Sold my Westfield of 12 years for a manual 09 Cayman S last year. I couldn’t be happier. What a driver’s car it is. 114k on the clock, running like new and I intend to get it to 200k!
I hope you take it to 250k , maintenance and care and enjoy that machine on all the miles, a car to enjoy and be driven before the politicians try take these machines away
All the Porsches from this era are some of the best buys. Just about the right size. Just about the right amount of power. Classic looks. Hydraulic steering. Sounds good. You simply cannot say the same about the newer models. Engine scares keeps the price low for us. Yet, you can test for engine scoring and do a ton of preventative maintenance.
@@FraxinusExelsioreverything dies in the end. Is it not better to have lived? (Also, get one with a rebuilt engine. Mine has a new block from Porsche.)
@Allmoge8888 When it starts ticking it is exactly the time it needs renovation. Be prepared financially for it, or don't buy any (older) sports car at all.
It is funny how when Porsche introduces a new design, many claim it to be boring, unimaginative and not as nice as the previous generation. Then, twenty years later, it is a classic. That's the price they pay for not following trends and aiming for timeless design. That takes guts.
I used to work for a lunatic that had one of these back in 09 in South Africa...he picked me up from dropping off a car with a client and proceeded to drive like an absolute hooligan while taking calls (without a hands free kit) and writing in his schedule book...in Johannesburg traffic... Great car, very fast, but what I found out that day was that it was sadly lacking in things to hold on to for dear life when you`re a passenger...
@@JayEmmOnCarson a serious note Jay, do you ever think about going on a diet and losing some weight? I can't help but be worried for your health as you are enormous. It can't be good for your heart and bowels.
I’m the age where I can now afford to go back and buy the 00’s cars I couldn’t afford at the time. They were the peak balance of comfort/quality/performance without the expensive safety electronics and heightened emissions regulations.
I have owned the 987.2 2.9 manual cayman for nearly 4 years and I still get a buzz from driving it and don’t intend to sell it any time in the foreseeable future. Fantastic cars . They don’t break the bank either.
I’ve had mine since 2006 and never looked back. Keep adding upgrades and saving the stock parts in the garage. If the engine blows up, I’ll put a speced 3.8 on it that can rev to 8000 RPM. Will keep the car forever.
Yes and there is a company that modify the engine so it has higher compression giving you a little more power and torque lower down in the rev range with the added bonus of better fuel mileage :)
@@Jay-xr3sb both great. Personally preferred the 981. Steering feel aside, Better damping/ride quality. Better sound (PSE) and more modern / useable infotainment system
One of the cute things I have found when looking at these 987's and 997's, is the one owner cars where it comes WITH the original IMS in a cardboard box with the dealer service record of it being replaced. Gives a piece of mind when looking at 15 year old Porsche that were weekend or summer cars.
I own a 2008 Cayman S and agree wholeheartedly with Jay's comments. Horsepower be damned, lightweight, nimble handling and a howling flat-six make the 987 pretty much perfect. There are "issues" that have been noted with this engine - IMS bearing, scored piston bores - however, I think these issues are few and far between. I track my Cayman and have never suffered from any issues and regularly tap the 7,000rpm redline - I just enjoy! Great review!
The only Porsche I've ever driven was a Cayman S on a track day around Croft Circuit with an instructor. I'm not particularly a Porsche fan, but boy what a fabulously handling car. The only car I've driven that on turn in, pivoted around your hips. Great review James 👍
From Australia. Thanks mate. I am 58 now. I always love your love of cars and bikes for that matter. And you often remember your Dad's influence too. Keep it up mate. I enjoy your interests in what is good and fun too.
“Giant slayer” would be an understatement. Guys who run these on my track days with just upgraded pads and sticky tyres are matching GR Supra numbers, they handle incredibly well.
Hi James, Porsche also deleted the dash binnacle on the 987 Cayman R too, a bit daft, isn't it, as you get reflections from the silver surrounds on a bright day? Lovely car though! 👍🏻
Owning this car (same color) since almost 5 years. What an experience! The balance, the thrust, the look and feel..it amazes me still. Upgraded the exhaust to a full CarGraphic system which adds even more ‘wroar’. Excellent value for money. 🧡🏁
“Ludicrously practical” could possibly only be appropriate if you could fit a drum kit in it, but for a sports car, it might be ludicrously practical- Slightly bitter drummer here hoping one day he can afford more the one car. Love the videos as always. I saw on Amazon Prime video that there is an “on the road” series with a few extremely notable and respected journalists/drivers. One episode, one minute in and I couldn’t watch it because it seemed contrived and they were never saying much apart from on the surface stuff. JayEmm talking to a camera about a nearly 20 year old porsche and being authentic and honest is why I watch over series like that “on the road”. While I’m envious of all your cars, it’s bloody well earned.
Another great review. Love how your stories about cars are really just stories about your father and growing up. As an older dude with driving aged kids, I keep this in mind a lot when sharing my love of fun cars with them. Cheers amigo
I’m on my second generation Cayman and I don’t intend to upgrade to a 911 as I prefer the midship engine, a chassis that never fails to amaze me on a twisty road. Nice Gen one in impeccable condition!
Fantastic to finally see the Cayman S on. I’ve owned mine for about 6 months and for the money, I don’t think there’s anything out there that would touch it 😊 Thanks Jay, and love the shirt 😂
I had an '06 non-Sport S, and it was a fantastic car, especially for the money. All of the accolades you heap upon it are well-deserved. But...but. While, as you point out, bore-scoring can be *detected*, it cannot be *prevented*. Mine went to the great car-lot in the sky for that reason, and I now have a 981 Cayman S which (and I will quibble with you, here) is 99.9% as fun and engaging to drive, but also faster, more modern, and (knock on wood) has been bulletproof-reliable.
I just recently got myself a 987.1 Base Cayman as a replacement for my 130i and absolutely adore it. It's a perfect dailyable sports car, makes a good noise and isn't that expensive to run. The S Sport is probably quite similar but a good bit quicker.
