987 Porsche Cayman Review (Non S) - Ideal First Sports Car?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today I'm driving a 987 #Porsche #Cayman - not an S, not an R, not a GT4 - the base spec car with the 2.7L engine and 5 speed gearbox. Most people would not even consider one of these, but are they wrong?
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A Bog Standard Cayman...Lovely. A real future classic to me.
No doubt!
I've never been a Porsche fan but I'd definitely be interested in one of these.
I don’t I know about classic I had an 06 Plate when it was 10 years old, thing is every year there £3000 on average to run, there only fun to drive fast nothing going on a low speeds
Good sports car though, very quick in the dry
They’re going up in price I’ve noticed.
Had my 08 2.7 for a year now…even with some standard age-related spending on new coolant hoses and an AOS it still would’ve made me some money if I’d decided to sell it…but I won’t. Not until I can afford a 981 anyway 😂
In my opinion nobody really needs more of a sports car than this for the road. A brilliant machine. I made due for 12 years with a 2.5 Boxster and I enjoyed it by driving it as a 9/10ths car that sounded and performed gloriously. Thanks for a great review.
My pleasure
I think the Caymans look a lot more like old 911s - they have gotten sooo huge...
I feel the opposite-my 987 doesn’t feel much like a Porsche until 9/10ths. This base cars would be much improved with more torque and power.
MotoMania you have to drive it above 4000 rpm.
You can’t drive it like a turbo car- expecting low rpm power
Elise or Cayman ? 😆
I fail to understand why this should seem unexciting to a petrolhead. It’s a proper driver’s car, not a remapped hatchback or souped up saloon
Because a lot of petrolheads are anything but.
Nowdays petrol head head means turbo diesel chipped mapped and straight piped anything but sportiness. But oh great mpg some of it on a rear bumper and boot and screen but hey its sporty limousine lowered and straight piped... 😭. Porch or any other 2 seat car is very few peoples cup of tea.
Because petrol heads are people that love cars, can be saloons or suvs or race cars or super cars etc. We are all equal
It's because so any car fans confuse horsepower and 0-60 times with actual driving enjoyment. This is why the Miata remains popular for people that understand a car is more fun when you can push it to the limits. It's almost impossible to push a 911 Turbo S to the limit unless you are on a track, which 99.99% of the time you are not.
@@VRSProductionsInc "We are all equal"
Some are more equal than others.
Nobody:
Poor people: That's a poor man's Porsche!
Me: Where is yours then?
lol indeed ;-)
911 owner: cute Miata
Bruh
There really is no such thing as a poor mans Porsche
Poor man's Porsche my patoot. Tell that to the owner of a 356. From what I understand the boxster (987) was intended as a redo of the old 356 for the current generation. The Cayman is the more recent coupe version of the (987).
I've had my stunning guards red cayman 987 base for 3 years and I love it. It's all the Porsche I need and is set to be a future classic IMHO. It's design is a work of art. Brings a smile to my face every time.
Based on this video, I went and bought my first sportscar. A 987.1 2.7. Drive the balls off of it everywhere I go and absolutely love it. First proper sports car (coming from a turbodiesel 1 series) and i wouldnt want anymore on british b roads. Sublime content my friend
THANK YOU for reviewing the so called “runt of the litter”
I have a 2010 base manual and will NEVER part with it. It’s way more than the sum of its parts
That is the sweet spot, great car, great value, just puts a smile on your face every time I bet! 👍
I owned a 2007 Cayman 2.7, it was brilliant! There's no room on today's crowded and over-policed roads for a powerful car anymore so a well-balanced sportscar with 'adequate' power is the perfect combination. Drive it in anger and not go to jail or be publicly crucified... what more could you want?
Perfectly put 👍
No such thing as a poor mans porsche most people can't afford any of them we should remember that and how priveliged anyone who can afford one is.
Very true. "Poor" in any Western country is rather well off compared to rest of the world. Applaud you for reminding us to keep a healthy perspective.
