all these high end sports cars being gasoline.
too many to list
some interior issues
In a world of 0-60 times and loud engines that don't always deliver, the Cayman has to be the best blend of performance, speed, handling, luxury, technology, and all around refinement in a true sports car that you would expect to cost way more. The second generation Cayman, the 981, takes the refinement, technology and balance to a new level. And with the Cayman going to a turbocharged 4-cyl 718 in 2017, the 981 is probably the best normally aspirated 6 cylinder Cayman you can buy. It has lost all the gremlins of the 987 and not lost the beautiful 6 cylinder wail like the 718.