The Cayman is an excellent option for those looking to enter the Porsche coupe market. It is easy to drive and comfortable for all ages, making it a suitable choice for all generations. Its two-seater design and excellent handling make for an enjoyable driving experience. Noted as one of the most capable track vehicles available, its center of gravity sits closer to the middle of the car than other models on sale.
According to carcomplaints.com, this model has a few downfalls; thus, this article will look at which years are best suited for purchase to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth when investing in a Porsche Cayman.
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Porsche Cayman Years To Avoid (List Of Years)
The Porsche Cayman is a highly-regarded car, as evidenced by the low number of complaints registered at carcomplaints.com. Its popularity and quality are undeniable, with only a few people having had vehicle issues.
Worst Years of Porsche Cayman:
- 2006 Porsche Cayman
- 2014 Porsche Cayman
- 2021 Porsche Cayman
The 2021 Porsche Cayman model is reported to have the highest number of total complaints compared to other models. This could be attributed to potential variables, as evidenced by more significant repair costs for broken shifter cables and sluggish shifting associated with the 2006 model year. Additionally, there are a few reports of engine-related problems.
What Makes These Porsche Cayman Years Worth Avoiding?
Examining the finer points within each potential issue, regarding which Porsche Cayman models were more vulnerable to the problems, can provide further insight.
1. Broken Cable Shifter
The owner of a 2006 Porsche Cayman was not pleased with his experience. Despite driving 70 miles per hour, the gearshift became slack and refused to change gears when placed in different slots. Further research suggested that this issue typically occurs after 34,150 miles and can be remedied with repair costs estimated at $1000.
Overall, it is understandable why the owner is dissatisfied due to the high cost of owning such a luxurious vehicle. It can be incredibly disappointing if problems arise soon after purchase or even during ownership, as it could involve costly fixes that may not have been considered before investing in such an expensive model.
2. Sagging Headliner
The 2014 Porsche Cayman model was found to have a headliner that sagged 6 inches in the middle, with the adhesive having failed and cloth hanging down throughout the sitting compartment. This issue occurred during rainy weather, highlighting that Porsche uses water-soluble glue. Additionally, a problem with leather around the windows was identified on the door panels.
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3. Faulty Control Rods Want A New Stop Sale
The owner encountered an issue when trying to purchase a 2021 Porsche Cayman model. The dealer informed them that this and other models had a Stop Sale imposed by Porsche, with no repair information or timeline available. As such, the owner could not take possession of the car even though they had paid in full for it.
4. Engine Problem
Porsche has issued a recall for the Cayman model due to a faulty connecting rod that can shatter and cause engine damage. This issue can lead to engine stalling, misfires, and in some instances, even fires. As such, all owners of this vehicle have been notified of the recall and advised to seek immediate diagnostic assessments if they experience any potential problems.
The original cause of this incident is likely related to weak or misfiring cylinders caused by a failure in the wires or plugs linked to the injector. These components may become brittle during routine maintenance schedules and thus require regular inspection. Porsche encourages everyone who owns one of these vehicles to take precautions for their safety by following up on recalls promptly and staying proactive regarding preventative care procedures.
5. Loss Of Coolant
When the cylinder liner of a Porsche Cayman engine is compromised, it can result in various issues, including coolant leakage and compression loss. Furthermore, the overheating of the machine may take some time to become evident while simultaneously causing the coolant levels in the expansion tank to dip. Unfortunately, once this condition has occurred, it is likely too late to reverse any damage that may have been done.
6. Oil Leakage
Cayman faces issues due to an oil leak from the front main seal. Evidence of a leaking rear main seal at the bell housing junction, between the center of the engine and transmission joint, has been observed. The owner states that though it did dry out initially, other factors may also be causing the failure of this seal.
Which Porsche Cayman Years Are Safe To Buy?
The Porsche Cayman models from 2009-2012 are renowned for their reliability and driving pleasure. Although more suitable choices are available, these third-generation cars offer a robust option for brand enthusiasts. Maintenance is usually not an issue with any of the Cayman models, but neglecting to service them may lead to problems in the future.
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Final Words
The Porsche Cayman is a reliable vehicle with no particular model years to avoid. The most sought-after models are those from 2009-2012, though these can be increasingly hard to come by. If you’re looking for a Cayman and want the best driving experience, it’s recommended that you choose one of the manual transmission models over an automatic. Besides this small recommendation, there is nothing else to worry about when considering a Porsche Cayman.