Back in the late 90's I picked up 76' Porsche 914/4 2.0 for $2K. It had a tiny bit of rust in a few places but was very fun. I completely disagree. If your working full time and don't spend your money foolishly you can afford a 924, 914 or one of these.
@@bicyclist2 Classic porsches are much more expensive now than they were and a Cayman is £10k minimum hardly a cheap car even prior to expensive maintenance costs; my point stands.
Or, (instead of privileged) maybe someone just took personal responsibility for their life (instead of blaming everyone else for their problems), worked hard, saved enough to buy something they wanted.
@@scottturner9419 On an average or below average income in the UK you dont own a Porsche regardless of how self reliant you are. Also the idea that poor people lack personal responsibility or don't work hard is not justified.
987 has kind of special beauty. Lines are a masterpiece, in terms of sizing and this classic retro but modern looking is just stunning.
Future classic.
I have a owned a 2011 41,000 (non s) 987.2 pdk black with tan interior for the last 4 years as a weekend car absolutely love it .
How much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking?
The 5-speed is more reliable. The hydraulic steering is perfection. The 987 body style will be a sought after collectors item. Especially the manual transmission models.
Agree 10000 percent
Thanks Adam.
Thanks.
What year?
Shit, I think you just convinced me what me next car purchase should be.
Totally agree with your comments and you got customer sized up very accurately. I brought a base 987 cayman for all the reasons you said. It’s my first proper sports car and I’m a novice sports driver and the cayman is not at all scary when you want to take a corner at higher speed than normal and it just looks after you. Great vid
James, the frequency of uploads is insane, you just keep uploading great video after great video. Thanks a lot!
Can't stop looking at these lately, funnily enough was just searching your channel yesterday for some 987 Cayman content, was disappointed to only find the R, so this video made my day. Would like to see you review the gen 2 2.9 as well.
My 2.9 was lovely and fairly quick but the lack of torque was annoying after a while.
@@pl1068 The gen 2 2.9 is not DFI.
@@MagicAyrtonforever I agree. I added a Softronic tune and a Sprint Booster just to give my 2.9L a little more torque. It’s annoyingly gutless unless rpms are 4000+.
@@pl1068 this dude gets i t
Excellent video. I think they've have become alot better looking with time. Such a clean and simple car now, looks like such fun to drive.
I truly love this car. Nothing ostentatious like a jewel box
These early and smaller engined versions are true sleepers: I don't need the ultra fast, higher spec'd and tech'd up versions and the associated costs, nor the ego-trip of having the latest version. I enjoy my early model 2.7 in standard form as an engaging and thrilling motor to drive daily or rarely. Mine is paired with the other Poor Mans Porsche- a humble stock 924 (1977/ 125BHP) in my garage. Both were saved-up for over many years and both are treasured but not cosseted. They might be worth a few bob too in the future, but that is not why they are in my garage. Thanks for the review. Its comforting to see the other comments too. Not all Porsche fans are so blinkered to the allure of Porsche ownership being in the guise of nothing other than a 911.
The Cayman is what the 911 used to be! A toss-able fun sports car with just enough power to have a blast!
Couldn't have posted this at a better time. Just picked up a 987.2 Cayman S and I'm absolutely loving it! Part of my decision to buy it was from this review and your review of the 981 Cayman S, so thanks! :)
That defender though🤩 @1:59
I acquired a 2007 model 987 Cayman with a 5 speed gearbox last August in a very good condition for 20k Euro here in Germany. If you have the skills to operate a manual swiftly, you won't feel even with just 245hp any lack of power in almost any situation. Verdict: Best value for money. Depreciation not expected.
Been through several sports cars, and my base 987 Boxster has been the best of the lot. The steering, the smooth power delivery, the sound ... it's glorious. I think the base engine may be a better road car, since it's possible to push its limits a little more, and enjoy that flat-6 engine note longer. If you can find one with the Sport Chrono pack, it really sharpens up the throttle response in sport mode, making the car feel substantially livelier. I believe there are third party mods that can simulate that throttle response.
