Considering a 981 Cayman - Questions....
Discussion
I'm looking for a 981 Cayman. I've just sold my Lotus Evora and have been a Lotus addict for about 22 years (although I had a 986 Boxster about 18 years ago). I still have an Elise S1 and that's going nowhere!
I need a PDK as my wife struggles to operate the clutch due to arthritis in her foot - and she will be driving it too sometimes.
I've driven both a 2.7 and S, both PDK, and was very impressed. The only thing that I felt let it down slightly was the steering, which is no great surprise, given that it's electrically assisted (and coming from a Lotus, which has the finest steering known to man!).
I have a few questions, I've spotted a nice S with great options that I'm hopefully going to view on Sunday. As well as Nav, heated seats and all that stuff, it has PASM, Sports Chrono and the Porsche Sports Exhaust. Which of those last 3 is the most important? I ask because I'm also considering other cars too that have less options fitted. Also which options are most important for resale?
Is there much difference between the standard seats and the sports seats, do they really hold you better when driving spiritedly?
Also, in the real world, is there a massive difference between the S and 2.7, performance wise? My Evora was 276bhp and plenty quick enough for the road - I enjoyed extracting the performance from it rather than continually braking, which sometimes happens when cars are just too quick for the road, if you see what I mean....
What things should I be checking on the car I'm planning to see on Sunday? What are the common failures and weak points? I've read about things like the door card warping near the window, but this one has the extended leather so not sure if that applies. Does anyone know of any Cayman 981 checklists that are out there?
Lastly - what about reliability? I've read about things like the Active mounts failing, which I believe come with the Sports Chrono option, are there any other major items to watch out for.
I realise that's a lot of questions. Any help would be much appreciated - thanks.
I need a PDK as my wife struggles to operate the clutch due to arthritis in her foot - and she will be driving it too sometimes.
I've driven both a 2.7 and S, both PDK, and was very impressed. The only thing that I felt let it down slightly was the steering, which is no great surprise, given that it's electrically assisted (and coming from a Lotus, which has the finest steering known to man!).
I have a few questions, I've spotted a nice S with great options that I'm hopefully going to view on Sunday. As well as Nav, heated seats and all that stuff, it has PASM, Sports Chrono and the Porsche Sports Exhaust. Which of those last 3 is the most important? I ask because I'm also considering other cars too that have less options fitted. Also which options are most important for resale?
Is there much difference between the standard seats and the sports seats, do they really hold you better when driving spiritedly?
Also, in the real world, is there a massive difference between the S and 2.7, performance wise? My Evora was 276bhp and plenty quick enough for the road - I enjoyed extracting the performance from it rather than continually braking, which sometimes happens when cars are just too quick for the road, if you see what I mean....
What things should I be checking on the car I'm planning to see on Sunday? What are the common failures and weak points? I've read about things like the door card warping near the window, but this one has the extended leather so not sure if that applies. Does anyone know of any Cayman 981 checklists that are out there?
Lastly - what about reliability? I've read about things like the Active mounts failing, which I believe come with the Sports Chrono option, are there any other major items to watch out for.
I realise that's a lot of questions. Any help would be much appreciated - thanks.
Mine has all 3, and I wouldn’t have a 981 without them. The least important would be PSE (only because it can be added later).
PASM has been excellent for our roads - mine is on 20’ wheels.. SC markedly changes the character of the car in Sport+ mode.
Dig up my post from late 2020 (about buying a 981) and I put up a run-down of the options. I’m fortunate that mine also has just about everything else ticked, bar ceramic brakes and PDLS lights. It has extended leather, Burmester stereo, 18-way sport seats with memory, seat heating, dual climate, PTV (LSD), sport design wheel, nav/parking sensors etc..
While they’re all great and I’m very happy to have them, I would compromise on all of those, but not the SC, PASM and PSE options. I didn’t entirely realise this until after I purchased..
PASM has been excellent for our roads - mine is on 20’ wheels.. SC markedly changes the character of the car in Sport+ mode.
