Used 2008 Porsche Cayman Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
I've ruined all other cars for myself...
I bought this car used 12 months ago and have put over 10K miles on it. Every mile driven has been a joyous one and I've had no performance or mechanical problems with it so far (at 28K total miles). A few minor interior rattles (easily fixed) and some minor comfort issues for the longer trips but without a doubt the most fun & engaging vehicle I've ever driven. And I've driven cars of all types, sizes, shapes, and costs. People regularly give it some great looks when I'm driving around town and rarely does a highway trip happen that someone doesn't pull up next to me with a "thumbs up". Sounds great, handles great, and has more storage room than you'd think given it's size.
2008 Cayman
This is the latest of many Porsches I have owned. My first 911 was purchased in 1972 and the last was a 1997 993 C4S. All great cars, though the Cayman really answers the quest for a drivers car. The balance, practicality and performance put a smile on you face whether you're on the freeway, twisties or just around town.
- Base CoupeMSRP: $27,995179 mi away
- S CoupeMSRP: $26,495179 mi away
- S CoupeMSRP: $34,166179 mi away
Best Car I have ever owned
I have owned this car for one year. It has been great. Two major trips of 1,000 miles, plenty of room for luggage for two. No need for trips to the dealership, reliability is the best I have seen in years. Well put together, a great engine sound, seats and ride is very acceptable for a sports car. Great Fuel economy - average 24 mpg around town and 31 mpg on our two trips.
The Perfect Car
The Porsche Cayman is by far the most well engineered car I have driven. I have test driven most of its competitors and the handling, responsiveness, as well as the overall quality is superb without reservation. The mileage for a sports car is excellent and surprised me. The comfort is excellent, especially in the lower back area. I have been envying Porsches ever since I was in high-school. As another Porsche owner told me, this is a sports car not a luxury car masquerading as a sports car. After I drove it I could clearly see what she meant. The swaying factor around curves is for the most part non-existent. The bottom line is this car is the best choice in its class.
There are cars and then there is a Cayman
When shopping there are some cars that you mull over hoping you won't second guess the decision, and then there some where the decision is made within 30 seconds of turning the key and dropping it into gear. This is one of those. With the sharp snarl of lighting up the 6-cylinders that share the mid-chassis location giving perfect balance, you know this is a drivers' car. Spartan but comfortable, the interior is well laid out and gadget free. Lots of leg and head room, and excellent views without blind spots. Until you've driven a Porsche, you'll not appreciate the torque that makes the 6-speed transmission more than enough to zing to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, and brakes to stop as quick.
best looking , performing car I have seen
I selected the 08 because it did NOT have all the electronic crap that they put in today. I want a drivers performance sport car that drives like a formula 1 car. I did not want a computer, phone, gizmo terminal that is to defeat the reason to have a porsche . Running Michelin PS Z tires and the car is stable and smooth all the way to 150.... I can take 55 mph curves at 100 with ease. When manual shifting I wind it to 4800 rpm and shift... and you feel like your on a rocket... in 400 yards your doing 80.... from a standing start. Gas milage, about 19.8-20.5 at speeds of 75-85 Ac is good. What I do like is the simple dash with out the screens and entertainment. Everything easy to run. Gages easy to read, I have a MBZ 250 coupe and the porsche is in the same quality range Dealer service is fantastic and I get new Porsche loaner cars wa every service. With 80,000 miles any worry about engine problems is far from a problem. Sold the car last month, because I came to the realization that I was overwhelmed by the high performance and speed the Caymen would do... Speed? In a short deserted desert road I put it to the floor....got to 155 before I backed off...it was still climbing. This is a car for the person that is on top of his driving game and skill. The car demands 200% attention like flying an airplane,if you don't have that skill level it can kill you.... This is not a daily commute driver. Its hard core performance stuff. You can keep up with Lamborghini and Ferrari's if that is your wish ( top speed Porsche lists is 212 mph) After owing the car for a year, I came to the realization that if I kept the car it would very likely kill me. Its a safe car as I mentioned it is like a safe airplane in that it requires a person trained in its operation. You can not just go turn the key and zip off because your going to be unaware of the dangers of operation such a high performance machine and worse the temptation to exceed your ability skill level very, very fast I sold the car recognizing that it is like a motorcycle in that its not IF it is going to hurt you but WHEN. I also discovered that My MBZ 250C, with the same tires, handled just about as well and a lot more comfortably and quietly. It was fun to drive but I quickly became aware of the temptation to exceed safe limits, for me.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I've made it
Was about to purchase the 08 M3 but after doing the research and insurance projections, I went with the new Porsche 08 Cayman Design. I own #350 of 777 and everywhere I go it is a sure stunner. I always grew up loving the 911 but I must say this car has done it for me, and although it may not put up 911 numbers it is the most practical for an everyday car weekend driving enthusiast. The exhaust is so sweet and the comfort of the interior is awesome. I am 5/9" and have driven passenger as tall as 6'3" and they all are in awe at that space and the drive. This car is a keeper and I can only see it appreciating in value.