I've considered upgrading to a 981, which would fit my 6'4 frame better, but I'd really miss the hydraulic steering feel. Instead spent the difference on a Golf R daily, and loving the combo.
Great review as always Jay. Keep up the good work ✌🏼
I’ve driven a 2.7 Cayman on track plenty fast enough. I’ve also got a few friends that have got a 987 Cayman & a 987.2 boxster S they’re very happy with them
Waited a long time for this video Jay, fantastic! I have a 2006 S and will never sell it. Truly the deal of our generation for such a sports car! Cheers!
same here with my 07 base car, owned from new good spec, never selling. slight down side for me is the firm ride as I get a little older!!
It was My first sports car and I loved every minute of it!
Thoughtful snd wise, one of your best. Lovely scenery too.
Another honest review, thanks James! It is not all about the power but how the power is experienced and handled. Owning the FL Model of the Base 987 Boxster I can say the 2.9L engine is real fun to drive, you do feel the extra amount of power in comparison to the first generation 2.7L and it is the last engine without DFI. It also has bi-xenon, full-led and the engine is said to be the most robust of the 986/987 line - I hope it holds true coming from a 986 disaster. If you are ever coming to south germany would be a pleasure to let you review this gem on some german windy roads, you're welcome.
First gen 987.1 is most pure.
Having had 5 speeds back in the day, and now being used to 6 speeds, a 5 speed sounds fun
Great review. Honest and detailed- increasingly rare on you tube! I wish I liked caymans, especially these cheap ones but you don't buy a car like this because you need it, you buy it because you WANT it. And sadly it does nothing for me (911's don't either but there we go).
I own a Boxster 987 with the same spec. It’s a fantastic car great fun with brilliant steering.
Thanks for the review love your channel!
Me too, a 2005. I've never regretted owning it, not even for a minute. Guards Red, a real head turner as well.
Ace video, I still have my 07 plate base Cayman bought new, & its a keeper. Just giving it a refresh to bring it back to loved condition.
Wheel powder coat, front wheel arch gravel rash being sprayed & front bumper, new rear springs, new rear tires, getting it back next week & cant wait.
I love my Porsche Cayman S 2010. It's so usable. I can use it to travel to work, have fun during the weekends. It also the perfect GT car for our summer vacations traveling from the middle of Sweden down to France and Italy. Lots of storage and speed for two persons on the autobahn and of course so fun in the alps.
I'm considering purchasing one of these now. Thanks for the honest review.
Love my Cayman! The balance around corners is amazing
Amazing roads for these cars - great stuff
I got my 2.7 Cayman 5 speed last year because of videos like this. My 2007 is an amazing car and I love it
Great review and love the scenery!
Great car indeed ! Nice review as usual !!!
A couple of observations from a base 986 owner: 1) You can spend more time listening to a base model's motor at WOT than an S, R's or GT4's before you have to lift off for legal reasons. 2) Cubic-in for Cubic-inch, the base model's motor is actually a little more high strung than an S's motor (unlike 911s in the 1960's and 1970's), and so will reward you more when you pull higher revs. The S generates its peak torque about 500 rpm lower than the base model's engine. 3) Am I the only person who doesn't like the wjite-faced gauges? With the base model you'll get the traditional white-on-black gauges which Porsches have used for generations. The white gauges seem so garish. 4) Most people that you meet wouldn't recognize the difference between a normal and an S. You can quietly pocket the price difference and buy a good set of tires that most used cars need.
Very good observations. It's too bad people are asking $30-35k for these right now!
This is really the best car channel on TH-cam.
A well-balanced review. A no-frills Cayman floats my boat as a worthy old-school daily, but the Gen1 engine issues linger.
I bought a 2009 987.2 in Ruby Red Metallic with a 6 speed. It is an absolute blast to drive! A base Cayman is a lot of fun.