Great video and having a Boxster 987 S myself, agree with everything said. The 987 gen 1 is particularly wonderful because so many people are scared of the engine blowing up. But, as Jay mentioned, the price premium between 987 gen 1 and 2 means that even if you got unlucky with the gen 1 you can rebuild and upgrade if you wanted for the same cost as a gen 2. I have no issues driving my 987 gen 1 anywhere and because they are such great value, I'm not afraid of decreasing the value by driving it. All positives in my book. Thank God for the scared little people!
Sadly people here in Norway seems to be unaware of the bore score and IHMs issue so the 987 is just as expensive as the later models... Cheepest Cayman you can find is around 30.000 £$€ and most seems to be trying to sell for 50.000 £$€ no matter what year model it is (same price for 10 to 20 year old models). So in Norway it seems importing from other countries is the way to go as the prices is generally lower and you pretty much only pay the 25% sales tax and not 100 to 400% tax like there is on new cars here.
@@a64738 So interesting. In Australia, the 987 generation is relatively affordable, but the 997 911's cost a lot more. They start around about $100K AUD. the UK takes the cake - ultra cheap!
That July event sound very much like my cup of tea. Sad I will not be able to attend... Also, I used to not like the 987 Caymans, but now as I grew older I have grown to like it. But it needs to be in bright colour, black or grey don't do it justice. This GT Orange looks absolutely stunning. Cayman and Boxster always seem to wear orange the best. Happy colour for what is arguably the most fun Porsche in the line-up
9:20 - said whilst wearing a shirt covered in Porches. I consider the shirt to be far more garish than the sticker lol. Great car - I had a speed yellow one for a few years complete with the garish sticker - loved it.
I’m an ex-Porsche mechanic, here goes… Yes the handling is brilliant, although traction is only average, the brakes excellent, the engine powerful But…the S suffers from bore scoring ( it wasn’t pleasant telling customers that their pride & joy needs a new engine…), engines leak oil, it goes through water pumps like there’s no tomorrow, ditto coil packs. The IMS issue is less common on the 987’s. In contrast to the 986, on the 987 the crankcase has to be separated in order to change it, so we usually resorted to remove the oil seal so the bearing is permanently submerged in oil. The quality is “fragile” inside, the leather looks tired easily, the switches fade etc. All in all, the 2.7 is a “safer” bet
Yes. Four (edit: five) years now in my 2.7; all the car I could need and all the car I can use on public roads. I love it. Water pump at 50k obviously, no big deal.
That is exactly why I landed on a 2008 Base 5 speed. What a car. A Sweet spot Porsche for someone a little further on in life who has their fun between 40 and 130 Km/h. Quick. Not fast. I have since sold that car to a good friend and moved on to a 981 Boxster S PDK, a totally different experience. I miss the 987 but thankfully I have the opportunity to drive it occasionally. That 987 has a sense of occasion when you drive it. The shape and size,. A few rattles. the smell, that steering and sound. Brilliant. Great vid.
@@unhygienix1970 Same here. Post heart attack I thought I’d better scratch the Porsche itch whilst I still could. Neighbour is a (40-years) experienced Porsche engineer who knows his stuff and steered me to a 987 2.7. Best advice he has ever given me, I’ve been grinning ever since :)
@@mrnicktoyou Probably that depends on the climate where one lives. Here in Northern Europe, where temperatures are modest even in summer, my switches are totally fine on a (garaged) 2008 car.
I had one of these nearly 14 years go, my first Porsche. Have a taycan and 911 now but still wish I kepts my 2008 987 Cayman S. Best drivers car I ever owned.
I loved how these looked (yes, the side graphics included) but when I went 987 shopping, I was searching for a base 2.7 version as they were reported to be less prone to the engine issues of the S-cars. I loved that car, the 5-speed was wonderful, the chassis fantastic, and you really had to drive the car using its momentum with "just" 245hp behind you. I still pined for the Sport though so I bought a 1:18 diecast version from Welly in the exact orange of your test car... no bore score issues ever with that model. 😎
Indeed these Caymans of the mid late 2000’s are lovely. They were under rated then, but at the present moment they seem to be very desirable and are fetching rather inflated prices. Nice review though.
I'm on my second Cayman. This one is a 987.1 base 5spd and on the very narrow, twisty, roller coaster like roads where I live the 2.7 and different gearing than my 987.2 6spd base actually make it more fun. What a fantastic little car with the engine in the right place. I don't even use the radio.
Have just seen Dougs comment below. He has stolen my thunder which was :- Wanna Caterham with a roof? Buy a Camen. Thee most brilliant of cars I have ever driven. Would love to own one. Tnx James.
I drive the entry-level Boxster 987 2007 Porsche. Everything Jayemm says about this Cayman holds true for the 2.7 Boxster (in my opinion). No, they’re not fast, but the driving experience is just the best. The 987.1 cars should be much more highly regarded than they are. A true driver’s car. I drive mine every day and it still put’s a smile on my face. It is my ‘happy place’ and I don’t think I’ll ever sell it.
A buddy took me for a few laps at a track day in a Cayman S. It was fun! I definitely prefer mine, but you can’t go wrong with a Porsche. They’re all fun.
I’ve got one of these. Orange, stickers and all. My favourite car. I had one years ago (also orange) that I got rid of in 2014. I’ve never found another car that was quite so perfect (although a McLaren 570s is the only thing to come close) and so I re bought one last year after spending years looking for one to come up in orange. I’ve got faster cars, I’ve got more super-er cars, but there is just something about all the pieces being put together just right here that make it just right. This is genuinely
Great cars. I have 987.2 Cayman myself. The instrument cluster pinnacle delete was done also on 987.2 Cayman R and perhaps also on 987.2 Spyder? 6 speed gearbox was available also on 987.1 base, together with sport pack, but it's rear option. For engine reliability I would suggest to sleave the cylinders, make it closed deck and deep sump. However, where I live it would be around 10k EUR job, thus better start with engine that has already bore score. If you do not want to worry about it, just choose base 2.7l - they are safe, especially from 2007, where you get improved IMS bearing, so not reason to worry about both biggest issues of M96 and M97 engines.