Awesome
I love this car. I had a BMW before, but the Cayman is a true sports car. I have had the car for 3 months and have already had 5 people stop me at read lights or the gas station to tell me how awesome the car looks.
The Age of realization.
Now an octogenarian, I have sold my Porsche Cayman as I can no longer satisfy the 25 year old in me via an 80 plus years old framework. I disposed of my trusted BMW motorcycle at around the same time. I have owned a Ferrari, a couple of Porsche cars and an array of nippy vehicles. Driving recently, a texting girl in a Fiesta ran into my lane and I was lucky enough to hit the median and hold control. But I was shocked as never before so I now have a Cadillac sedan, slower but nonetheless less capable of speed. I recommend this Porsche as one of the best I have driven. My speed addiction lasted a very long time but fortunately, wisdom finally overcoming slower reaction via age now compels me to wish younger drivers the great times I had with some very special cars, this Cayman being one of them.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Perfectly balanced
The blend of handling, braking and acceleration makes the car a joy to drive. I purchased a basic model (non-s, 5 speed, 19 inch wheels, bose, heated seats) which was actually hard to find. If you want to pay for all the other goodies go for it, but they are expensive and some add quite a bit of weight. Trust me, you won't miss them and you can save 25 grand. It's a driver's car all the way but remarkably comfortable, quiet, and it really does get the 29 mpg highway.
Love It!
Drove my Cayman S for about 6 months before storing it for the winter. I use it as my daily driver. I now look forward to driving to and from work and on date nights with my wife. The performance is great and I many times take the long way home to spend a little more time in it. I recommend the Bose stereo upgrade for more low end punch, but many times I find myself listening to the engine sounds more than the radio/cd. Be careful with your customization as it can be expensive. Choose wisely. I am very happy with the standard leather interior and dash. A little more durable than having the full leather interior. The ride is firm, but this is a sports car after all.
A Little Bummed
This is my first Porsche. I've had Lexus, Mercedes, Corvette,and Nissan Z, but this is the most fun to drive and boy does it get the stares and looks. I'm challenged all the time on the highway to test driving skills by other drivers.
Turn the radio off
I bought my 2008 Cayman S two months ago, have scored 2000 miles. Fun, fun to drive. The only down side is the sound system. It has intermittent bugs, which of course, the dealer can never recreate. I have a Bose in my other car, and know that it can sound much better.
Great Car, One Small Problem
Most beautiful car I've ever owned, with sharp performance to match. Acceleration could be better for the price, but I was never planning to do any drag-racing anyway. The big problem is the abominable base stereo, which came with the car as ordered by the dealer (it was a leftover 2008 that I got a very good price). This stereo was state of the art in 1970, and I figured I could upgrade it with aftermarket equipment, but at $2200 just for new speakers and amps, I decided to just live with it. If you get a Cayman, be sure to order the Bose upgrade.
Ultimate Design Sports Car
So far I have put 300miles on the car. The car turns heads every where I go. The sports exhaust note is incredible. The glossy with matte strips is very flashy and spruce. Aside from the visual appeal, performance is incredible.
One of the best
I have own the Cayman for four years now was only a year old with 7,000 miles on the clock when I purchased, its does have the PASM/Chron options which I love the sport mode feature, only car I have ever owned that actual makes a difference to the car performance when you turn it on, I see several comments on the cars stereo system which is a bit out of date no Bluetooth or iPod/MP3 player as standard, cost me $700.0 for so, so IPod connections but, the best thing to do is turn off the stereo open the widows and drive it hard through a tunnel Âsounds fantastic true Porsche music.