Thanks for the review! The 986 boxsters and caymans are very underrated. You get so much car for the money.. quite reliable, handles well, not a flashy sports car, relatively low key, handles well, more than enough power for public roads..
Caymans are not 986
Excellent video. Cheers from a Canadian fan.
The base 987.1 is a fantastic value. Still highly enjoying mine after 5 years.
The 5-speed is more reliable. The hydraulic steering is perfection. The 987 body style will be a sought after collectors item. Especially the manual transmission models.
Great video and you really summed the handling of the car up very well.
Could you do a comparison video of the cayman and 911?
Having owned a 987.2 for 6 years, the obvious question to me is wether to change to a 911 or just a better cayman :)
Would love to hear your opinion on this matter!
Lovely car, I drive it's older sister the 986 Boxster and James sums it up quite nicely. It does everything really well without costing an arm and a leg. Only drawback is that not nearly enough people ordered this Cayman or Boxster (or any Porsche for that matter) in Guards Red or another lively color.
I enjoyed my 75 Alfa Spyder.
Is the Porsche your describing better?
@@secretsquirrel6718 I think that apart from the open top driving, they are completely different cars. I have never driven such an Alfa, they are beautiful, classic roadsters that sound great. Is the Boxster a more competent sports car? Yes. it will be better in all metrics. It is also quite comfortable. Is it a more enjoyable roadster for touring? Perhaps, perhaps not. I enjoy sunday open top touring more in my 98 MX5 that is slow as hell, because it is more direct and the wind buffeting is less in the MX-5 due to the wind breaker (or whatever it is called). Does the Porsche rust less than an Alfa or MX5? Yes. Build quality is great with Porsche and despite living outside for most of its life, no rust.
@RoderickVoordouw I wasn't being entirely serious.
We're tlaking about cars made 40 years apart.
It's all in the opinion of the driver anyways.
Always loved these cars. I have been thinking a lot lately of getting one of these over my mr2.
The Porsche 987 range is amazing value and bundles of fun ! Take one for a drive !
took one for a test drive. the most underwhelming experience ever.
And where is this porsche quality everyone talk about? Interior quality is on volkswagen level.
But maybe im spoiled with the ultimate value sports car that is gt86 with turbo lol :D
@@Angry-Lynx You mean you can afford a Porsche or to run it and drive Japanese rubbish !!
@@martinboulden3540 you should try that rubbish before talking smack 😂
Great review! I have always had a soft-spot for "entry-level" sport cars like this. They offer more than enough both in terms of performance, handling and x-factor for the average "family-freighter" driver like me. A top specced top model would probably add little for me except a significantly higher probability of having a high-speed encounter with a random terrain feature anyway!
And there´s something to be said for simplicity as well. The fewer fancy gubbins between the driver and the road, the purer the driving experience. At least in my opinion, everyone else's milage may differ. :)
I spoke to the couple who own this fantastic car a few years ago at a car show, great to see they still enjoy owning it. I had a GT86 and looking to change soon, maybe one of these.
Trade? I’m thinking to replace mine with an 86 ;)
@@ianchmp Sorry GT86 was sold months ago😔 Now looking for the best replacement. 👍
Nice video IV been looking at the Cayman and the Toyota gt86 possibly for next year
My first sports car was a Guard’s Red Porsche Boxster 987.2 PDK. It was an awesome are here in south Florida. I bought it with 13,000 miles certified preowned. It never gave me issues after putting 25,000 more to it.
I know that road! Great scenery.
I recently bought a base 987.2 (the 2.9), and I actually prefer it to the 997 Turbo I had, so I agree these are great cars
I totally agree, the Cayman is such a nice car to drive, intact, it's more "fun" to jump in and drive than a 911. Out of choice I'd try and push for one of the first 987 Gen II 2.9 cars, but either way they are really really good entry level sports cars 👍
Hi James, great video once again. Keep up the great work... Wondered if you have had much interest in reviewing the new hybrid Ford Kuga... All be it one that hasn't caught fire with the recent recall 😂... Somewhat DBX looks on a budget... Currently looking at 370 pcm on pcp
Never realised the resemblance until now, be interesting to see how close a modern ford can come to the Aston!
