Porsche 718 Cayman (982) buying guide

The base car has a 2.0-liter turbo four with 300 hp and 280 lb-ft, with a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK. The S has a 2.5-liter turbo four with 350 hp and 309 lb-ft. The 2018-19 GTS lifted the 2.5 to 365 hp, and Hagerty says it was seen as a slightly hotter S because much of its hardware could be had as an S upgrade. We list the base Coupe and the S Coupe separately.

The Cayman T arrived in 2019 on the 2.0-liter engine with a more focused chassis. PistonHeads suggests the 2019-on T could be the best all-round model, and Hagerty lists PASM, a limited-slip differential, Sport Chrono and Carrera wheels among its additions. Be careful with earlier cars advertised as a T: PistonHeads says they may just be turbocharged, and a real one carries T lettering on the tailgate and sill plates.

The GTS 4.0 arrived in 2020 with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six making 394 hp and 317 lb-ft, shared with the GT4. Stuttcars and Hagerty both single it out as the model to look for in the range. It revs to between 7,800 and 8,000 rpm depending on gearbox, and Hagerty notes the 4.0 manual has tall gearing, with second topping out near 85 mph and third at 121 mph.

The GT4 tunes the same 4.0 to 414 hp, with a six-speed manual as standard and PDK added in 2021. Stuttcars says carbon bucket seats and PCCB ceramic brakes are worth seeking if the car will see track use. We list the GT4 Coupe and the GT4 RS Coupe. On base and S cars, Hagerty rates Sport Chrono, PASM and PTV as the options to want, and pcarwise.com treats an S fitted with sport seats, PDK, Sport Chrono and PASM as a GTS in all but name.

PDK neglect

A PDK that has missed its servicing can become a weak point, and pcarwise.com puts a replacement at north of $20K. Ask for the gearbox service history before you drive an automatic.

Oil consumption

Owners of the 2.0 and 2.5 turbo fours sometimes report the engine using more oil, according to autojunket.com. Check the level at the viewing and ask how often the car needs topping up.

Turbo-four rattles

Carpokes notes the occasional report of a rattling wastegate on early four-cylinder cars, both 2.0 and 2.5. The sports exhaust valve actuator can also rattle on some cars.

Connecting rod recall

Recall campaign 21V200 deals with the connecting rods on some 2021 cars with the 4.0 flat-six, the GTS 4.0 and the GT4, as renndriver.com records it. Recalls are VIN specific, so confirm that a given car was covered and the work done.

Cooling system leaks

Water pump and cooling system problems are possible. Look for coolant leaks and any sign of overheating.

Manual gearbox grind

Manual cars may grind when shifting from first to second.

Trim and infotainment

Alcantara on the steering wheel and seat bolsters may wear smooth, some switchgear coatings may peel, and headliners can sag, especially in hot climates. The PCM infotainment can also have occasional software glitches.

Budget first for the PDK. pcarwise.com puts replacement at north of $20K, so a documented gearbox service history matters more than low mileage. PistonHeads says extended warranties are affordable given the car's reliability record, and puts two years of Porsche Approved Warranty at about £1,400, a UK figure.

Porsche Club GB gives wheel refurbishment at £100-150 per wheel, also a UK figure. Our 718 Cayman price guide covers what the cars cost to buy.

Look for a GTS 4.0 first: Stuttcars and Hagerty both single it out, and its flat-six makes 394 hp. If you want a four-cylinder, PistonHeads points to the 2019-on Cayman T, and pcarwise.com's well-optioned S is the alternative. Skip a turbo four with an unclear oil history, and walk away from any car with a high over-rev reading. If you are weighing a bigger Porsche, our 718 Cayman vs 911 comparison covers it.

Insist on a PIWIS read-out and full service records, with PDK servicing documented on every automatic. On a GT4 destined for the track, hold out for carbon bucket seats and PCCB ceramic brakes.