“The Porsche Owners File” is a project born from readers’ requests to share the genuine voices of various Porsche owners. The 21st installment features a purchase, options, and driving review of the Cayman S from “kazu.”

〘Owner Information〙
・Featured car: 2009 Cayman S PDK with 37,000 km
・Pen name: kazu (kazu’s blog: PORSCHE 987 Cayman S PDK from age 60)
・Residence: Kanto region
・Family: Wife, two sons, two daughters
・Past cars:
Under my name: VW POLO Sport Line, FIAT Abarth PUNTO, VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI, VW Scirocco R
Second cars: FIT Hybrid, Porsche Cayman S PDK
・A word to readers:
The 987 has dropped to a realistic price range. I searched daily, and this time it was truly a fateful encounter (a convenient excuse). Turning 60 also gave me a push, so, though it’s a cliché, I took the plunge and bought it on the spot, love at first sight.

1) How I Came to Purchase

My Porsche Dream

My admiration for Porsche goes back to elementary school. My dad, who was a real car enthusiast (“otokichi” – old slang), took me many times to the newly completed Fuji Speedway. This was back when the 30-degree banked curve still existed.

It was a brutal era with no established safety measures, and fatalities occurred every race (I even remember the real-time coverage of the legendary “Kazuto”). Among that, the speed, stability, stunning style, and sound of the 910 driven by Toru Ikuzawa were overwhelming stimuli for a kid.

Later, the classic film “Le Mans” and Steve McQueen further fueled my passion. I still sometimes watch it at full volume. The 917 remains, forever in my mind, the best racing car.

Before I reached the age where I might confuse the brake and accelerator, I dreamed of owning a Porsche — a pure sports car, and one without unnecessary electronic gadgets, a “gasoline-only” Porsche.

Searching for a Used Porsche

To be honest, a new one was far beyond my budget. As a side note, I’ve owned a glider (an actual aircraft, not a hang glider or paraglider) for over 30 years, so my car budget is limited. I try to stay within my means.

I searched daily for used Porsches, and for a 10-year-old 987, I found models priced similarly to domestic cars.

Why I Chose My Current Car

The biggest deciding factor was, of course, the flat-six engine. I wouldn’t compromise on the horizontally opposed six-cylinder.

Also, it had to be a PDK. While manual is the traditional choice for sports cars, I was captivated by the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in the VW Scirocco (called DSG by VW). The era is DCT, and even in sporty driving, it makes me feel like Schumacher.

Naturally, with Porsche, I chose PDK.

Next, no unnecessary options beyond driving essentials. The Cayman S comes with Sport Chrono, PASM, and paddle shifters as standard. But no cruise control, no rear wiper, and a simple black vinyl leather interior. Perfect for my taste.

The body color is Midnight Blue Metallic — a mature color I like.

2) Options / Specifications

Since it’s used, the above options and specs apply. No modifications after purchase.

3) Delivery Process

This may be a convenient interpretation, but the shop was less than 10 minutes from my home. It’s a German car tuning shop I’d been curious about but hesitant to enter because it’s very niche.

I never imagined my “fateful car” would be there… I really felt it was destiny.

They replaced the battery with a new one and fitted four new Pilot Sport tires.

4) Porsche Performance Impressions

① Engine / Engine Sound

The flat-six NA engine sound is crisp and clear at startup. My previous VW Scirocco R, even stock, had a deep low-frequency startup sound that required care at night. The 987 is quiet.

The 3,436 cc flat-six spins gently at low to mid speeds. You barely notice its presence behind you, but once the tach passes “12 o’clock,” it transforms dramatically. It’s engaging at low speeds and never boring across all speed ranges.

② PDK Evaluation

Opinions on PDK vary. Having driven two VW DCT cars, I have no discomfort, but it still feels jerky at low speeds and can’t beat a torque converter.

I recently test-drove the latest Carrera 4S PDK, and it’s clearly evolved. The smoothness at takeoff is excellent. However, I didn’t notice a significant difference in shift up/down feel, which reassured me.

③ Ride Comfort and Feel

With standard dampers, it’s slightly firmer than the average German car. The Scirocco R was more Spartan, but in Sport and Sport+ modes, the firmness is drastically reduced — it feels like a race car.

④ Handling / Brakes

The power steering is quite heavy and solid, but once moving, it’s perfectly on rails. Just turning at an intersection makes you feel the MR layout. It’s fast but challenging on mountain roads. Unlike the Scirocco R, it doesn’t understeer easily, and the freedom in line choice means I can’t go back to FF cars.

However, especially on uphill mountain roads, you must be aware of front tire load and rear slip; with stock tires, spins happen easily. I’ve had some close calls at high speeds.

The brakes are perfect, just as rumored. They’re controllable at will. I used to think a “silk-like” brake feel was best, but my thinking has completely changed.

However, brake squeal persisted even after replacing calipers and discs, so I gave up. In traffic jams, I enjoy trying to decelerate and stop without squealing. Also, brake dust. It’s uncontrollable, so I don’t clean it often. I guess it’s proof of effective brakes.

⑤ Fuel Economy / Maintenance

Fuel Economy

I’m surprised by the fuel economy. In the city, it’s about 6 km/L, but on tours with polite driving, I got 12 km/L, which amazed me. The worst was 3.3 km/L — I won’t say if that was on public roads.

Maintenance

I replaced the front brakes and pads (which were below 5 mm). Oil changes are every 5,000 km, using the shop’s recommended “Moty’s 5W40.” The dry sump requires 8 liters, which is costly.

Other than that, I’ve driven 12,000 km since purchase with no troubles.

6) Family and Social Reactions

I told my wife after the fact. She was surprised, of course. Porsche is a presence beyond Mercedes or BMW. But after explaining the price, she understood. We still have the FIT Hybrid, so daily life isn’t inconvenient.

I lost a few friends. They say, “That guy’s driving a Porsche!” and distance themselves. Well, it’s a small sacrifice.

7) Favorite Points

Everything.

Even though it’s a Porsche, it’s a practical German car, so I use it for everyday errands, like going to the supermarket with green onions on the passenger seat. It’s nimble and easy to handle with an 1800 mm width. The front and rear luggage spaces are ample. Aside from being a two-seater, I have no complaints.

5) Must-Have Options for Future Porsche Purchases

Sport Chrono, PASM, and PDK are absolute musts. That’s all you need.

6) Concerns

No “blemishes” at all, nor do I feel any.

7) Overall Impression

The 981 got the “uncool” idle stop feature. Personally, I think the tightened hatchback rear view is the best. The 981 looks a bit bulky, in my opinion.

Therefore, I proudly say the 987’s style is the best.

〘Blog Manager’s Thoughts〙
I’ve never driven a 987 Cayman, but it seems to retain the charm of the air-cooled Porsche era… After reading kazu’s report, I really want to try one. Every Porsche era has its own appeal. Porsche is truly amazing. Thank you, kazu.