Porsche 981 Cayman: A Buyers Guide to Finding a Peach

If you don't know who we are, read our story about why we started MGC suspensions.

 

The Porsche Cayman was first launched in 2006 with the 987 designation. It was a hardtop version of the existing Boxster roadster. 

The third generation Cayman with the 981 model name was first shown at the Geneva auto show. It was released in the spring of 2013 as a 2014 model in the states.

It had all new exterior and interior styling that was well accepted. 

This new Cayman 981 was available as a base model with a 2.7 liter engine producing 275 horsepower. It was also available as a 981 Cayman S with a 3.4 liter engine producing 325 horsepower. Both models had transmission options of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch PDK automatic. 

The 981 had a lighter body due to the use of more aluminum. It was wider, longer, and not as tall as the previous 987 generation. 

it also was fitted with electronic powering steering and a completely new interior that matched the same year 911's. 

In 2014 a 981 Cayman GTS model was made available. With different front and rear bumpers, an additional 15 horsepower, and different interior pieces, the GTS was a sportier option. 

The current and latest version is the Porsche Cayman 718. This generation has also recently released a Porsche Cayman GT4 version that is slowly being deemed one of the best sports cars ever made. 

In this article I will give some basic information and tips about buying a 981 Cayman. I will also share some personal insight about my own Cayman buying experience. I purchased a 2014 Cayman S in May of 2022. 

If you are currently doing some reading and research about buying a Cayman and whether it's a good idea or not, then this article will hopefully add some value to your search. 

Your internet search for Porsche Cayman for sale should be a fun journey. 

I will break it down into sections to make it easier and to give some main points to think about.

Finding a good example can be fairly easy if you know what to look for. 

At the end MGC Suspensions will give some suggestions for smart suspension and exhaust upgrades for your new Cayman. The right 981 Cayman performance upgrades can make these cars even more enjoyable. 

 

 

1. Service History

Probably the most important part about buying a 981 Cayman. The ideal situation here is to be in a position to buy the car private party from someone   looking to sell.

A current owner with a stack of service records for all repairs and maintenance done to the car is your best bet. Ask about all the work that has been done (or not done) to the car. 

Receipts of work done are a definete way to know if the car has been cared for or not. 

My situation was a bit different as I needed to finance my 2014 Rhodium silver Cayman S with 29,000 miles on the odometer. I didn't want to take a loan out with my credit union and then find a car afterwards. 

In this case I had to rely on what Carfax had to say and take that into consideration with the mileage, current condition, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. 

 

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Along with service records, a pre-purchase inspection from a Porsche dealership or trusted independent Porsche mechanic, is vital to gaining the information you need to make a smart purchase.

Getting the Cayman in question up off the ground for a visual inspection for fluid leaks, worn suspension and brake parts, missing panels, rust, corrosion, exhaust components, etc is very important.

How and where the car was driven will become obvious rather quickly. 

With the 2014 model year cars quickly approaching ten years in age, some can have over 100,000 miles on them. A well cared for unit will most likely have newer shocks, bushings, brake pads, and other wearable parts. 

if your are considering a higher mileage Cayman, this is ok. Just factor in the  cost of replacing these worn parts if necessary. 

A cheap Porsche soon becomes a very expensive Porsche. 

A complete pre-purchase inspection will also give valuable diagnostic information by way of Porsche's factory scan tool, PIWIS (Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System). Any engine over-rev history, stored fault codes, and other information will be displayed. 

Getting the current owner or dealership to release the car for an inspection can be a tricky thing, but a deposit of some type usually will do the trick.

Before going to look at a Cayman, streamline the process by making a pre-purchase inspection appointment with a Porsche dealer or mechanic first so you're ready to go. 

A proper pre-purchase inspection can cost 200-300 dollars, but it's money well spent for the information you will gain and possibly thousands of dollars you will save repairing a mistreated car. 

 

Things To Look For

When you go to look at a Cayman for the first time, here is a list of things to look at for condition issues during a visual inspection.

1. Overall paint condition (scratches, dents, panels that don't color match) 

2. Condition of headlights (clear or milky) Turn the lights on and make sure they all work. 

3. Panel gaps

4. Cracks in glass

5. Plastic trim and rubber moldings 

6. Wheels (scuffs, scratches, valve stems, center caps, lug bolts)

7. Tires (check date codes for age, Make sure all 4 are same brand and model, check tread depth) Tire brand and condition is a leading indicator to previous care and concern for the car. No name tires are a red flag in my opinion. 

