magnetic. This car never fails to put a smile on my face.” Yes, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a special car, and we’re lucky to have it in our long-term test fleet.
As we mentioned in our 20,000-mile update, the Cayman is a joy to drive. Its sonorous 394-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six is a highlight, offering power and response that is both thrilling and satisfying. The manual-gearbox shift quality, handling, ride, and everyday usability are all top-notch, making the Cayman a benchmark for other performance cars to aspire to.
However, that’s not to say that the Cayman is without its faults. The car’s interior storage space is limited, with no convenient place for your phone or ample cupholders. The road noise can get loud on rough surfaces, and the wind noise can flare up, especially in crosswinds. The seats lack adjustability, which can be uncomfortable for some drivers.
Another aspect of owning a Porsche that cannot be ignored is the cost of maintaining and repairing it. As our Cayman approached 30,000 miles, we sent it in for a scheduled service that included an oil-and-filter change, fresh spark plugs, and a multipoint inspection. The total cost was $1052, but the local dealer didn’t have the special tool needed to replace the GTS’s difficult-to-access spark plugs, so we had to bring the car back when the tool came in. The return visit added $659 to the total.
Unfortunately, we also discovered a problem we apparently caused ourselves. At around 26,000 miles, we noticed the clutch slipping during high-rpm shifts. What the Porsche techs found was a worn clutch disc and extensive discoloring of both the pressure plate and dual-mass flywheel, indisputable evidence of overheating – abuse, in other words. We can’t say for sure who or what caused it, except that it’s on us and not an inherent issue with the Cayman’s clutch. Unfortunately, clutches are wear items and are not covered under warranty, so the parts and labor for a new one came to $4898.
Despite these costs, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 remains a top performer in our long-term fleet. It’s hard not to fall in love with the driving joy it provides, and we’ll be sad to see it leave us in just over 8000 miles. But until then, we’ll continue to enjoy every moment behind the wheel.
