981 Cayman 2.7 - daily driver and first Porsche?
Discussion
Hi all, long time lurker first time poster etc.
I'm in a position where I'm finding myself getting the itch for a change of car, and I'm actually in a situation where I could possibly justify a car I've been thinking about for a while - a 981 Cayman with the 2.7 engine. Not only are they starting to fall into a reasonable price range, but I've been working predominantly from home for 3 years now and averaged 5k miles a year in that time so hopefully running costs and wear and tear shouldn't be ruinous, nor should it be too tiresome on a day to day basis. I also don't have any kids, pets or practical requirements for the car (besides being able to squeeze some golf clubs in occasionally) and I'm hoping to make the most of that whilst I can, as you never know!
However, I'm approaching it from the angle of this car being my only car as I don't do enough mileage to justify such an expense on a second car, plus it's more practical from a space and running costs point of view. I've done lots of research and googling, but nothing beats first hand experience and talking it over with some fellow petrolheads who have been there and done that, so I was hoping people could advise on the following:
1) Running costs. The mileage I currently do means fuel economy isn't a major concern, but it would be good to get an idea of best and worst case mpg figures in the real world so I can be prepared if I do end up increasing my mileage at any stage. Plus, the general costs of consumables and servicing. I do have a respected local specialist which should help keep costs down, and of course I am aware it's still a Porsche at the end of the day!
2) Reliability. I figured with my annual mileage I could look at higher mileage examples (70-80k) in order to get one for a good price, so it would be good to know if these are fundamentally solid cars, as well as any potentially big problems (and therefore bills!) I should be prepared for.
3) How easy is it to live with when not 'pushing on'? I'm not expecting it to be a comfortable cruiser, but it also needs to not be a complete pain to potter around in from time to time, or cause me severe spinal issues. I am used to very stiffly sprung hot hatches, so feel like I've got a fairly high tolerance for stiff suspension.
4) Any other advice/experiences owners wished they'd known beforehand. There is still a chance I'll get a more regular daily and kick the Porsche can down the road if, on balance, this isn't the best plan so would appreciate any honest words of wisdom from people who have done similar to me!
Thanks in advance.
I'm in a position where I'm finding myself getting the itch for a change of car, and I'm actually in a situation where I could possibly justify a car I've been thinking about for a while - a 981 Cayman with the 2.7 engine. Not only are they starting to fall into a reasonable price range, but I've been working predominantly from home for 3 years now and averaged 5k miles a year in that time so hopefully running costs and wear and tear shouldn't be ruinous, nor should it be too tiresome on a day to day basis. I also don't have any kids, pets or practical requirements for the car (besides being able to squeeze some golf clubs in occasionally) and I'm hoping to make the most of that whilst I can, as you never know!
However, I'm approaching it from the angle of this car being my only car as I don't do enough mileage to justify such an expense on a second car, plus it's more practical from a space and running costs point of view. I've done lots of research and googling, but nothing beats first hand experience and talking it over with some fellow petrolheads who have been there and done that, so I was hoping people could advise on the following:
1) Running costs. The mileage I currently do means fuel economy isn't a major concern, but it would be good to get an idea of best and worst case mpg figures in the real world so I can be prepared if I do end up increasing my mileage at any stage. Plus, the general costs of consumables and servicing. I do have a respected local specialist which should help keep costs down, and of course I am aware it's still a Porsche at the end of the day!
2) Reliability. I figured with my annual mileage I could look at higher mileage examples (70-80k) in order to get one for a good price, so it would be good to know if these are fundamentally solid cars, as well as any potentially big problems (and therefore bills!) I should be prepared for.
3) How easy is it to live with when not 'pushing on'? I'm not expecting it to be a comfortable cruiser, but it also needs to not be a complete pain to potter around in from time to time, or cause me severe spinal issues. I am used to very stiffly sprung hot hatches, so feel like I've got a fairly high tolerance for stiff suspension.
4) Any other advice/experiences owners wished they'd known beforehand. There is still a chance I'll get a more regular daily and kick the Porsche can down the road if, on balance, this isn't the best plan so would appreciate any honest words of wisdom from people who have done similar to me!
Thanks in advance.
I can help you here, bought one 2 years back as my first Porsche and daily driver!
More info in my thread here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I found the car incredibly practical (easily get golf clubs under the rear hatch), perfect for UK roads and overall a joy to own. I had the car 2 years, did around 20k miles and used it for road trips, track days and everything in between.
Running costs weren't too crazy. I averaged around 27mpg across ownership but you'll easily see 40mpg on a long motorway run. Servicing at an indy is much cheaper than the dealer. They need a minor every 2 years/20k and a major every 4 years or so. Minor is £400 and a major can be up to £1200 depending on what you need. Rear tyres are expensive regardless of size, budget £250-300 minimum a corner. Consumables like discs/pads can be bought from places like design911 for cheaper than at Porsche.
