Advice on purchasing 981 Cayman S

869 Views 14 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Dizzy981, 4 d ago

malcolmberrido85

Discussion Starter · 18 d ago

I’m in the market for a 981 Cayman S, I’m new to Porsche and would like some advice on things to look out for. Are there any particular years to avoid? Are there any major services/milestones to check that things have been done? I understand the 8 year service is a ‘big‘ one - are there any obvious things to check?

My second question is around specs to look out for. I know this model has held its value particularly well, but I’m curious if there are any extras that anyone would consider particularly important from a resale perspective? My ideal spec is black or grey, 20” 911 wheels with sports exhaust, OPSH or Porsche specialist service history and a maximum of 60k on the clock currently. I plan to keep the car for 3 years, probably adding 5k miles a year maximum.

Any advice, tips or things to look out for would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

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Ernest72

· #2 · 17 d ago

Find one you like and pay for PPI from an independent shop, it’s a must. If street only you don’t need sport Chrono, if tracking get it. If you can get PSE it’s worth it. Obviously check the maintenance record but that will be all sorted out in the PPI. These cars are pretty reliable when maintained. Good luck.

Reactions: 1

ELCID86

· #3 · 17 d ago

Welcome to the forum. I don’t know that I’ve seen many 981s with 20” wheels. Is it just the 911-style you are looking for?

My must haves were heated multi-way memory seats and a PDK. Happy hunting.

Shawn in VA (USA)

Reactions: 1

ICNU

· #4 · 17 d ago (Edited)

What he wants is the same factory 20" wheels I had. There are two versions with different offsets, one for the 981 and the other for 911 which has wider wheels, but they are both the same Carrera S design wheels. The Porsche factory wheels are stupid expensive of course. I certainly wouldn't pay 6K for the Porsche version if the car didn't already have them when there are so many aftermarket ones out there much cheaper that look very similar in design.

www.suncoastparts.com

20" Carrera "S" Style Wheel Set - 981

Check out the deal on 20" Carrera "S" Style Wheel Set - 981 at Suncoast Porsche Parts & Accessories

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Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Land vehicle

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OttawaSteve

· #5 · 16 d ago

I had a 2016 Cayman S before the current car. There are only three model years for the 981 Cayman, with 2016 being the last. Very minor differences from year to year. I would suggest the following:

Sport Chrono is a definite asset, particularly in a PDK car, less so for a manual
I didn't have PSE and considered adding it, but never did. The sound of the engine is sublime without it anyhow, even better than the 4.0 L in my 718.
The 8 year service should be the same as the 4 year and will include spark plugs. A search on P9 should provide lots of info.
The "911" wheels might be Carrera S wheels, which I had (in black), but they could also be 20" Carrera Classic wheels, which are quite different but very nice. The 5 spoke Sport Techno wheels were also very attractive.

getconferencing

· #6 · 14 d ago

Welcome . I have a 2014 981S … love it!! Find a car with PASM it’s a great feature and often misunderstood feature but with 20” wheels it makes a Huge difference.

SJFoster

· #7 · 14 d ago

I'd also consider the non-S model if it had a great set of specs (low mileage, colour, service history, PSE, wheels, seat, sport steering wheel, etc) that you couldn't find in an S. At least try to drive them both so that you have a clear appreciation of the real-world performance differences. Good luck with your search.

PRNDL

· #8 · 14 d ago

Be aware that VERY early 2013 cars use the PCM entertainment / nav system and software from the previous generation of cars. That firmware can't be updated past V 3.43 (.. or3.47. I haven't checked lately) The upshot is that some nav and back up camera functions aren't available without 3rd party solutions. But there are work arounds.
Two thumbs up for Sport Chrono (PDK) and PASM

dlbehrns

· #9 · 13 d ago

SJFoster said:
I'd also consider the non-S model if it had a great set of specs (low mileage, colour, service history, PSE, wheels, seat, sport steering wheel, etc) that you couldn't find in an S. At least try to drive them both so that you have a clear appreciation of the real-world performance differences. Good luck with your search.

I TOTALLY agree. The S is a little over 1 second faster from 0-60. If that's worth another $10K or more to you, have at it. I have a 2.7 liter and its plenty fast. Save the $10K and get the wheels you want.🤓

Reactions: 1

Ernest72

· #10 · 13 d ago

Plus you can whined out the 2.7l and hear that lovely noise at slightly less illegal speeds.

Reactions: 1

Kevin CS

· #11 · 13 d ago

Don't worry about the wheels; get the car you like whatever wheels it has and get the wheels you like later. There are plenty of wheels available; I've picked up 2 sets of wheels with tires in the last couple of years (a set of 18" Boxster S wheels with practically brand new Michelin Snow tires for the winter, and a set of 20" Carrera S wheels with a fairly new set of Michelin PS4Ss) for under $4k all told. And the sale of the 19" Boxster S wheels that the car came with offset the cost of the 20" Carrera S wheels.

My car with the 19" Boxster S wheels it came with:

My car with 20" Carrera S wheels now:

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2

mm981cs

· #12 · 13 d ago (Edited)

ELCID86 said:
Welcome to the forum. I don’t know that I’ve seen many 981s with 20” wheels. Is it just the 911-style you are looking for?

