r/Porsche_Cayman

Good day Everyone

Long-time Honda guy here (currently daily driving a well-sorted, zero-drama, Accord). I’ve been hit by the itch to move to a proper mid-engine sports car. This ad caught my eye and I think it could work:

https://dubai.dubizzle.com/motors/used-cars/porsche/cayman/2026/5/14/porsche-cayman-s-2012-gcc-specs-low-mileag-2-556---b393f5736e5c4287ba3d2a26461ed6f3/

It's a 2012 Cayman S (GCC Specs) with 160,000 km on the clock. Coming from Honda-land where a "major service" is a couple of hundred dirhams and some VTEC noises, I need a reality check.

1. What should I watch out for on a 160k km car in Dubai? The ad says "super condition" and "regularly serviced," but what are the hidden time-bombs on a 14-year-old Porsche that's lived its life in UAE heat?
2. What is the true cost of ownership per year? Assuming I ditch Al Nabooda dealership and stick entirely to independent specialists (recommendations please), what am I looking at for annual insurance, routine servicing, and a "s**t hits the fan" fund?
3. Is 160,000 km too high? I know a Honda can do 300k km on basic oil changes, but does a Porsche feel like a loose rattling mess at this mileage, or do they hold together well?
4. Would use it as a weekend car , so ~6000km annual mileage ?

Any advice from local Porsche owners or people who made the jump from Japanese to German performance would be massive. Thanks!

Hi,

I'm getting 19" wheels for my 987.1CS. Offsets will be 45 front and 40 rear. Probably going with the 235/35 265/35 tires (might go 245/35 275/35). Also, doing a 20mm drop with Cayman R springs.

Below is a picture where I think I'll need some PPF (in yellow) to protect against stone chips, etc., with the new wheels and flush offset. Looking for advice if this is "good enough" and if not, what would you recommend.

https://preview.redd.it/2oc6eyww6e2h1.jpg?width=1178&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cb3f1106c4ffd6ceafc39e030234ccf3cbc9a66

Hi all,

I am trying to decide where to list my 987.1 Cayman base for sale. I would like to avoid Facebook marketplace since you end up weeding through a lot of unserious buyers. This being my first Porsche, I am sure that would be even more the case this time. My main two contenders were Cars and Bids or Bring a Trailer. From what I have read, Bring a Trailer usually brings in higher values and more views. I wanted to get some opinions from here though for people that know this model.

Mine has 136,000 miles. It is pretty well sorted mechanically, having a lot of work done at Porsche dealer in 2024. That said, the interior isn't the best, it's 20 years old and looks it. Exterior is good, paint corrected and ceramic coated. One accident in 2011.

edit: It is the 5 speed manual

Although I mainly considered these 2 sites, I am open to anywhere you have had a good experience. Thank you for any suggestions and input!

Hey everyone,

I’m struggling to decide between two cars and would really appreciate advice from people who have experience with either of them.

The two options I’m considering are:
- Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster (2016, 981 generation)
- BMW 330e (2023)

A bit about my situation:
- I live in the Netherlands
- I don’t daily drive much, so the car will mostly be for weekend drives, occasional use, and European road trips
- I want something sporty and fun to drive, not a boring commuter car
- I plan to keep the car for at least 5 to 7 years, this is important to me
- Reliability matters a lot. I know no car is perfect, but I don’t want constant garage visits or major mechanical/electrical headaches

The Porsche is the car I emotionally prefer. I love the driving feel and character. But I’m worried that buying a 2016 car now could become problematic or feel too old after another 5 years.

On the other hand, the BMW is much newer and probably more practical/modern, but I keep hearing mixed opinions about long-term BMW reliability, especially with hybrid systems and electronics.

So if you were in my position:
- Which one would you trust more for 5 to 7 years of ownership?
- Which one is likely to be less stressful financially and mechanically?
- Is the older Porsche still the better choice despite the age?
- Or is the newer BMW the smarter move overall?

Would love to hear real ownership experiences, especially from people who have owned these cars long term.

Thanks! 🙏

Currently have an F87 M2 6MT (had it for less than a year). A single owner 2017 Boxster with manual has popped up with 40k miles. The service history is also extensive. Asking is 47k.

I'm getting a decent trade in offer and a slightly lower interest rate than my current loan. Is it worth the move or should I stay patient and stick with the F87 for a bit?
This is what I get for constantly checking listings.

I currently don't have a family. I'm thinking I can drive it for a couple of years and move to a more practical car without losing much.

Hey all, I’m struggling to know where the market is in terms of price for the manual 981 s…I’m based in the UK and there are currently none for sale!

Any help appreciated!