Reliability was solid, took my car from 60k to 80k and it didn't miss a beat. The alarm siren module needed replacing but that was a £60 VAG part from ebay. Common issues are exhaust studs rusting, rear brake discs rusting quickly and sticky exhaust valves on the PSE system.
It was easy to live with but did behave badly until it was warm, when cold they feel tight and tense so always worth babying them for the first 10-15 minutes until they are warm. The cabin will steam up incredibly easy in winter which does get annoying. They ride pretty well, even on crap UK surfaces.
From the factory they have pretty much zero spec so worth hunting out a car with any features you cant live without. Stuff like PSE, PASM aren't necessary IMO but having cruise, heated seats, parking sensors etc do make it much easier to live with.
More info in my thread here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I found the car incredibly practical (easily get golf clubs under the rear hatch), perfect for UK roads and overall a joy to own. I had the car 2 years, did around 20k miles and used it for road trips, track days and everything in between.
Running costs weren't too crazy. I averaged around 27mpg across ownership but you'll easily see 40mpg on a long motorway run. Servicing at an indy is much cheaper than the dealer. They need a minor every 2 years/20k and a major every 4 years or so. Minor is £400 and a major can be up to £1200 depending on what you need. Rear tyres are expensive regardless of size, budget £250-300 minimum a corner. Consumables like discs/pads can be bought from places like design911 for cheaper than at Porsche.
Reliability was solid, took my car from 60k to 80k and it didn't miss a beat. The alarm siren module needed replacing but that was a £60 VAG part from ebay. Common issues are exhaust studs rusting, rear brake discs rusting quickly and sticky exhaust valves on the PSE system.
It was easy to live with but did behave badly until it was warm, when cold they feel tight and tense so always worth babying them for the first 10-15 minutes until they are warm. The cabin will steam up incredibly easy in winter which does get annoying. They ride pretty well, even on crap UK surfaces.
From the factory they have pretty much zero spec so worth hunting out a car with any features you cant live without. Stuff like PSE, PASM aren't necessary IMO but having cruise, heated seats, parking sensors etc do make it much easier to live with.
I bought one new in 2013 to use as a daily in lieu of a company car/sports car combo (Tuscan).
I did 24,000 miles in 10 months during which time it was faultless. Economy was mid to late 30's, it was very practical, PDK functionality was excellent. I had the stop start default changed to off rather than on which reduced annoyance.
It was however very noisy with tyre roar a constant nuisance, the switchgear was fiddly with some being obscured by the gear leaver, it wasn't much fun unless really pushing on and the gear ratios smothered an otherwise sublime engine.
I wouldn't have another as a result of the second paragraph but it was a decent alternative to a conventional hatchback as an ownership proposition.
I did 24,000 miles in 10 months during which time it was faultless. Economy was mid to late 30's, it was very practical, PDK functionality was excellent. I had the stop start default changed to off rather than on which reduced annoyance.
It was however very noisy with tyre roar a constant nuisance, the switchgear was fiddly with some being obscured by the gear leaver, it wasn't much fun unless really pushing on and the gear ratios smothered an otherwise sublime engine.
I wouldn't have another as a result of the second paragraph but it was a decent alternative to a conventional hatchback as an ownership proposition.
Members of the opposite sex will you find you attractive and smile at you. Kids will point and say “Daddy, that’s a Porch”, youll catch yourself looking at your reflection and like what you see, when you park up, you’ll look back and smile, and when you’re in the mood the car will make you Lol. Other than than that, because of the limited access to the engine, servicing costs will be high for what it is, but if you buy right, depreciation will be minimal.
Other choices include a M2, 370Z, MX5, TT - you decide.
Other choices include a M2, 370Z, MX5, TT - you decide.
I had a 981 2.7 cayman for around 3 years and did about 15k in that time. It started as a daily but after about 18 months became a weekend car.
As others have said the road noise is quite bad and was tiresome on a motorway journey. Seats were quite comfy and practicality was pretty good as a fellow golfer as it had 2 boots so clubs in the back and trolley in the frunk.
Fuel economy and sound was excellent, mine had PSE and it was surprisingly loud. Mine also had the sports chrono which in hind sight I wouldn’t have bothered with as it was a cause of worry for the gearbox mounts failing which is a common issue, as a result I kept the warranty but that meant expensive servicing at Porsche main dealer.
If I had one again I would probably have a fairly base spec pdk car but with things like Bose and sports design steering wheel but without pse and chrono as those are the bits that generally have issues.
The 2.7 engine was a peach though and I think is regarded as being fairly trouble free compared to some other Porsche engines.
As others have said the road noise is quite bad and was tiresome on a motorway journey. Seats were quite comfy and practicality was pretty good as a fellow golfer as it had 2 boots so clubs in the back and trolley in the frunk.
