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Porsche Cayman car check

Find out if a Cayman has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£36,45156 at dealers
MOT failure rate
10.9%43k tests
Known problems
10across 987.1 to 718
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Cayman are you looking at?

Each Cayman generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. IMS bearing failure

    Safety risk 987.1

    The intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing supports the shaft that drives the camshafts on M96 and M97 flat-six engines. The original single-row ball bearing is undersized for the loads it carries and can fail without warning, sending metal debris through the entire lubrication system. 2005-2006 models carry the highest risk as they use the weakest bearing design. The bearing was updated in 2007-2008 but the fundamental design weakness remains until the DFI engines of 987.2.

    What to check: Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, dip again, and examine the oil in direct sunlight or under a strong torch. Look for any metallic sparkle or fine silver particles suspended in the oil - this indicates the bearing is actively shedding metal. Ask the seller whether the IMS bearing has been proacti...

  2. Bore scoring

    Safety risk 987.1, 987.2

    Cylinder wall scoring occurs when the bore surface becomes scratched or gouged, typically due to inadequate lubrication or debris in the oil system. The 3.4L Cayman S engines are particularly susceptible due to their higher specific output and running temperatures. Bore scoring leads to compression loss, oil consumption, and eventual complete engine failure. A borescope inspection through the spark plug holes is essential before purchasing any 987 S model.

    What to check: Check the oil level and condition on the dipstick - look for excessive blackness, metallic particles, or low oil level indicating consumption. Ask about oil consumption history - more than 1 litre per 1,000 miles suggests bore wear. Request maintenance records showing oil change frequency - irreg...

  3. Oil starvation on track use

    Safety risk 987.1

    The 3.4L M97 engine suffers oil starvation under sustained high-G cornering due to inadequate oil pan design and pickup tube positioning. During extended track sessions, oil moves away from the pickup causing catastrophic bearing damage within seconds. This affects only cars driven on track - road driving does not generate sufficient lateral G-forces to cause the problem. Deep sump kits and accusump systems provide protection but require professional installation.

    What to check: Ask the seller directly whether the car has been used on track days, racing circuits, or autocross events. Look for roll cage mounting points, harness mounting points, or track day stickers. Check for aftermarket oil system modifications including accusump tanks, deep sump pans, or oil cooler ins...

  4. Water pump and thermostat failure

    Wear item 981

    The 981 generation suffers premature water pump and thermostat failures due to the complex cooling system design with multiple radiators and high operating temperatures. The electric water pump fails most commonly, followed by thermostat sticking. Both components are known weak points that typically fail together around 60,000-80,000 miles. Failure leads to overheating which can cause catastrophic engine damage within minutes.

    What to check: Check coolant level in the expansion tank when cold - low coolant indicates leaks or system failure. Look for pink/red coolant colour - brown or rusty coolant suggests overheating damage. Examine the area around the water pump and thermostat housing for dried coolant residue or mineral deposits i...

  5. Rear main seal (RMS) oil leak

    Engine damage risk 987.1

    The rear main seal sits between the engine and gearbox, sealing the crankshaft where it exits the engine block. On M96/M97 engines, this seal commonly fails due to crankshaft end-play and oil pressure fluctuations. The leak creates oil drips under the car and burning oil smell from the exhaust heat. Repair requires engine or gearbox removal, making labour costs substantial despite the seal itself being inexpensive.

    What to check: Look underneath the car at the junction between engine and gearbox for oil staining or fresh drips. The leak point is typically at the very back of the engine where it meets the bellhousing. Check the ground where the car is normally parked for oil spots - RMS leaks create distinctive dripping pa...

  6. Air-oil separator (AOS) failure

    Engine damage risk 987.1

    The air-oil separator sits on top of the engine and manages crankcase ventilation by separating oil from blow-by gases. When the internal diaphragm fails, oil is sucked into the intake manifold, causing rough idle, smoking, and potential engine damage. The AOS is easily accessible on top of the engine but failure can cause hydraulic lock if oil accumulates in the intake system.