I’ve always thought this first gen Cayman looks awkward, and I still do. ..but this version, color and decals included, sort of does it for me. I’d have that over a S I think. Cool little car.
Just think about some of the new cars on sale from 2000-2010. 987 and 997 Porsches. e39 M5. e46 M3. e90 M3. S2000. Original NSX. Mitsubishi Evo. Viper. All those AMGs with the 6.2. Ferraris and Lambos that had both a gated manual and reliability. Peak cars decade without question.
I love the colour. But i drive a sunset orange kia cerato GT. I like orange lol. Not a porsche fan but that model looks spectacular. Alpine should do an A110 in that colour.
Drove one, many, many moons ago on the Thruxton circuit and can still recall the experience, just amazing! Thanks for reminding me, great video as always.
Recently took mine on a track day, performed remarkably well, beating out many purpose build "track only cars". I can also get a week's shops for a family of six in it, comfortable, easy to drive and park AND a bargain price.
i gotta say i quite enjoy watching your videos. very professional and relaxed at the same time. it really has a "top gear" vibe to it! keep it up mate!
#614 reporting in. Bought her when she was 3 yrs old and 7400 mi. Has 87K now but had to do and engine rebuild at 70K due to bore scoring. Now I have an engine I can trust on a beautiful body.
I have owned my 2008 987 Cayman S for 12 years now. At just over 26,000 miles the dreaded engine tapping noise started. It was diagnosed with cylinder bore scoring, the Achilles heal of this engine so I had it rebuilt by Hartech and at 28,000 miles, it should last for ever especially as I also had the IMS bearing replaced at the same time. To me it comes pretty close to perfection.
Lovely car, especially in the bright orange. I've got 987.2 Boxster and it gives me more smiles per mile than any other car I've driven. They are very easy to service. There's a series of videos on TH-cam for those who fancy doing a bit of DIY servicing. Porsche designed the engine for easy access once up on a lift.
Can't beat them. Still got mine chugging along happily. Decided if the worst does happen, it's getting bored to a 3.8 and having loads of BDS Motorsport goodies thrown at it with the hopes of a 400hp+ 987.1 - Will bring it down to you when I get it done
Great review as always thanks James. The only Caymans I think you haven’t reviewed are the 987.2 2.9ltr and 981 2.7ltr. The 987.2 2.9 is port injection, not DFI, so apparently more character and very rev happy, without IMS or bore score. Would be great to see you review and compare these two models as it is a head to head buying decision for many looking for their first Porsche, me included. Many thanks, Tim
This is why I stopped upgrading my Porsches. I absolutely love the 987.1 Cayman/Boxster S. So fun to drive slow or fast. I understand every journalist feels obligated to say "IMS/Bore Score failure", but this is overblown and we are talking 1%. Also, for cars that are almost 20 years old, let's be realistic, anyone buying a 20 year old car, no matter what the brand, has to know there are risks. There is no car that exists that does not need some kind of care after 20 years. With that said I have owned 4 Porsches with this design engine and put almost 400,000 miles on them and NEVER had any engine issues. Take good care of them, change oil often, and treat them right and it will give you tons of worry free fun. Best cars I have ever owned.
I have a 2007 987 Boxster S 3.4. Great car to drive. At the time I bought it - 2016 - the price of used Caymans was a bit out of reach. I ended up buying the Tiptronic over a manual because it was in such great condition and haven’t regretted it. Always serviced by Porsche since I’ve had it and no engine issues.
Not giving this car a Ltd Slip Diff is the biggest omission. I regularly drive a 987 3.2S and it doesn't really matter what the power is or what the precise final drive ratio is, the biggest effect in handling when having over-steer is the lack of LSD. Where a 997 GT3 starts to step out a bit in a predictable way, the 987S does so differently for each surface and throttle application, making it often difficult to really gauge how you might have to correct. In many cases the 987 handles perfectly fine and an enthusiast can retrofit such LSD; I'm merely stating that the omission from the factory was pedantically short-sighted.
I’ve gone from a DFI Cayman R to a 997.1 4S with sports exhaust and I can categorically say the older engines sounds better, it’s intoxicating, I love it!
@@JWLEGACY A dedicated father, I salute you! I had 20+ years of less exciting cars than I would have wanted, to accommodate kids, so I can see where you are at. Now I’m old, my kids are grown up, and I can scratch that itch again. Age doesn’t have that many benefits, but this is one of them :) There are some great adoption agencies though 😂
The chrono pack stopwatch is useful when sitting at a local temporary road works to time the lights, so you know how long you'll be waiting (and maybe turn the motor off), so maybe it _does_ have a use :)
I bought a used 2005 Cayman S back in 2008. It was one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I can’t remember why I sold it and have no idea why I never bought another
Hi Jay , I concur with you the Cayman was a great car .I remember however the Cayman being ridiculed and criticized for many years during its production.It was the 911 you could afford but was not really a 911.I remember seeing a yellow one parjked alongside a car dealership on the side of the road for just £15k when petrol was substantially cheaper than today. I so wish I had bought it.😊
I've had my 2007S 6 speed for 16 1/2 years. As long as my left leg functions, I'll own it. It steers great , it shifts great, the 295 HP is plenty for me. And the stock exhaust gets people in residential areas upset if I get much over 4K. Lol
I have never owner a 987. But I have had two 987.2 2.9L manuals and am currently driving a 981 base PDK. Amazing cars. But very expensive here in Australia. But even at the expensive price. They are well worth it. I will say that compared to MX5s and S2000s. The stock cable operated 987 manual transmission's feel pretty average in comparison.
You're not wrong. All the UK and US videos claiming 'now is the time to buy a 997'. At well over $100k, I think not. I'm driving 981 BS now, miss my 997.2 C2S but no chance getting back into one at this point.
