Models · Porsche
Porsche Cayman 987.2 buying guide
The facelifted first-generation Cayman, built from 2009 to 2012, with new 9A1 engines: a 2.9 in the Cayman and a direct-injection 3.4 in the S and R. The new engines have no intermediate shaft, and PDK replaced the Tiptronic.
The versions
- Cayman 2.9 flat six (MA1.20), 265PS
- Cayman S 3.4 flat six with direct injection (MA1.21), 320PS
- Cayman R (2011), 330PS, lighter, with a limited-slip differential
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
- Cayman S Black Edition (2011)
What to check on a 987.2 Cayman
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Front radiators and condensers
What to look for: Shine a torch through the openings at each corner of the front bumper. The radiators and air conditioning condensers sit just behind. Look for packed leaves, corrosion and crumbling fins, and check the air conditioning blows cold.
Why it matters: Debris collects in the ducts and holds moisture against the cores, so radiators and condensers corroding is a common replacement at this age. A cleaned-out front end, or mesh grilles fitted, is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Broken coil springs
What to look for: Look at the gap between each tyre and its wheel arch; one corner sitting lower than the others is the sign. On the drive, listen for a clonk or scraping noise over bumps.
Why it matters: Broken coil springs are very common on this generation, usually breaking near the bottom coil. They're replaced in pairs and are a routine job, but a car on a broken spring shouldn't be driven far.
PDK gearbox behaviour
What to look for: On PDK cars, pull away gently several times, including in reverse, and creep in traffic. Changes should be smooth with no judder or slip. Look for gearbox fluid services in the history.
Why it matters: The seven-speed PDK is generally reliable. Judder at low speed or flare between gears needs diagnosis. Specialists recommend changing the fluid more often than Porsche's schedule.
Also in the full guide
- Over-rev record
- 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 987.2 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 987.1
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.