I’ve had one for a year now and it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned cheap to run and maintain and you can explore the limits of the car in every way we’re the newer more powerful Porsche we’re can you use all that power on the road ???
Agree with your comments. Very much a drivers car with a very nice balance.
I'd love to see a video on the 968!
P.S. Keep up the great work!
Your wish shall be granted come Christmas
Great video Jay, picked up a very tidy 2007 2.7 Cayman last weekend and loving it so far. Only time will tell as to whether I get the dreaded doomsday IMS or scoring failures..
Just had to watch this again since I'm now driving a 08-ruby red 5spd. It's a great car and after owning much faster cars I enjoy that I don't have to risk going directly to jail when I'm wringing it out. I absolutely love the little thing! Can't afford another BMW 2002 which was my first love and honestly maybe the memories are better than what the reality was.
Just bought one after a Z4M coupe and Mk7 gti. Absolutely loving it! Mine has 19inch wheels and I live at altitude but it’s still like nothing I’ve driven before.
I have the z4 automatic with an Quaife lsd but now not sure what to do. I was planning to buy a 2000cc prototype, so the options are the prototype, upgrading the z4 with $5k brakes for an improved experience, or even a cayman like that. The z4 is worth about $8k although I’ve spent lately with it about $7k (paint, rear quarters, lsd, timing chain, and many others)
Great info! thank you!
There’s no such a thing poor man Porsche this is a wonderful mid engine sports car in most cases handles and drives better than a lot of other Porsches that engine is in the wrong place
These are affordable compared to say having to spend 50k on a new car and with that money you are not going to buy a high class car.
Thanks for the vid James. You inspired me to get my 987 2.7 Boxster. Hairdresser's version of the same thing, really. "No hairdressing equipment is kept in this vehicle overnight!" BTW, I'm a painter & decorator 🤣
Excellent video. Where was the filming done?
I bought my Cayman 2 years. ago, a 2008 987.1, but the first owner had spec’ed it out to full S spec, 6speed, PASM, sports exhaust, full leather, sports seats, 19” wheels, etc etc.... even had a ‘S’ badge fitted on the rear boot lid next to the name..... all the trim of an S..... none of the bore score scares....
I've always thought getting feedback on a public road of when you're pressing on a bit too hard (and being able to then correct) was a very good thing. Understeer is very safe (and somewhat dull) - oversteer can be alarming running out of a combination of road and talent - washing out neutrally works for me !
Sounds like my kinda car direct responsive steering sharp and brisk perfect
Have had the 2008 version 2.7 in red for 8 yrs, i have 2 bulbs break. despite driving it like a lunatic on deserted roads frequently
nice;
i wish i lived in north america, id also drive like a lunatic every day since gas is cheaper than water ..... here in fookin eu its like liquid gold --.--
Great review! What do you reckon would be a better first sportscar, this Cayman or a e92 m3??
Thanks for this. I'm really eyeing a few Caymans. I'm a college student but have desperately wanted a Porsche all my life, and these are ones that are in my price range. The 987s seem like a fantastic compromise for someone in my shoes.
I desperately wanted a Porsche all my life…….and I was a college student…….in 1967.
Excuse me while I go dust off my 2023 Carrera…….😊
Love the video can u do one on cayman 987 s thanks
Would be a nice upgrade to my 986 base 😂
They are addictive
Lovely car
What a cracking car, give it a good thrashing, love it forever.
I had a 2.7 987 Boxster for a year, I came from a TVR Griffith 500. The 2.7 987 is a great sports car and is underated in my opinion, I then went and bought a 997.2 C2, which I still own. Any chance of a review of a TVR Griffith 500 please?
JayEmm, how does the 986 & 987 compare to an elise or exige in steering feel and power?
