This came up on my recommendations watch list. As a subscriber I must say you have improved immensely in your presentation skills lol. As an owner of a Cayman 981 I agree with your conclusion of the car. I have mine just over 4 years and I love it. I describe it as the Smart man’s 911.
Yes totally agree , had the 911s gen2 PDK . Drove the cayman s after mines went in for a service . I couldn't BELIVE how much better the Cayman s felt 😩 sold my 911now so looking to buy a Cayman s with pse and pdk plus some other must options !😜
Amir Amdard Aha! I always thoughts I was the only person in the world who thought so. Would much rather get a nice Cayman S than a 911 any day, mid engine, 2 seats, lower weight, only rwd, and it even looks better than a 911 I think.
+Minutemadex Looks just depends the 911 4s is just awesome from the rear, however, the cayman s has the side scoop and both are very close from the front. Both are nice! For price the CAYMAN S is it (cheaper) not cheap! PS: Most people dont even know or care about the difference between the two just the fact its a PORSCHE late model gets you into the CLUB! WHat a SMALL CLUB!
Hi Nick - enjoy your videos! I've owned Carreras and a 987S, and driven the 991 and 981S, and you're spot on. Cayman is a great car for all the reasons you cite. However if you're buying a second car, or a fun weekend car if you're like me and live in a city, most people likely go all for the Cabriolet. The Boxster is a classic sports car package. So the cayman will appeal mostly to hard core coupe enthusiasts, where it's down on power and features compared with say an M4. Personally I think the lack of a moonroof also turns off potential buyers, as the small cabin feels even smaller. They should offer a fixed glass roof (tilt only) similar to BMW's 640 or the Jag F type. It also doesn't help that Porsche hasn't invested in the Cayman brand so that the car doesn't have an identify to match it's position as the 911's more focused little brother. That I suspect is changing now with the Gt4. (All of the above are why I voted w my wallet and went with an M4. Best all around package IMHO)
Great review Nick, really enjoy your reviews. I owned a 981 Cayman S. Lovely car but ultimately the cabin acoustics got to me (the cabin traps tire and engine noise in an unpleasant way). I ordered a loaded 981 Boxster S to replace it. Awesome car and not a single regret "downgrading" to the Boxster. The Boxster's cabin is far quieter and refined than you might expect from a rag top. It does not suffer the same sonic characteristics as the Cayman (the "cabin" terminates on top of the engine instead of behind it and the in front of the rear wheel wells instead of over them). The net result between the cabin acoustics and the ability to bring the top down when it's nice out like today makes it a winner, acknowledging mileages vary. Cheers.
Great review!!, Just got my used 2015 Cayman 3 weeks ago, super low milage and for a bargain, I always wanted one and the wife finally let me get one ( after completing a long honey-do-list for the house!!) The car handles like a dream, I have never been a sport car fanatic but the boxter/cayman have been a dream car since I was kid, especially for the looks and handling. It is my second car since it is a 2-seater but when I drive her (of course my Cayman is female!) I feel happy.
I own a 2013 Boxster S. It is a great car. A porsche is a porsche. No matter what jealous people say. Just ignore them and buy a boxster/cayman. You will not regret it.
Just stumbled onto your channel. I'm looking at a new Cayman (or slightly-used 911) this summer - I currently have a 1982 924 in my garage, which I'm slowly restoring. After experiencing a ride, watching this video, and reading about the Cayman, I have to admit the Cayman is looking like the likely candidate for my purchase. For some reason, and I don't know why, the Cayman style and driving evoke the way things used to be with Porsche. I feel like it marries the foundation of the brand with the future of the brand in a very attractive package. Finally, love, love, love your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I am with u on this, it's just my personal preference, I like the Cayman more than the 911, ordered mine last week - 2015 Cayman GTS. Now the wait begins.
Yeah I actually have a BMW Z4 Coupe, which is a few notches below the Cayman, but less on price. However, that is part of the reason I want a Cayman next! Because I like the small, maneuverable, and balanced, car. the 911 is just to big and heavy. Yeah they might have added all the electronics so it handles good. But the Cayman's balance is still better.
@@ex0gen I love Porsche found a way to sell us a vintage 911 sized car with more power and much more usable. Going to be my wife and I's 4th car but my daily!! And the sad thing is the 911 was my hero until I drove the Cayman and a 4s and base 996 back to back.....
Wow, I've been following you for 11 years. I came to this video because a 2014 Cayman came up near me. Nick, you were either in a deep depression over your 911 when you made this video, or you have really come out of your shell. I never noticed because I watch every video you release, so it's been a natural progression.
totally agree. ppl who thinking that cayman is for those who can't afford 911 are IDIOTS! because cayman is the best of it's class (where are lotuses, aflas 4c, bmw m3s, camaros, basic corvettes etc). and cayman is a dream for most of us. and a car that you still buying even if you're a millionaire. thank you for good thoughs, i hope it helps ppl to realize something.
I agree with Nick. But in my opinion the main reason Cayman's don't sell is because these cars are overpriced or we could also say that there is plenty of competition (performance/sports cars) in this price range. If the Cayman would have stayed in the 40's you will see plenty of them on the street.
Hi Nick I am big fan of Porsche brand and finally bought one (911 991 Carrera S). I had many cars before, but always dreamed about Porsche and 2 months ago finally get one. Last I had Audi R8 before this car and think Porsche is much better in comparison. I saw your videos and felt sorry about your problems with your 911. My is OK till now (only problem was scratching noise from passangers door side, but it was solved by one of my friends very easily) - I have only 6000 km on it, manual transmission, because I love to drive and think only with this transmission you have real drivers car and feel you are driving it completely. I have very similar equipment as you had. I tried Cayman S before I decided to buy Carrera S and it is really great car. If I havent small son (1 year old) who I need to trasnport with me I would buy Cayman for sure. So it is maybe 4th reason why people buying 911 and Cayman is not so succesful regarding sell:) Anyhow I would like to have so opportunities to try cars like you have, because I am from Slovakia and here you have problem to get testdrive from Porsche seller. So what was your decision regarding car change instead of problematic 911? If you want you can write to my personal email: advokat@kunec.sk... If not no problem. P.S. you are very sympathic man and forgot about people who wrote this not very nice emails to you:). And sorry for my english, I know it is weak:)
Nick - the reason the 944 (924) sold well was because it didn't also LOOK like the 911. And THAT is the Cayman's biggest flaw - it's LOOKS like a 911, but isn't. The Boxtser looks different enough not to be a 911-spinoff, so it's doing well as a car and shape of its own.
