Buying a used Porsche 718 Cayman is one of the best decisions a driving enthusiast can make. Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive, with a chassis so perfectly balanced it makes even experienced drivers feel like heroes — the 718 Cayman delivers a driving experience that few cars can match regardless of price.
Launched in 2016 as the successor to the 981 Cayman, the 718 generation brought controversial turbocharged four-cylinder engines to the entry level variants — a move that divided opinion but delivered genuinely impressive performance. The subsequent introduction of the naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat six in the GTS and GT4 variants silenced the critics entirely.
Used 718 Caymans are now appearing on the market at prices that represent extraordinary value. This is our complete guide to buying one.
Buying a Used Porsche 718 Cayman: Which Variant Is Best?
718 Cayman (base) The entry level 718 Cayman uses a 2.0 litre turbocharged flat four producing 300bhp. It’s genuinely quick — 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds — and the chassis is as brilliant as any Cayman before it. The flat four divides opinion on sound but the performance and handling are beyond reproach.
For buyers on a tighter budget the base 718 Cayman offers the full Cayman experience at the most accessible price point. Prices from £28,000–£40,000 for good used examples.
718 Cayman S The S variant upgrades to a 2.5 litre turbocharged flat four with a power output of 350bhp. The addition of a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable turbine geometry gives it a broader powerband and more usable performance than the base car. 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds.
The Cayman S is our recommended entry point into the 718 range — the performance step over the base car is meaningful and the used price premium is relatively modest. Prices from £35,000–£52,000.
718 Cayman GTS 4.0 This is where the 718 story gets truly exciting. Porsche responded to criticism of the flat four by fitting the GTS with a naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat six — the same basic unit as the 911 GT3. Producing 394bhp it sounds absolutely magnificent and revs with a freedom that no turbocharged engine can match.
The GTS 4.0 is widely regarded as the finest 718 Cayman in standard form and values reflect that. A good used example costs £55,000–£72,000 — significant money but arguably the greatest sports car value available at that price point.
718 Cayman GT4 The GT4 takes the 4.0 litre flat six to 414bhp and adds a motorsport-derived suspension setup, larger brakes, and a more aggressive aerodynamic package. It’s a road legal racing car in all but name — extraordinary on track and surprisingly liveable on the road.
GT4 values have held exceptionally well — expect to pay £65,000–£85,000 for a good used example. These cars are already being recognised as modern classics and values are unlikely to fall significantly.
718 Cayman GT4 RS The ultimate 718 Cayman — 500bhp from the 4.0 litre flat six, a PDK only gearbox, and aerodynamic downforce that makes it feel like it’s on rails. The GT4 RS is a genuine supercar killer and values are extraordinarily strong. Used examples from £95,000–£120,000+.
UK prices summary:
- 718 Cayman base: £28,000–£40,000
- 718 Cayman S: £35,000–£52,000
- 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: £55,000–£72,000
- 718 Cayman GT4: £65,000–£85,000
- 718 Cayman GT4 RS: £95,000–£120,000+
Best and Worst Model Years
Best years to buy:
2020–2021 718 Cayman S and GTS 4.0 By 2020 any early production teething issues had been resolved and the introduction of the GTS 4.0 gave buyers the naturally aspirated engine many had been waiting for. These are the most sorted 718 Caymans available on the used market.
2019 718 Cayman GT4 The original GT4 with the 4.0 litre naturally aspirated engine is an instant classic. Early examples are now appearing at more accessible prices as newer GT4 RS cars have taken over at the top of the range.
Years to be more cautious about:
2016–2017 early production cars First year production cars of any model can have more teething issues than later examples. Early 718s are not significantly problematic but later cars benefit from any minor revisions Porsche made during production.
Common 718 Cayman Problems
The 718 Cayman is a relatively modern and reliable car — but there are several issues worth being aware of before purchase.
Bore Scoring (flat four engines) The 2.0 and 2.5 litre turbocharged flat four engines can suffer from bore scoring — the same issue that affected the 997.2 and 981 generation cars. Symptoms include excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust. Always check oil consumption carefully and get a compression test on any flat four 718.
IMS Style Concerns (flat six engines) The 4.0 litre flat six in the GTS and GT4 is derived from the GT3 engine and doesn’t suffer from the traditional IMS bearing issues of older Porsche engines. It’s an extremely robust unit — but at these price points a thorough PPI is still essential.
