If your friends think a Cayman/Boxster is not a real Porsche, they are not real car enthousiam. In fact, they are not Porsche fan: they are 911 fans! Respect > Car > Porsche > 911 Keep your good work / video!
Also luring people in with "why I'm selling after only 4 months" so we think something is wrong then at the end "because I love it so much I'm upgrading to a GT4". That is an extremely poor tactic to get someone to watch the full video because you're tricking the viewer.... I know I won't be returning to watch a single thing you make
@@Dfrogman 5 minutes in I told my wife that's what it would turn out to be. Same here. Disliked and added to my list of 'do not watch'. Just a rambling waste of time
The day I worry about scuffing my door threshold, or the underside of my bumper cover, or whether the previous owner broke wind with the windows closed... is the day I stop regarding my 987.2 S for what it is- my car, the daily driver. Enjoy your cars everybody, because you can't take them with you when YOUR tank is emptied!
I love my 2014 Cayman 275 hp that I purchased new. Wouldnt part with it for anything. No problems so far but only have 50k miles on it. The sound of this 6 cylinder is awesome.
For all you 911 owners, the secret is out - the Cayman especially from the 981 model to 718 is a great driver's car. I own a 997 GTS and got to say the Cayman especially in S or GTS trim is a real compelling car especially with the small form factor and the flat-six engines. The 718 4-bangers offer incredible performance and tunability. And then the 718 4.0 goes back to the flat-6 glory. If you ever drive one you're get what every other Porsche owner knows - the Cayman is now the 'driver' car in the Porsche lineup (outside of the GT cars).
Yes sir. I have a 996 turbo s and a 987 S both manuals. I love them both. Both are great cars. The cayman reminds me of what Porsche used to design the cayman. 904 front and 550 rear for styling and it sounds amazing with my borla exhaust. Also it’s a great grocery getter with 2 trunks. Cheers boys. I also have a 2010 pana turbo pdk for good measure.
I absolutely agree. The 981 is the best looking of all the cayman and a lot of the 911’a as well. I stop when I see one cause it just looks a little bit bigger than the 987 and there is not a bad looking angle in this piece of art.
I put 225k on my 987 before getting a 981. I have to disagree in that adding the fender creases and the humped up rear lid and glass take away from the beautiful design of the Cayman. I think the 987 may be the best looking sports car of all times. Everyone has an opinion..
Notes on headliner and door panels: If the headliner and door panels are replaced under warrantee, you're getting OEM Porsche replacement parts that will fail again within a few years. The problem is with the water-based adhesive Porsche and other German auto makers were forced to switch to in the early 2000's by Germany's equivalent of our EPA. OEM replacement headliners and door panels use the same water-based adhesive. Headliners can be recovered by a local upholstery shop for less than half of the cost of Porsche dealer price. Door panels can be repaired for a small fraction of the cost of OEM replacement parts, but beware that this is NOT a DIY project because of the design of the door panels, which have side airbags mounted behind them. Improper repair can cause serious problems if the airbags are deployed incorrectly.
Absolutely agree.....my 981 was THE best chassis I have ever owned, and being single the 3 luggage compartments are so much more useable than a 911. I bought my Cayman fully believing that it was a stepping stone to a 911 but after 2yrs living with it thought "why would you change up?"
I drove 718 gts 2.5 for 2 years. Sold it thinking 992 is a excellent machine. But i was wrong. Sold it within 2 months and move back to gts2.5 911 is a scam
Will: I have a Racing Yellow/Black 2016 981 Cayman S 6 spd with PASM,PSE, Sport, but not sport chrono. 14 way seats, 20" Sport Techo II Carrera S wheels. 18k miles. No headliner or door card issues. CPO buy in early 2017. Excellent car. Have a noise in dash vent to resolve. Other than that. Perfect. XPEL PPF and XPEL Tint. Recommend you PPF your rockers and around side air intakes on your GT4. They will get pelted due to angled position for capture air. Love color of both of your Caymans! Take care!
The door panel warp issue also affects the 991. So don’t make it out to be a 981 flaw. This is a Porsche supplier issue. Just like the delamination of headlights, it affects many models.
I own and drive a low mileage 981 Cayman in Agate grey with 20” Carrera S alloys in silver and I absolutely love it. I also have the Porsche Design steering wheel, but with paddles as mine has the super fast PDK gearbox which I also absolutely love. I had a manual gearbox in my previous 987 Boxster, so had the pleasure to experience both types of transmission. I can honestly say if money was no object, I would have two Caymans, with one of each. Your Cayman looks absolutely gorgeous in Sapphire blue with those gloss black alloys. It’s the only other combination of colour and wheels that I like and would consider buying over my car. That said, makes absolute sense why you sold it when buying a GT4 in same colour 😍
Hi Will, Absolutely thrilled you have found the wonderfulness of the Cayman platform. As a Cayman owner and subscriber to your channel I can’t wait to see the content on the GT4. These cars have made folks ignore their 911’s. Good luck and keep up the solid content.
I have been into cars since I could read. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and have almost always had a muscle car or pony car of some sort. I showed up at a cars and coffee one day in my 1965 GT 350 clone and almost every guy there had a Porsche of some kind. They convinced me that I should have a 911. Which I bought and started to auto cross. I quickly found out the the fast guys were driving Caymans. I bought a 2014 20,000 mile Cayman S and it blew my mind. I went to the same cars and coffee this year on the 4th of July and a couple of the guys had GT3’s and GT4’s. I just traded my S for a GT 4. So I am on the same wave length. It is without doubt. The best car I have ever owned
My wife just bought one of these, I'm not a Porsche guy and really didn't know anything about the 981, I've got a Corvette. She wanted something sporty and landed on one of these and I've got to say I'm really loving it. It is an amazing car handles simply wonderful it is so fun to drive. All that being said, I'm like you, I'd have to get the GT4, especially after owning a Z06 and its power level that additional power in this light package would be incredible.
Love my 981B! Best car I’ve owned, and I’ve had many sports/sporty cars. I truly enjoy running it through the gears and winding out the 2.7L. In fact, I drove the 3.4L back to back with the 2.7L. And although the S was easily quicker is was not a better driving experience. Worth sharing that I actually prefer the sound of the 2.7L. In case it’s helpful perspective, I was a 997S owner and came from a 987.1CS.
My 2014 Cayman 2.7 w/ PDK is a daily driver w/ 75,000 miles and counting. Autocross 2 or 3 times a year. Not a single problem yet! Love this car! Edit: Up to 77,500. Had to replace the right folding mirror mechanism. $300 DIY. And replaced my scuffed door sills for $250 😉 I just enjoyed the heck out of a Cayman GTS 4.0 at the Atlanta Drivers Experience. Great car, and would love the extra 120hp, but they both sound incredible at 7,000rpms... and mine is paid for!
Congrats Will. I'm excited to see you loving the water cooled mid engine experience and looking forward to more content. I too am a 911 guy through and through and drive a Boxster as my daily. Just something about that mid engine driving experience, especially combined with some 911s. Can't wait to see more on the GT4. Cheers!
982 GT4 or Spyder with 918 buckets are the real big deal. It’s unbelievable how much more value you are getting for the money compared to the 911. Probably the 718 might more depreciate, but the sheer driving experience is soooo awesome for way less coins !!! GT4 and Spyder are basically adorable baby supercars.
@@Rennthusiast same for me. The GT4 will give you so much confidence in driving like no other car before. It just feels like planted to the road. And it is relatively light and quick.
I am looking to purchase my 1st Porsche and want the Cayman , really enjoyed your video and your style of commentary. I am as picky with cars as you are! Now to find one as good as yours. Thank you
Congrats on the 981 GT4 acquisition. It’s interesting that you are going back to water cooled cars. This should give you a nice, diverse view of the ownership of all types of Porsches. I have a 718 GT4 and it’s a very nice car to drive. You will enjoy the GT4 and Caymans are not to be discounted compared to the 911 variants. I’ve had both and I really enjoy the mid engined platform. Congratulations! You are selling a very nice Cayman S.