8. Overall interior condition (dash, seats, door panels, carpets, floor mats, headliner)

9. Make sure doors and front/rear trunks open and close nicely. Make sure struts hold trunk doors up. 

10. Be sure the car comes with 2 key fobs and owners manual books. Test both fobs by locking/unlocking doors and opening both trunk doors. New fobs are over 400.00 and only available at Porsche dealers. 

11. Start the car and make sure the heater and air conditioning work. 

12. Make sure the radio and main screen work. 

13. Make sure power windows, locks, and mirrors work. 

14. Adjust power seats to make sure they function. 

15. Most importantly, test drive the car. Take it for a long drive and let it get up to temperature. Make sure it idles and accelerates smoothly. Be sure the brakes are smooth and even and not much pedal length is required to activate them. For manual 6-speed cars check the clutch pedal for a nice smooth action that engages down low. A higher bite point means a clutch job may be in your future.

PDK cars should shift smoothly in both automatic and manual modes. Use both the paddle or button shifters as well as the gear selector to shift the car through the gears both up and down. A little puff is all you should hear. 

Listen for any clunks coming from the suspension. Make sure the sport mode(s) activate. Run the car in both suspension modes if equipped with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) you should feel a definite difference in stiffness. 

 

Common Issues

1. Sagging headliners

Many 981 Caymans (including mine) have defective adhesive that holds the headliner fabric to the cardboard backing. Heat degrades the adhesive over time and the fabric falls down and screws up your hair doo. Check the headliner for sagging in any Cayman you look at!

2. Warping door panels

Due to heat like the headliner, the door panels on both doors risk buckling and warping up along the lower window line creating an ugly gap. A good interior shop can fix this issue at a reasonable rate. The Cayman I bought was also stricken with this issue. I plan to have my doors and headliner fixed at the same time. 

Other than these 2 cosmetic issues, I have not experienced or read about any other common faults or issues with the 981 Cayman.

In my 1 year of ownership and 7,000 miles it has been bulletproof and an absolute joy to drive. I have only done 2 oil changes and a PDK service so far.

(If your buy a PDK car be sure to do the recommended service for the gearbox. Parts are not available for them, simply entire replacement boxes at over 20,000 dollars!

If you buy a Cayman with PDK and there isn't proof the PDK service has been done, go ahead and get it done for piece of mind. I believe the interval is 50,000 miles but I have read its smart to do it much sooner. 

 

Running Costs

So far my running costs have been minimal. I have a trusted iindependent mechanic who charges a little over 200.00 for an oil change. Ive done 2 of them thus far. I also did a PDK service at a bit over 500.00. 

The only other thing needing repair was a passenger side door handle that wouldn't open from the inside. 200 to fix that. 

If you buy a well maintained Cayman that has good brakes, suspension, and tires, your running costs should be minimal for a few years. Especially if you can do oil changes and brakes yourself. 

Another thing I didn't realize when I bought my Cayman was the great gas mileage it gets. I live in Anaheim, Ca and often make runs to Las Vegas to visit my parents. I have achieved (according to my display) over 34 MPG. Pretty darn good for a sports car I think. 

 

Last Thoughts

Use common sense and basic knowledge along with a complete pre-purchase inspection and you really cant go wrong with a 981 Cayman.

if you can offer some flexibility to the color and options you can live with (or without) you shouldn't have any problems finding a well cared for example that will bring you years of driving pleasure. 

I was dead-set on getting a white or red Cayman with sport-chrono package. These were difficult to find at the time for some reason. But after giving my silver beauty without some of the options i wanted a chance, this low mileage, 1-owner car has really grown on me. 

 

Be sure to read all of our valuable blog content about other European cars

 

Smart Performance Upgrades

A quick list of recommended suspension and exhaust upgrades for the 981 Cayman. 

 

1. SOUL Performance 981 Cayman Exhaust System

High quality mufflers offer a refined, sporty tone with minimal drone. Gain the enhanced response, character, and sound that your Porsche deserves.