My must haves were heated multi-way memory seats and a PDK. Happy hunting.

Shawn in VA (USA)

I have the 20 inch wheels (S) and it looks really nice with them Mine is a 2015 - it is great - if you like to personalize a bit, it is easy to change the rear lights to GTS, side markers etc. and add X-Tips and hi perf Air filters..... and you are set! Really opens up the response a bit and that's all you need, unless you track or just want to buy tires

..... take your time - enjoy it as it comes for while, do not be in a rush, it might surprise you. 2.7 or 3.4 S, you will like it

BTW - pitfalls? If maintained, there are not many, if any at least for me. I would go for later 2014, or the 2015 or 2016. 2016 might get you Car Play. otherwise they are essentially the same and the last of the 6 cylinders for a while. As for other parts - they already come with de-tuned 911 engines, brakes from the previous years Carrera. So you are already using some 911 parts.

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Georgeair

· #13 · 13 d ago

Agreed with the advice to consider a base. We have a GTS and have been happy with it, was leaning toward many of the options/packages that came with this so it (sorta) made sense. Didn't don't need the extra performance or badging. In hindsight should have given a harder look at a base with options, and would if back in the market.

Reactions: 1

Ernest72

· #14 · 12 d ago

Georgeair said:
Agreed with the advice to consider a base. We have a GTS and have been happy with it, was leaning toward many of the options/packages that came with this so it (sorta) made sense. Didn't don't need the extra performance or badging. In hindsight should have given a harder look at a base with options, and would if back in the market.

I was also cross shopping a GTS. But the prices were 20k more than the base. For a a strictly street driven car I could not justify it. That 20k can be used for a lot of other hobbies. I love my base, and I am certainly not saying it’s as nice as a GTS but the experience is very similar. Mine is agate grey PDK as well. If I was tracking I would have an S right now.

Dizzy981

· #15 · 4 d ago

My reply is after each of your paragraphs below. I've owned my 2013 Boxster S since 2015, and currently have +120k miles.

malcolmberrido85 said:
I’m in the market for a 981 Cayman S, I’m new to Porsche and would like some advice on things to look out for. Are there any particular years to avoid? Are there any major services/milestones to check that things have been done? I understand the 8 year service is a ‘big‘ one - are there any obvious things to check?

Careful to check into IMS bearing issues for the years your looking to buy (big costs for repairs), 2013+ doesn't seem to have that issue or problem any longer. My 2013 S is over 10 years old, was always serviced as per Porsche. Only problems I've had with my car over the 10 years, was a leaky water pump (after 9 years), and replaced all 6 ignition coils after 9 years (my mechanic was actually surprised those coils lasted that long, only 2 were bad, but replaced all 6). Other than those items, I've only serviced tires, oil, and gas. Otherwise, my car's been pretty bulletproof. After the initial 5 year warranty with Porsche, my car's only been serviced by a Porsche trained independent shop (which is MUCH CHEAPER than Porsche). If serviced by a Porsche trained shop, I believe, and have read from other Owners, most believe the Porsche 981 is very cheap to own and operate.

My second question is around specs to look out for. I know this model has held its value particularly well, but I’m curious if there are any extras that anyone would consider particularly important from a resale perspective? My ideal spec is black or grey, 20” 911 wheels with sports exhaust, OPSH or Porsche specialist service history and a maximum of 60k on the clock currently. I plan to keep the car for 3 years, probably adding 5k miles a year maximum.

Extra specs to consider: I'd get the 18 position leather seats.

I've owned a Porsche (8 different models) over my 47 years of driving, and I love my 2013 Porsche 981S the most. I auto crossed this car, once. Was thrilled with how well the car performed (wasn't as thrilled about my own driving capabilities), although I did drift an entire 360 turn on my third lap of that course. My S has way more features than I'll know how, or want to use. It's my daily driver, and I'm no longer an aggressive driver. But I love the feel and drive, if I ever want to "take it out for a spin". Mostly, I love the tightness in it's performance, also the ease of daily use drivability. I've got 20" rims, I've heard this makes the drive less comfortable. But I don't really notice much downside, yes... I feel every bump on the road, but it's hardly distracting. I love my Agate Grey color, it NEVER show the dirt, unless it's really muddy. (My Wife bought her new MBZ with a similar color, since my car stays so clean.) I bought my car, 2 years old with 25k miles. Have since added almost 100k miles. Today, it doesn't drive ANY different, from the first 100 miles I aggressively drove up the Coast of Cali, driving her home after I bought her. (I'm gonna drive and own my car, until the wheels fall off!)

Any advice, tips or things to look out for would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

I immediately added a clear bra, then baked on ceramic coating over the remainder of the body. After 10 years, people still ask if my car's "brand new". Plus, it only needs 15 mins at most, to bring back the original showroom detailed shine, even after it been muddy or dirty. I also upgraded my PCM 3.1 with an Android Auto (probably the best decision). Especially since, my navigator won't ever require mapping updates (which is very expensive). Plus AA provides me Spotify for music, and all sorts of other apps to run in my car.

Good luck and fortunes, for whatever 981 you choose. (I highly recommend the S, and love the Boxster for it's "top down" driving.)

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