True sports car
Have owned my Cayman for just a few weeks now and am truly impressed. This is my first Porsche and hopefully not my last. It doesn't take long to see the car is quality built and all the details were done extremely well. One thing is I am tall and fit into the Cayman with absolutely no problem. The headroom is great. It shifts beautifully and there is no other word except "fun" to describe driving this car. My two sons who are in their 20s say "dad you finally got a cool car" which just shows the younger generation knows something good when they see it. Would highly recommend this car to anyone considering it.
My Cayman S experience
I bought a Cayman S on Jan. 2008 and have put in 1700 miles since. Overall I am happy with the performance and driving experience. In the past, I have owned Bimmer, Mercedes, Lexus & Infiniti in the past. By far, Cayman gives the most exhilaration and fun. Above all, it returns 19.7 mpg in average and this is simply incredible for a pure sports car.
Absolute blast and practical
I bought my Cayman used with 1000 miles on it. The next day my wife and I left on a trip to a wedding and vacation in NYC. We were able to pack for week long trip with formal clothes for rehearsal dinner and formal wedding. All our luggage fit no problem. I then got sick and my wife had to drive to NYC she had not driven a manual in 10 yrs and wanted to practice before leaving the hotel. She shifted twice said this is great and before I knew it we were comfortably cruising at 80 mph. My car in 9 months has been trouble free and a blast to drive. This is my first Porsche and I would gladly buy another.
Cayman S Review
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
watch out for pricing
A good handling car but its easy to overpay. Dealers overcharge on the car and once you buy the car and want to sell it you notice you really overpaid. IMS problems plague this model, could be running then the IMS bearing explodes and you have a major engine catastrophe. Not like a American car or Japanese car the price would be outrageous a new engine and then you have to junk the car. I suggest getting a 2009 or later version. These cars don’t sell well new and are scarce, overpaying is easy. I would beware, like any German car they are over rated if it is not a S model <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>don’t buy it the performance is lacking in non S models
- Performance
Cayman
Easily the most enjoyment I've had driving. Tremendous value as well. Incredibly designed vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My 08' Cayman S ownership experience
I bought this vehicle on Jan. 2008. I put in about 1600 miles so far. Having owned Bimmer, Mercedes, Lexus & Infiniti in the past, this car by far offers the most fun and exhilaration to drive. The engine puts out unmistakable note that sounds almost like a symphony orchestra. The car averages 19.7 mpg and I couldn't be more happy given it acceleration & performance. Some complaints I have about this car are body integrity, stereo and Tiptronic buttons. Its rear-end produces rattle noises. I have spent 3 trips to the dealer including a replacement of tail-light assembly under factory service bulletin and they still can fix it. The Tiptronic buttons should really be paddle-shifters - cont -
My Cayman S
It's just such a fun car to drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2008 Porsche Cayman
My 3rd Porsche, previously a 914 & a 924, ALL FUN, (total of 53 cars since 1957). The Cayman is perfect and I am 81 years young. The ONLY thing I will say against it is, here in Canada in the winter with my all season Pirelli Pilots on. it IT IS USELESS IN SNOW of more than a. smidgeon. That is where my Volvo S80 AWD comes out all. the time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
For Porsche purist and raw manual enthusiasts
I purchased my used base Canary 2008 with 6K miles and it is approaching 100K soon. From the first day I continue using it for commute to suburbia, mostly on twisty back roads and also mid distance trips. Very rarely for city traffic. Taken very few times to the track. Has modified suspension from factory and upgraded ECU and to 6 gear manual transmission few years ago in order to improve track performance. Except for minor maintenance issues, the car is an absolute gem. Loves to be taken frequently to redline, which is the fun part of owning this super-agile baby Porsche, and oil consumption is about a quarter per every 8K miles (use Motul, Mobil1 and Molly only). I own other more modern 911's, however nothing beats the pure connection to road like this one with its nearly perfect hydraulic system. The steering response is immediate and the lowered suspension makes it thrive in the sharpest curves, with the most forgiving and sweetest center of gravity. Of course any Cayman chassis can use 200 hp more than the one I have, for which you would have to cough up lots more for the GT4 or get a 911 for far less fun driving experience. This manual stick, always asks to be pushed to the limit, where it will give its best responses, as it was designed to perform in honor to the lineage of all great Porsches of the past. It was not born a garage queen and will always be the emblem of "there is no substitute"
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value