981 for newbies - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Wife after a cayman ... had a go in a 2year old 981 at an OPC....so thought I would have a "light read" here for comments. My mind is now awash with things to consider .... the codes for starters ... she likes the 981 3rd generation one ... and we wouldnt really consider a brand new version ... but trying to work out what everyone is talking about with regards to version numbers i.e 981.2 is there a idiots guide to all these somewhere ? also I got side tracked and read some stuff about IMS bearings ... would a 2013-2015 2.7 981 pdk be safe from nasty issues like that ? anything else to watch out for ?

I'm no expert, so someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Cayman versions are: 987.1 aka 987 Gen 1 - the original Cayman. Base and S versions. 987.2 aka 987 Gen 2 - a facelifted version of the original. Base, S, S Sport and R versions. 981 - the last Cayman with the flat six engine, recently discontinued. Base, S, GTS and GT4 versions. 982 aka 718 Cayman - the new flat four turbo powered model just announced. Base and S versions available to order.

3nduro said: also I got side tracked and read some stuff about IMS bearings ... would a 2013-2015 2.7 981 pdk be safe from nasty issues like that ? The 981 doesn't have an IMS, and if you read anything about Cayman bore scoring, that too doesn't really apply to the 981.

Twinfan said: I'm no expert, so someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Cayman versions are: 987.1 aka 987 Gen 1 - the original Cayman. Base and S versions. 987.2 aka 987 Gen 2 - a facelifted version of the original. Base, S, S Sport and R versions. 981 - the last Cayman with the flat six engine, recently discontinued. Base, S, GTS and GT4 versions. 982 aka 718 Cayman - the new flat four turbo powered model just announced. Base and S versions available to order. nice one ... so radar locked on 982 only then ...thanks for the help

No problem, but you said you wouldn't consider a new one yet say you want a 982? Did you mean 981?

Also worth noting that the 987.2 is also bombproof and doesn't suffer from potential bore scoring or IMS failure. You may find it difficult to get hold of a 987.2 as it is a very popular model of the Cayman. Total redesign on the Cayman in the 981 version onwards (electric steering etc) which some prefer and others reckon makes it a little less pinpointed. I have the 987.2, having had the 987.1 and both are incredible. Only moved on to the 987.2 because there was potential for a big rebuild bill, although it may never happen. I hope that helps. JM

Johnniem said: I have the 987.2, having had the 987.1 and both are incredible. Only moved on to the 987.2 because there was potential for a big rebuild bill, although it may never happen. JM Probably cost you almost as much to change as the *possible* engine rebuild would have done!

I think model years will help your decision 987.1 = 2005-2009 987.2 = 2009-2012 981 = 2012-2016 718 = 2016-Present

3nduro said: Twinfan said: I'm no expert, so someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Cayman versions are: 987.1 aka 987 Gen 1 - the original Cayman. Base and S versions. 987.2 aka 987 Gen 2 - a facelifted version of the original. Base, S, S Sport and R versions. 981 - the last Cayman with the flat six engine, recently discontinued. Base, S, GTS and GT4 versions. 982 aka 718 Cayman - the new flat four turbo powered model just announced. Base and S versions available to order. nice one ... so radar locked on 982 only then ...thanks for the help Forget the number 982 because it does not exist as a model number. Twinfan is referring to the latest version of the Cayman which is the 718 and has only just been launched. These are only available new and as you say that you don't want to buy new ,you'll be looking at the previous generation which is the 981 (with the flat six engine).

boxsey said: Forget the number 982 because it does not exist as a model number. Yes it does. Go to the Porsche Used Car locator and look under Boxster. There is an entry for 718 Boxster (982). 718 is the model name (like 911) and 982 is the version.

Twinfan said: Yes it does. Go to the Porsche Used Car locator and look under Boxster. There is an entry for 718 Boxster (982). 718 is the model name (like 911) and 982 is the version. Apologies. I see what you mean. I'd assumed 718 was the new numbering system. To have 982 aswell is plain stupid on Porsche's part IMO.

They're just mirroring the 911 system...

Twinfan said: They're just mirroring the 911 system... So, whereas I'd say "it's a 911 997", or "997 911", or "911 997 GT3" etc. I'd now say "it's a 982 718" or "718 982"? And also, "it's a 981 981"? No, I guess that would be "981 Cayman" or "981 Boxster" etc. Oh... hang on, that makes the 982 718 or 718 982 a "982 718 Cayman", or "718 982 Boxster GTS"... etc... All very straight forward really. Edited by DJMC on Tuesday 10th May 17:37

LordHaveMurci said: Probably cost you almost as much to change as the *possible* engine rebuild would have done! You are so right there M'Lord! The 987.2 I now have was certainly more expensive than a rebuild but the residuals may be better.

Sorry ... typo on my part should be 981 981 = 2012-2016 re-focus radar again

Thanks for the advice ... I also see a few people are sad/sensible enough to record the upkeep of their cars. Does anyone happen to have a feel for the average costs per for a 2013 one of these ? Just doing a fag packet sums for ownership and would like my wife to have a good picture of the expected cost of the motoring. would something like this be about right averaged annual servicing ~£1000 road tax ~£500 tyres ~£800 And looking at parkers guide for depreciation figures (again a rough measure) based on 42k list ... a 15 plate is 36k and a '13 plate is 29k ... so ~14% a year ..and 70% retention after 3 years

Running costs will obviously depend on how many miles you do. My man maths made the running cost no more than that of a BMW Servicing is every 2yrs or 20k. In theory a flat fee of £485(minor) or £615(major). This is still negotiable though Tyres are around £200 a corner, on average. My rears lasted 20k before changing Road tax is about £270 Insurance will vary (but me, the mrs, business travel and both of us early 40s is about £300!) The other thing to consider is warranty. Extended warranty will cost you ~£1200 for 2 yrs. Once your manufacturers warranty expires that is. Take the plunge! The 981 is an outstanding car and, if your appetite suits, go for the S model! Enjoy!

...oh and once you're at least 60% there with the man maths - get to the OPC and ask for a test drive or two. You should get the car for at least half a day, if not all day. Don't be shy in asking, they are usually very generous! The other 40% of your calculations will no longer be an issue!

Nice one folks ... SWMBO had 20mins the other day in OPC to get over the fear factor of a low slung sports car ...but perhaps you are right ... longer might be better .....to try some different conditions.

When I asked for a test drive, OPC Leicester gave me a Boxster for over a day and a half without asking. This really helped in making an informed decision. The sun shone too!

DJMC said: Fuel economy is comparitively good in the 2.7 PDK too. Mine's averaged 35mpg over 8k miles and gives 40+ on a run. Wow! My average over about 6,000 miles is 23mpg. Did a very long steady run up to Sunderland last weekend (either 50mph average speed cameras or sticking to the 70 limit) and got 35 out of it. Never seen better than that. Worth every single penny, mind!

Just get yourselves a 981 - brilliant cars.

Fuel economy is comparitively good in the 2.7 PDK too. Mine's averaged 35+mpg over 8k miles... and gives 40+ on a run... Edited by DJMC on Thursday 12th May 17:03