@guser7137 In Australia, a 981 GTS is the same price or less than a high mileage basic 997.2 coupe. And a tidy low milage 981 Cayman is the same price as high milage a 997.1 . I personally think the Cayman is a better looking car. But the 981/987.2 Boxster is better value. Especially if your cross shopping against something like a S2000
Awesome cars... I really miss my '06 Cayman S. Just enough power, and very well-balanced. I'd also recommend installing a Carnewal GT exhaust. Glorious sound, with no cabin drone.
With this paint and those wheels it looks funky and sweet. And better than the current generation too, second to the 981 which was the best looking Porsche in its time
You must mean a Boxster S? No Caymans back then, not for another 9 years, iirc. Actually, that was the *first* year for the Boxster. My '97 993 Carrera S still hadn't even made it across the ocean back then lol. Got it brand new for less than a base Cayman costs today, unbelievably. Never, ever selling it.
Lovely. I have a 2007 S. People ask me about bore scoring or the IMS. I tell them I bought it 6 years ago $26000 Canadian and put 70,000 km on it. I got my money's worth, even if the engine explodes and it becomes a parts car.
There was a special edition Boxter (550 Spyder I think they called it) around the same time that only came in GT silver over red leather that also had the instrument binnacle cover delete. Makes it look like a Chevy Spark dash.
I've owned my Cayman S Sport, number 118, for 14 years and done just over 140k miles in it now. During that time a few other cars have come and gone including a Focus RS, one of your favourites Jay, which i did over 100k miles in and should never have sold. It's current stable companion is a 991 Carrera with pdk and of the two the Sport is just the more engaging drive. Porsche may only have made a few tweaks to the Sport over the standard 987S of the day but in my view it was just like sprinkling magic dust because they made the S sport one of the drivers cars of it's day and one that is still hard to beat.
They didn't make a few teaks. It's literally only one change - a remap for a claimed 8hp. Nothing else changed. Whatever it is you like about your Sport to drive is present in a standard S.
@@flat6croc differences over a standard S included exterior trim such as mirrors, vents and wheels in gloss black, 5mm wheel spacers, black script model designation. Followed on the inside with the 997 GT3 style alcantara steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob along with the hard backed sport seats, gloss black centre console. Whilst most of these could have been specced on a standard S i've never come across one that was. So it's abit more of an agresive look than the standard car and a bit more of an event from the inside aswell.
@@FELIXTOO2 None of those make any difference to the driving, bar the possible exception of the spacers, which are, well, spacers! It's a great looking car, absolutely, but it's a cosmetic model, it doesn't drive differently than an S with PASM.
Just sold my 2010 2.9 - an absolutely perfect sports car than I ran for 3 years and it did not break the bank at all. Find a good one, find a decent specialist to look after it and you will be in motoring heaven. A great introduction to the brand. Get a gen 2. It’s much better.
Sold my Westfield of 12 years for a manual 09 Cayman S last year. I couldn’t be happier. What a driver’s car it is. 114k on the clock, running like new and I intend to get it to 200k!
😮
I hope you take it to 250k , maintenance and care and enjoy that machine on all the miles, a car to enjoy and be driven before the politicians try take these machines away
I have an 09 with 112 on the clock, I'll meet you at 200k!
That’s exactly what I’m looking at doing, great to hear you are enjoying your Cayman S 👍
I sold mine with 209.000 on ✌️
All the Porsches from this era are some of the best buys. Just about the right size. Just about the right amount of power. Classic looks. Hydraulic steering. Sounds good. You simply cannot say the same about the newer models. Engine scares keeps the price low for us. Yet, you can test for engine scoring and do a ton of preventative maintenance.
Hmm, It's still a concern.
Do all the preventative maintenance you want, still a ticking time bomb.
@@FraxinusExelsioreverything dies in the end. Is it not better to have lived? (Also, get one with a rebuilt engine. Mine has a new block from Porsche.)
981 S for me, perfect mix of sound, power and modernity
@Allmoge8888 When it starts ticking it is exactly the time it needs renovation. Be prepared financially for it, or don't buy any (older) sports car at all.
It is funny how when Porsche introduces a new design, many claim it to be boring, unimaginative and not as nice as the previous generation. Then, twenty years later, it is a classic. That's the price they pay for not following trends and aiming for timeless design. That takes guts.
It is boring. They are right
I used to work for a lunatic that had one of these back in 09 in South Africa...he picked me up from dropping off a car with a client and proceeded to drive like an absolute hooligan while taking calls (without a hands free kit) and writing in his schedule book...in Johannesburg traffic...
Great car, very fast, but what I found out that day was that it was sadly lacking in things to hold on to for dear life when you`re a passenger...
Terrible oversight on Porsches part
@@JayEmmOnCarson a serious note Jay, do you ever think about going on a diet and losing some weight? I can't help but be worried for your health as you are enormous. It can't be good for your heart and bowels.
2008 was the peak and we had no idea how good we had it 😔
I’m the age where I can now afford to go back and buy the 00’s cars I couldn’t afford at the time. They were the peak balance of comfort/quality/performance without the expensive safety electronics and heightened emissions regulations.
The last international “free money” era was truly a golden age for petrolheads!
thinking of it yeah it likely was for cars in general all things considered
@@TimLemonnAbsolutely!, I'm 26 and the mid to late 00s cars appeal to me more than anything!
You're right. I have 4 cars and all are 2005-2008 models.
I have owned the 987.2 2.9 manual cayman for nearly 4 years and I still get a buzz from driving it and don’t intend to sell it any time in the foreseeable future. Fantastic cars . They don’t break the bank either.
Still think these early Cayman’s were easily the prettiest and most timeless looking of the line…as compared to subsequent generations.
new ones look a bit like a boat from the front
Didn't like thr rear of the 987, general shape and front is good. 981 is good, 718 has awful boss eyed headlamps but a decent rear
Completely agree.
I’ve had mine since 2006 and never looked back. Keep adding upgrades and saving the stock parts in the garage. If the engine blows up, I’ll put a speced 3.8 on it that can rev to 8000 RPM. Will keep the car forever.