 

Details:

+  Fits all Porsche 981 Cayman / Boxster vehicles (2014-2016)

+  Direct bolt on installation – instructions included

 

Description:

DEVELOPMENT:  Following the success of the valved exhaust and its ability to fight drone, SOUL wanted to offer a lighter, valveless version that offers an invigorating exhaust note (just like valves open mode on our Valved Exhaust) at all times with the least amount of undesirable elements like droning and rasp.

This system is perfect for those who crave an aggressive sound to pair with aftermarket headers and not have it be overbearingly loud.

The volume level is delightfully greater than that of PSE (Porsche Sport Exhaust) with valves open while retaining a refined exhaust note.

This system is also beneficial for track cars looking for maximum flow in an exhaust but must mind decibel readings.

 The mufflers are incredibly effective at minimizing drone and encourage a fuller, more robust tone befitting of a Porsche.

 

CONSTRUCTION:  Each system is made from mandrel bent T304L stainless steel tubing (featuring 2.5″ OD over axle pipes) and features mufflers with fortified casings in the interest of durability.

The SOUL mufflers are packed with high quality sound deadening material designed to withstand abuse and not blow out over time.

Choose from a variety of 321 stainless exhaust tips in different styles and finishes. Titanium single wall tips are also available and save nearly a pound of weight over stainless steel tips.

 

BOLT ON AND GO:  Each exhaust is rigorously quality-checked, tested in a fixture to guarantee fitment, and then foam packed to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Thorough installation instructions are included in the box for a straightforward install that can be performed by most DIY enthusiasts.

 

LIFETIME WARRANTY:  Enjoy your SOUL exhaust components with confidence on both the street and track as they are covered by a lifetime warranty.

 

2. BMC 981 Cayman Air Filters

 

 

3. Ohlins 981 Cayman Coilovers 

Want the best coilover kit for Porsche Boxster or Cayman?

 Ohlins is arguably the only answer.

The Ohlins Road and Track series coilover kits feature the latest in single tube technology that uses both through-rod damper technology, and Ohlins exclusive Dual Flow Valve (DFV) technology, which allows you to change the stiffness of the shock absorbers.

These coilovers are light-weight, corrosion resistant, and fully rebuildable for a lifetime of performance, and come with a two-year limited warranty.

Ohlins dampers also feature one knob that operates individual compression and rebound adjusters that are pressure balanced, and have preload adjustability.

Adjusting the knob changes all four areas in the damper; low and high speed compression and rebound damping.

Ride height is easily changed with finely threaded shock bodies and smooth moving collars so you can set the stance exactly where you want.

 

 

4. Bilstein PSS10 981 Cayman Coilovers 

The Bilstein B16 (PSS10) kit is one of the best selling coilover kits ever.

 

10-way compression and rebound damping adjustable with the easy turn of one dial.

 

10 preconfigured stages change the feedback from soft to firm. 

 

This kit is also ride height adjustable with a lowering range of 1 inch to 1.75 inches.

 

Inverted, gas pressurized mono tube dampers are matched with progressive rate coil springs for superior handling at any ride height.

 

Zinc based, triple coated corrosion resistance coatings are used for trouble free performance year after year. 

 

Finely threaded shock bodies and a supplied spanner wrench make height adjustments fast and easy.

 

Complete suspension control from one affordable coilover kit by Bilstein.

 

 

5.  Tarett 981 Cayman sway bars

Tarett Engineering is proud to announce their new GT series front sway bars.

 

Made to the exact same specs as the Porsche OEM GT3 bars, for the same perfect fit and performance, but at a more affordable price.

 

CNC machine bent from aerospace quality 4130 chrome moly material for reliability you can depend on, and finished in black powder coating.

 

Pair them with our drop links to provide a winning combination. The GT-Series bars are SPC, SPB, & SP996 spec legal.

 

The light weight hollow design is half the weight of a solid bar with the same stiffness.

 

Multiple attachment hole positions allow for quick and easy sway bar stiffness rate adjustments to fine-tune your car's handling, for various track conditions and driving styles.

 

All components are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards, and make this the finest and most reliable sway bar on the market.

 

The OEM Porsche GT3 bars are still available for those that prefer to use the authentic Porsche parts.

 

Need a stiffer front bar? The 997/987 bar is now available in 28.6mm size. Approximately 35% stiffer than the 997 GT3 26.8mm bar.

 

4130 chrome moly material, 4 or 5 position adjustable, 996 and BSR spec legal, and a beautiful powder coated finish.

