Models · Porsche
Porsche Cayman 987.1 buying guide
The first Cayman, launched as the 3.4 Cayman S in late 2005 and joined by the 2.7 Cayman in 2006. It shares its engines and much of its hardware with the Boxster, in a stiffer fixed-roof coupé body.
The versions
- Cayman S 3.4 flat six (M97/21), 295PS
- Cayman 2.7 flat six (M97/20), 245PS
- Cayman S Sport (2008), 303PS
- 5-speed manual on the Cayman with 6-speed optional, 6-speed manual on the S, or 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic
- Rear-wheel drive coupé with a rear hatch
What to check on a 987.1 Cayman
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Tailpipe soot, side to side
What to look for: Before the engine is started, wipe the inside of each tailpipe with a white cloth. Both should be a similar light grey and dry. One noticeably blacker, oily or wet than the other is the thing to note.
Why it matters: Each side of the exhaust serves one bank of three cylinders, so a difference points at one bank burning more oil. It's one of the signs of cylinder bore scoring, which affects a minority of these engines, the 3.4 in the Cayman S more often than the 2.7. A borescope inspection settles it.
A tick or knock from cold
What to look for: Start the engine from fully cold and listen at the back of the car. A light tick that fades within about 30 seconds is normal. A tick or knock that carries on beyond that is worth noting.
Why it matters: A persistent cold-start tick is another sign specialists associate with bore scoring. On its own it isn't a diagnosis, but with uneven tailpipe soot or high oil use it makes a borescope inspection essential before buying.
The intermediate shaft bearing
What to look for: Ask for the engine number before you travel, and look in the history for any engine work. With the engine running, listen at the back for grinding or knocking that changes with revs.
Why it matters: The Cayman's engines use the larger bearing introduced in late 2005. It fails much less often than the earlier type but can't be replaced without splitting the engine, so it's about the engine's health rather than a planned upgrade.
Also in the full guide
- Front radiators and condensers
- Broken coil springs
- Blue smoke while driving
- Oil where the engine meets the gearbox
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 987.1 Cayman
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Porsche Cayman 718 · Porsche Cayman 981 · Porsche Cayman 987.2
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.