LittleBlueGT

Hey guys, I'm getting a 718 Cayman, but I'm curious if I need the rear wiper. I don't drive in a lot of rain, so it is not needed for that. This will be a DD for me, even in winter, and I find that when the temps are close to freezing all of the ice and snow and salt and sand completely covers the rear window of my current STI hatch, and my wifes SUV. Some days it can be almost impossible to see out of after about 5 mins of driving. In fact, I go through more washer fluid for the rear then front.

The thing is, a hatch and a SUV don't have near the same rear window angel as the Cayman. Hence my question.

Thanks

ldamelio

In a word, no. DD mine most of the year, never given it a second thought. Few order it on the 718 or 911.

michael818

Mine is a DD also, had the rear wiper on my 911 and never used it. I haven't needed it on the Cayman either.

BillyX

Yes if you drive in winter snow. Two TTs (similar rear window) that were a DD regrettably did not have a rear wiper option. I ordered it with my Cayman. You don't need it when you're moving on the highway, but it helps at the stops and in the city.

iliveoncaffiene

I would actually disagree here too: I drive in winter (DD year round in Cleveland) and while I garage it, it does get snow on the rear.

The most I've had to do is just brush it off and make sure I turn on the rear defroster... never once (in 33k miles) have I thought I needed a rear wiper.

LittleBlueGT

So you guys would say it is not needed in the same sense that it is needed on the back of an SUV or hatch? You can drive on dirty wet roads, and it doesnt pick up all sorts of junk?

ldamelio

Yes, this. I own an SUV and have owned wagons and used the rear wiper regularly. Must be the vertical v. sloping orientation of the rear window, but have never thought about needing it for the Cayman.

Dr.Bill

I've had a handful of Caymans. Not needed. Plus it's ugly AF.

BlueNorther

Not needed. Defroster for snow. The vertical rear panel gets dirty, not the window.

BillyX

My Mini has a vertical rear window and gets filthy. The rear wiper has a washer to keep it clean. The Cayman does not have the rear washer, but the rear window doesn't get that dirty. I drive along Lake Michigan and we tend to get heavy, wet and clumpy snow. When you're driving slow in those storms, the rear defroster can't always keep up. I optioned to DD in as much winter as possible: heated seats, heated steering wheel and rear wiper. It's not a necessity, but the rear wiper is pleasure when needed.

rasetsu

The existence of the rear wiper on the modern Porsche is more an homage to Porsche's history than actual functionality. https://petrolicious.com/articles/th...up-on-your-car
The rear window is so raked and well forward of the rear deck lid that most everything wicks away as soon as you travel faster than 35mph unlike a hatchback or SUV were the rear window is near vertical and collects all the dirty road spray from the rear tires. But if it's misting or snowing and you have to go slow, it would probably be pretty handy. I think it just looks cool from a nostalgia perspective and I would probably tick the $300 box if ordering new but I would tick power folding mirrors first.

modifieda4

I might just add one to my order. thanks for the inspiration!

dhc3

I had a rear wiper on my summer driven 996TT and almost never used it. Actually considered removing it for a cleaner look.

Porsche757

I like the way it looks actually especially given the historical aspect.

speed_kills

Hmm never had it after 5 911’s and a Cayman and never really felt I needed one... but that being said, I wouldn’t mind if it was an option.