57 Cayman 987 2.7 - What to check before buying?

[mrcawdell]

Hi all,

Jumping into the used Porsche market after test driving a boxster and a cayman at the weekend, and i've decided the Cayman is the one for me.

I'm off to look at 4 this week and just want to know what you all recommend looking for during a visit.

I understand the engines are difficult to see and get to, so what obvious signs should I be looking for?

I'm fairly mechanically knowledgable but when it comes to Porsche's I have no ideas and have heard horror stories!

Appreciate the advice!

[DarkMatter]

Check both sides for badly corroded bolts on the manifold to exhaust joint, it’s a triangular flange with three bolts.

[mrcawdell]

DarkMatter said:

Check both sides for badly corroded bolts on the manifold to exhaust joint, it’s a triangular flange with three bolts.

Thanks DM, had the exhaust system down to check quite thoroughly. Easy fix if bolts are rusted or is that a sign of something more sinister?

[V800MJH]

Check for play in the gear stick. The gear cables are known to snap. Never happened to any of my cars though.

Usual stuff. Check the front rads for debris build up and damage. Especially look out for wet patches on the fins which could indicate a leak. Check the rear exhaust tips for corrosion, check the manifold to silencer bolts for corrosion (directly behind three wheels). Brake discs can also corrode on the inner face due to lack of use. Then obviously tyre conditions and age, pads etc

[DarkMatter]

mrcawdell said:

....Easy fix if bolts are rusted.....?

Actually they are studs and access is poor, I decided to get mine done by a Porsche Specialist rather than do it myself. Other bolts/studs in the exhaust system can also corrode.

[Leo31291]

Try and test drive over some speed humps to identify any knocking from the suspension.

Check front coolant lines on the inner arches behind the front wheels for corrosion.

If driving a car with PSM make sure you can turn it off and on with no error messages on the dash.

Close inspection of windscreen. Dunno whether it's just mine but it scratches and can chip easily.

Edited by Leo31291 on Thursday 7th June 19:25

[K1909]

I loved my boxster, 987, 2.7, it's a great car. After having it 6 years, I learnt the following, suspect most apply to a Cayman as well.

- check the front radiators are clear of debris, build up over winter can cause havoc on the air con radiators.
- aircon, make sure it blows cold near enough straight away.
- door cards, make sure the carpet parts are dry if it's been raining, the door gaskets go.
- under the passenger seat can get wet if the drains behind the bulk head get blocked, and that's where the rear control unit resides.
- turn the wheels lock to lock, I had the springs on the front and back go, and was only noticeable on full lock.
- slowly drive over speed humps and listen for knocking, the control arms wear.
- trivial, but air vents, make sure they work in all directions, and couple of mine had broken, and it drove me mad.
- brake discs, can look okay on the front surface, but the inside of the disc can be worn, changed my pads and discs for roughly £200, I think.
- exhaust bolts, mine went twice, easier to replace by a decent mechanic, not expensive.
- exhaust back boxes, mine had blown on the top of the drivers side box.
- any leaking of oil between the engine and gearbox, RMS seal goes.

Cracking little car, and would thoroughly recommend, I now wonder why I got rid of it, enjoy.

Edited by K1909 on Thursday 7th June 21:49

Edited by K1909 on Thursday 7th June 22:43