Dig up my post from late 2020 (about buying a 981) and I put up a run-down of the options. I’m fortunate that mine also has just about everything else ticked, bar ceramic brakes and PDLS lights. It has extended leather, Burmester stereo, 18-way sport seats with memory, seat heating, dual climate, PTV (LSD), sport design wheel, nav/parking sensors etc..
While they’re all great and I’m very happy to have them, I would compromise on all of those, but not the SC, PASM and PSE options. I didn’t entirely realise this until after I purchased..
Edited by Royal Jelly on Friday 7th January 13:49
I had a 981CS with all of those (and more). I would say PASM most important (more so with 20"wheels). PSE can be added (I did), but so can chrono, except that you don't get the dash mounted clock.
Having a number of cars I felt the essential item was sports plus seats. Not only more comfortable, but much more supportive than standard sports, and boy do I miss them now I've gone to a 996!
Having a number of cars I felt the essential item was sports plus seats. Not only more comfortable, but much more supportive than standard sports, and boy do I miss them now I've gone to a 996!
Edited by mr pg on Friday 7th January 08:13
Thanks for all the replies, really useful.
I've seen a car (2.7 PDK) which has the following spec, at a decent price:
Sport Chrono
Switchable Sports exhaust system
19” Cayman S wheels
Bi-Xenon lighting with Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
ParkAssist front and rear
SportDesign steering wheel with solid alloy gear change paddles
Leather Sports seats
PCM 3 including navigation & telephone modules plus universal
audio interface (iPod connectivity and function)
Sound Package Plus
So no PASM but it's on 19" wheels. And it just has the standard seats, not heated.
How essential are the sports seats (and heated)? Also, given that it has Sport Chrono, how essential is the Porsche warranty? I've heard that the dynamic mounts can go sometimes.
What else would I be looking for / checking?
I've seen a car (2.7 PDK) which has the following spec, at a decent price:
Sport Chrono
Switchable Sports exhaust system
19” Cayman S wheels
Bi-Xenon lighting with Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
ParkAssist front and rear
SportDesign steering wheel with solid alloy gear change paddles
Leather Sports seats
PCM 3 including navigation & telephone modules plus universal
audio interface (iPod connectivity and function)
Sound Package Plus
So no PASM but it's on 19" wheels. And it just has the standard seats, not heated.
How essential are the sports seats (and heated)? Also, given that it has Sport Chrono, how essential is the Porsche warranty? I've heard that the dynamic mounts can go sometimes.
What else would I be looking for / checking?
I think the warranty is generally good value, given Porsche repair costs. A new PDK must be close to 15 grand? to replace.
Others prefer to self insure - will depend on mileage to an extent I guess.
Original 981s came out ten years ago; believe you can extend the official Porsche warranty up to 15 years and 125k miles. Is always nice being able to drive it without worrying about failure costs.
ETA: On early EPAS versions the steering is not that great however they fixed it on the later versions i.e. in the 718. On the earlier 987s it is hydraulic.
Others prefer to self insure - will depend on mileage to an extent I guess.
Original 981s came out ten years ago; believe you can extend the official Porsche warranty up to 15 years and 125k miles. Is always nice being able to drive it without worrying about failure costs.
ETA: On early EPAS versions the steering is not that great however they fixed it on the later versions i.e. in the 718. On the earlier 987s it is hydraulic.
Edited by Lexington59 on Friday 7th January 12:05
OP, unusual not to have heated seats but not really a deal-breaker. Porsche warranty not cheap but could be regarded as good value: peace of mind plus parts/labour costs are high plus these cars aren't ultra-reliable - although I've had little trouble with mine.
When I did identify a vibration problem - an out-of-balnce driveshaft - it was all fixed under warranty but involved (unnecessarily) replacing the PDK gearbox first. I wouldn't have liked to self-fund that lot.
When I did identify a vibration problem - an out-of-balnce driveshaft - it was all fixed under warranty but involved (unnecessarily) replacing the PDK gearbox first. I wouldn't have liked to self-fund that lot.