Thank you for sharing, not just the journey in your usually thorough manner, but how the platform has impacted you. I purchased a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 last July as my first Porsche. Mine is in a relatively rare color, FrozenBerry Metallic. I test drove a few 911s, 997.2 CS, 991,1 and 991.2 CS and C4S and wasn't moved to purchase. I test drove the 718 GTS 4.0 and it was love at first drive. The balance, the acceleration, the layout of the cabin and the looks. I'm always looking back after I park her. I always thought I'd buy a 911, but the Cayman platform is really damn good. Cheers Dr Jeff
Nice video. Beautiful car. I have a 2006 Boxster S manual, in (give me a ticket😂) guards red . Love the car. Smooth and balanced. Great driving car, plus the frunk and a trunk make it first class grocery getter. I am 6‘-1“, 210 lbs and sit comfortably in the cockpit and don’t feel beat up after a long day of driving. Porsche doesn’t miss much when it comes to driver experience.
To me as an engineer and track rat, the 911 is simply Porsche engineers being excessively stubborn, keeping the engine behind the rear axle. Just making it handle at all is a huge triumph and the 911 is amazing. But it's fighting physics. The Cayman has the engine in a more optimum location, in front of the rear axle, making perfect handling much easier. I noted during ALMS races at Lime Rock that the 911's racing all had Cayman located engines in front of the axle. So serious racecars were pretty much Caymans with 911 bodies. Sure, Porsche has made sure that 911's have more power and higher price than an equal trim Cayman but that's all tradition and marketing. I mean, think back when the 928 came out. Porsche's plans were to discontinue the 911 and couldn't because their prior customers would only buy (at the time) air cooled 911s.
it's true that some of the latest racing 911s have inverted engines (in other words the engine in front of the rear axle with the gearbox behind) to make them more mid-engined in the layout, but apparently it was to improve the underbody aero - they needed more space to run the big diffusers which is impossible with a traditional rear-engined 911 set up. It's also true that the rear engines have steadily been mounted further forwards over the generations, but it seems there's still room for the rear-engined layout and it still has its advantages. Not that I'm down on the Cayman at all, I'd give my right nut for a GT4, I'd bet it makes my 911 feel like a wheelbarrow.
My 2018 718S headliner fell over the summer. I was under CPO but the dealer still said it would only be replaced if it was a safety issue (like blocking rear view mirror view). Mine was hitting my head but not obstructing the rear view mirror. Needless to say, I yanked that thing down to the point it blocked the view partially and they replaced it under warranty. Shame it came to that but no way I was gonna pay for it. I dodged a bullet on that one. All that said, I love the car!
I just purchased a low optioned 2014 base manual cayman, and can't be happier. It came with teh door panels warped, but there's a shop in florida that you can send them in and they'll absolutely guarantee their glue will hold (Pedro's Garage). If you get them repaired with Porsche, they just use the same glue that fails. Everytime I get in mine, I do look at the headliner to see if it's next. My car was a CPO, so it came wiht a 2-year warranty and I bought a 3rd year. so if that headliner fails, I'll look for a warranty repair to buy some more time. The base is just my speed... I'm coming from tacomas and outback wagons, so anything more powerful is just wasted on a rube like me. There are options to get Apple Carplay/Android auto in these cars, but it requires and aftermarket solution.
Hahahah! This dude is the poster child for how car progression happens and when you get a little taste of that awesomeness. I started by first driving a beater Civic Si > Accord > Integra GSR > E46 M3 > and next a Porsche 911 S. I test drove the 911 and nothing else compares to it. Pure driving joy.
Great video. Only thing I would add is that the door panel warping only applies to the cars with the standard interior. I believe the alcantara roofliner doesn't sag either, but that probably only applies GTS cars.
Most that can afford a clean 981 can afford a 911. The choice is not about money, it’s about the better car. I test drove several 997s and 991s before choosing the 981.
That's a great colour and overall fantastic spec'd car! Sure Caymans and Boxsters are not 911s but they allow for a fantastic, more affordable entry point into Porsche's sports car line up and, from what I've read and watched, don't really compromise on performance? My favourite modern 911 is the last Speedster but I'd be very happy with the 718 Spyder, with deMan stroker engine.
I bought a black/black ‘13 981 Boxster S two years ago with nearly identical options. Mine has a PDK however which I prefer as it’s quicker and easier to drive when I feel like totally relaxing and also when I drive fast in the mountains. Mine does not have pasm which I didn’t want anyway as I always planned on getting the X73 suspension if it didn’t come with the car. I have the kit and am doing it this year. The reviews I watched said the sport mode of the pasm was too stiff for normal driving anyway. It is my understanding that the 2013’s used an adhesive that the climate cult Germans outlawed and so had to go with water based adhesive after, which the door card’s obviously weren’t designed for. I’ve had no problems with my door cards and this car is now 10 years old. I much prefer top down driving over cocoon driving in a Cayman. It is more exciting when driving faster and makes driving an outdoor experience which I absolutely love. I’ll drive with a hoody on, seat heaters on high, when it’s 45 degrees outside and love every second. The handling dynamics of this car are phenomenal as you’d expect of a mid-engined Porsche and the brakes are excellent as well, more than enough for the street. The steering is razor sharp, although feedback is not being electric assist- sigh. I’ve had no problems with the car at all other than electronic glitches which mostly went away when I got a new battery- the original was still in there! I got a 30ah lithium battery that weighs 13 lbs!, ~35 lbs lighter than stock and mounted in a fairly high place in the car so nice upgrade there imo. I have had no problems with such a small battery as I drive it 4-6 days a week and lithium’s have a lot more starting torque so size didn’t matter at all except to save weight. Nits for this car: don’t buy one if you are expecting a torquey engine, it’s a 3.4l revver and as such you'll be keeping it in lower gears to go fast. I knew this and really dont mind as I love the hollow roar of the small flat six, especially with the Soul exhaust. Don’t buy one unless you are ready to spend money on tires, it eats them if you drive fast and get the softer compounds. You’ll be lucky to get two years out of a set of PS4’s driven 5-6,000 miles a year. The seats are a bit fragile when entering or exiting so you’ll need to exercise care to keep them in top shape. Also this car is low and takes some flexibility and strength to get in and out of. You’ll want to get a clear wind deflector for between the seats as the stock mesh screen makes the mirror useless for identifying cars behind you if you know what I mean. If you put the top up and down a lot, you’ll notice the frame wearing on the soft top. The top works wonderfully but this is a long term concern. I sometimes can’t resist and drive the car in the rain, or go shopping in it and park far out in the lot with the top up and put it down to drive home. I do my own maintenance and one problem is you can’t completely drain the PDK at home, only about half, so I drain half every year along with oil and filter change which is very easy with a Quick Jack lift and creeper. Changing spark plugs is a pain in the ass so you might want to let your Indy mechanic do that. By all accounts I’ve heard this is a very durable car. There are guys on forums tracking it ten times a year with 150,000 miles on them. Mine has 77,000 and drives as new except for some very minor creaks when going over really rough pavement. Just being honest. Highly recommend this car over the 911 as it’s easier to drive fast, handles better, gets better gas mileage, weighs less and costs a helluva lot less than the same year Carrera S- about $30,000 less. For those who don’t know, half this car is 911 and it’s built on the same assembly line. It’s every bit as good a car iyam.
Have you always bought your Porsche out of state? What is the buying process like? Transport cost, PPI cost, etc. Any information or advice would help. Thank you.
Yes. You’re looking at $2500 - $2800 cross country to ship it enclosed. PPI you need to call the shop(s) to get an idea. $$$ always depends on how deep you want them to go.
