Survival Guide: Porsche Cayman
Searches out and parts prices
Hard-top Boxster arrived in 2006 – we locate places to buy spares.
replaced by a stronger item in 2006, so won’t wear and rattle at idle on the 987 as it did on previous Boxster engines. Moreover, bore wear on the pre-dfi engine is incredibly rare despite forum banter suggesting otherwise. If you notice excessive smoke from a cold start where oil has been sitting in the bores, accompanied by excessive oil consumption, then you’ve been extremely unlucky, that’s all.
Additionally, the leaky rear main oil seal (RMS) issue that blighted earlier Porsches was sorted by the time the 987 arrived. If it does begin to leak for any reason, either replace the seal with an uprated one or put up with the driveway oil stains because it’s tricky to replace.
There are radiators positioned behind the two moulded air takes at the front, making them particularly prone to stone chip damage and being clogged by leaves. Replacements are £188.10 a pair from Design 911.
Still on cooling, it’s recommended that the water pump is replaced every 40,000-50,000 miles. Both metal and plastic impellers were used, but the bearings tend to let go first.
There was a choice of five- or sixspeed manual in the base model and S respectively, as well as a five-speed Tiptronic, and PDK from 2009. None are problematic, although the cables on the manual are expensive to replace.
Suspension/steering
The steel monocoque chassis is the same as in the 987 Boxster’s, with Macpherson strut suspension all-round; the roof section adds further rigidity. Active suspension management (PASM) was
TRACK ROD END (SECOND-GEN) From £18.05
STEERING PUMP
From £102 (secondhand) independent £444.62
an option and featured a stiffer front anti-roll bar, although many owners find it too stiff for everyday use – especially if mated to the bigger 19in wheels that were offered as an option on the S. The base model had 17in alloys and all tyres should have a ‘N’ rating on the sidewall.
Problems are few and far between but watch for overheated power steering pumps on cars that have been driven hard; the plastic reservoir can melt and leak. Worn track rod ends on first-generation cars can also be an issue, in which case a good remedy is to fit a beefier secondgeneration replacement instead.
Brakes
You’ll find 298mm vented discs on the front of the base Cayman, with 299mm discs at the rear. Meanwhile, the S had 318mm discs at the front along with distinctive red calipers. Both set-ups are super effective and generally troublefree. Just look at the prices we found online; £95 for a set of drilled front discs looks very affordable!
FRONT BRAKE DISCS (PAIR) From £95
FRONT BRAKE PADS From £50
The good news is that body panels such as the aluminium bonnet and doors and the front wings are shared with the Boxster, so repairs might not be as pricey as you might have first thought. As a guide, a carbon bonnet (with fibreglass inner frame) is £1049 from Design 911 while a secondhand item will be £390 from the likes of Mcporsche. Secondhand doors from Mcporsche are listed at £165, wings are £189 and wing mirror assemblies £179.
Oh, and the air-conditioning condensers in the front bumper have a lifespan of between six and eight years, so pay £220.15 a pair from an independent or £65 for one secondhand.