Fuel economy and sound was excellent, mine had PSE and it was surprisingly loud. Mine also had the sports chrono which in hind sight I wouldn’t have bothered with as it was a cause of worry for the gearbox mounts failing which is a common issue, as a result I kept the warranty but that meant expensive servicing at Porsche main dealer.
If I had one again I would probably have a fairly base spec pdk car but with things like Bose and sports design steering wheel but without pse and chrono as those are the bits that generally have issues.
The 2.7 engine was a peach though and I think is regarded as being fairly trouble free compared to some other Porsche engines.
I bought a 2.7 981 Boxster as my first Porsche a few years ago, then changed to a 3.4 after driving and rejecting the notion of the 718 (that hadn’t released the 6 pot version at the time and can’t afford that anyway).
1) Running costs.
Motorway runs will saw it nudging the region of 40mpg. And that’s real as well - once filled up in North Yorkshire. Had a couple of hours of “spirited driving”, schlepped from there to Kent afterwards at a fairly slow running 60-75 trek. Fuel light wasn’t even in by the time I got home!!
Had one service done at main dealer, it was about £700 but had a couple of extra little jobs done, computer update I think. Bear in mind it’s a 2 year interval. Wife’s Qashqai cost more to service, though if it broke… as you say it’s a Porsche.
2) Reliability.
Three years and I think around 5,000-ish miles. Zero issues. None that spring to mind.
Things to watch for, with Sports+ (clock on the dash) it has active gearbox mounts. They can go wrong and are replaced rather than repaired. A bit of a costly repair. Mine were fine and it might be an “Internet exaggeration “ but it was in the back of my mind sometimes. My 3.4 doesn’t have Sports+ and I haven’t missed it once and am glad to have one less worry.
PSE exhaust, valves can stick, but potential issues averted with preventative maintenance. Costly repair potentially. Both of mine have been fine.
Other than that the only common issue is the drains getting blocked. Quite easily resolved. Not an issue on a Cayman at all.
Every single car out there has a list of common issues. The 981 list is pretty short to be fair.
3) How easy is it to live with when not 'pushing on'? I'm not expecting it to be a comfortable cruiser, but it also needs to not be a complete pain to potter around in from time to time, or cause me severe spinal issues. I am used to very stiffly sprung hot hatches, so feel like I've got a fairly high tolerance for stiff suspension.
Relating it to the wife’s Qashqai again. It had better ride comfort, even on 20” wheels with the PASM. Quite amazing really. I came from Elises so perhaps my viewpoint was skewed but even so - no qualms with pottering about or crossing a country.
4) Any other advice/experiences owners wished they'd known beforehand. There is still a chance I'll get a more regular daily and kick the Porsche can down the road if, on balance, this isn't the best plan so would appreciate any honest words of wisdom from people who have done similar to me!
If you need four seats give it a miss. It’s got more storage than you’d expect. If you want a torque-fest it’s the wrong engine (718 for that) but if you want one of the best sounding sixes it’s a peach as the phrase goes.
Personally speaking, having owned both, a higher specced 2.7 would be worth more to me than a lower specced 3.4. Both of mine have been good specs so I’m fortunate in that respect but it wouldn’t bother me if I was forced back to a 2.7. If it feels weak then you’re in the wrong gear or don’t appreciate the joy of a naturally aspirated engine.
1) Running costs.
Motorway runs will saw it nudging the region of 40mpg. And that’s real as well - once filled up in North Yorkshire. Had a couple of hours of “spirited driving”, schlepped from there to Kent afterwards at a fairly slow running 60-75 trek. Fuel light wasn’t even in by the time I got home!!
Had one service done at main dealer, it was about £700 but had a couple of extra little jobs done, computer update I think. Bear in mind it’s a 2 year interval. Wife’s Qashqai cost more to service, though if it broke… as you say it’s a Porsche.
2) Reliability.
Three years and I think around 5,000-ish miles. Zero issues. None that spring to mind.
Things to watch for, with Sports+ (clock on the dash) it has active gearbox mounts. They can go wrong and are replaced rather than repaired. A bit of a costly repair. Mine were fine and it might be an “Internet exaggeration “ but it was in the back of my mind sometimes. My 3.4 doesn’t have Sports+ and I haven’t missed it once and am glad to have one less worry.
PSE exhaust, valves can stick, but potential issues averted with preventative maintenance. Costly repair potentially. Both of mine have been fine.
Other than that the only common issue is the drains getting blocked. Quite easily resolved. Not an issue on a Cayman at all.
Every single car out there has a list of common issues. The 981 list is pretty short to be fair.
3) How easy is it to live with when not 'pushing on'? I'm not expecting it to be a comfortable cruiser, but it also needs to not be a complete pain to potter around in from time to time, or cause me severe spinal issues. I am used to very stiffly sprung hot hatches, so feel like I've got a fairly high tolerance for stiff suspension.