I'm happy to see a video about your 981 Cayman S but was sad to see it was going until I saw the reason - congrats on the 981 GT4! I'm with you on the center exhaust and prefer the 982 version of the exhaust. I think you have it priced right given the current market and it should sell fast. For comparison, I bought my then 7k mile 2016 Cayman S 6-speed last summer for $65k and it is a low option car that originally sold for $67k MSRP. I bought it from several states over and had it transported inside a trailer too. There were some surprises when it showed up and I had to take it to my PDR guy as well. I look forward to seeing some more 981 content soon on your upcoming GT4. I think the Cayman and Boxster variants are great cars and represent good value for the money. I just love your collection and a GT4 will fit in there nicely!
Curious as to what the S was lacking that justified the jump to a GT4? Either way, both gorgeous cars and I’m excited to see the channel branching out more. Looking forward to the GT4 intro video!
As you likely know as a longer term subscriber, I am always looking for new and different driving experiences and the GT4 delivers. I have always wanted a GT car as well. For what the S is, I don’t feel that it’s lacking. The gearing is long, which is a well known complaint but it’s a fantastic daily which is why I grabbed it.
@@Rennthusiast thanks for the explanation. In that case, congrats on checking off the GT car goal! Appreciate the detailed review on the 981, too! We just got my wife her first Porsche (987.1 BS tip) and great as it is, I can’t imagine living with the tip long term and a 981 looks like a great goal.
@@512TXSDIY yes, well, kind of. The 981 GT4 has the 991.1 Carrera S’ 3.8. 982 GT4 has the 4.0 exclusive to it and the GTS, while the GT4 RS has the GT3’s 4.0.
Oh man, I totally bought into the negging title, but I'm glad you're doubling down and getting the GT4. I love my 981 Cayman S. Mine is very similarly specked in terms of options. I have sport exhaust, but not PASM though. Love the rev matching with Sports Plus!! Pretty sure the GT4 has PSE standard, and you're going to LOVE that I think!! My Cayman has the same wheels as yours, and I think they are the best!! With the silver barrel and bead, they've got such depth to them, and the calipers just pop!! I love cleaning the wheels. I got lucky and still had some CPO warranty left on it from the previous owner. They fixed my headliner and one of my door cards under warranty as well. Good luck with the sale, and looking forward to the GT4 content!! I am a little curious about why you went with the 981 versus the 718 GT4, but I'm sure you'll address that in good time.
I too went from a 14 Cayman S to a 981 GT4. This was after my 07 Carrera S. As a daily driver the 14 Cayman S was by far my favorite. The GT4 is in another dimension and I suspect I will keep that forever. You just have to be so much more careful in regards to road issues with it. I won't even have to tell you to enjoy the car. Great choice!!!
It's beautiful and the perfect spec! I wish I was in a position to take it off your hands. I'm so glad you're venturing out from just air cooled 911s. The Porsche stable is full of sweetheart vehicles.
i love center exausts on a Fiat 500 or an Alfa Romeo Mito or a pink Mini ... just NOT on a Porsche ! that needs rainpipe sized tubes on bouth sides if ya know what i mean ^^ and that's the 1 thing that's kills the GT3's for me and yes, i'm girl ☺
I was looking at a 2006 Cayman S with less than 64,000 miles that my local Lexus dealer had for sale. Their description said showroom condition but it was far from it. I also called both Porsche dealers to ask about an inspection but both do not provide pre inspections. Very disappointed with the whole process.
I remember the day this car launched, I was around 22 then and thought this was such an awesome car and made it a goal to own one… fast forward to now, i’m 32 and despite having a very solid job (digital marketing manager in Paris), I feel no closer to owning one… these are still around 50k€, they’ve barely depreciated in 10 years. And with the cost of living here these days (think 10$ a gallon for fuel, to give you an idea), I simply can’t afford it. Give it another 10 years… and maybe. In any case, I love this configuration. Gorgeous choice of wheels and color. Your video gave me a little reminder of how much I love this car and that I need to stay focused on achieving this goal one day. Thanks !
You will never afford one, sorry. EV mandates are going to push ICE prices high generally. Cars like this will be on another level beyond that, you wait and see.
Tbh I just bought my 981 cayman and I couldn’t be happier. I think the 911 is overall an amazing and better car and absolutely gorgeous. However if you arent dropping $100k+ for the higher trim 911 with vents it kinda looks like a bathtub and sounds like a vacuum (911 is still GORGEOUS)
I love my 2016 981 manual. Handles better than a 911 Headliner died. Had a "suede" headliner professionally installed. Better and nicer than OEM and only about 600 bucks. ( Didn't need to pull window) They also fixed the door panel warp for free.
I also had my 2014 headliner repaired for 600 bucks and no window removal. My passenger door panel is warping. What can you tell me about that and the repair? Thanks
@@timheine5816 I think they took a heat gun to it and used adhesive. I wasn't there. But he mentioned it. The place was in West LA and he does lots of high end cars.
I did something similar. Bought a 981 Cayman and swapped it for a 981 GT4 after just three months. Coming up to five years later, the GT4 is still here and no sign of it leaving any time soon.
Haha yes, I talked with the current owner earlier this week. Great dude. He added PSE to the car which, in my opinion, was the only thing that’s missing.
Will, great review. Finally someone gets - and calls out the black wheel thing. You spend all this money on the car (and perhaps separately - wheels) and then hide them?! Actually I think the 981 (and other Cayman/Boxster variants) look and ride better with 19s, and again with some lip showing if otherwise black. It's a small car, and to me they look more proportional. Can't believe we've come to the day when 19s are thought of (by many) as small - especially on a small car! The 5 (10) spoke spyder design looks great on these, with 18s in the same design as winters. As far as 3 season (or 4 sunbelt) use, as long as you put some top Michelins (etc) on them, the only place you might notice the 19" 'degradation' is on the track, if that, certainly not as a daily. The 981 or again any gen Cayman IMO is the best looking car out there - those great lines!- it doesn't get its due...IMO just embodies or epitomizes "sportscar." It is and will be a timeless classic. All that said, to Will's question of this or 911?...before the "why would you get a 911?" fanboys get going, especially as an 'only one', for me it'd have to be the 911 as a real world choice. If like many you have a partner actually taking up the other seat, a pooch(es), want to take along a passenger-accessible pic-a-nic basket/cooler, a coat or two, larger than a postage stamp briefcase, and want to take an actual road trip with any of the above combos -- it'd have to be the 911. Add small child in the mix, obvious (admittedly still marginal but...), and while if that is a regular priority you're likely meeting that need with something more practical than a 911... the Cayman completely precludes the possibility of even occasional accommodation of anyone back there - of any size. Lastly, another practical consideration, the Cayman does not allow you to rake your seat, appreciably, for that roadside rest area cat nap. In general, the 911 just has more elbow and breathing room. Case closed, but... love the car. Bottom line if only one: Cayman is the one I'd have up on a wall in a poster/graphic, with the 911 on the garage floor. Will, sorry to see this one going, but congratulations on the GT4!
Especially the 981 GTS is also a quite rare Porsche model. I just read that in Germany the number of registered 981 gts is just 400 (981 gt4 is almost 800 pcs) and so it seems to be the rarest spec of the 981 range.
A great 981 "Buyer's Guide" video, thank you kindly Will. Always thoroughly enjoy your presentations, from topics like upholstery fabrics to driveway talks with fellow enthusiasts :-) I am sure the follow-on owner will be very happy with this beautiful car for some proper seasonal driving trips. About your question, I'd go for the 4 cylinder 718, perfect for Europe. Thanks again, greatly appreciated✌
I have a 981 GT4. Owned a 997 and there is no comparison. 718 GT4 exhaust's were spread to utilize aerodynamics shared with the spyder. It's all personal preference, take a look at where the exausts are placed on the GT3's... looks better in my opinion. The rear of the 718 GT4 is hideous IMO. i would never go back to a 911, GT4RS is the only thing on my radar.
Great video, Will. Looking forward to your GT4 review, in particular the feedback on the Alcantara (wear, marking, cleanliness). It’s clear that you are particular so interested in that honest feedback.