Not only that, but I think because it's sort-of based on the look of the 911, it ends up not looking very attractive (some of the proportions just don't seem right to me, whereas the 911 is perfect). If they had given it an identity of its own, I think they could have made it a much more aesthetically attractive car. I understand they don't want it to look better than a 911, but they could have gone a different direction with the design and still have it fit within the modern Porsche brand.
I love that I found your channel through the viral attention your 911 issues update video got, and I'm now enjoying your very well-done review of the Cayman. You've earned a new fan today, keep up the good work! And, I hope they give you a GT3 for you troubles.
i drive a boxster and have heard the ''poor man's porsche'' comment numerous times. at the end of the day, i drive a car that i thoroughly enjoy driving so the comments don't annoy me. my usual response is: ''true. just couldn't afford a real porsche.'' then i smile and wait for the reaction. in terms of using the gorilla to demonstrate storage space, i think you've missed a great opportunity to use a toy sheep. i was going to say ''stuffed'' but, well, i imagine you understand why. ;-) keep up the great reviews.
This is the first video of yours that l ever saw, and I kept watching and now I'm your biggest fan. I had hoped one day to have a Cayman. I love the styling. I sat in my friends car & it was love at first sight. I knew I wanted one. Thats how I bumped into your channel.
Well I went with the Boxster for the greatest handling roadster... the Cayman is great but cannot remove the roof if I want to ;) And I just let the people talk about the "poor man's" car, buy it and laugh about the them...
As someone who purchased a Cayman S, I can only state my personal opinion that I found the car to be gorgeous. Once I drove it, I was hooked. A friend owns a 911 S and had the chance to drive the new Cayman S and agreed...it is a better handling car. Not pure 911 for speed, but handling. As far as the rigid top, some folks (like me) do not like driving convertibles...its too damn HOT where I live. Also consider the long-term value of owning a car that years down the road will be considered a bit more "rare" than other models. Drove them all...bought the Cayman S. Trust me...I have NO regrets! Be well.
Jeremy Clarkson started all that for those who can't afford a 911 rubbish chiefly with the boxster. But he corrected that with his opinion on the Cayman explaining that it has the ability in its chassis to be the apex model, but Porsche water it down so as not to step on big bros toes, and in his view was its Achilles. On a personal note good looking tho the car maybe, the 991 is better looking still, while the newest boxster is jaw dropping in most guises.
A good, honest review Nick.......well done. Totally agree with your thoughts on the sales figures and I like it that way. I couldn't care less what other people think about me and my 2006 Cayman S...........they're only jealous!
Nick you look so down trodden and troubled at this time in your life....so good you kept you chin up mate. The difference between the 2014 and 2016 981vids.... awesome.
I have the pleasure of driving a 2012 Cayman R and 2015 Cayman S, absolutely brilliant cars!! I think part of the Cayman's image problem come from Porsche intentionally keeping the Cayman's performance sub 911. It's like they all but say, "the Cayman is our slow sports car". Some other "bad" car images: - Lotus Evora S = "Toyota engine, LOL". Funny thing is people buy Toyota for the reliability. Wouldn't you think reliability in your sports car is a good thing? - M4 = "It just a 4-series with a bigger engine". When in actuality more parts on the cars are different than the same. - Automatics/Dual Clutch transmissions are for people would can't drive stick. Back when automatics were called "slush boxes" and shifts were slower than grass growing I'd agreed. Now days Autos/DCs from companies like BMW and Porsche are crazy good, often besting their manual counterparts. I'm still a purist, but may soon be laughed at just like those though used typewriters after computers can out.
Thanks Nick, I like your common sense approach its refreshing. For the record I defy any 911 driver to drive a Boxter s with a sports exhaust and not be moved by the pure elemental nature of the experience. These cars are now in their own league a different experience. If porsche put the price of these cars to equal 911 prices the stigma wouldn't exist, its only because they are cheaper that materialistic mine is bigger than yours thinking creeps in. If they cost the same these same people would be touting the slightly less power as advantageous to good corner speed. Buy what moves you forget what others say they didn't pay for your car you did.
My business partner has a 2012 Cayman S - such a nice car, especially on the track - totally agree it's very forgiving to bad drivers like me! Would be good with more power though, my G6E turbo is noticeably faster in a straight line which just doesn't seem right somehow. I'd love to give the new model a go some time as they seem to have made some big improvements over what was already a good car.
Great video, thanks for making it! That's interesting what you say about it not selling well. I'm just discovering what a great car the cayman is and it's really made me want to make a plan to get one! As such, every review I've watch so far has had raving reviews for it and a few of them even pointed out some areas where they liked it a little more than the carrera, as you yourself did. Since all that positivity is my first real exposure to the model its crazy to hear about the sales. I personally prefer the hard top so the appeal of the convertible boxster is lost on me. As to the 2 seats, the amount of times I've had more than one other passenger in my honda civic coupe could be counted on one hand so if anything I prefer the two seats since they're just wasted space for me. For the people looking for more than two seats, have they seen the size of the back seats? If that's their priority then I have no idea why they'd be looking at anything other than the Panamera. To your third point of the cayman being the poor mans 911, that's what I've heard the boxster referred to my whole life: the poor mans porsche. To the credit of that statement I have seen plenty of them treated and driven like they were just an old MR2 spider so that thats another reason why the boxter doesnt appeal to me. The 911 turbo has been my dream car since boyhood so when I found out that I can get the Cayman S for half the price and it's still amazing I was sold on it instantly. Obviously I'm just one man so my opinions dont reflect the market but I still submit them to the board for consideration. Long story short, I love the Cayman S exactly how it is. It was built for me! (until I get some kind of rich and can get the 911 turbo that I still have a poster of hanging on my wall.)