Exactly.
Yes and there is a company that modify the engine so it has higher compression giving you a little more power and torque lower down in the rev range with the added bonus of better fuel mileage :)
Good to see my old car again! owned this car in 2017/18 Sold for a 981 Boxster S. Enjoyed my ownership!
How do they compare? I have the 981 S, my first P car and I love it
@@Jay-xr3sb both great. Personally preferred the 981. Steering feel aside, Better damping/ride quality. Better sound (PSE) and more modern / useable infotainment system
The exhaust note of a 981 with the sports exhaust does border on the ridiculous
@@JayEmmOnCars 981 boxster S is my first sports car, if the next one doesn't this good then I don't see the point.
@@JayEmmOnCars Ridiculously good IMO but you have to pick your location so as not to piss people off.
Always consider the 987.1 2.7 base model, you'd be surprised as to how good it is and none of the dreaded engine issues!
For sure, the base is awesome, and no worries.
@@johnwilliams727 For sure. Base has plenty of squirt for UK roads
Had the base model since 2019, best car I have ever had.
Love my 2.7. No worries about bore scoring and plenty of fun on country roads.
2.7 is plenty enough fun on a public road. And you can keep your foot on the accelerator for longer. Superb car, the sweet spot.
One of the cute things I have found when looking at these 987's and 997's, is the one owner cars where it comes WITH the original IMS in a cardboard box with the dealer service record of it being replaced. Gives a piece of mind when looking at 15 year old Porsche that were weekend or summer cars.
I own a 2008 Cayman S and agree wholeheartedly with Jay's comments. Horsepower be damned, lightweight, nimble handling and a howling flat-six make the 987 pretty much perfect. There are "issues" that have been noted with this engine - IMS bearing, scored piston bores - however, I think these issues are few and far between. I track my Cayman and have never suffered from any issues and regularly tap the 7,000rpm redline - I just enjoy! Great review!
The only Porsche I've ever driven was a Cayman S on a track day around Croft Circuit with an instructor. I'm not particularly a Porsche fan, but boy what a fabulously handling car. The only car I've driven that on turn in, pivoted around your hips. Great review James 👍
'This is a picture of me being much older' is priceless! I'll remember where I heard it first. Spitze 🏆
This vintage of Cayman has just got the best hips in the business. She's sooooo pretty!
they look nice in the wing mirrors too!
Loved my old 986 boxster. Now got a 996.2 C4 auto and these old engines are just brilliant
Jay about to cause a massive spike in 987 prices
Spike in engine rebuilds
Yes... Do NOT buy the 987, horrible car ..... (that I plan to buy soon....).
@@a64738 Exactly 😂
From Australia. Thanks mate. I am 58 now. I always love your love of cars and bikes for that matter. And you often remember your Dad's influence too. Keep it up mate. I enjoy your interests in what is good and fun too.
“Giant slayer” would be an understatement. Guys who run these on my track days with just upgraded pads and sticky tyres are matching GR Supra numbers, they handle incredibly well.
Great video James, 987 Boxster RS60 Spyder also had the same lack of instrument binnacle cover and 303bhp engine
And the Cayman R as well.
@@Vonstrokethe cayman R had the later DFI engine with 330hp, unless you meant the instrument cluster binnacle delete
All epic cars 😊
Hi James, Porsche also deleted the dash binnacle on the 987 Cayman R too, a bit daft, isn't it, as you get reflections from the silver surrounds on a bright day? Lovely car though! 👍🏻
Same on the Boxster RS60 Spyder
Owning this car (same color) since almost 5 years. What an experience! The balance, the thrust, the look and feel..it amazes me still. Upgraded the exhaust to a full CarGraphic system which adds even more ‘wroar’. Excellent value for money. 🧡🏁
It's 6pm, I'm watching Jay Emm, I've had a couple of Long Island Iced Tea's and I'm emotional. I miss my Cayman S........😪
“Ludicrously practical” could possibly only be appropriate if you could fit a drum kit in it, but for a sports car, it might be ludicrously practical- Slightly bitter drummer here hoping one day he can afford more the one car. Love the videos as always.
I saw on Amazon Prime video that there is an “on the road” series with a few extremely notable and respected journalists/drivers. One episode, one minute in and I couldn’t watch it because it seemed contrived and they were never saying much apart from on the surface stuff. JayEmm talking to a camera about a nearly 20 year old porsche and being authentic and honest is why I watch over series like that “on the road”. While I’m envious of all your cars, it’s bloody well earned.
I can get my road bike fully in the car. 58cm frame! And still room for a passenger.
I have had a cayman s sports since new. I love it !
Another great review. Love how your stories about cars are really just stories about your father and growing up. As an older dude with driving aged kids, I keep this in mind a lot when sharing my love of fun cars with them. Cheers amigo
In general I am not a Porsche guy, but the Cayman has always spoken to me. Another great review, thanks for posting!
I’m on my second generation Cayman and I don’t intend to upgrade to a 911 as I prefer the midship engine, a chassis that never fails to amaze me on a twisty road. Nice Gen one in impeccable condition!
“Upgrade” to a 911? I’d prefer not to, to be honest ;)
Fantastic to finally see the Cayman S on. I’ve owned mine for about 6 months and for the money, I don’t think there’s anything out there that would touch it 😊
Thanks Jay, and love the shirt 😂
I had an '06 non-Sport S, and it was a fantastic car, especially for the money. All of the accolades you heap upon it are well-deserved. But...but. While, as you point out, bore-scoring can be *detected*, it cannot be *prevented*. Mine went to the great car-lot in the sky for that reason, and I now have a 981 Cayman S which (and I will quibble with you, here) is 99.9% as fun and engaging to drive, but also faster, more modern, and (knock on wood) has been bulletproof-reliable.
You should do a "Porsche for every budget" episode. I'd love to hear your recommendations for each price class. Great video Jay. Cheers!
I just recently got myself a 987.1 Base Cayman as a replacement for my 130i and absolutely adore it. It's a perfect dailyable sports car, makes a good noise and isn't that expensive to run. The S Sport is probably quite similar but a good bit quicker.
