I like the way my 996 feels but with <35k miles already several parts needed to be replaced.
The service technician claimed that the Cayman was not only more trouble free than the 911 (with the exception of the 911 turbo) but was also one of the most trouble-free Pcars ever.
I couldn't find any comparison online so before I go trading in my 996 I wanted to get some other opinions.

Additionally, a complaint about the 911 is that accessing the engine for anything more than topping off fluids is challenging and although I can't find any decent pics online of the Cayman engine compartment, the same rep told me it has more accessibility than the 911, thoughts?

 

it depends on the 996 year, they can be nightmare(3.4 engine) other than that, watch for rms on any 996 year.

our cayman as been very relative, we havnt drive it a lot thought and its a lot modified for the track
the car can be very quick when you add some bolt-ons

 

I own both. I have a 136,000 mile 2000 996, that's been very reliable over the six years and 100,000 miles I've driven it. I also own a 63,000 mile Cayman. Also very reliable. More so than the 996? I'd say no; and that's because the 996 has been basically bomb proof.

I do most of the work myself on the 996, and it really is not that difficult to access just about anything on the engine. Just removing that big airbox opens up a ton of space. The major components are easy enough to get to, and if you need to get at something in back, like the AOS, it's a simple matter to lower the engine a few inches to gain a LOT of maneuvering room back there.

The Cayman seems a bit tougher to get at the components, simply because you'd have to remove the engine cover and then work from inside the trunk area to work down into the engine compartment.

 

My experience with my 02 Boxster was it was a very reliable/trouble free car for the 1st 80K miles. Except for an RMS leak it required nothing more than servicing. (Now the car has covered over 255K miles and over the years and over the miles it has required some attention in various areas, but overall I have been very pleased with it and continue to drive it to this day.)

My 03 Turbo which I bought used (in June 09) and in pristine condition with just about 10K miles on it that as I drove it manifested issues. Radiator fan motor failure, leaking 6-speed transmission (replaced with remanufactured tranny from the factory), noisy idler roller bearing, broken shifter cable ball connector, clutch accum and slave cylinder. I can tell you I was very glad I had a CPO warranty on the car.

The last trouble was around the 50K mile mark and since then the car has needed nothing but regular servicing.

Most servicing is done from under the car and the cars are about equal in this regard.

I wouldn't pick or reject a Cayman or a 911 simply based on some perceived engine access issue.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

911 fits at least 1 kid in the back ... Cayman doesn't ... if you compare 986 to 996 or 987 to 997 probably very similar. 997 is more reliable than older 996. So are you sure mechanic is comparing apples to apples ? Newer Cayman s might be good trade up to 996 but you can also see 997's in the $40k’s now. What expensive parts did you have to replace on your 996? I don't think service costs on Cayman are significantly less?

 

Two different cars. A Caymen is NOT a 911. But it I was going to track my car on a small tight track I would go with the Caymen. Everyday driver 911.