I have a gts 4.0 coming in about a month, so i may be interested in the short shifter. Could you tell me the details (such as condition, where you bought it from, price, etc)? Thanks!
I do. Can you shoot me a message on IG @rennthusiasttv? I’ll have to find it in the garage cabinets tomorrow and can message you back when I do. Thanks
Is this a good vehicle for long road trips, such as 3-4 hours? I test drove the 981 and the 6 cylinder is amazing, but I only test drove it for 20 minutes.
I’m really hoping prices stay where they are or drop a little over ‘24. I should be ready purchase sometime near eoy, but I’m concerned the values are going to skyrocket when the Cayman/Boxster go EV.
Hey Will. Thanks for all the very informative and interesting videos. Always eager for the next one! Congrats on the GT4! I noticed that it has the Full Bucket seats. I'd really be interested in your opinion after living with them on the road for a while. Would be great if you included an opinion piece on the subject in one of your videos. Are race seats too much to live with? Are they OK? Rather have the comforts? Something like that. Thanks!
Hey. I have an entire episode planned around the buckets. I have thoughts and 1100 miles of experience with them already…along with some reversible, easily installable mods to make them comfortable.
Love the car! I've had a 2015 2.7 manual for almost two years and have loved it. Have you found a buyer yet? I'd be interested if you're still looking.
Good review. You need new friends if your 911 owner buddies turn their noses up at Cayman - just shows how little they know about cars. Unfortunately you see this attitude particularly in the UK and USA. I own a 991.2 GT3 RS, 720S, 296GTB (incoming) and a 981 Cayman GTS and personally prefer the Cayman over any standard 911 model. 991.2 911 onwards are turbocharged - and whilst the engine is excellent the lack of NA takes away from the driving experience. In my view the best cars Porsche have produced in recent times are the 981 GTS, 981 Spyder, 981 GT4, 718 GTS 4L, 718 Spyder, 718 GT4 and GT4 RS, 991.2 GT3 touring and 991.2 GT3 RS - the 992 911 models whilst technically good are lacking some soul. Most very seasoned Porsche owners who have driven the 718 GT4 RS feel its probably the best mainstream car Porsche have ever produced e.g. it combines the most rigid small foot print chassis with the best engine (4L NA originally found in the 991.2 GT3), best gearing (gear set from the 991.2 GT3 RS) and arguably the best looking car they have produced. Its not perfect but its way more fun than any 911 of any type I have ever driven.
Nice video. People should be very confident about buying a car from you. Would be interesting to hear why you are pivoting to more water cooled after your air cooled start and focus.
I’ll share why in future videos but - as you know - I am completely transparent on my channel. 2 reasons: 1. I am a big fan of change and am just really enjoying the driving experience of these newer cars, especially when they are not crazy fast. 2. I am beaten down by the upkeep costs and effort the air cooled cars take. That’s the brutal truth!
I went to test drive one on this (super car ) the moment I felt like if I was driving on the dirt road terrain The suspension of this little thing are really horrible, I run away I thought that’s was enough
Any of your friends that diss a Cayman are simply showing their pretension. Enjoy the gt4. I actually prefer the gts because it’s not as hardcore as the gt4, but it’s definitely a car that you’ll enjoy putting through its paces. Good on you to get the manual vs the pdk
Always great review, per usual, Will. I never bought a 981 because my MR2 felt very similar and more roomy (at a fraction of the price). The GT4 is in another league altogether, congrats!
@@clu4u you most definitely can. Both mid engine. Both incredible racing vehicles. Both sports cars at the fraction of a price of market leaders. Both some of the most reliable performance cars you can buy.
Will, I would seriously consider getting a convertible for your collection. You have a broad spectrum of drivers cars but take some time to enjoy the open roof experience for a little while as well. I have a 911 but maybe a boxster would be a nice edition.
I would love to replace this Cayman with a 981 Boxster S, but I haven’t seen many come on the market. Bad time of year. Owners want to enjoy them vs sell them, I think.
I have a 2016 Boxster s with a hair over 16000 miles that’s immaculate. Reluctantly looking to maybe part ways with it and get into an lc500 or a 911. I have an almost 6 year old son who loves the car and I’m looking for something with a back seat so he can join us in the car. If interested, let me know
Some guys also really enjoy new driving and ownership experiences and also have to balance how much capital they have in their cars. Can’t keep them all 😄
I was always a 911 snob as well…but as I live on…I’m entertaining other Porsches…718 & even Panamera and Cayenne…911’s are just getting beyond what I think are reasonable….plus 718 are more sports car and 911’s are fattening into GT’s almost.
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If your friends think a Cayman/Boxster is not a real Porsche, they are not real car enthousiam. In fact, they are not Porsche fan: they are 911 fans!
Respect > Car > Porsche > 911
Keep your good work / video!
exactly!
At Porsche they know that Caayman/Boxter is a better 911!:)
90% jaw flapping, 10% useful information.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a very good video if you want to learn about car buttholes
Also luring people in with "why I'm selling after only 4 months" so we think something is wrong then at the end "because I love it so much I'm upgrading to a GT4". That is an extremely poor tactic to get someone to watch the full video because you're tricking the viewer.... I know I won't be returning to watch a single thing you make
Today we learned about car buttholes
@@Dfrogman 5 minutes in I told my wife that's what it would turn out to be. Same here. Disliked and added to my list of 'do not watch'. Just a rambling waste of time
The day I worry about scuffing my door threshold, or the underside of my bumper cover, or whether the previous owner broke wind with the windows closed... is the day I stop regarding my 987.2 S for what it is- my car, the daily driver.
Enjoy your cars everybody, because you can't take them with you when YOUR tank is emptied!
Just replaced my thresholds for $250 after 77,000 miles. The ultimate 'fix'! 😂 I love the parts availability that Porsche offers.
Our 981s has 85000kms and we autocross every other weekend during the summer. Awesome car and a blast to drive hard!
I love my 2014 Cayman 275 hp that I purchased new. Wouldnt part with it for anything. No problems so far but only have 50k miles on it. The sound of this 6 cylinder is awesome.
I bought mine 3 months ago. the sport exhaust is unreal, the downshift man
With only 50k miles I’d hope it has no issues
For all you 911 owners, the secret is out - the Cayman especially from the 981 model to 718 is a great driver's car. I own a 997 GTS and got to say the Cayman especially in S or GTS trim is a real compelling car especially with the small form factor and the flat-six engines. The 718 4-bangers offer incredible performance and tunability. And then the 718 4.0 goes back to the flat-6 glory. If you ever drive one you're get what every other Porsche owner knows - the Cayman is now the 'driver' car in the Porsche lineup (outside of the GT cars).
@@bondking0077 how do you know boomer?
Yes sir. I have a 996 turbo s and a 987 S both manuals. I love them both. Both are great cars. The cayman reminds me of what Porsche used to design the cayman. 904 front and 550 rear for styling and it sounds amazing with my borla exhaust. Also it’s a great grocery getter with 2 trunks. Cheers boys. I also have a 2010 pana turbo pdk for good measure.
Replaced my 964 C4 Targa with a 2014 Boxster S. Newer, but way better in almost every way.
Couldn’t agree more.
Very little between the 987.2 and the 981, engine is the same but the steering feel is better
I absolutely agree. The 981 is the best looking of all the cayman and a lot of the 911’a as well.
I stop when I see one cause it just looks a little bit bigger than the 987 and there is not a bad looking angle in this piece of art.
I put 225k on my 987 before getting a 981. I have to disagree in that adding the fender creases and the humped up rear lid and glass take away from the beautiful design of the Cayman. I think the 987 may be the best looking sports car of all times. Everyone has an opinion..