 

6. H&R 981 Cayman Adjustable lowering springs

 

Want ride height adjustability like a coilover at a fraction of the cost?

0.5-1.0 Inch (12.7-25.4 mm) front lowering range.

0.8 Inches (20.3 mm) rear lowering.

See fitment guide below for your 981/718 Cayman. Also fits 981/718 Boxster models.

These H&R VTF adjustable lowering spring kits were designed to work flawlessly with your factory electronic shocks.

Progressive rate coil spring design maintains a factory smooth ride.

Precision adjustment collars and spring perches make changing the ride height quick and simple.

Light weight, high tensile strength alloy is used for dependable performance and long life.

Finished in a durable, red powder coating, these kits come with everything you need to install them.

 

 

7. Tarett 981 Cayman Rear Toe Control Arm Kit 

If you just lowered Porsche, chances are you need adjustable toe arms to keep geometry correct.

 

Restore proper suspension geometry with this adjustable lower rear control arm.

 

The factory control arm can’t compensate enough when lowering your 996/997/986/987, leaving you stuck with as much as ½” of toe in.

The result is poor handling and rapid tire wear.

 

This kit will provide the additional adjustment needed. The adjusting link has a left and right hand thread on each end. Rotating the link will increase or decrease the overall length of the arm.

 

A precision Teflon lined spherical rod end replaces the compliant rubber factory bushing for improved suspension response and feedback, and also reduces toe changes during acceleration and deceleration.

 

The result is improved stability and control.

 

The complete kit comes as shown, including new Porsche outer tie rods.

 

8. Vogtland 981 Cayman Lowering Springs

 

German spring manufacturer Vogtland has been winding coil springs since 1903.

Experience the difference a set of their progressive rate lowering springs will make.

1.3 inches of perfectly leveled lowering for a dropped stance that will get noticed.

Designed to be 10-15% stiffer than stock for a great blend of improved handling and daily driver comfort.

Wound cold, then heat treated and powder coated for excellent performance and long service life.

Finished in a durable, cherry red powder coating.

Dont be tempted by cheap, no-name knock-offs. Insist on quality the first time. Go with Vogtland.

 

9. SOUL Performance 981 Cayman Headers

Soul Performance Products Long Tube Street Headers are built around large diameter, free flowing HJS HD 200-cell catalytic converters with long tube runners for maximum gains in power, throttle response, and flat-six engine tone.

Add performance without throwing a check engine light.

 

Details:

+  Fits all Porsche 981 Cayman / Boxster vehicles (2013-2016)

+  Added performance without a check engine light

+  Direct bolt on installation – instructions included

Gasket set pictured is available, but sold separately. It's a good idea to replace these gaskets when installing your new headers.

 

Description:

 

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING:  By creating a unique application for the 981 platform, SOUL focused on sizing the runners (2”) and collectors correctly to extract maximum power from the 3.4 engine, while producing great gains from the 2.7 as well.

SOUL also chose HJS HD 200 cell catalytic converters of an appropriate size to encourage maximum power gains. Don’t settle for smaller, cheaper catalysts when power and durability is concerned.

 

CONSTRUCTION:  Each header is assembled out of T304L stainless steel and rigorously quality checked in-house.

Proven design elements including port matched flanges, smooth radius primary tubing, and collectors that optimize the exhaust flow all work in conjunction to maximize power gains.

 

HJS HD 200 CELL CATALYSTS:  The highest quality catalytic converters available, known for their industry leading flow and durability.

They are efficient enough to meet strict EURO 4 emission standards while still allowing for an increase in flow – all without a check engine light.

The HD design uses premium triple foil winding for maximum strength. The brazing stripe is an extra feature in the interest of durability, it prevents the core from moving or experiencing any damage from sustained high horsepower abuse.

SOUL uses a larger yet appropriately sized catalyst to allow for maximum gains.

 

BOLT ON AND GO:  Each set is tested in a fixture to ensure perfect fitment then foam packed to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. 

Thorough installation instructions are included in the box for a straightforward install that can be performed by most DIY enthusiasts.

 

LIFETIME WARRANTY:  Enjoy your SOUL exhaust components with confidence on both the street and track as they are covered for life.

SOUL covers the HJS catalytic converters with an unprecedented 3 year warranty while the headers themselves are backed by a lifetime warranty.

 

Be sure to use our free suspension builder for product recommendations for any vehicle.