PDK Hesitation Some 718 owners report hesitation or juddering from the PDK gearbox at low speeds — particularly in stop-start traffic. This is usually a software update issue and most cases have been resolved through dealer updates. Check the PDK operation carefully in slow traffic during the test drive.
Infotainment and Electrical Issues The PCM infotainment system in early 718s can develop faults — screen freezes, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and Apple CarPlay problems have been reported. Check all technology thoroughly during a viewing.
Wheel Bearing Wear Some 718 owners — particularly those who use their cars on track — report premature wheel bearing wear. Listen for any humming or rumbling noise from the wheels during the test drive that changes with speed.
Clutch Wear (manual gearbox cars) Manual 718 Caymans driven hard — particularly on track — can wear clutches more quickly than expected. Ask about clutch condition and replacement history. A clutch replacement costs £1,500–£2,500 at an independent specialist.
What to Check at a Viewing
Check oil consumption Ask the seller directly about oil consumption between services. More than one litre per 3,000 miles on a flat four engine warrants further investigation — potential bore scoring.
Test the PDK thoroughly If buying a PDK car drive it in heavy traffic, pull away from standstill multiple times, and check for hesitation or juddering. PDK repairs are expensive.
Check all technology PCM infotainment, digital displays, Apple CarPlay, parking sensors, reversing camera, and all driver assistance systems. Check everything works correctly.
Listen for wheel bearing noise Drive at various speeds on a smooth road and listen for any humming or rumbling that changes with speed — a sign of wheel bearing wear.
Body and paint Use a paint depth gauge to check for accident repair or respray. The 718’s relatively low ride height makes it vulnerable to front end damage — check the front bumper and splitter carefully.
Get a PPI A pre-purchase inspection from a Porsche specialist is essential for any 718 Cayman purchase. Budget £150–£300 — given the prices involved this is the most important money you’ll spend.
Running Costs — What to Budget
Insurance: The 718 Cayman sits in a high insurance group — expect to pay:
- 718 Cayman S: £800–£1,500 per year
- 718 GTS 4.0: £1,200–£2,000 per year
- 718 GT4: £1,500–£2,500 per year
Always use a specialist performance car insurer for the best rates.
Servicing: At an independent Porsche specialist budget:
- Oil service: £250–£400
- Major service: £600–£900
- Annual servicing budget: £500–£800
Tyres: The 718 Cayman’s mid-engined layout means tyre wear is more even than a rear-engined 911. A full set of premium tyres costs £700–£1,000 fitted. Always fit premium rubber — Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pirelli P Zero.
718 Cayman vs 718 Boxster — Which Should You Buy?
The 718 Cayman and Boxster share the same platform and engines but offer distinctly different experiences.
The 718 Cayman is the closed coupe — stiffer, slightly more dynamically focused thanks to its fixed roof, and marginally faster around a circuit. The coupe body also gives it slightly more luggage space with both a front and rear boot.
The 718 Boxster is the open top roadster — the convertible roof transforms the experience in good weather and adds a dimension of sensory pleasure that the Cayman simply cannot match.
For pure driving dynamics the Cayman has a slight edge. For the overall sports car experience — particularly in good British summer weather — the Boxster’s open top appeal is hard to resist.
Both are exceptional cars. The choice comes down to whether you prioritise the last degree of dynamic perfection or the joy of open top motoring.
For a full breakdown read our complete guide to buying a used Porsche Boxster.
Which 718 Cayman Offers the Best Value?
For most buyers — 718 Cayman S The turbocharged 2.5 litre engine delivers meaningful performance over the base car and used prices have fallen to very accessible levels. A well maintained 718 Cayman S represents one of the best sports car buys in the UK market right now.
For enthusiasts — 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 The naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat six is simply magnificent — the sound, the character, and the driving experience justify every penny of the premium over the turbocharged cars. Buy one before values firm up.
For track day drivers — 718 Cayman GT4 The GT4 is a road legal race car that happens to be perfectly usable every day. Used prices have fallen from launch highs making it better value than ever. This is a future classic — buy with confidence.
For anyone buying a used Porsche 718 Cayman on a budget, the S is the obvious starting point.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used Porsche 718 Cayman in the UK is one of the best decisions a driving enthusiast can make in the current UK market. Whether you choose the accessible turbocharged S or stretch to the magnificent GTS 4.0 — you’ll be getting one of the finest driver’s cars available at any price point.
Do your research, insist on a PPI, find a good independent Porsche specialist, and buy the best maintained example your budget allows. The 718 Cayman will reward you every single time you turn the key.
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