You've been lucky, my 987.1 is monstrously expensive to run compared to my M240i that came before it it.
Great video and having a Boxster 987 S myself, agree with everything said. The 987 gen 1 is particularly wonderful because so many people are scared of the engine blowing up. But, as Jay mentioned, the price premium between 987 gen 1 and 2 means that even if you got unlucky with the gen 1 you can rebuild and upgrade if you wanted for the same cost as a gen 2. I have no issues driving my 987 gen 1 anywhere and because they are such great value, I'm not afraid of decreasing the value by driving it. All positives in my book. Thank God for the scared little people!
Sadly people here in Norway seems to be unaware of the bore score and IHMs issue so the 987 is just as expensive as the later models... Cheepest Cayman you can find is around 30.000 £$€ and most seems to be trying to sell for 50.000 £$€ no matter what year model it is (same price for 10 to 20 year old models). So in Norway it seems importing from other countries is the way to go as the prices is generally lower and you pretty much only pay the 25% sales tax and not 100 to 400% tax like there is on new cars here.
@@a64738 So interesting. In Australia, the 987 generation is relatively affordable, but the 997 911's cost a lot more. They start around about $100K AUD. the UK takes the cake - ultra cheap!
That July event sound very much like my cup of tea. Sad I will not be able to attend...
Also, I used to not like the 987 Caymans, but now as I grew older I have grown to like it. But it needs to be in bright colour, black or grey don't do it justice. This GT Orange looks absolutely stunning. Cayman and Boxster always seem to wear orange the best. Happy colour for what is arguably the most fun Porsche in the line-up
I like the “garish” decal and the bright orange paint. But then again , I would. I’m American 😎
😂 I love it too and I'm English.......but then again I do have American 1st cousins.
9:20 - said whilst wearing a shirt covered in Porches. I consider the shirt to be far more garish than the sticker lol. Great car - I had a speed yellow one for a few years complete with the garish sticker - loved it.
I’m an ex-Porsche mechanic, here goes…
Yes the handling is brilliant, although traction is only average, the brakes excellent, the engine powerful
But…the S suffers from bore scoring ( it wasn’t pleasant telling customers that their pride & joy needs a new engine…), engines leak oil, it goes through water pumps like there’s no tomorrow, ditto coil packs.
The IMS issue is less common on the 987’s. In contrast to the 986, on the 987 the crankcase has to be separated in order to change it, so we usually resorted to remove the oil seal so the bearing is permanently submerged in oil.
The quality is “fragile” inside, the leather looks tired easily, the switches fade etc.
All in all, the 2.7 is a “safer” bet
Yes. Four (edit: five) years now in my 2.7; all the car I could need and all the car I can use on public roads. I love it. Water pump at 50k obviously, no big deal.
That is exactly why I landed on a 2008 Base 5 speed. What a car. A Sweet spot Porsche for someone a little further on in life who has their fun between 40 and 130 Km/h. Quick. Not fast. I have since sold that car to a good friend and moved on to a 981 Boxster S PDK, a totally different experience. I miss the 987 but thankfully I have the opportunity to drive it occasionally. That 987 has a sense of occasion when you drive it. The shape and size,. A few rattles. the smell, that steering and sound. Brilliant.
Great vid.
@@unhygienix1970 Same here. Post heart attack I thought I’d better scratch the Porsche itch whilst I still could. Neighbour is a (40-years) experienced Porsche engineer who knows his stuff and steered me to a 987 2.7. Best advice he has ever given me, I’ve been grinning ever since :)
All switches fade on European cars because the rubber coating starts to break down by this age.
@@mrnicktoyou Probably that depends on the climate where one lives. Here in Northern Europe, where temperatures are modest even in summer, my switches are totally fine on a (garaged) 2008 car.
I love the 987/997 era. Great fun cars without being over complex. Can't see me ever selling my 987 spyder.
I love that cool looking stripe on that Cayman!
You find the side decals “garish” but what about the clothes you wear? 😂
Good coordination for this video though!!
The clothes are easily changed and note I don't really ever wear my "JayEmm" branded stuff
Go easy on him, I like his style. I also like the decals though.
I had one of these nearly 14 years go, my first Porsche. Have a taycan and 911 now but still wish I kepts my 2008 987 Cayman S. Best drivers car I ever owned.
Loved my 2006 Cayman S. That test drive was the first time I truly realised what throttle response actually meant. Surprisingly practical too!
The Cayman is the best looking Porsche in my opinion and has more power than I'd ever use.
I loved how these looked (yes, the side graphics included) but when I went 987 shopping, I was searching for a base 2.7 version as they were reported to be less prone to the engine issues of the S-cars. I loved that car, the 5-speed was wonderful, the chassis fantastic, and you really had to drive the car using its momentum with "just" 245hp behind you. I still pined for the Sport though so I bought a 1:18 diecast version from Welly in the exact orange of your test car... no bore score issues ever with that model. 😎
Indeed these Caymans of the mid late 2000’s are lovely. They were under rated then, but at the present moment they seem to be very desirable and are fetching rather inflated prices. Nice review though.
I'm on my second Cayman. This one is a 987.1 base 5spd and on the very narrow, twisty, roller coaster like roads where I live the 2.7 and different gearing than my 987.2 6spd base actually make it more fun. What a fantastic little car with the engine in the right place. I don't even use the radio.
Have just seen Dougs comment below. He has stolen my thunder which was :- Wanna Caterham with a roof? Buy a Camen. Thee most brilliant of cars I have ever driven. Would love to own one. Tnx James.
I drive the entry-level Boxster 987 2007 Porsche. Everything Jayemm says about this Cayman holds true for the 2.7 Boxster (in my opinion). No, they’re not fast, but the driving experience is just the best. The 987.1 cars should be much more highly regarded than they are. A true driver’s car. I drive mine every day and it still put’s a smile on my face. It is my ‘happy place’ and I don’t think I’ll ever sell it.