Relating it to the wife’s Qashqai again. It had better ride comfort, even on 20” wheels with the PASM. Quite amazing really. I came from Elises so perhaps my viewpoint was skewed but even so - no qualms with pottering about or crossing a country.
4) Any other advice/experiences owners wished they'd known beforehand. There is still a chance I'll get a more regular daily and kick the Porsche can down the road if, on balance, this isn't the best plan so would appreciate any honest words of wisdom from people who have done similar to me!
If you need four seats give it a miss. It’s got more storage than you’d expect. If you want a torque-fest it’s the wrong engine (718 for that) but if you want one of the best sounding sixes it’s a peach as the phrase goes.
Personally speaking, having owned both, a higher specced 2.7 would be worth more to me than a lower specced 3.4. Both of mine have been good specs so I’m fortunate in that respect but it wouldn’t bother me if I was forced back to a 2.7. If it feels weak then you’re in the wrong gear or don’t appreciate the joy of a naturally aspirated engine.
Sorry to chime in without much to offer but a 20k/2 year service interval is mental to me - didn't realise Porsche suggested such a long interval.
If you want to keep the car long term I'd look for something with more regular oil changes, especially for a car like this that will have been driven enthusiastically a lot of time (i.e. lots of heat for the oil to deal with).
If you want to keep the car long term I'd look for something with more regular oil changes, especially for a car like this that will have been driven enthusiastically a lot of time (i.e. lots of heat for the oil to deal with).
RandomCarChat said:
I can help you here, bought one 2 years back as my first Porsche and daily driver!
More info in my thread here - [link]
...
Thank you very much, that's all incredibly helpful and I enjoyed reading through your ownership thread - your situation sounds similar to me so it's all very relevant. The downsides largely sound like I could live with them, certainly they're no barrier to getting one and having the experience.More info in my thread here - [link]
...
Venisonpie said:
I bought one new in 2013 to use as a daily in lieu of a company car/sports car combo (Tuscan).
...
I wouldn't have another as a result of the second paragraph but it was a decent alternative to a conventional hatchback as an ownership proposition.
Thanks, backs up a lot of what RandomCarChat said and definitely nothing that would put me off. Your final sentence is basically my thinking on it, and then I can always review after 18 months or so....
I wouldn't have another as a result of the second paragraph but it was a decent alternative to a conventional hatchback as an ownership proposition.
maz8062 said:
Members of the opposite sex will you find you attractive and smile at you.
...
Other choices include a M2, 370Z, MX5, TT - you decide.
Oh I know they're very capable cars, but I'm not expecting miracles ...
Other choices include a M2, 370Z, MX5, TT - you decide.
I have explored the other options and the M2 was a contender, but just didn't have the same 'special' feel that I get from a Cayman. It's obviously all subjective and many would say they find them dull, but I was once that kid pointing out the 'Porch' driving past!Cw4578 said:
I had a 981 2.7 cayman for around 3 years and did about 15k in that time. It started as a daily but after about 18 months became a weekend car.
Yes, I feel like this could be the route it takes for me. For now I can justify it as an only car and it seems it is capable of that role, and I can always revisit later. Good to hear you had a positive ownership experience. Also good to know you can get a golf trolley in the front! Moospeed said:
I bought a 2.7 981 Boxster as my first Porsche a few years ago, then changed to a 3.4 after driving and rejecting the notion of the 718 (that hadn t released the 6 pot version at the time and can t afford that anyway).
...
Thanks a lot for the detailed response, I appreciate it. All that sounds exactly what I was hoping to hear to be honest. I don't have any need for 4 seats, longer trips these days are done on the train unless it's a special road trip, and then I would only need space for 2 anyway. As I say, my practicality needs are very low right now which is why it feels a good time to get one if it stacks up in the other areas....
Saudade said:
Sorry to chime in without much to offer but a 20k/2 year service interval is mental to me - didn't realise Porsche suggested such a long interval.
If you want to keep the car long term I'd look for something with more regular oil changes, especially for a car like this that will have been driven enthusiastically a lot of time (i.e. lots of heat for the oil to deal with).
A valid point! I have seen a few for sale that have been 'over-serviced' by enthusiast owners, but the experience of others on this thread has pointed to them being fairly solid either way so I'm hoping if I find a good one it should be OK, then I can service it as often as I like.If you want to keep the car long term I'd look for something with more regular oil changes, especially for a car like this that will have been driven enthusiastically a lot of time (i.e. lots of heat for the oil to deal with).
Overall, I appreciate all the contributions and am thrilled they're all largely positive, with any negatives being things I can live with. I just need to combine with some choice man maths and in the new year begin my search in earnest (before everyone else wants one in the Spring and prices go up...).
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff