Hey everyone, new here. Can someone help me with where I can find out if a 2008 cayman is still a good buy 11 years later? I really like the first gen 987s, but don’t know too much about whether I should be looking for something with low miles or if there is a limit on miles where there are significant issues.

thanks for your help in advance!

 

The 987.1 is cheap, though they have a higher risk for engine issues than the 987.2. If you get a 987.1 (2008), I suggest the base 2.7L model rather than the S 3.4L model. This is because the 3.4L motor is prone to bore scoring, but the 2.7L motor is not. I would not worry about the IMS bearing, as IMS failures in 2006+ cars are rare due to the strengthened bearing. There are other limitations of the engine for track driving (eg. oil supply issues) but those should not be of concern for street driving.

I own a 987.1 base Boxster and have had a great experience. 3 years of trouble free ownership with zero mechanical issues.

I wouldn’t worry too much about mileage, just look at general condition. I’ve driven a 987.1 Cayman with over 140k miles and it was fine.

 

The June issue of "Porsche Panorama" magazine has 13 2006 Cayman S listed for sale; three 2007 base Caymans; five 2007 Cayman S; and three 2008 Cayman S; plus a page full of later model Caymans.

If you've a Porsche dealer anywhere near where you live, you might want to see if they have the June (or maybe even the July issue by now) that you can look at to see what all is available and where located. In addition to describing the cars, it'll give you the seller's name, contact information, and location.

Or slightly easier, you can browse the PCA classifieds here: https://www.pca.org/browse-the-mart-classified-ads but unless you're a member of the PCA, you won't be able to contact the sellers or learn their location or contact information.

jD

 

First P-car was a 987 2.7 Cayman and it was flawless. Owned if for about three years and drove it regularly and it never had an issue. Fantastic car. If I sold my GT4 today, I'd go straight over to another 987 2.7. Miss that car.

 

Yeah, I've had my 07 Base Cayman for over 5 years now and have had zero issues. I drove several Caymans back in 2014 when I was looking, S and Base, and just liked the Base better. I have lost no sleep regarding the over-rated and much talked about IMS issue. Bore scoring is of more interest, but seems to only (or mainly) impact the larger engine. The big thing with an 08 would be condition and how well maintained. Seriously consider a pre-purchase inspection at a Porsche dealer.

 

I have a 2007 base Cayman and love it. Would definitely recommend it, its pretty reliable, light and I dont really wish I got the S. The S has a little bump in power but other than that, the 2.7 base is the same car with a more dependable engine.

 

+1

Once you get (and keep) these cars currently maintained and in the same condition as intended by good ol' Dr. Porsche, age is of little concern. My current P-car was bought when 10+ years old, the others much older than that.

PPI so you know what you're getting into... then your own service after you get it home (reliably know all the stuff is current). After that, just drive.

 

I have a 2008 987.1 with about 60k on it and I have to say it is by far the best car I have ever owned. every time I get in it (every day) I think to myself...Greatest.Car.Ever.
Base engine is plenty fast enough. while it isnt a GT2RS, keep in mind, a base 08 boxster does the 1/4 mile about the same elapsed time as a 66 gto.. around 15 seconds depending on the rear end on the goat. thats not too shabby.
it poodles around town at 2000rpm like a toyota corolla... but when you let it out, it transforms into a race car....even with the smaller motor.
it handles amazingly (if you can get it to slide, it literally rotates around your hips as opposed to under steering or hanging the *** out).
the ride is great for a true sports car (i regularly drive mine in to NYC)
and everything is laid out in the cockpit for a driver.
other than tires, oil, brakes, the only money i have put into mine is seals for the soft top (i have an orange limited edition boxster..but the same basic car)
I expect to keep the car forever....love it.

 

I just purchased a 2008 Cayman S with 55K miles in excellent condition. Runs and feels like a brand new vehicle.

IMS Bearing issue at 55K miles is not much of a concern (when I eventually have a new clutch installed I'll have the IMSB grease shield removed, which is supposedly the "fix" for my year Cayman).

Bore scoring is also (supposedly) not much of a concern unless you push your car hard when it's still cold. I don't do that to any car.

Oil starvation can be an issue if you track the car - I plan to, so I'll end up installing an oil sump cover replacement that has baffling (and adds a little more oil capacity).

So far I'm absolutely thrilled with my new Cayman - it has the best overall performance of any car I own now or have owned previously. Just wonderful to drive it!

 

Bought this in 2015 with 87K miles for 19K. One owner with complete service record. My first real repair expense was this week, a vario cam solenoid was sticking and causing CEL Only occurred at cold low idle
So I spent $600+ today because I replaced both the right and left bank solenoids

. It has the original clutch, AOS and water pump. Runs great. I've now taken it to 115,600 miles.