2009 Cayman S been sitting for 5 years

Hi All, First post! I found a 2009 Cayman S that hasn't been started in 5 years (in a pretty wet climate: Maine coast). The car was inherited so she (daughter) doesn't know much of anything about it, other than it was running fine when dad last parked it. I have not yet seen the car in person, but will soon. I've gone through what I think are the obvious repair needs but I thought I'd ask the experts here for advice... What are your thoughts on a car that has been parked that long? What do you think it will need to get it running? Is it something that's worth pursuing? My thoughts... Absolute must dos before purchasing: Use a Durametric to read codes and pull a DME report Scope the cylinders to look for excessive corrosion and check the condition of the valves and piston crowns Make sure the engine will freely turn and isn't locked Absolute must dos before starting the car: Drain fuel from tank and lines and replace with fresh fuel. Oil and filter change Maybe replace low pressure fuel pump so I have a fresh fuel filter ??? After starting Replace brakes (I've seen pics. The rotors are extremely rusty) Replace all the other fluids Replace accessory belt Replace the tires Replace plugs and coils This'll be my 4th 986 /7 so I generally know about these cars and will do all the work myself. I'm just not sure if I'm biting off more than I can chew. Thanks!

Welcome to Planet-9, the Friendly Porsche Forum - a home for aspiring Porsche owners.. I think you have a pretty comprehensive list. Whether it's worth pursuing or if you are biting off more than you can chew is somewhat dependent on the price of the car. If it's a real steal (hey, $200 and get it out of here..) then it's a good deal and you can farm out any work you don't feel like doing. If it's within $5k or the going prices for '09 Caymans (there is a site where a guy tracks all the sales he can find and aggregates the numbers - giving realistic selling prices.. If I have to I can probably find it again..)

Yeah, I would say it's nicely discounted, but there is a shitton of work to do on this car. Getting it running is one thing. The cosmetics is another. Whew. Thanks for your input

If the price is right (so you have money left for the surprises - and there WILL be surprises), and you like doing the work, what's holding you back? Go for it. HEY - while you're at it - take LOTS of pictures and we can create a "This Old Porsche " article.. documenting the bringing back to life of a neglected and forgotten Porsche .

Don’t let the rust stain on the discs be your sole determinant on their condition. It’s very common for the disc face to stain when the car sits, sometimes even over one winter but more often than not, it scrapes right off first spring drive.

During the driving season, my 987 S sits, at most, 3-4 days. If we have any rain, heck even very high humidity, the rust starts. And this is in the upper midwest, not saltwater environment. It always cleans right up with a drive, but it surprised me at first. On the up side, I have four new rotors in a box, just waiting for time to put them on (it needs it).

Just did the Brembo ’s and a flush, all hardware replaced, they work sweet. I’m using the savings to vacation because of the free labor.

That doesn't sound good. A solid day of elbow grease should bring the cosmetics back. If it's more serious than that, you do wonder. How many miles are we talking about ? Did seller's dad leave a folder of invoices and paperwork ? Are you going to scope and get codes pre-purchase ? Otherwise ........ 5 years inactivity isn't that big of a deal, these are well made cars. I did something similar but with an old brand x, front engine, distributor, coil. You can spin the motor over with the coil lead off, hell, even the spark plugs out. Get the new oil circulating. I think I read of some people pulling the fuel pump/FI breaker to do the same thing. You can put off the purchase of brakes, tires, plugs, coils, battery even the belts till you know if it's worth sinking that money into it. Even the cosmetics till you know it's a good runner. Good luck and keep us updated. Rob 2014 Cayman

you can be the flat-six Bob Vila!

Maine coast also means a salt water climate. I've observed the detrimental effects of this kind of climate on materials.