I've been looking at the 987's in the classifieds a lot lately, it would have to be the Gen 2 though for piece of mind and upgraded interior. They're still holding good value though at the moment and definitely a great buy imo.
I have a 2007 Porsche 987 Cayman S with currently 407,000 mile on the
odo...Purchased from Brumos with 42k on the odo. Original engine, NO
IMS issues... Headers, GT3 Manifold, Flashed the chip 365BHP... Bilstein
R 9 shocks, Machined short throw shifter, light weight flywheel... This
car is ALL of THAT! The magic of changing the oil and filter with
Mobil ONE or other Full Synthetic every 5-6,000 miles is the ticket...
It's a "sleeper" for the street... 0-60 about 4 flat... So do not
hesitate to buy a pre-owned 987 even with 100k on it... Really so long
as the records are good... You'll have minimal issues... Fuel oil
separator, coolant flush annually... New sport clutch at 350k. GREAT
CAR! Kind of rare as most are turned into race cars...
this and a 1998 NSX are my dream cars.
I own a 2009, 6 speed 987.2 base 2.9L Cayman in Ruby Red Metallic. It is a fantastic vehicle. I love the looks of it. Could it use 400 hp? Sure but it’s still a lot of fun. More fun than most will ever need.
I've had mine for three years now and I like it more and more each time I drive it. 6th gear, who needs it, more power, who needs it, stiffer suspension - absolutely not!
The only thing I would say is that I'm 6'4" and the cockpit could be a bit bigger.
But the good side is, you are 6‘4“ ;)
I would love one.
the 987 cayman is one of *the* cars to own imo. the 987.2 with the dfi is reliable, usuable, comfortable as well as being one of the best driving sports cars of all time. i also love that it's not too much of a show-off, so i can enjoy what i truly believe is one of the best cars to drive without attracting the attention that an nsx or a gated manual ferrari 360/430 would.
Once upon a time, I nearly bought a 2.9 cayman manual. I missed out, but I hope circumstances will permit it again one day
I have a 2010.. 4th hand .. Still Cool and lovely...
I want one of these
Knew instantly that this was the Highlands, there really is nowhere else like it! 😍
same as Sally Gap in Ireland and many other places in Ireland too :) When I lived in Ireland, I've gone to see Edinburgh and took a car to see Scotland's countryside but tbh found it to be same as Ireland and I went back to Edinburgh. Weather was the same too :(
I recently bought this exact car, was looking at reviews on You tube and recognized the number plate.
Hey James! Having driven another nc2 mx5 recently how would you compare the two in terms of driving engagement/enjoyment? I have been torn on going bbr with my nc2 or just scratching the Porsche itch!
A Cayman 2.9 manual is the best Porsche money can buy. You have aa top notch reliable engine with a solid indestructible gearbox and no DFi. It's a no brainer
I had an S a decade ago and loved it. I got rid of it because it’s a bit harsh as a daily driver and it left me stranded in Bakersfield in need of a crown I lost, and a water pump (you don’t want to be stranded in Bakersfield in any case) and that passed me off. In truth it’s a bit harsh for a daily driver in California and the 19” wheels with the 35 profile tires wasn’t a great idea on freeways with potholes the size of dustbins. It’s about time I got one as a dedicated track car though, I think the base model might be the best place to start too, I don’t honestly think there’s a better value for money track day car out there that doesn’t have Mazda written on it and some discarded scissors lost under a seat. 😜 Anyway, yeah, wot he sed.
Loved the scenario. Where's the filming location tho?
Love my base 2008.
162 mph top speed, 0 - 60 in 5.9 secs, surely that is quick enough for most people? 987.1 Cayman is a very pure and simple drivers car, the polar opposite of most modern sport cars laden with unnecessary tech and turbo engines. History will be kind to this beautiful, first generation model - no wonder Pinky Lai is so proud of it!
Correct.
theres no such thing as quick enough, thats just buyer excuses
I agree . Plenty of power . Not everything is about how fast something is . There is a handful of people where that’s important .