Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) Review

Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) At A Glance

5/5

+More economical and faster than before. Improved interior design and quality. The best sports car around by a country mile.

-Easy to get carried away with optional extras that quickly rocket up the price.

Insurance Groups are between 42–45
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

No longer seen as the poor-man's 911, the Cayman's reputation continues to rise. This is the second generation model and considering how good the original was it has big, err, tyres to fill. We were impressed by the new Boxster, launched last year, so this is one car we've been looking forward to driving for quite a while now.

The original Cayman was a beautifully-proportioned car and Porsche hasn't messed with that formula for this all-new model. It has that recognisable Porsche profile and flowing shape but there are a few more angles than before with a slightly more bluff front end and not so many rounded edges. Porsche describes it as a 'refinement' of the old Cayman.

The sharper lines work especially well at the back where it's more cohesive than the original Cayman helped by a prominent ridge that runs across the back between the rear lights. Like the Boxster, this neatly houses the electric spoiler but on the Cayman it's higher and deploys at a steeper angle for extra downforce. The central exhaust remains too with the standard Cayman getting an oval tailpipe while the S has a dual exhaust.

If Porsche's aim was to make the Cayman appear more aggressive it has certainly succeeded. Larger alloys help with the Cayman getting 18-inch wheels and 19-inch alloys on the S, but the biggest difference is inside. The interior marks a significant improvement in both ergonomics and design, following on from the new 911 and echoing the Boxster.

It uses the same engines as the Boxster with the standard version getting a 2.7-litre flat six-cylinder engine. This is actually smaller than the 2.9-litre in the old model but it actually develops more power with 275PS which peaks up at 7400rpm. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox while average claimed fuel economy is 34.4mpg.

Standard equipment on the Cayman includes air conditioning, a CD stereo with seven-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, start/stop, electric parking brake, 'Sport' button, 18-inch alloy wheels, top tinted windscreen, floor mats and a three year warranty. In addition to the more powerful, larger capacity engine, the Cayman S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior, and xenon headlights.

Real MPG average for a Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

89%

Real MPG

24–38 mpg

MPGs submitted

17

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Can you recommend a sports car for a tall driver?

"I've not long retired and would like to get a nippy sports car. I have a budget of about £10k. I'm 6ft 8ins tall and feel my choice may be very limited. Any ideas as to what I might fit in?"
While not quite as tall as you (I'm a mere 6ft3), I too have issues getting comfortable in sports cars. I suppose it depends on what you want from a sports car. You could go for a hot hatch like a Focus ST or Octavia vRS which has plenty of space but if you want a 'true' sports car like a two-seater, you may be more limited. Porsches tend to have good space and plenty of seat adjustment so an early Cayman or a Boxster may suit. Similarly, an Audi TT could be worth a look. German cars tend to have more space than French or Japanese when it comes to sports cars.
Answered by David Ross

What can I buy for £10k that's FUN?

"Great website and I love reading your advice every week. Having spent far too much on a house extension, I can no longer buy the 981 Cayman I desire. I wonder what your thoughts are for fast manual fun for £10k? My current shortlist includes Reanaultsport Megane 250, Fiesta ST, Z4 coupe, TT MKII 2.0 TFSi manual and a Scirocco 2.0 TSI GT. Is there anything else i should be looking at in this price bracket? I plan on keeping a £1000 year maintenance budget so a 987 Boxster or 996 is surely out of the question with IMS/RMS issues? Mileage is very limited so MPG is not an issue and I'd rather not pay the £490+ VED."
I don't think £10k gets you a Megane 250 that isn't knackered; maybe a Fiesta ST but be very, very careful; not enough for a good Z4 coupe because they are now classics and start at £15k; up to you if you fall for the myths surrounding a TT or a Scirocco. There's a Z3M in Historics auction on Saturday that might come for about £12k and a Capri 2.8i that might come cheap but might go skywards. Both of these would be investments.
Answered by Honest John

Porsche warranty

"I am lucky enough to have a three year old Porsche 981 Cayman (2.7 PDK) and am covering 7-8000 miles a year. Now is the time to decide on extending the warranty for one or two years at either £600 or £1100 for the extension + a pre check at £220. Am pondering not to take up the offer and was looking for your advice. Warranty Direct quotes are actually more expensive in this case. "
Stick with the Porsche warranty, and make sure you never accidentally over-rev the engine or it will be voided. WD is expensive due to expensive claims. Porsche is better able to swallow some of this.
Answered by Honest John

Do Porsche dealers give discounts?

"I am in the lucky position of being able to consider buying a new Cayman GTS. I have a couple of questions though: - Is it realistic to expect to get anything off the price or even a couple of options thrown in for free? =The second concerns Porsche's two year servicing - the car will do about 8-10k per year, used regularly on A roads for my eight mile drive to work. Should I get the oil changed more frequently? "
You might get something off an ex-demo or cancelled order Cayman (depending on the model), and summer is the best time of year to buy a fixed head coupe rather than a Boxster, but Porsche dealers are very good at enforcing list prices. Have the car serviced with an oil and filter change at least once a year or once every 10,000 miles whichever comes first. Do not enter a service contract that provides for inferior servicing.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Porsche Cayman (2013 – 2016) cost?