BODY & IDENTITY
The 718-generation Boxster/cayman is a significant evolution over the previous 981 range. Obviously, there's the introduction of all-new four-cylinder turbo engines (see overleaf), but styling was enhanced, too. In fact, only the 'frunk', boot lid, windscreen and, in the case of the Boxster, convertible lid are carried over.
In terms of bodywork, these cars are too new for us to comment on any problem areas, but the GTS is a quick, powerful car, meaning it attracts owners and drivers with an excitable appetite for burying the accelerator pedal. Accident damage should be your main concern. Look for differences in colour between panels, check panel gaps, see how badly stone-chipped the front end of the car is. We've said it before and we'll say it again: spend a tenner at mycarcheck.com, where you can download a history report outlining any insurance claims, change of registration number, recorded mileage and whether there is any outstanding finance on the GTS you're looking at. You should also enter the vehicle’s details into the DVLA’S online MOT database, a service which will return all passes, failures and advisories registered as far back as records are stored, though there may be nothing to look at if the Cayman you're looking at is less than three years old (and therefore exempt from MOT testing).
If buying from a non-porsche specialist, or a dealer who doesn't seem to know the exact specification of the GTS that's caught your eye, take advantage of the Suncoast Porsche Parts VIN decoder (check it out at bit.ly/suncoastvin), which will provide you with the car's build sheet and options list for just $10 USD.
The 981 isn't exactly soft-looking, but the 718 introduced sharper lines and more aggressive bumpers. Despite being more or less the same size as its predecessor, these changes give the 718 more road presence. We're not hugely enthusiastic about the look of the side intakes (gloss black would look much better than exposed plastic), but this is a very attractive Porsche. Condensation build-up in lights can be frustrating, as can erratic operation of the rear wing.
Standard exterior colours are White, Racing Yellow, Guards Red and Black, with Colour to Sample available for an additional £6,228. Dynamic headlights (£1,397) and gloss black door handles (£84) were also offered.