I have a 2010 2nd gen 987 Cayman S and for the most part, from the door latches forward it's a 997 911, one just has to review the part #'s to put it in perspective. The last year 987.2 Cayman R got the GT3 RS aluminum doors and they should have made the rear hatch out of aluminum also. I wish, like a lot of others, that there was a box to have ticked for the3.8 non-neutered engine or the better one that came in the 911 GTS with 408 HP. I consider the Cayman as a mid engine 911 that didn't get the proper backing.
Nice balanced review. I've seen all your other videos and you stay pretty calm and clear about all the problems you had with the new 911. I've had around 12 911's (currently have a 1972 and a 2001 996 grocery-getter / beater) and mostly they have been fairly trouble free for the 600k or more miles I have covered in them.
It's funny watching this today and seeing the comments below. With the prices of 911s skyrocketing and the advent of the 981 GTS and later the GT4 and 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, suddenly the Cayman became the must-have vehicle. It's funny because in 2008 when I got mine, it was such a novelty item of a car as most mid-engine models were still Boxsters. Jeremy Clarkson on "Top Gear" famously skewered the car even as he had a blast driving it. I think the other thing was that in the transition to the 718 series, the Cayman became the cheaper model. But I think there's also the unwritten element, which is Porsche has always been about "allocations" for particular models. They really only mass-produce the Macan (especially the base model) and maybe the Cayenne. They could produce 10k - 20k Caymans a year for $45-50k each if they wanted to, and would sell every one of them, whether with the Turbo 4 or with the flat 6. Everything these days is single-digit annual allocations of a given model for each dealer, even more so now since the pandemic and all the chip / parts / logistics issues that have happened ever since.
Holy shit Nick Murray, I just decided to watch this video again, and what a difference a year can make. I watch all your video's and they're getting better and better. This video makes me wonder what you did in the last year, because you look about 5 million times more happy in your current video's than in this one! haha! Tell us your secret
you did not mention road noise during highway driving. i heard it was very loud. Is this true. I'm probably going to getting a car in that range and I love 1-2 hour driving stints. Is it quiet enough. It is , for example one of the reasons I sold my FRS after only one year. thx for producing video
Nick, I agree completely that people view the Cayman as the cheap Porsche. What I say is that the Carrera has become more of a GT car. It's larger, more pleasant to drive and has become much more comfortable. The Cayman is more similar to the Carrera of the 90s. Smaller, nimble, better handling. All around a purist sports car. I love the Cayman. But I opted for the Boxster because of the convertible top.
nice rev....i got mine last week and have never been so thrilled to drive a car in my life. fyi i could have bought a 911 but just loved look and feel of cayman s more.
They sell plenty in Atlanta. There are so many exotic cars here that no one really differentiates them in a status way unless it's Ferrari or Lamborghini. People just buy what they can afford or what they like.
I test drove both the new 991 and the new 981 S this week. I surprised myself and actually preferred the Boxster S over the 911. Much more fun to drive in my opinion and that's why I'm getting one :)
Great choice! The 981s 3.4l engines can now have the lost hp Porsche stole by a simple ecu remap. My 2014 981 Cayman S achieves 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec. All for A$1900!! A hair-trigger throttle response makes for an enthralling mid-engined driving experience at half the price of the 911 Carrera. Go figure...
Cayman is such a nice car and amazing value. I actually think it doesn't sell because the name "Cayman" isn't too inviting. Might sound stupid, yet branding matters. It looks somewhat understated, which is rare these days and I find amazing.
oscar trujillo A roof and a much more rigid body and better handling. If you can truly buy this car then horsepower matters less for you, the quality of the materials and design matters much much more. Only kids obsess about the horsepower numbers.
I drive a 988.1 Cayman S and really happy with the car. It has great handling and may not be as quick to accelerate as a 997 s it is better cornering and often allows later braking. My wife life the two seats as it does not have rear seats that are not really able to be used. It is so convenient with the 2 boots. We use if for going away for awhile Vs our SUV or sedan.
My 981 Cayman S had the ecu remapped to 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec.... plenty fast, pulls very strongly to redline. Hair-trigger throttle response makes the car such a blast to drive. Cost of remap? A$1900. Best option Porsche never offered lol.
I watched all your newest reviews are I must say you are doing a brilliant job. I like your style. Maybe you should review other interesting cars as well. Anyway, you earned yourself another subscriber.
the problem with the cayman is that it's purposely held back in addition to that it should be the cheapest model but what ends up happening is that once you option it up it starts to get as expensive as a base 911 without the history/utility that the 911 has... the cayman s fully loaded should be 65K instead it's about 80K so that's why it doesn't sell as well as this amazing ride should
Excellent video and review Nick. The Cayman is a great car, and most people would love to own one. Every review of the Cayman have lavished many plaudits on this car, and I think you will not be the last to do so. Good luck too on your issues with Porsche over the your 911.
Nick, really enjoyed your review. You should really do more, if at all possible. "Agree with Nick on the perception placed on the cayman with respect to the 911. This perception is stronger in the U.S than Europe. Perhaps the Cayman GTS will help change that perception and be a much sought after model in the U.S."
"I guess it's like making out with your girlfriend's sister. A lot if it is the same but there's enough differences to make it exciting." Love that! Made me laugh so hard :D
Nice... I just purchase a 2015 Cayman GTS. I also always thought the cayman was a poor man 911 until I test drove both cars back and forth. I tried my best to justified the used 911 but even my son realize the GTS was just a better car dynamic. The carrea and carrea s was the same price.
Robert, good purchase. The 981 is a superior drivers car. My 2014 981 Cayman S had an ecu remapped to 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec. The same tune exists for all 3.4l 981 engines. Stock exhaust manifolds and air filters. Car transformed into a beast....smiles during every drive.
loveyour videos. i honestly think porsche will do the right thing and take care of you since you had so many issues with your new 991. best of luck and thanks
Great Video Nick and also some very Valid points of view with regard to the Cayman .. keep up the good work and I also hope you get the 911 sorted soon .