    What to check: Remove the engine cover and visually inspect the AOS unit on top of the engine for oil leaks around the connections or housing cracks. Check the air intake ducting for oil contamination - remove the air filter and look for oil residue in the airbox. Ask about any rough idle complaints or smoking ...

  7. HPFP and valve cover oil leaks

    Engine damage risk 987.2

    The 987.2 DFI engines use a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) mounted on the engine that commonly develops internal seal failures, causing fuel system problems and rough running. Simultaneously, the valve cover gaskets on these engines fail prematurely, allowing oil to leak into spark plug wells and onto the engine exterior. Neither failure is catastrophic but both require prompt attention to prevent secondary damage.

    What to check: Check around the valve covers for oil seepage or dried oil residue indicating gasket failure. Look particularly at the spark plug wells for oil accumulation. Examine the HPFP unit for fuel leaks or corrosion around the connections. Ask about any rough running, hesitation, or fuel system warning l...

  8. AC condenser failure

    Wear item 981

    The 981 generation AC condenser commonly fails around 7-8 years of age due to corrosion and refrigerant leaks. The condenser is mounted in front of the radiator and exposed to road debris and salt spray. Failure results in complete loss of air conditioning function. While not safety-critical, replacement requires significant labour due to system evacuation and recharging requirements.

    What to check: Check the AC condenser visible through the front grille for obvious damage, corrosion, or oil staining that indicates refrigerant leaks. Look for any aftermarket AC work or recent refrigerant top-ups in the service history. Ask the owner about AC performance and whether it has gradually become le...

  9. Front radiator stone damage

    Wear item 981

    The 981 generation moved the radiators to the front of the car, making them highly vulnerable to stone damage from road debris. The radiator faces are completely exposed behind the front grilles with no protective screening. Stone impacts cause pinhole leaks that worsen over time, eventually requiring radiator replacement. Aftermarket stone guard screens are widely recommended by specialists.

    What to check: Inspect both front radiators visible through the grilles for stone chips, dents, or bent fins. Look for any signs of coolant leaks or dried coolant residue around damaged areas. Check coolant level in the expansion tank - recurring low coolant without obvious leaks suggests radiator damage. Look ...

  10. Suspension bush and damper wear

    Wear item 981

    The 981 generation suspension components show accelerated wear, particularly the rubber bushes and shock absorber seals. Cars driven on poor quality UK roads or used for track days experience premature failure of control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and shock absorber internal seals. The sporting suspension setup prioritises handling over durability, making component replacement a regular maintenance item.

    What to check: Walk around the car and visually inspect all visible suspension components for oil leaks from shock absorbers or torn rubber bushes. Check tyre wear patterns for uneven wear indicating suspension geometry problems from worn bushes. Look underneath for any obvious damage to suspension arms or link...

What Caymans cost at dealers now

From 56 used Caymans we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£36,451
Typical mileage
50,028 miles
Price change vs last month
-2.6%

Cayman MOT results

10.9%

of Cayman MOT tests end in a fail, from 43,308 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Track rod ends wornSteering
  2. Tyre valve seriously damaged or misalignedTyres
  3. Exhaust system damageBodywork

Check the Cayman you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Cayman questions

Is the Porsche Cayman reliable?

10.9% of Cayman models fail their MOT based on 43,308 tests analysed. That’s better than average for the class. There are 10 known problems to watch for, the most serious being ims bearing failure. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Porsche Cayman?

The most serious known issues are ims bearing failure, bore scoring, oil starvation on track use. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Cayman has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Porsche Cayman has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Porsche Cayman has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Cayman has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Porsche Cayman for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Porsche Cayman HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Cayman faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Porsche Cayman fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Cayman is track rod ends worn. 10.9% of Cayman models fail overall, based on 43,308 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Cayman

Other Porsche car checks

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.