The cayman R has the missing binicle too, agree it looks odd.
A buddy took me for a few laps at a track day in a Cayman S. It was fun! I definitely prefer mine, but you can’t go wrong with a Porsche. They’re all fun.
I’ve got one of these. Orange, stickers and all. My favourite car.
I had one years ago (also orange) that I got rid of in 2014. I’ve never found another car that was quite so perfect (although a McLaren 570s is the only thing to come close) and so I re bought one last year after spending years looking for one to come up in orange.
I’ve got faster cars, I’ve got more super-er cars, but there is just something about all the pieces being put together just right here that make it just right.
This is genuinely
Great cars. I have 987.2 Cayman myself. The instrument cluster pinnacle delete was done also on 987.2 Cayman R and perhaps also on 987.2 Spyder? 6 speed gearbox was available also on 987.1 base, together with sport pack, but it's rear option. For engine reliability I would suggest to sleave the cylinders, make it closed deck and deep sump. However, where I live it would be around 10k EUR job, thus better start with engine that has already bore score. If you do not want to worry about it, just choose base 2.7l - they are safe, especially from 2007, where you get improved IMS bearing, so not reason to worry about both biggest issues of M96 and M97 engines.
I’ve always thought this first gen Cayman looks awkward, and I still do. ..but this version, color and decals included, sort of does it for me. I’d have that over a S I think. Cool little car.
Just think about some of the new cars on sale from 2000-2010. 987 and 997 Porsches. e39 M5. e46 M3. e90 M3. S2000. Original NSX. Mitsubishi Evo. Viper. All those AMGs with the 6.2. Ferraris and Lambos that had both a gated manual and reliability. Peak cars decade without question.
This model was my first Porsche, what a great car. Super solid at high speeds and amazing handling.
I love the colour.
But i drive a sunset orange kia cerato GT. I like orange lol.
Not a porsche fan but that model looks spectacular.
Alpine should do an A110 in that colour.
Drove one, many, many moons ago on the Thruxton circuit and can still recall the experience, just amazing! Thanks for reminding me, great video as always.
Recently took mine on a track day, performed remarkably well, beating out many purpose build "track only cars". I can also get a week's shops for a family of six in it, comfortable, easy to drive and park AND a bargain price.
i gotta say i quite enjoy watching your videos. very professional and relaxed at the same time. it really has a "top gear" vibe to it! keep it up mate!
#614 reporting in. Bought her when she was 3 yrs old and 7400 mi. Has 87K now but had to do and engine rebuild at 70K due to bore scoring. Now I have an engine I can trust on a beautiful body.
I have owned my 2008 987 Cayman S for 12 years now. At just over 26,000 miles the dreaded engine tapping noise started. It was diagnosed with cylinder bore scoring, the Achilles heal of this engine so I had it rebuilt by Hartech and at 28,000 miles, it should last for ever especially as I also had the IMS bearing replaced at the same time. To me it comes pretty close to perfection.
Luton the jewel in the crown of Beds 🤣 good video. Have a good weekend James
Lovely car, especially in the bright orange. I've got 987.2 Boxster and it gives me more smiles per mile than any other car I've driven. They are very easy to service. There's a series of videos on TH-cam for those who fancy doing a bit of DIY servicing. Porsche designed the engine for easy access once up on a lift.
I had the R. Amazing performance.
Can't beat them. Still got mine chugging along happily. Decided if the worst does happen, it's getting bored to a 3.8 and having loads of BDS Motorsport goodies thrown at it with the hopes of a 400hp+ 987.1 - Will bring it down to you when I get it done
Great review as always thanks James. The only Caymans I think you haven’t reviewed are the 987.2 2.9ltr and 981 2.7ltr. The 987.2 2.9 is port injection, not DFI, so apparently more character and very rev happy, without IMS or bore score. Would be great to see you review and compare these two models as it is a head to head buying decision for many looking for their first Porsche, me included. Many thanks, Tim
This is why I stopped upgrading my Porsches. I absolutely love the 987.1 Cayman/Boxster S. So fun to drive slow or fast. I understand every journalist feels obligated to say "IMS/Bore Score failure", but this is overblown and we are talking 1%. Also, for cars that are almost 20 years old, let's be realistic, anyone buying a 20 year old car, no matter what the brand, has to know there are risks. There is no car that exists that does not need some kind of care after 20 years. With that said I have owned 4 Porsches with this design engine and put almost 400,000 miles on them and NEVER had any engine issues. Take good care of them, change oil often, and treat them right and it will give you tons of worry free fun. Best cars I have ever owned.
Love the orange !
Looks brand new !
I have a 2007 987 Boxster S 3.4. Great car to drive. At the time I bought it - 2016 - the price of used Caymans was a bit out of reach. I ended up buying the Tiptronic over a manual because it was in such great condition
and haven’t regretted it. Always serviced by Porsche since I’ve had it and no engine issues.
Not giving this car a Ltd Slip Diff is the biggest omission. I regularly drive a 987 3.2S and it doesn't really matter what the power is or what the precise final drive ratio is, the biggest effect in handling when having over-steer is the lack of LSD. Where a 997 GT3 starts to step out a bit in a predictable way, the 987S does so differently for each surface and throttle application, making it often difficult to really gauge how you might have to correct. In many cases the 987 handles perfectly fine and an enthusiast can retrofit such LSD; I'm merely stating that the omission from the factory was pedantically short-sighted.
I’ve gone from a DFI Cayman R to a 997.1 4S with sports exhaust and I can categorically say the older engines sounds better, it’s intoxicating, I love it!
Yes. My 986s is a great engine to drive with. The 987 base which I also have is a nice tame engine. The 986s is very sporty for me.
Still my favorite car to this day. With 2 kids I cannot get one as a main driver but I am working hard to be able to get this as an extra weekend car!
Could you get somebody to adopt the kids?