Glad to hear things are moving in a positive direction with the 911. Red looks best on the 944, imo. For me, the Boxster would get my money, no offense to the Cayman, even though I know the Cayman is better dynamically. The Boxster just offers greater capability in terms of fun.
Just watched your 911 videos, nicely done. Despite the issues of your 911 I still like the car and hope your issues are not indicative of the line. Miss my 911 Carerra Cab as I traded it for a 2009 R8 big mistake.
Man I was so sad 4 you. you obviously love your 911, and for you to be going thru this sucks. Anyway I'm happy your finally getting to a resolution I hope porsche gives you a new car with a few gifts. Keep the vids coming, there real informative.
I will say...red Cayman S.... Definitely gets mistaken as both a Ferrari and a 911 sometimes... Heh. I take it as a sign the styling is pretty. :) doesn't bother me at all.
Totally agree, saw a blue 911 once, my nephew said: "wow a Ferrari". Told him immedeatly it was better than a Ferrari ;) . If it's red and low, for some people it's a Ferrari, wich most of the cases isn't.
How's the ride quality and tire noise compared to the 911? Also, I'm surprised by the sales numbers too, The press seems to be in love with the 981. However, I've daily driven to two seater before, and even if you don't transport people, it sucks not having the back seats for cargo.
All excellent points, though I will add #4: with a small handful of options, the Cayman swallows an 84k price range. That is essentially 911 base territory. It really is a gem, mid engine, so I wouldn't buy it for status. I would buy it for an enthusiast's driver's car.
sorry if you answered this already. Do you think Porsche North America has seen any of your previous videos? They could obviously learn a lot about their quality control ect. Not just with your 991.
What are the typical mechanical problems with the Cayman S and cost of repair? I was told there are oil leak issues, but would like to hear from someone that knows them well. Thank you.
I always liked the Cayman but when I finally priced one out I saw that the I could get a slightly used 911 for the same price. 911 have iconic history to it which make it the get for me. Cayman S is over looked in my opinion though its a more refined than the Elise I drove.
Nice review, Nick. IMO, there are a couple more reasons they are selling slowly. When they first came out, the original Cayman design was hideous on the outside; it looked terrible from an aesthetic perspective, like it was all wrong & just tragic. People used to say the Cayman was just a Boxster with a hard top, and they weren't too far off base. Porsche designers have changed it, and it now looks beautiful, but Porsche hasn't made a big deal about their external redesign; don't know why that is, but they haven't. So, you've got a lot of people holding on to that dislike of the old exterior, not knowing it's been "beautified". Also, the perception is that the Cayman has a weaker engine in it, which was purposely detuned by Porsche to prevent it from competing with the 911's performance (because they want people to buy the pricier 911). Given all the recent reviews which point out the Cayman's great handling, balance, steering and overall fit/finish, there may be some validity to that perception. My thought (which was also stated by Matt Farah of IDrive), is that if Porsche ever dropped a legitimate 911 engine in the Cayman (which made 400+ horsepower instead of the 325 in the Cayman S), with all the superior attributes the Cayman has to offer, they'd have the best sports car ever made.
Hi Nick, is the cayman actually much noisier (tyre noise, wind noise) inside the cabine at higher speeds cruising on the highway compared to your last 911? What is your impression... Best wishes from switzerland
Hi Nick. I like the porsche Cayman. The new model 2017 will probably have a 4 cylinder2.5bwith turbo in themodel S and GTS. They will probably stop the production in febuary 2016 for the 6 cylinder. Do yourecommand to waith th e turbo?
Buy it back full price or a complete replacement with the ability to choose new specs.... Fixing a lemon is out of the question. ... love the review btw... Now I which one to get... I'll take a Cayman S if the year end or model end closeout discount from MSRP is big enough. ... thanks for that information ( porsche low seller) Nick.
Great video Nick, but you seemed a little "down" in this video. Were you coming down with something? You didn't have your usual energy.
These reviews are excellent
I completely agree. Someone should give Nick a Ferrari to review! : D
If I had one I would definitely oblige!
Nick Murray Please stick to Porsche; ;)
One of the most unbiased, objective and enjoyable reviews of this car. I enjoyed it. Thank you!
This came up on my recommendations watch list.
As a subscriber I must say you have improved immensely in your presentation skills lol.
As an owner of a Cayman 981 I agree with your conclusion of the car.
I have mine just over 4 years and I love it.
I describe it as the Smart man’s 911.
I think I'd rather have this car over a 911
good so it is not only me after all
Yes totally agree , had the 911s gen2 PDK . Drove the cayman s after mines went in for a service . I couldn't BELIVE how much better the Cayman s felt 😩 sold my 911now so looking to buy a Cayman s with pse and pdk plus some other must options !😜
Amir Amdard Aha! I always thoughts I was the only person in the world who thought so. Would much rather get a nice Cayman S than a 911 any day, mid engine, 2 seats, lower weight, only rwd, and it even looks better than a 911 I think.
Minutemadex I agree! and now especially in GTS form (or even GT4 ;)), its just a perfect recipe for a great car!
+Minutemadex Looks just depends the 911 4s is just awesome from the rear, however, the cayman s has the side scoop and both are very close from the front. Both are nice! For price the CAYMAN S is it (cheaper) not cheap! PS: Most people dont even know or care about the difference between the two just the fact its a PORSCHE late model gets you into the CLUB! WHat a SMALL CLUB!