Notes on headliner and door panels: If the headliner and door panels are replaced under warrantee, you're getting OEM Porsche replacement parts that will fail again within a few years. The problem is with the water-based adhesive Porsche and other German auto makers were forced to switch to in the early 2000's by Germany's equivalent of our EPA. OEM replacement headliners and door panels use the same water-based adhesive. Headliners can be recovered by a local upholstery shop for less than half of the cost of Porsche dealer price. Door panels can be repaired for a small fraction of the cost of OEM replacement parts, but beware that this is NOT a DIY project because of the design of the door panels, which have side airbags mounted behind them. Improper repair can cause serious problems if the airbags are deployed incorrectly.
Thanks for the insight!
Also, I have heard and noted that cars with the full leather option are less prone to these issues
@@RennthusiastLove the review and the car. Looks like you’re in Virginia or nearby. Did you sell it already?? I’m in the market for THAT car. 👍
@@scottgolightly9536 I sold it awhile back I I think it’s available again on PCA classifieds.
@@RennthusiastHi ! What did you replace it with ?
Absolutely agree.....my 981 was THE best chassis I have ever owned, and being single the 3 luggage compartments are so much more useable than a 911. I bought my Cayman fully believing that it was a stepping stone to a 911 but after 2yrs living with it thought "why would you change up?"
I drove 718 gts 2.5 for 2 years. Sold it thinking 992 is a excellent machine. But i was wrong. Sold it within 2 months and move back to gts2.5
911 is a scam
Will: I have a Racing Yellow/Black 2016 981 Cayman S 6 spd with PASM,PSE, Sport, but not sport chrono. 14 way seats, 20" Sport Techo II Carrera S wheels. 18k miles. No headliner or door card issues. CPO buy in early 2017. Excellent car. Have a noise in dash vent to resolve. Other than that. Perfect. XPEL PPF and XPEL Tint. Recommend you PPF your rockers and around side air intakes on your GT4. They will get pelted due to angled position for capture air. Love color of both of your Caymans! Take care!
I ended up PPF’ing the entire GT4, including - of course - the rockers and air intakes included. Special, special car. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏽
The door panel warp issue also affects the 991. So don’t make it out to be a 981 flaw. This is a Porsche supplier issue. Just like the delamination of headlights, it affects many models.
I own and drive a low mileage 981 Cayman in Agate grey with 20” Carrera S alloys in silver and I absolutely love it. I also have the Porsche Design steering wheel, but with paddles as mine has the super fast PDK gearbox which I also absolutely love. I had a manual gearbox in my previous 987 Boxster, so had the pleasure to experience both types of transmission. I can honestly say if money was no object, I would have two Caymans, with one of each. Your Cayman looks absolutely gorgeous in Sapphire blue with those gloss black alloys. It’s the only other combination of colour and wheels that I like and would consider buying over my car. That said, makes absolute sense why you sold it when buying a GT4 in same colour 😍
Hi Will, Absolutely thrilled you have found the wonderfulness of the Cayman platform. As a Cayman owner and subscriber to your channel I can’t wait to see the content on the GT4. These cars have made folks ignore their 911’s. Good luck and keep up the solid content.
I have been into cars since I could read. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and have almost always had a muscle car or pony car of some sort. I showed up at a cars and coffee one day in my 1965 GT 350 clone and almost every guy there had a Porsche of some kind. They convinced me that I should have a 911. Which I bought and started to auto cross. I quickly found out the the fast guys were driving Caymans. I bought a 2014 20,000 mile Cayman S and it blew my mind. I went to the same cars and coffee this year on the 4th of July and a couple of the guys had GT3’s and GT4’s. I just traded my S for a GT 4. So I am on the same wave length. It is without doubt. The best car I have ever owned
My wife just bought one of these, I'm not a Porsche guy and really didn't know anything about the 981, I've got a Corvette. She wanted something sporty and landed on one of these and I've got to say I'm really loving it. It is an amazing car handles simply wonderful it is so fun to drive. All that being said, I'm like you, I'd have to get the GT4, especially after owning a Z06 and its power level that additional power in this light package would be incredible.
Love my 981B! Best car I’ve owned, and I’ve had many sports/sporty cars.
I truly enjoy running it through the gears and winding out the 2.7L.
In fact, I drove the 3.4L back to back with the 2.7L. And although the S was easily quicker is was not a better driving experience. Worth sharing that I actually prefer the sound of the 2.7L. In case it’s helpful perspective, I was a 997S owner and came from a 987.1CS.
My 2014 Cayman 2.7 w/ PDK is a daily driver w/ 75,000 miles and counting. Autocross 2 or 3 times a year. Not a single problem yet! Love this car!
Edit: Up to 77,500. Had to replace the right folding mirror mechanism. $300 DIY. And replaced my scuffed door sills for $250 😉 I just enjoyed the heck out of a Cayman GTS 4.0 at the Atlanta Drivers Experience. Great car, and would love the extra 120hp, but they both sound incredible at 7,000rpms... and mine is paid for!
Thanks for sharing the door panel and roof liner recalls. I will definately have that in mind when buying.
Any of the plastics are prone to warping. Just be sure to look at all of it.
Congrats Will. I'm excited to see you loving the water cooled mid engine experience and looking forward to more content. I too am a 911 guy through and through and drive a Boxster as my daily. Just something about that mid engine driving experience, especially combined with some 911s. Can't wait to see more on the GT4. Cheers!
982 GT4 or Spyder with 918 buckets are the real big deal. It’s unbelievable how much more value you are getting for the money compared to the 911. Probably the 718 might more depreciate, but the sheer driving experience is soooo awesome for way less coins !!!
GT4 and Spyder are basically adorable baby supercars.
I am a huge convert to the mid engine platform. I love my 911’s but these have really opened a new door for my Porsche enthusiasm.
@@Rennthusiast same for me. The GT4 will give you so much confidence in driving like no other car before. It just feels like planted to the road. And it is relatively light and quick.
I am looking to purchase my 1st Porsche and want the Cayman , really enjoyed your video and your style of commentary. I am as picky with cars as you are! Now to find one as good as yours. Thank you
Thank you for watching and good luck in your search.
Congrats on the 981 GT4 acquisition. It’s interesting that you are going back to water cooled cars. This should give you a nice, diverse view of the ownership of all types of Porsches. I have a 718 GT4 and it’s a very nice car to drive. You will enjoy the GT4 and Caymans are not to be discounted compared to the 911 variants. I’ve had both and I really enjoy the mid engined platform. Congratulations! You are selling a very nice Cayman S.
Thank you for sharing, not just the journey in your usually thorough manner, but how the platform has impacted you.
I purchased a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 last July as my first Porsche. Mine is in a relatively rare color, FrozenBerry Metallic.
I test drove a few 911s, 997.2 CS, 991,1 and 991.2 CS and C4S and wasn't moved to purchase. I test drove the 718 GTS 4.0 and it was love at first drive. The balance, the acceleration, the layout of the cabin and the looks. I'm always looking back after I park her.
I always thought I'd buy a 911, but the Cayman platform is really damn good.
Cheers
Dr Jeff
Hell yeah, that 4.0 is very intriguing to me. Congrats on a unique color. Always a little tougher to get.
Nice video. Beautiful car. I have a 2006 Boxster S manual, in (give me a ticket😂) guards red . Love the car. Smooth and balanced. Great driving car, plus the frunk and a trunk make it first class grocery getter. I am 6‘-1“, 210 lbs and sit comfortably in the cockpit and don’t feel beat up after a long day of driving. Porsche doesn’t miss much when it comes to driver experience.
To me as an engineer and track rat, the 911 is simply Porsche engineers being excessively stubborn, keeping the engine behind the rear axle. Just making it handle at all is a huge triumph and the 911 is amazing. But it's fighting physics. The Cayman has the engine in a more optimum location, in front of the rear axle, making perfect handling much easier. I noted during ALMS races at Lime Rock that the 911's racing all had Cayman located engines in front of the axle. So serious racecars were pretty much Caymans with 911 bodies. Sure, Porsche has made sure that 911's have more power and higher price than an equal trim Cayman but that's all tradition and marketing. I mean, think back when the 928 came out. Porsche's plans were to discontinue the 911 and couldn't because their prior customers would only buy (at the time) air cooled 911s.
it's true that some of the latest racing 911s have inverted engines (in other words the engine in front of the rear axle with the gearbox behind) to make them more mid-engined in the layout, but apparently it was to improve the underbody aero - they needed more space to run the big diffusers which is impossible with a traditional rear-engined 911 set up. It's also true that the rear engines have steadily been mounted further forwards over the generations, but it seems there's still room for the rear-engined layout and it still has its advantages. Not that I'm down on the Cayman at all, I'd give my right nut for a GT4, I'd bet it makes my 911 feel like a wheelbarrow.