@@prof_tim hahah, no I love my kids, I will just have to work extra hard ;)
@@JWLEGACY A dedicated father, I salute you! I had 20+ years of less exciting cars than I would have wanted, to accommodate kids, so I can see where you are at. Now I’m old, my kids are grown up, and I can scratch that itch again. Age doesn’t have that many benefits, but this is one of them :)
There are some great adoption agencies though 😂
@@prof_tim haha awesome. Glad you now have the time to enjoy those great cars!
The chrono pack stopwatch is useful when sitting at a local temporary road works to time the lights, so you know how long you'll be waiting (and maybe turn the motor off), so maybe it _does_ have a use :)
My first Porsche was a 2007 Boxster S. It was a great car.🥶
Cicked on this quicker than you can say "Porsche 987 Cayman S Sport"
That's not very quick then 😅
@@LüksSosyalizmwell done, you repeated the joke 👏
Ha! I beat you by just saying 'Blamange' upon clicking instead.
I bought a used 2005 Cayman S back in 2008. It was one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I can’t remember why I sold it and have no idea why I never bought another
The run out Boxster RS60 Spyder ( red roof, red interior 987 ) also had the binnacle over the Rev counter/Speedo removed and a little remap.👌
Hi Jay , I concur with you the Cayman was a great car .I remember however the Cayman being ridiculed and criticized for many years during its production.It was the 911 you could afford but was not really a 911.I remember seeing a yellow one parjked alongside a car dealership on the side of the road for just £15k when petrol was substantially cheaper than today. I so wish I had bought it.😊
I've had my 2007S 6 speed for 16 1/2 years. As long as my left leg functions, I'll own it. It steers great , it shifts great, the 295 HP is plenty for me. And the stock exhaust gets people in residential areas upset if I get much over 4K. Lol
Tickets booked. Looking forward to it. Hopefully weather will be kind to us 🙏
I have never owner a 987. But I have had two 987.2 2.9L manuals and am currently driving a 981 base PDK. Amazing cars. But very expensive here in Australia. But even at the expensive price. They are well worth it.
I will say that compared to MX5s and S2000s. The stock cable operated 987 manual transmission's feel pretty average in comparison.
You're not wrong. All the UK and US videos claiming 'now is the time to buy a 997'. At well over $100k, I think not. I'm driving 981 BS now, miss my 997.2 C2S but no chance getting back into one at this point.
@guser7137 In Australia, a 981 GTS is the same price or less than a high mileage basic 997.2 coupe. And a tidy low milage 981 Cayman is the same price as high milage a 997.1 .
I personally think the Cayman is a better looking car. But the 981/987.2 Boxster is better value. Especially if your cross shopping against something like a S2000
Awesome cars... I really miss my '06 Cayman S. Just enough power, and very well-balanced.
I'd also recommend installing a Carnewal GT exhaust. Glorious sound, with no cabin drone.
With this paint and those wheels it looks funky and sweet. And better than the current generation too, second to the 981 which was the best looking Porsche in its time
hey Jay, The binnacle delete form the gauge cluster is also on the Porsche 918. I thought it looked so cool on the 918!
I had the pleasure of driving a 1996 Cayman S and thought it was probably the best sports car available at the time. If I could have one today I would
Time traveller!
You must mean a Boxster S? No Caymans back then, not for another 9 years, iirc. Actually, that was the *first* year for the Boxster.
My '97 993 Carrera S still hadn't even made it across the ocean back then lol.
Got it brand new for less than a base Cayman costs today, unbelievably.
Never, ever selling it.
I did of course mean to say 2007
Sideways Sid with his Cayman R was epic back in the day!
Love the story telling while reviewing. Another great video! 💪🏽
Lovely. I have a 2007 S. People ask me about bore scoring or the IMS. I tell them I bought it 6 years ago $26000 Canadian and put 70,000 km on it. I got my money's worth, even if the engine explodes and it becomes a parts car.
There was a special edition Boxter (550 Spyder I think they called it) around the same time that only came in GT silver over red leather that also had the instrument binnacle cover delete. Makes it look like a Chevy Spark dash.
Great Shirt too
I love my dark olive metallic 987 Cayman S.
I've owned my Cayman S Sport, number 118, for 14 years and done just over 140k miles in it now. During that time a few other cars have come and gone including a Focus RS, one of your favourites Jay, which i did over 100k miles in and should never have sold. It's current stable companion is a 991 Carrera with pdk and of the two the Sport is just the more engaging drive.
Porsche may only have made a few tweaks to the Sport over the standard 987S of the day but in my view it was just like sprinkling magic dust because they made the S sport one of the drivers cars of it's day and one that is still hard to beat.
They didn't make a few teaks. It's literally only one change - a remap for a claimed 8hp. Nothing else changed. Whatever it is you like about your Sport to drive is present in a standard S.
@@flat6croc differences over a standard S included exterior trim such as mirrors, vents and wheels in gloss black, 5mm wheel spacers, black script model designation. Followed on the inside with the 997 GT3 style alcantara steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob along with the hard backed sport seats, gloss black centre console. Whilst most of these could have been specced on a standard S i've never come across one that was. So it's abit more of an agresive look than the standard car and a bit more of an event from the inside aswell.
@@FELIXTOO2 None of those make any difference to the driving, bar the possible exception of the spacers, which are, well, spacers! It's a great looking car, absolutely, but it's a cosmetic model, it doesn't drive differently than an S with PASM.
987 Boxster Spyder and Cayman R also got the binnacle delete as well as the S Sport
Hey Jay, that’s a fun looking shirt! Where did you get it?
The limited edition 2008 Boxster RS60 also has the binnacle over the dials removed and 303 bhp.
Just sold my 2010 2.9 - an absolutely perfect sports car than I ran for 3 years and it did not break the bank at all. Find a good one, find a decent specialist to look after it and you will be in motoring heaven. A great introduction to the brand. Get a gen 2. It’s much better.
Not necessarily a Porsche fan but definitely a JayEmm fan, great channel 👍🏻
James, the 918 also has no binnacle over the instruments. 😉
Look forward to seeing you all there. JayEmm and friends area in the sun!🎉