Hi Nick - enjoy your videos! I've owned Carreras and a 987S, and driven the 991 and 981S, and you're spot on. Cayman is a great car for all the reasons you cite. However if you're buying a second car, or a fun weekend car if you're like me and live in a city, most people likely go all for the Cabriolet. The Boxster is a classic sports car package. So the cayman will appeal mostly to hard core coupe enthusiasts, where it's down on power and features compared with say an M4. Personally I think the lack of a moonroof also turns off potential buyers, as the small cabin feels even smaller. They should offer a fixed glass roof (tilt only) similar to BMW's 640 or the Jag F type. It also doesn't help that Porsche hasn't invested in the Cayman brand so that the car doesn't have an identify to match it's position as the 911's more focused little brother. That I suspect is changing now with the Gt4. (All of the above are why I voted w my wallet and went with an M4. Best all around package IMHO)
Great review Nick, really enjoy your reviews. I owned a 981 Cayman S. Lovely car but ultimately the cabin acoustics got to me (the cabin traps tire and engine noise in an unpleasant way). I ordered a loaded 981 Boxster S to replace it. Awesome car and not a single regret "downgrading" to the Boxster. The Boxster's cabin is far quieter and refined than you might expect from a rag top. It does not suffer the same sonic characteristics as the Cayman (the "cabin" terminates on top of the engine instead of behind it and the in front of the rear wheel wells instead of over them). The net result between the cabin acoustics and the ability to bring the top down when it's nice out like today makes it a winner, acknowledging mileages vary. Cheers.
Great review!!, Just got my used 2015 Cayman 3 weeks ago, super low milage and for a bargain, I always wanted one and the wife finally let me get one ( after completing a long honey-do-list for the house!!) The car handles like a dream, I have never been a sport car fanatic but the boxter/cayman have been a dream car since I was kid, especially for the looks and handling. It is my second car since it is a 2-seater but when I drive her (of course my Cayman is female!) I feel happy.
Nice to see you haven't rolled over with the problems with your car. Can't wait for the Cayman *GTS*
I own a 2013 Boxster S. It is a great car. A porsche is a porsche. No matter what jealous people say. Just ignore them and buy a boxster/cayman. You will not regret it.
The ironic thing is the Cayman S is the best car Porsche have ever made.
If Porsche put one of the 911 engines in the Cayman then they might have one of the best cars ever made in my opinion.
It IS now a 911 engine.
It has a detuned version of the base Carrera engine. I mean like at least the engine from the Carrera S. That would be something special.
That's a popular opinion.
Real guy! Real review! no BS.. Sub!!
Just stumbled onto your channel. I'm looking at a new Cayman (or slightly-used 911) this summer - I currently have a 1982 924 in my garage, which I'm slowly restoring. After experiencing a ride, watching this video, and reading about the Cayman, I have to admit the Cayman is looking like the likely candidate for my purchase. For some reason, and I don't know why, the Cayman style and driving evoke the way things used to be with Porsche. I feel like it marries the foundation of the brand with the future of the brand in a very attractive package. Finally, love, love, love your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
The cayman is my favorite porsche, I'm not a fan of the 911. I like the balance.
I am with u on this, it's just my personal preference, I like the Cayman more than the 911, ordered mine last week - 2015 Cayman GTS. Now the wait begins.
Yeah I actually have a BMW Z4 Coupe, which is a few notches below the Cayman, but less on price. However, that is part of the reason I want a Cayman next! Because I like the small, maneuverable, and balanced, car. the 911 is just to big and heavy. Yeah they might have added all the electronics so it handles good. But the Cayman's balance is still better.
@@ex0gen I love Porsche found a way to sell us a vintage 911 sized car with more power and much more usable. Going to be my wife and I's 4th car but my daily!! And the sad thing is the 911 was my hero until I drove the Cayman and a 4s and base 996 back to back.....
Wow, I've been following you for 11 years. I came to this video because a 2014 Cayman came up near me. Nick, you were either in a deep depression over your 911 when you made this video, or you have really come out of your shell. I never noticed because I watch every video you release, so it's been a natural progression.
My dream car!
My too!
totally agree.
ppl who thinking that cayman is for those who can't afford 911 are IDIOTS!
because cayman is the best of it's class (where are lotuses, aflas 4c, bmw m3s, camaros, basic corvettes etc). and cayman is a dream for most of us. and a car that you still buying even if you're a millionaire.
thank you for good thoughs, i hope it helps ppl to realize something.
I agree with Nick. But in my opinion the main reason Cayman's don't sell is because these cars are overpriced or we could also say that there is plenty of competition (performance/sports cars) in this price range. If the Cayman would have stayed in the 40's you will see plenty of them on the street.
Hi Nick
I am big fan of Porsche brand and finally bought one (911 991 Carrera S). I had many cars before, but always dreamed about Porsche and 2 months ago finally get one. Last I had Audi R8 before this car and think Porsche is much better in comparison.
I saw your videos and felt sorry about your problems with your 911. My is OK till now (only problem was scratching noise from passangers door side, but it was solved by one of my friends very easily) - I have only 6000 km on it, manual transmission, because I love to drive and think only with this transmission you have real drivers car and feel you are driving it completely. I have very similar equipment as you had.
I tried Cayman S before I decided to buy Carrera S and it is really great car. If I havent small son (1 year old) who I need to trasnport with me I would buy Cayman for sure. So it is maybe 4th reason why people buying 911 and Cayman is not so succesful regarding sell:)
Anyhow I would like to have so opportunities to try cars like you have, because I am from Slovakia and here you have problem to get testdrive from Porsche seller.
So what was your decision regarding car change instead of problematic 911?
If you want you can write to my personal email: advokat@kunec.sk...
If not no problem.
P.S. you are very sympathic man and forgot about people who wrote this not very nice emails to you:). And sorry for my english, I know it is weak:)
Nick - the reason the 944 (924) sold well was because it didn't also LOOK like the 911. And THAT is the Cayman's biggest flaw - it's LOOKS like a 911, but isn't. The Boxtser looks different enough not to be a 911-spinoff, so it's doing well as a car and shape of its own.
Agree
Not only that, but I think because it's sort-of based on the look of the 911, it ends up not looking very attractive (some of the proportions just don't seem right to me, whereas the 911 is perfect). If they had given it an identity of its own, I think they could have made it a much more aesthetically attractive car. I understand they don't want it to look better than a 911, but they could have gone a different direction with the design and still have it fit within the modern Porsche brand.