Any source on your claim of ALMS Porsches being “Caymans in 911 bodies”?
Agree with his description of the wheels. I hate the murdered out look, also, but the polished black with the chrome ring works for me, also.
Congrats on the purchase! The new one looks sick and if I were buying a Cayman S, yours would be the spec I’d want; black wheels and all👌🏼
Sick?...perhaps English isn't your first language, or even your second or third...
My 2018 718S headliner fell over the summer. I was under CPO but the dealer still said it would only be replaced if it was a safety issue (like blocking rear view mirror view). Mine was hitting my head but not obstructing the rear view mirror. Needless to say, I yanked that thing down to the point it blocked the view partially and they replaced it under warranty. Shame it came to that but no way I was gonna pay for it. I dodged a bullet on that one.
All that said, I love the car!
I just purchased a low optioned 2014 base manual cayman, and can't be happier. It came with teh door panels warped, but there's a shop in florida that you can send them in and they'll absolutely guarantee their glue will hold (Pedro's Garage). If you get them repaired with Porsche, they just use the same glue that fails. Everytime I get in mine, I do look at the headliner to see if it's next. My car was a CPO, so it came wiht a 2-year warranty and I bought a 3rd year. so if that headliner fails, I'll look for a warranty repair to buy some more time.
The base is just my speed... I'm coming from tacomas and outback wagons, so anything more powerful is just wasted on a rube like me. There are options to get Apple Carplay/Android auto in these cars, but it requires and aftermarket solution.
The headliner on my out of warranty 981 drooped. I replaced it myself with Alcantara.
I love my 981 Cayman S X73 and it’s a long term keeper. I’ve been through a few 911’s and currently have a 992 T.
Hahahah! This dude is the poster child for how car progression happens and when you get a little taste of that awesomeness. I started by first driving a beater Civic Si > Accord > Integra GSR > E46 M3 > and next a Porsche 911 S. I test drove the 911 and nothing else compares to it. Pure driving joy.
Now I understand why you are selling it. The GT4 is one hell of a car. Enjoy the ride. Looking forward to a video on it. Happy Motoring!
I have a 2021 miami blue Cayman. Chalk leather and interior blue paint. Its awesome! Gas mileage brakes acceleration handling. Super cool
Clickbait spoiler- He’s buying another Cayman. Can’t say I blame him.
Good luck 😎👍🏼
Very enjoyable and informative video as usual, Will. Thanks for the content and great color choice!
Great video. Only thing I would add is that the door panel warping only applies to the cars with the standard interior. I believe the alcantara roofliner doesn't sag either, but that probably only applies GTS cars.
I'd get the Cayman over the 911, not even close for me. Mid-engine, more compact, and lower cost. Plus, to me, it's better looking.
Most that can afford a clean 981 can afford a 911. The choice is not about money, it’s about the better car. I test drove several 997s and 991s before choosing the 981.
@COVFEFE Assclown
Totally agree about black wheels. They look like black holes where the wheels should be and they ruin the overall styling balance of a car.
Yep, but the polished lips make all the difference, I think.
@@Rennthusiast Agreed
That's a great colour and overall fantastic spec'd car! Sure Caymans and Boxsters are not 911s but they allow for a fantastic, more affordable entry point into Porsche's sports car line up and, from what I've read and watched, don't really compromise on performance? My favourite modern 911 is the last Speedster but I'd be very happy with the 718 Spyder, with deMan stroker engine.
I bought a black/black ‘13 981 Boxster S two years ago with nearly identical options.
Mine has a PDK however which I prefer as it’s quicker and easier to drive when I feel like totally relaxing and also when I drive fast in the mountains. Mine does not have pasm which I didn’t want anyway as I always planned on getting the X73 suspension if it didn’t come with the car. I have the kit and am doing it this year. The reviews I watched said the sport mode of the pasm was too stiff for normal driving anyway.
It is my understanding that the 2013’s used an adhesive that the climate cult Germans outlawed and so had to go with water based adhesive after, which the door card’s obviously weren’t designed for. I’ve had no problems with my door cards and this car is now 10 years old.
I much prefer top down driving over cocoon driving in a Cayman. It is more exciting when driving faster and makes driving an outdoor experience which I absolutely love. I’ll drive with a hoody on, seat heaters on high, when it’s 45 degrees outside and love every second.
The handling dynamics of this car are phenomenal as you’d expect of a mid-engined Porsche and the brakes are excellent as well, more than enough for the street. The steering is razor sharp, although feedback is not being electric assist- sigh.
I’ve had no problems with the car at all other than electronic glitches which mostly went away when I got a new battery- the original was still in there! I got a 30ah lithium battery that weighs 13 lbs!, ~35 lbs lighter than stock and mounted in a fairly high place in the car so nice upgrade there imo. I have had no problems with such a small battery as I drive it 4-6 days a week and lithium’s have a lot more starting torque so size didn’t matter at all except to save weight.
Nits for this car:
don’t buy one if you are expecting a torquey engine, it’s a 3.4l revver and as such you'll be keeping it in lower gears to go fast. I knew this and really dont mind as I love the hollow roar of the small flat six, especially with the Soul exhaust.
Don’t buy one unless you are ready to spend money on tires, it eats them if you drive fast and get the softer compounds. You’ll be lucky to get two years out of a set of PS4’s driven 5-6,000 miles a year.
The seats are a bit fragile when entering or exiting so you’ll need to exercise care to keep them in top shape. Also this car is low and takes some flexibility and strength to get in and out of.
You’ll want to get a clear wind deflector for between the seats as the stock mesh screen makes the mirror useless for identifying cars behind you if you know what I mean.
If you put the top up and down a lot, you’ll notice the frame wearing on the soft top. The top works wonderfully but this is a long term concern. I sometimes can’t resist and drive the car in the rain, or go shopping in it and park far out in the lot with the top up and put it down to drive home.
I do my own maintenance and one problem is you can’t completely drain the PDK at home, only about half, so I drain half every year along with oil and filter change which is very easy with a Quick Jack lift and creeper.
Changing spark plugs is a pain in the ass so you might want to let your Indy mechanic do that.
By all accounts I’ve heard this is a very durable car. There are guys on forums tracking it ten times a year with 150,000 miles on them. Mine has 77,000 and drives as new except for some very minor creaks when going over really rough pavement. Just being honest.
Highly recommend this car over the 911 as it’s easier to drive fast, handles better, gets better gas mileage, weighs less and costs a helluva lot less than the same year Carrera S- about $30,000 less.
For those who don’t know, half this car is 911 and it’s built on the same assembly line. It’s every bit as good a car iyam.
Have you always bought your Porsche out of state? What is the buying process like? Transport cost, PPI cost, etc. Any information or advice would help. Thank you.
Yes. You’re looking at $2500 - $2800 cross country to ship it enclosed. PPI you need to call the shop(s) to get an idea. $$$ always depends on how deep you want them to go.
I'm happy to see a video about your 981 Cayman S but was sad to see it was going until I saw the reason - congrats on the 981 GT4! I'm with you on the center exhaust and prefer the 982 version of the exhaust. I think you have it priced right given the current market and it should sell fast. For comparison, I bought my then 7k mile 2016 Cayman S 6-speed last summer for $65k and it is a low option car that originally sold for $67k MSRP. I bought it from several states over and had it transported inside a trailer too. There were some surprises when it showed up and I had to take it to my PDR guy as well. I look forward to seeing some more 981 content soon on your upcoming GT4. I think the Cayman and Boxster variants are great cars and represent good value for the money. I just love your collection and a GT4 will fit in there nicely!