I test drove 2.7 and S back in 2015 and chose 2.7 PDK as the S is just too easy to drive too fast.
PASM would be my number one option. I'm on 20s. It learns to switch automatically between normal and sport suspension dependant on how you drive. Clever stuff. And in normal mode more compliant than standard suspension.
Chrono seems pointless to me unless you're tracking it. Sport button (std) enhances throttle response and is good but naturally reduces fuel economy. Manual mode in a PDK also better than a manual box unless you like pressing an overly heavy clutch. Make sure you get Sport Design steering wheel with paddles, NOT the one with the buttons in the wheel!
PSE would be the last thing I'd choose. Plenty of exhaust and mechanical noise without it. PSE can drone and cause headaches even when switched off - I found this at motorway speeds in a courtesy car.
Heated seats would be expected by any subsequent buyer and rarely missed off the options list. Personally I wouldn't have leather without heating it. You may struggle to sell on without it.
Get dual climate. Mine hasn't got auto wipers and it's such a bonus to be able to control what they do! I didn't realise how bad auto wipe is until, after five cars with it, this one doesn't have it. It's akin to the electric handbrake "advancement" which is a retrograde step.
Cayman has hill hold as standard so don't worry about its oddly placed electric handbrake.
PASM would be my number one option. I'm on 20s. It learns to switch automatically between normal and sport suspension dependant on how you drive. Clever stuff. And in normal mode more compliant than standard suspension.
Chrono seems pointless to me unless you're tracking it. Sport button (std) enhances throttle response and is good but naturally reduces fuel economy. Manual mode in a PDK also better than a manual box unless you like pressing an overly heavy clutch. Make sure you get Sport Design steering wheel with paddles, NOT the one with the buttons in the wheel!
PSE would be the last thing I'd choose. Plenty of exhaust and mechanical noise without it. PSE can drone and cause headaches even when switched off - I found this at motorway speeds in a courtesy car.
Heated seats would be expected by any subsequent buyer and rarely missed off the options list. Personally I wouldn't have leather without heating it. You may struggle to sell on without it.
Get dual climate. Mine hasn't got auto wipers and it's such a bonus to be able to control what they do! I didn't realise how bad auto wipe is until, after five cars with it, this one doesn't have it. It's akin to the electric handbrake "advancement" which is a retrograde step.
Cayman has hill hold as standard so don't worry about its oddly placed electric handbrake.
DJMC said:
I test drove 2.7 and S back in 2015 and chose 2.7 PDK as the S is just too easy to drive too fast.
PASM would be my number one option. I'm on 20s. It learns to switch automatically between normal and sport suspension dependant on how you drive. Clever stuff. And in normal mode more compliant than standard suspension.
Chrono seems pointless to me unless you're tracking it. Sport button (std) enhances throttle response and is good but naturally reduces fuel economy. Manual mode in a PDK also better than a manual box unless you like pressing an overly heavy clutch. Make sure you get Sport Design steering wheel with paddles, NOT the one with the buttons in the wheel!
PSE would be the last thing I'd choose. Plenty of exhaust and mechanical noise without it. PSE can drone and cause headaches even when switched off - I found this at motorway speeds in a courtesy car.
Heated seats would be expected by any subsequent buyer and rarely missed off the options list. Personally I wouldn't have leather without heating it. You may struggle to sell on without it.
Get dual climate. Mine hasn't got auto wipers and it's such a bonus to be able to control what they do! I didn't realise how bad auto wipe is until, after five cars with it, this one doesn't have it. It's akin to the electric handbrake "advancement" which is a retrograde step.
Cayman has hill hold as standard so don't worry about its oddly placed electric handbrake.
SC is nowhere close to being track-only setting. I only ever have it in a different mode on the motorway. The Throttle response is significantly sharper than sport, and the dynamic mounts make a notable difference to how rigid it all feels. Also, the auto-blip is very very nice, although that’s something I like to do myself (albeit not as good a job).PASM would be my number one option. I'm on 20s. It learns to switch automatically between normal and sport suspension dependant on how you drive. Clever stuff. And in normal mode more compliant than standard suspension.