I love that I found your channel through the viral attention your 911 issues update video got, and I'm now enjoying your very well-done review of the Cayman. You've earned a new fan today, keep up the good work! And, I hope they give you a GT3 for you troubles.
i drive a boxster and have heard the ''poor man's porsche'' comment numerous times. at the end of the day, i drive a car that i thoroughly enjoy driving so the comments don't annoy me. my usual response is: ''true. just couldn't afford a real porsche.'' then i smile and wait for the reaction.
in terms of using the gorilla to demonstrate storage space, i think you've missed a great opportunity to use a toy sheep. i was going to say ''stuffed'' but, well, i imagine you understand why. ;-)
keep up the great reviews.
This is the first video of yours that l ever saw, and I kept watching and now I'm your biggest fan.
I had hoped one day to have a Cayman. I love the styling. I sat in my friends car & it was love at first sight. I knew I wanted one. Thats how I bumped into your channel.
Well I went with the Boxster for the greatest handling roadster... the Cayman is great but cannot remove the roof if I want to ;) And I just let the people talk about the "poor man's" car, buy it and laugh about the them...
Only noobs who never driven one say that, most can’t even tell the difference
How can they not detail cars before switching them with customers for service...
As someone who purchased a Cayman S, I can only state my personal opinion that I found the car to be gorgeous. Once I drove it, I was hooked. A friend owns a 911 S and had the chance to drive the new Cayman S and agreed...it is a better handling car. Not pure 911 for speed, but handling. As far as the rigid top, some folks (like me) do not like driving convertibles...its too damn HOT where I live. Also consider the long-term value of owning a car that years down the road will be considered a bit more "rare" than other models. Drove them all...bought the Cayman S. Trust me...I have NO regrets! Be well.
What an awesome looking car
Jeremy Clarkson started all that for those who can't afford a 911 rubbish chiefly with the boxster. But he corrected that with his opinion on the Cayman explaining that it has the ability in its chassis to be the apex model, but Porsche water it down so as not to step on big bros toes, and in his view was its Achilles.
On a personal note good looking tho the car maybe, the 991 is better looking still, while the newest boxster is jaw dropping in most guises.
sugarsaint Clarkson is the biggest douschebag in the car world. A real piece of crap.
A good, honest review Nick.......well done. Totally agree with your thoughts on the sales figures and I like it that way. I couldn't care less what other people think about me and my 2006 Cayman S...........they're only jealous!
Nick you look so down trodden and troubled at this time in your life....so good you kept you chin up mate. The difference between the 2014 and 2016 981vids.... awesome.
I have the pleasure of driving a 2012 Cayman R and 2015 Cayman S, absolutely brilliant cars!! I think part of the Cayman's image problem come from Porsche intentionally keeping the Cayman's performance sub 911. It's like they all but say, "the Cayman is our slow sports car".
Some other "bad" car images:
- Lotus Evora S = "Toyota engine, LOL". Funny thing is people buy Toyota for the reliability. Wouldn't you think reliability in your sports car is a good thing?
- M4 = "It just a 4-series with a bigger engine". When in actuality more parts on the cars are different than the same.
- Automatics/Dual Clutch transmissions are for people would can't drive stick. Back when automatics were called "slush boxes" and shifts were slower than grass growing I'd agreed. Now days Autos/DCs from companies like BMW and Porsche are crazy good, often besting their manual counterparts. I'm still a purist, but may soon be laughed at just like those though used typewriters after computers can out.
Thanks Nick, I like your common sense approach its refreshing. For the record I defy any 911 driver to drive a Boxter s with a sports exhaust and not be moved by the pure elemental nature of the experience. These cars are now in their own league a different experience. If porsche put the price of these cars to equal 911 prices the stigma wouldn't exist, its only because they are cheaper that materialistic mine is bigger than yours thinking creeps in. If they cost the same these same people would be touting the slightly less power as advantageous to good corner speed. Buy what moves you forget what others say they didn't pay for your car you did.
You are extremely composed and thorough. I really enjoyed listening to this video, more than watching it.
man, its tough to see Nick this bummed out. Glad this video is 6 years old.
My business partner has a 2012 Cayman S - such a nice car, especially on the track - totally agree it's very forgiving to bad drivers like me! Would be good with more power though, my G6E turbo is noticeably faster in a straight line which just doesn't seem right somehow.
I'd love to give the new model a go some time as they seem to have made some big improvements over what was already a good car.
Great video, thanks for making it! That's interesting what you say about it not selling well. I'm just discovering what a great car the cayman is and it's really made me want to make a plan to get one! As such, every review I've watch so far has had raving reviews for it and a few of them even pointed out some areas where they liked it a little more than the carrera, as you yourself did. Since all that positivity is my first real exposure to the model its crazy to hear about the sales. I personally prefer the hard top so the appeal of the convertible boxster is lost on me. As to the 2 seats, the amount of times I've had more than one other passenger in my honda civic coupe could be counted on one hand so if anything I prefer the two seats since they're just wasted space for me. For the people looking for more than two seats, have they seen the size of the back seats? If that's their priority then I have no idea why they'd be looking at anything other than the Panamera. To your third point of the cayman being the poor mans 911, that's what I've heard the boxster referred to my whole life: the poor mans porsche. To the credit of that statement I have seen plenty of them treated and driven like they were just an old MR2 spider so that thats another reason why the boxter doesnt appeal to me. The 911 turbo has been my dream car since boyhood so when I found out that I can get the Cayman S for half the price and it's still amazing I was sold on it instantly. Obviously I'm just one man so my opinions dont reflect the market but I still submit them to the board for consideration. Long story short, I love the Cayman S exactly how it is. It was built for me! (until I get some kind of rich and can get the 911 turbo that I still have a poster of hanging on my wall.)
Man, love your reviews!! I wish you did more.
I have a 2010 2nd gen 987 Cayman S and for the most part, from the door latches forward it's a 997 911, one just has to review the part #'s to put it in perspective. The last year 987.2 Cayman R got the GT3 RS aluminum doors and they should have made the rear hatch out of aluminum also. I wish, like a lot of others, that there was a box to have ticked for the3.8 non-neutered engine or the better one that came in the 911 GTS with 408 HP. I consider the Cayman as a mid engine 911 that didn't get the proper backing.