Curious as to what the S was lacking that justified the jump to a GT4? Either way, both gorgeous cars and I’m excited to see the channel branching out more. Looking forward to the GT4 intro video!
As you likely know as a longer term subscriber, I am always looking for new and different driving experiences and the GT4 delivers. I have always wanted a GT car as well.
For what the S is, I don’t feel that it’s lacking. The gearing is long, which is a well known complaint but it’s a fantastic daily which is why I grabbed it.
@@Rennthusiast thanks for the explanation. In that case, congrats on checking off the GT car goal! Appreciate the detailed review on the 981, too! We just got my wife her first Porsche (987.1 BS tip) and great as it is, I can’t imagine living with the tip long term and a 981 looks like a great goal.
GT4 is 911 engine in Cayman body pretty much isn’t it?
@@512TXSDIY yes, well, kind of. The 981 GT4 has the 991.1 Carrera S’ 3.8. 982 GT4 has the 4.0 exclusive to it and the GTS, while the GT4 RS has the GT3’s 4.0.
@@justinmckeown9029 Gotcha. I’m thinking about GT4 too but can’t make myself pull the trigger.
Oh man, I totally bought into the negging title, but I'm glad you're doubling down and getting the GT4. I love my 981 Cayman S. Mine is very similarly specked in terms of options. I have sport exhaust, but not PASM though. Love the rev matching with Sports Plus!! Pretty sure the GT4 has PSE standard, and you're going to LOVE that I think!! My Cayman has the same wheels as yours, and I think they are the best!! With the silver barrel and bead, they've got such depth to them, and the calipers just pop!! I love cleaning the wheels. I got lucky and still had some CPO warranty left on it from the previous owner. They fixed my headliner and one of my door cards under warranty as well. Good luck with the sale, and looking forward to the GT4 content!! I am a little curious about why you went with the 981 versus the 718 GT4, but I'm sure you'll address that in good time.
0:02 hey man, what is the silver car, that looks nice, which porsche model is it please : )
Thinking about going from my cayenne to a 981, but am worried about it being too small.... But wife has a focus st so im sure we'll manage
I too went from a 14 Cayman S to a 981 GT4. This was after my 07 Carrera S. As a daily driver the 14 Cayman S was by far my favorite. The GT4 is in another dimension and I suspect I will keep that forever. You just have to be so much more careful in regards to road issues with it. I won't even have to tell you to enjoy the car. Great choice!!!
It's beautiful and the perfect spec! I wish I was in a position to take it off your hands. I'm so glad you're venturing out from just air cooled 911s. The Porsche stable is full of sweetheart vehicles.
i love center exausts on a Fiat 500 or an Alfa Romeo Mito or a pink Mini ...
just NOT on a Porsche !
that needs rainpipe sized tubes on bouth sides if ya know what i mean ^^
and that's the 1 thing that's kills the GT3's for me
and yes, i'm girl ☺
I was looking at a 2006 Cayman S with less than 64,000 miles that my local Lexus dealer had for sale. Their description said showroom condition but it was far from it. I also called both Porsche dealers to ask about an inspection but both do not provide pre inspections. Very disappointed with the whole process.
I remember the day this car launched, I was around 22 then and thought this was such an awesome car and made it a goal to own one… fast forward to now, i’m 32 and despite having a very solid job (digital marketing manager in Paris), I feel no closer to owning one… these are still around 50k€, they’ve barely depreciated in 10 years. And with the cost of living here these days (think 10$ a gallon for fuel, to give you an idea), I simply can’t afford it. Give it another 10 years… and maybe. In any case, I love this configuration. Gorgeous choice of wheels and color. Your video gave me a little reminder of how much I love this car and that I need to stay focused on achieving this goal one day. Thanks !
Get yourself a rich wife bro...That's how I bought one of these before I turned 30😂
You will never afford one, sorry. EV mandates are going to push ICE prices high generally. Cars like this will be on another level beyond that, you wait and see.
I just sold the same 2014 Cayman S with the same color to a guy in Texas I miss it but getting another one what a great car.
Tbh I just bought my 981 cayman and I couldn’t be happier. I think the 911 is overall an amazing and better car and absolutely gorgeous. However if you arent dropping $100k+ for the higher trim 911 with vents it kinda looks like a bathtub and sounds like a vacuum (911 is still GORGEOUS)
UPDATE: car is sold!
Oooooooooooooooooooooo...let's see...oh dear, no one cares...
I love my 2016 981 manual. Handles better than a 911
Headliner died. Had a "suede" headliner professionally installed. Better and nicer than OEM and only about 600 bucks. ( Didn't need to pull window)
They also fixed the door panel warp for free.
I also had my 2014 headliner repaired for 600 bucks and no window removal. My passenger door panel is warping. What can you tell me about that and the repair? Thanks
@@timheine5816 I think they took a heat gun to it and used adhesive. I wasn't there. But he mentioned it. The place was in West LA and he does lots of high end cars.
@@drunvert Thanks.
I’m glad to see you appreciating the water-cooled Porsche world a bit. Some great cars!
I did something similar. Bought a 981 Cayman and swapped it for a 981 GT4 after just three months. Coming up to five years later, the GT4 is still here and no sign of it leaving any time soon.
This car is for sale again on PCA Mart now with 20k miles! I just missed this one when you posted it and ended up buying a 718 GTS 2.5L Great example.
Haha yes, I talked with the current owner earlier this week. Great dude. He added PSE to the car which, in my opinion, was the only thing that’s missing.
How much did they charge for you for the pre purchase inspection (PPI)? Sounds like they did an excellent job!
Will, great review. Finally someone gets - and calls out the black wheel thing. You spend all this money on the car (and perhaps separately - wheels) and then hide them?! Actually I think the 981 (and other Cayman/Boxster variants) look and ride better with 19s, and again with some lip showing if otherwise black. It's a small car, and to me they look more proportional. Can't believe we've come to the day when 19s are thought of (by many) as small - especially on a small car! The 5 (10) spoke spyder design looks great on these, with 18s in the same design as winters. As far as 3 season (or 4 sunbelt) use, as long as you put some top Michelins (etc) on them, the only place you might notice the 19" 'degradation' is on the track, if that, certainly not as a daily.
The 981 or again any gen Cayman IMO is the best looking car out there - those great lines!- it doesn't get its due...IMO just embodies or epitomizes "sportscar." It is and will be a timeless classic.
All that said, to Will's question of this or 911?...before the "why would you get a 911?" fanboys get going, especially as an 'only one', for me it'd have to be the 911 as a real world choice. If like many you have a partner actually taking up the other seat, a pooch(es), want to take along a passenger-accessible pic-a-nic basket/cooler, a coat or two, larger than a postage stamp briefcase, and want to take an actual road trip with any of the above combos -- it'd have to be the 911. Add small child in the mix, obvious (admittedly still marginal but...), and while if that is a regular priority you're likely meeting that need with something more practical than a 911... the Cayman completely precludes the possibility of even occasional accommodation of anyone back there - of any size. Lastly, another practical consideration, the Cayman does not allow you to rake your seat, appreciably, for that roadside rest area cat nap. In general, the 911 just has more elbow and breathing room. Case closed, but... love the car. Bottom line if only one: Cayman is the one I'd have up on a wall in a poster/graphic, with the 911 on the garage floor.
Will, sorry to see this one going, but congratulations on the GT4!
Thanks so much for adding some color to the comments and sharing your opinions. Thank you also for the support and for watching 🙏🏼
I couldn't quite make out the name of the product you used on the leather parts of the steering wheel? Could you please share the name again?