Chrono seems pointless to me unless you're tracking it. Sport button (std) enhances throttle response and is good but naturally reduces fuel economy. Manual mode in a PDK also better than a manual box unless you like pressing an overly heavy clutch. Make sure you get Sport Design steering wheel with paddles, NOT the one with the buttons in the wheel!
PSE would be the last thing I'd choose. Plenty of exhaust and mechanical noise without it. PSE can drone and cause headaches even when switched off - I found this at motorway speeds in a courtesy car.
Heated seats would be expected by any subsequent buyer and rarely missed off the options list. Personally I wouldn't have leather without heating it. You may struggle to sell on without it.
Get dual climate. Mine hasn't got auto wipers and it's such a bonus to be able to control what they do! I didn't realise how bad auto wipe is until, after five cars with it, this one doesn't have it. It's akin to the electric handbrake "advancement" which is a retrograde step.
Cayman has hill hold as standard so don't worry about its oddly placed electric handbrake.
Before I got a 981, I genuinely thought SC was one of the least important ‘sounding’ options. It turns out that along with PASM, it is vital IMO. Yes, the fuel economy is fairly ropey in Sport+ but the car is comparatively dull in the other modes.
Can’t comment on a non PASM car on 19’ wheels, only on 20s. In normal mode PASM is softer than passive, and in sport it’s firmer. It is very good, OP.
If someone finds the 981 clutch overly heavy, then I don’t know what to say
The manual box and PDK are some of the nicest examples about. The comments above recommending warranty are very valid. I bought a high spec, low owner 981S a few years ago. 13k miles at time of purchase.
The electric steering rack failed and required replacement. Without warranty that’s close to a £3k hit. Porsche also know that the racks on 12-14 981 are subject to that failure being relatively common.
Dynamic engine mounts are also prone to fail and are broadly £1k per side to fix.
My horn failed as well. Again, research shows this is common but an easy fix.
Great cars to drive, if a bit numb after an Elise. They are quick, comfortable and sound nice but frankly not close to the engagement level of an Elise if you enjoy B roads. I was aware of the enormous amount of mechanical grip afforded by 20” tyres all the time. You’d only think it was agile if you never driven an Elise.
The chrono clock looks daft and in sport plus mode the car becomes to stiff for road use. I’ve not tried a 981 without PASM but I’d add the dampers are expensive if they fail.
My car had PCCB. I’d never spend the money on them new but the stopping and feel is sublime. Reminiscent of MMC’s without the wet weather fear. They are usefully lighter than steel and you keep your wheels clean. I liked those.
I also agree the 24 way- or was it 18 way?- electric seats are comfortable. You’d want them heated and that can’t be added easily aftermarket. I also didn’t have cruise, which is of value on motorways.
BOSE gets a bad rap here but I like music and the sound pack can cope with podcasts and radio 4 but that’s about it. A pal has Burmester and says it’s good but not worth the premium.
If you want one my advice is get the warranty. I wouldn’t buy another.
The electric steering rack failed and required replacement. Without warranty that’s close to a £3k hit. Porsche also know that the racks on 12-14 981 are subject to that failure being relatively common.
Dynamic engine mounts are also prone to fail and are broadly £1k per side to fix.
My horn failed as well. Again, research shows this is common but an easy fix.
Great cars to drive, if a bit numb after an Elise. They are quick, comfortable and sound nice but frankly not close to the engagement level of an Elise if you enjoy B roads. I was aware of the enormous amount of mechanical grip afforded by 20” tyres all the time. You’d only think it was agile if you never driven an Elise.
The chrono clock looks daft and in sport plus mode the car becomes to stiff for road use. I’ve not tried a 981 without PASM but I’d add the dampers are expensive if they fail.
My car had PCCB. I’d never spend the money on them new but the stopping and feel is sublime. Reminiscent of MMC’s without the wet weather fear. They are usefully lighter than steel and you keep your wheels clean. I liked those.