Other reviews say that the PDK transmission is better than the manual.
The poor mans 911 is such dumbassery
Nice balanced review. I've seen all your other videos and you stay pretty calm and clear about all the problems you had with the new 911. I've had around 12 911's (currently have a 1972 and a 2001 996 grocery-getter / beater) and mostly they have been fairly trouble free for the 600k or more miles I have covered in them.
Enjoyed this review. Nick speaks from the heart and is a genuine car guy. Thanks.
Love your reviews still pondering 981s or 718s boxster.
The Cayman sells very well here in Australia...guess we aussies are too poor to afford the 911. Love your reviews Nick.
I don’t think this car has any issues selling nowadays. Quite the opposite. Going up in value as well.
It's funny watching this today and seeing the comments below. With the prices of 911s skyrocketing and the advent of the 981 GTS and later the GT4 and 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, suddenly the Cayman became the must-have vehicle. It's funny because in 2008 when I got mine, it was such a novelty item of a car as most mid-engine models were still Boxsters. Jeremy Clarkson on "Top Gear" famously skewered the car even as he had a blast driving it. I think the other thing was that in the transition to the 718 series, the Cayman became the cheaper model. But I think there's also the unwritten element, which is Porsche has always been about "allocations" for particular models. They really only mass-produce the Macan (especially the base model) and maybe the Cayenne. They could produce 10k - 20k Caymans a year for $45-50k each if they wanted to, and would sell every one of them, whether with the Turbo 4 or with the flat 6. Everything these days is single-digit annual allocations of a given model for each dealer, even more so now since the pandemic and all the chip / parts / logistics issues that have happened ever since.
Great to hear about the progress to get your car issues resolved .Fingers Crossed
Holy shit Nick Murray, I just decided to watch this video again, and what a difference a year can make. I watch all your video's and they're getting better and better. This video makes me wonder what you did in the last year, because you look about 5 million times more happy in your current video's than in this one! haha! Tell us your secret
you did not mention road noise during highway driving. i heard it was very loud. Is this true. I'm probably going to getting a car in that range and I love 1-2 hour driving stints. Is it quiet enough. It is , for example one of the reasons I sold my FRS after only one year.
thx for producing video
Nick, I agree completely that people view the Cayman as the cheap Porsche. What I say is that the Carrera has become more of a GT car. It's larger, more pleasant to drive and has become much more comfortable. The Cayman is more similar to the Carrera of the 90s. Smaller, nimble, better handling. All around a purist sports car. I love the Cayman. But I opted for the Boxster because of the convertible top.
congrats on your 911 progress, another nice review too!
nice rev....i got mine last week and have never been so thrilled to drive a car in my life. fyi i could have bought a 911 but just loved look and feel of cayman s more.
They sell plenty in Atlanta. There are so many exotic cars here that no one really differentiates them in a status way unless it's Ferrari or Lamborghini. People just buy what they can afford or what they like.
Omg I love this car so much, it just looks so good omg.. Dream car... :D
I test drove both the new 991 and the new 981 S this week. I surprised myself and actually preferred the Boxster S over the 911. Much more fun to drive in my opinion and that's why I'm getting one :)
Great choice!
The 981s 3.4l engines can now have the lost hp Porsche stole by a simple ecu remap. My 2014 981 Cayman S achieves 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec. All for A$1900!! A hair-trigger throttle response makes for an enthralling mid-engined driving experience at half the price of the 911 Carrera. Go figure...
I like your review on Porsches, 911 , Cayman. very detail. ive learned a lot
Cayman is such a nice car and amazing value. I actually think it doesn't sell because the name "Cayman" isn't too inviting. Might sound stupid, yet branding matters. It looks somewhat understated, which is rare these days and I find amazing.
The Cayman is priced about $3000 more than a Boxster, you get 10 hp for that.
clu4u and you get a roof for someone that hates convertibles like me its well damn worth it
oscar trujillo
A roof and a much more rigid body and better handling. If you can truly buy this car then horsepower matters less for you, the quality of the materials and design matters much much more. Only kids obsess about the horsepower numbers.
@infilt, the rigidity is more but the handling is the same, unless you are a pro at the track. Nurburgring times are Boxster S 7:58, CaymanS 7:55.
infiltr80r why you reply to me? Lol I love the Cayman its a great car to drive
I drive a 988.1 Cayman S and really happy with the car. It has great handling and may not be as quick to accelerate as a 997 s it is better cornering and often allows later braking. My wife life the two seats as it does not have rear seats that are not really able to be used. It is so convenient with the 2 boots. We use if for going away for awhile Vs our SUV or sedan.
My 981 Cayman S had the ecu remapped to 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec.... plenty fast, pulls very strongly to redline. Hair-trigger throttle response makes the car such a blast to drive. Cost of remap? A$1900. Best option Porsche never offered lol.
I watched all your newest reviews are I must say you are doing a brilliant job. I like your style. Maybe you should review other interesting cars as well. Anyway, you earned yourself another subscriber.
the problem with the cayman is that it's purposely held back in addition to that it should be the cheapest model but what ends up happening is that once you option it up it starts to get as expensive as a base 911 without the history/utility that the 911 has... the cayman s fully loaded should be 65K instead it's about 80K so that's why it doesn't sell as well as this amazing ride should
Excellent video and review Nick. The Cayman is a great car, and most people would love to own one. Every review of the Cayman have lavished many plaudits on this car, and I think you will not be the last to do so. Good luck too on your issues with Porsche over the your 911.
Excellent review! Different than all the other popular journalist reviews. My dad has two 911 and I'm planning to buy one of these later maybe...
Nick, really enjoyed your review. You should really do more, if at all possible.
"Agree with Nick on the perception placed on the cayman with respect to the 911. This perception is stronger in the U.S than Europe. Perhaps the Cayman GTS will help change that perception and be a much sought after model in the U.S."
Great video yet again! Can't believe the dealer let the car go out in that state though!
Thank you Nick very much for the review, really appreciate you candidness and detail
"I guess it's like making out with your girlfriend's sister. A lot if it is the same but there's enough differences to make it exciting."