Leatherique Leatherique Leather Rejuvenator/Prestine Clean Pair 8 Oz a.co/d/cqVkleX
Wow! What a surprise at the end Will. Your always full of surprises 🎉
Really helpful video, thanks
Especially the 981 GTS is also a quite rare Porsche model. I just read that in Germany the number of registered 981 gts is just 400 (981 gt4 is almost 800 pcs) and so it seems to be the rarest spec of the 981 range.
What if it is Porsche-certified?? From what I have read they have excellent coverage for two years and unlimited miles.
Yep. CPO is good.
Those look like some very nice roads. Where?
Western North Carolina
@@Rennthusiast Thank you
A great 981 "Buyer's Guide" video, thank you kindly Will. Always thoroughly enjoy your presentations, from topics like upholstery fabrics to driveway talks with fellow enthusiasts :-)
I am sure the follow-on owner will be very happy with this beautiful car for some proper seasonal driving trips. About your question, I'd go for the 4 cylinder 718, perfect for Europe.
Thanks again, greatly appreciated✌
I have a 981 GT4. Owned a 997 and there is no comparison. 718 GT4 exhaust's were spread to utilize aerodynamics shared with the spyder. It's all
personal preference, take a look at where the exausts are placed on the GT3's...
looks better in my opinion. The rear of the 718 GT4 is hideous IMO. i would never go back to a 911, GT4RS is the only thing on my radar.
Nice smooth driving skills.....
Great video, Will. Looking forward to your GT4 review, in particular the feedback on the Alcantara (wear, marking, cleanliness). It’s clear that you are particular so interested in that honest feedback.
I have a gts 4.0 coming in about a month, so i may be interested in the short shifter. Could you tell me the details (such as condition, where you bought it from, price, etc)? Thanks!
Someone else has requested info. I’ll get back to you if it doesn’t sell.
Hi Will, do you still have short shifter for the cayman S ? Thanks
I do. Can you shoot me a message on IG @rennthusiasttv?
I’ll have to find it in the garage cabinets tomorrow and can message you back when I do.
Thanks
Only the gts 718 has the spread out exhaust pipes
Is this a good vehicle for long road trips, such as 3-4 hours? I test drove the 981 and the 6 cylinder is amazing, but I only test drove it for 20 minutes.
Great road trip car. I did several 200 mile trips in mine. Comfortable on the highway then super fun on the back country roads.
Looking forward to hearing about the GT4! Great video as always.
Love that platform. Plus they're so many to chose from the prices will be somewhat depreciated; so I, like you, will shop the used market.
I’m really hoping prices stay where they are or drop a little over ‘24. I should be ready purchase sometime near eoy, but I’m concerned the values are going to skyrocket when the Cayman/Boxster go EV.
They absolutely are.
Hey Will. Thanks for all the very informative and interesting videos. Always eager for the next one! Congrats on the GT4! I noticed that it has the Full Bucket seats. I'd really be interested in your opinion after living with them on the road for a while. Would be great if you included an opinion piece on the subject in one of your videos. Are race seats too much to live with? Are they OK? Rather have the comforts? Something like that. Thanks!
Hey. I have an entire episode planned around the buckets. I have thoughts and 1100 miles of experience with them already…along with some reversible, easily installable mods to make them comfortable.
@@Rennthusiast Cool, you read my mind!, Shawn
Caymans are my favourite and I’ve been in a rally with a 2021 GT3
Love the car! I've had a 2015 2.7 manual for almost two years and have loved it. Have you found a buyer yet? I'd be interested if you're still looking.
Good review. You need new friends if your 911 owner buddies turn their noses up at Cayman - just shows how little they know about cars. Unfortunately you see this attitude particularly in the UK and USA. I own a 991.2 GT3 RS, 720S, 296GTB (incoming) and a 981 Cayman GTS and personally prefer the Cayman over any standard 911 model. 991.2 911 onwards are turbocharged - and whilst the engine is excellent the lack of NA takes away from the driving experience.
In my view the best cars Porsche have produced in recent times are the 981 GTS, 981 Spyder, 981 GT4, 718 GTS 4L, 718 Spyder, 718 GT4 and GT4 RS, 991.2 GT3 touring and 991.2 GT3 RS - the 992 911 models whilst technically good are lacking some soul.
Most very seasoned Porsche owners who have driven the 718 GT4 RS feel its probably the best mainstream car Porsche have ever produced e.g. it combines the most rigid small foot print chassis with the best engine (4L NA originally found in the 991.2 GT3), best gearing (gear set from the 991.2 GT3 RS) and arguably the best looking car they have produced. Its not perfect but its way more fun than any 911 of any type I have ever driven.
Nice video. People should be very confident about buying a car from you. Would be interesting to hear why you are pivoting to more water cooled after your air cooled start and focus.
I’ll share why in future videos but - as you know - I am completely transparent on my channel.
2 reasons:
1. I am a big fan of change and am just really enjoying the driving experience of these newer cars, especially when they are not crazy fast.
2. I am beaten down by the upkeep costs and effort the air cooled cars take.
That’s the brutal truth!
Great video. What’s the name of the leather cleaner?
Leatherique: Leatherique 8 oz kits (8oz kit) a.co/d/cAoLQlm
Funny thing is for a long while now I have felt the 911 has grown to large and these Caymans are what the 911 use to be, good luck with your Porsche.
That was a good video. I enjoyed it immensely.
I went to test drive one on this (super car ) the moment I felt like if I was driving on the dirt road terrain
The suspension of this little thing are really horrible, I run away I thought that’s was enough
Looks like mine (Same Color) but in a cayman. Nice car.
Any of your friends that diss a Cayman are simply showing their pretension.
Enjoy the gt4. I actually prefer the gts because it’s not as hardcore as the gt4, but it’s definitely a car that you’ll enjoy putting through its paces. Good on you to get the manual vs the pdk
If you don't mind, how much did you end up selling this car for?
I have never been a fan of the 911’s always felt like the Boxster’s and Cayman’s handled way better.
How much are you selling it for?
It’s sold already.
Yeah id one just like this in white with a manual, like this one, also yes black wheels all the time
Thanks for all the information 😎
Always great review, per usual, Will. I never bought a 981 because my MR2 felt very similar and more roomy (at a fraction of the price). The GT4 is in another league altogether, congrats!
You’re kidding me, a 981 is more like a 718 than a MR2, what are you smoking? You can’t compare a TOYOTA with a PORSCHE.
@@clu4u you most definitely can. Both mid engine. Both incredible racing vehicles. Both sports cars at the fraction of a price of market leaders. Both some of the most reliable performance cars you can buy.
MR2, gets laughed out of the room. That's like taking the guys who drive Miata"s seriously. Lolololol
@@efabiano82 toyota has an incredible racing history. Calm down.
@@fxlltxtsearch I never said anything about Toyota and its racing history. I'm commenting specifically about the MR2 you brought up.
I was hoping your reason to sell was to up-grade. Good on you.
Love the wheels - similar to my Cayenne S 21s.
Will, I would seriously consider getting a convertible for your collection. You have a broad spectrum of drivers cars but take some time to enjoy the open roof experience for a little while as well. I have a 911 but maybe a boxster would be a nice edition.
I would love to replace this Cayman with a 981 Boxster S, but I haven’t seen many come on the market. Bad time of year.
Owners want to enjoy them vs sell them, I think.
I have a 2016 Boxster s with a hair over 16000 miles that’s immaculate. Reluctantly looking to maybe part ways with it and get into an lc500 or a 911. I have an almost 6 year old son who loves the car and I’m looking for something with a back seat so he can join us in the car. If interested, let me know
Some guys are simply never happy with WHATEVER they have: this is one of those cases
Some guys also really enjoy new driving and ownership experiences and also have to balance how much capital they have in their cars. Can’t keep them all 😄
Such great cars, yours is tempting!
I was always a 911 snob as well…but as I live on…I’m entertaining other Porsches…718 & even Panamera and Cayenne…911’s are just getting beyond what I think are reasonable….plus 718 are more sports car and 911’s are fattening into GT’s almost.