I also agree the 24 way- or was it 18 way?- electric seats are comfortable. You’d want them heated and that can’t be added easily aftermarket. I also didn’t have cruise, which is of value on motorways.
BOSE gets a bad rap here but I like music and the sound pack can cope with podcasts and radio 4 but that’s about it. A pal has Burmester and says it’s good but not worth the premium.
If you want one my advice is get the warranty. I wouldn’t buy another.
My 981 has 19" wheels and no PASM. It is definitely on the firm side and some people have commented that it's not particularly comfortable on poor roads, but I'm happy with it (though wouldn't want it any firmer). When I tried a 718 GTS 4.0 recently with 20" wheels and PASM, I found it noticeably more compliant and smooth on typical UK country roads.
If you live outside a city and do much/any driving at night, as I do, you'll probably find PDLS to be a worthwhile option.
If you live outside a city and do much/any driving at night, as I do, you'll probably find PDLS to be a worthwhile option.
highway said:
The chrono clock looks daft and in sport plus mode the car becomes to stiff for road use. I’ve not tried a 981 without PASM but I’d add the dampers are expensive if they fail.
Of all the sports chrono clocks the 981 is by far the neatest solution, as it's integrated into the profile of the dash rather than protruding further forward as in all other Porsches.When on euro tours (of which we did several) sport plus is very worthwhile as the road surfaces are much better.
...you get throttle blip downshifts without Sport Plus when using the standard Sport setting:
Link to Cayman brochure here: https://rennlist.com/forums/981-forum/1237481-981-...
Link to Cayman brochure here: https://rennlist.com/forums/981-forum/1237481-981-...
Edited by DJMC on Friday 7th January 17:25
Thanks again for all the advice. So what I’m picking up here is:
PSE not essential and can be annoyingly boomy (I’ve driven an S that had it and know what you mean)
PASM is very good - especially with 20s
Heated seats not essential but could make resale difficult (depending on spec/colour etc).
Sports Chrono best on track but still beneficial on road (especially coming from a Lotus I guess).
PSE not essential and can be annoyingly boomy (I’ve driven an S that had it and know what you mean)
PASM is very good - especially with 20s
Heated seats not essential but could make resale difficult (depending on spec/colour etc).
Sports Chrono best on track but still beneficial on road (especially coming from a Lotus I guess).
daveb99 said:
Thanks again for all the advice. So what I’m picking up here is:
PSE not essential and can be annoyingly boomy (I’ve driven an S that had it and know what you mean)
PASM is very good - especially with 20s
Heated seats not essential but could make resale difficult (depending on spec/colour etc).
Sports Chrono best on track but still beneficial on road (especially coming from a Lotus I guess).
PSE - if you like noise, go for it. I think it’s more ‘listen/look at me’. PSE not essential and can be annoyingly boomy (I’ve driven an S that had it and know what you mean)
PASM is very good - especially with 20s
Heated seats not essential but could make resale difficult (depending on spec/colour etc).
Sports Chrono best on track but still beneficial on road (especially coming from a Lotus I guess).
PASM - agree.
SC on road - depends how you drive. I never used it, end of. It appears to be good for resale though.
Heated seats - as I said, probably not a deal-breaker; at least not in a Cayman. 😉
esuuv said:
Maybe just my car - but the heated seats in my 718 are rubbish. My partner has a F57 Mini cooper S and on setting three the sears are borderline too warm.
My 718 on setting 3 you can barely tell they are on…..just me?
Interesting. Haven’t noticed a difference in mine to previous cars - I still do the usual 3 bars to begin and then down to 1… I like to drive with the window cracked, so would have liked a heated wheel option. My 718 on setting 3 you can barely tell they are on…..just me?
OP - for SC; coming from an Elise, you’re quite right; you won’t find it especially ‘track-ish’. As you know, the whole experience will be more sanitised than the Elise, but SC will definitely alter the behaviour in that direction..
I personally only wanted an S, but I do see the benefits of both. You can obviously give it more of a workout on the 2.7, and on the twisty country roads there really won’t be much in it.
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