Love that! Made me laugh so hard :D
Nice... I just purchase a 2015 Cayman GTS. I also always thought the cayman was a poor man 911 until I test drove both cars back and forth. I tried my best to justified the used 911 but even my son realize the GTS was just a better car dynamic. The carrea and carrea s was the same price.
Robert, good purchase. The 981 is a superior drivers car. My 2014 981 Cayman S had an ecu remapped to 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec. The same tune exists for all 3.4l 981 engines. Stock exhaust manifolds and air filters. Car transformed into a beast....smiles during every drive.
loveyour videos. i honestly think porsche will do the right thing and take care of you
since you had so many issues with your new 991. best of luck and thanks
Great Video Nick and also some very Valid points of view with regard to the Cayman .. keep up the good work and I also hope you get the 911 sorted soon .
Better looking than the 911 now.
parked side by side it doesn't look like the just the little brother anymore.
Excellent review and your on point comparing to the 911. I leased the 2014 Cayman and it's such a fun car to drive.
Great review . Who cares what someone else thinks I'm getting one !!
Glad to hear things are moving in a positive direction with the 911. Red looks best on the 944, imo. For me, the Boxster would get my money, no offense to the Cayman, even though I know the Cayman is better dynamically. The Boxster just offers greater capability in terms of fun.
Agree
Just watched your 911 videos, nicely done. Despite the issues of your 911 I still like the car and hope your issues are not indicative of the line. Miss my 911 Carerra Cab as I traded it for a 2009 R8 big mistake.
Glad that you got this sorted out! Your dogs are awesome BTW!
the younger nick.... Wow it's really been a long time coming.
Man I was so sad 4 you. you obviously love your 911, and for you to be going thru this sucks. Anyway I'm happy your finally getting to a resolution I hope porsche gives you a new car with a few gifts. Keep the vids coming, there real informative.
Love that you tested the 6spd, Nick. Good on you mate
I will say...red Cayman S.... Definitely gets mistaken as both a Ferrari and a 911 sometimes... Heh. I take it as a sign the styling is pretty. :) doesn't bother me at all.
Totally agree, saw a blue 911 once, my nephew said: "wow a Ferrari". Told him immedeatly it was better than a Ferrari ;) . If it's red and low, for some people it's a Ferrari, wich most of the cases isn't.
I like your videos man :) What's your profession? I'm just curious :P
Cayman S 981 is awesome, I love mine!
Hi Nick, nice review. Quick, if slightly odd question - for the external walkaround scene, did you use a bicycle? Or do you just walk smoothly....?
I use a glidecam
How's the ride quality and tire noise compared to the 911?
Also, I'm surprised by the sales numbers too, The press seems to be in love with the 981. However, I've daily driven to two seater before, and even if you don't transport people, it sucks not having the back seats for cargo.
All excellent points, though I will add #4: with a small handful of options, the Cayman swallows an 84k price range. That is essentially 911 base territory. It really is a gem, mid engine, so I wouldn't buy it for status. I would buy it for an enthusiast's driver's car.
coming up next - Nick reviews the Porsche 918.
No one is crazy enough to let me drive their 918 sadly...
A cayman would be awesome with a sunroof
I agree with you on that reasoning. I once saw a Porsche and said to my friend look its a Porsche. He just replied with oh no that's just a Boxster.
sorry if you answered this already. Do you think Porsche North America has seen any of your previous videos? They could obviously learn a lot about their quality control ect. Not just with your 991.
Great car!!! I love mines! As nice as a 911...just different. Comes down to personal preference.
What are the typical mechanical problems with the Cayman S and cost of repair? I was told there are oil leak issues, but would like to hear from someone that knows them well. Thank you.
I always liked the Cayman but when I finally priced one out I saw that the I could get a slightly used 911 for the same price. 911 have iconic history to it which make it the get for me. Cayman S is over looked in my opinion though its a more refined than the Elise I drove.
Seeing this after Nick's more recent videos it seems like different person.
Hi Nick, great review. Did you ever drive the base 2.7 Cayman? Thoughts?
Nice review, Nick. IMO, there are a couple more reasons they are selling slowly. When they first came out, the original Cayman design was hideous on the outside; it looked terrible from an aesthetic perspective, like it was all wrong & just tragic. People used to say the Cayman was just a Boxster with a hard top, and they weren't too far off base. Porsche designers have changed it, and it now looks beautiful, but Porsche hasn't made a big deal about their external redesign; don't know why that is, but they haven't. So, you've got a lot of people holding on to that dislike of the old exterior, not knowing it's been "beautified". Also, the perception is that the Cayman has a weaker engine in it, which was purposely detuned by Porsche to prevent it from competing with the 911's performance (because they want people to buy the pricier 911). Given all the recent reviews which point out the Cayman's great handling, balance, steering and overall fit/finish, there may be some validity to that perception. My thought (which was also stated by Matt Farah of IDrive), is that if Porsche ever dropped a legitimate 911 engine in the Cayman (which made 400+ horsepower instead of the 325 in the Cayman S), with all the superior attributes the Cayman has to offer, they'd have the best sports car ever made.
Hi Nick, is the cayman actually much noisier (tyre noise, wind noise) inside the cabine at higher speeds cruising on the highway compared to your last 911? What is your impression...
Best wishes from switzerland
VASOEN I don't recall the cayman being noticeably noisier, certainly you can tell the engine is closer to you but otherwise much the same I think
Hi Nick. I like the porsche Cayman. The new model 2017 will probably have a 4 cylinder2.5bwith turbo in themodel S and GTS.
They will probably stop the production in febuary 2016 for the 6 cylinder. Do yourecommand to waith th e turbo?
Fab as always Nick.
Outstanding news on your 911!!
Do you enjoy it more than your 911?
Buy it back full price or a complete replacement with the ability to choose new specs.... Fixing a lemon is out of the question. ... love the review btw... Now I which one to get... I'll take a Cayman S if the year end or model end closeout discount from MSRP is big enough. ... thanks for that information ( porsche low seller) Nick.