Living with the Cayman GTS - Long Term Update #3 | Everyday Driver 

Man maths, selling an older Cayman because you need the money to buy a house, then turn around and buy a new more expensive Cayman.

When my wife realized I was serious about buying a cayman and came down to the dealership with me to look at a CPO CGTS…. She rolled her eyes at me during the test drive when she realized it was a manual. She grilled me about why a CPO ‘15 cost as much as a 718 S. She asked why I would want used vs new. She asked if I could deal with the slight paint imperfections. She even asked if I liked the paint color. Um…. Carmine red, so yeah…. She asked a bunch of other questions. In the end, she said you work hard, get what makes you happy. 4 years later and I still smile every time I hear that cold start, or 6k rpm as I sail up an on-ramp. Or when I walk back to it after we have Sunday brunch. It’s not the fastest. It’s not the icon 911. But it’s damn near perfect for me.

As a MT BMW M2 Comp owner, after watching your videos on the Caymans, I had to give them at least a test drive. I found a 2016 MT Cayman GTS in my area and took it for a spin. Wow, I now understand the hype. The car was so balanced, shifted like a dream, with a beautiful exhaust note. It’s wasn’t as fast as the M2C, and lack that brutal BMW M acceleration, but the refinement was just next level. Funny enough, since I enjoy the Cayman, I took my wife to look at a Macan S and we both fell in love and purchased one. Now I’m looking at purchasing a Cayman GTS for myself and selling the M2. 👍🏼

Your Cayman generation comparison video was what pushed me over the edge into buying my first Porsche - a 987.1 Cayman. Thanks for showing these cars some love!

981 caymans are the perfect car, on track, road trips, daily driver - they are excellent in all situations. the number of people i have had say how much they love it even with 4000 miles of road trip grime on it is unreal, so many comments about how it must be so much fun (it is). I'll drive mine till they tell me it can't be repaired or they stop selling gas.

Paul, you did great job articulating what the car makes me feel. I do own pretty much the same car, 2015 Cayman GTS with PDK, in Carmine Red. I spec'ed it and went all the way to Zuffenhausen to pick up. It's been 9 years. I can not believe it. Still every time I drive the car, it gives me from ear to ear. I can not wait to drive it next time. When I do drive the car, I mean it. I have enjoyed a lot of autocrossing. Since 2021 I have been tracking the car. Last year I had 15 track days. I feel so good about making use of the car as Porsche meant. Though I thought of replacing it by other Porsche, I have been having a hard time. You know exactly what I am going through. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Well said! I have a 981 cayman S and words can't explain how satisfying it is to drive to the track, beat the crap out of the car, drive back home, and then drive to work the next day. To this day I still spend a few minutes looking at the car before I head in.

It's one pedal shy of greatness.

I just took delivery of a new 718 Cayman S(first Porsche) that I specced myself and after only driving it 1000 miles, I share the same exact sentiments as you. I think it's my forever car.

What a wonderful portrayl of not only the car but what you love about the car...the relationship, the connection. Well done, Paul!!!

My GT3 is also a 2015. I have the same technological and interior quirks that you do, the cabins are very similar. I feel so much the same way as you do about your car as I do about mine. It's truly a reflection on the astounding care and attention Porsche puts into all their cars.

Thank you Paul for putting together 3 fantastic heart felt videos on the Cayman 981 GTS. They surely helped me decide to buy mine, and 3 weeks into ownership I'm beginning to relate to your experiences each time I sit behind the wheel. Thanks for putting in the time and effort to create such valuable content 👌

I enjoy my 981 GTS very much. Mine is spec'd with 6MT, X73, PTV, nav, and GTS interior package with the 18 way sport plus seats. I've done 19 HPDE days in my 19 months of ownership, with some events as far as 800 miles from my home. The car is wonderful on track, even in the rain, and driving from my home to events is comfortable. I've ridden in Caymans with the LWB seats and my 66-year old back would not be happy in those seats. Consumable costs are reasonable - just new pads periodically (I'm on my 3rd set of race pads), oil changes after every 6 HPDE days, and I'm on my second set of 200TW tires. Shortly after buying the car I bought some used 19" HRE wheels from a friend, so the 20's stay in my garage. This car is a keeper.

Very nice video, I have a 2014 “base” 2.7 981, fun car, and once the revs are up plenty of power and that exhaust note is just glorious!

Absolutely magnificent car, the 981 GTS is one of a kind, I had them (GTS)s since 2017 PDK car first then I swapped it for a manual high spec car it even got better, never thought of selling it, it is a keeper, I totally agree the 981 lines are just perfect, they don't make anything like them anymore.

This channel helped push me over the edge to get a 2015 981S a year ago, never think about being in anything else. Good stuff

My dream car!! Love these long term owner videos!

Hey Paul, you summarised it really well...practical, relatively affordable, and BEAUTIFUL car. 👍🏻

Every time I park my 981 and walk away as I press the lock tab on the remote and hear the pleasant chirp of the horn, I have to turn around and look at it and this wave of complete satisfaction washes over me. They are just amazing machines.

I absolutely love long term updates. This one was solid. Great video.

981 is the best sound Porsche ever!

Wonderful! I love your presentations, Paul. I feel like you’re speaking to me directly. Maybe that’s the car I need to get, too.

As a 981 GTS owner myself, the best part of this car is that I know it'll usually appreciate in value, and how low maintenance it is considering it's a porsche. Also, the flat 6 sound is just so good!!

I love my 981 GTS for the way that it never fails to bring a smile to my face, makes me laugh out loud at how effortlessly it goes around corners, and at how beautifully it does everything that you expect a true sports car to do, and more. The sound is superb. The only complaint that I have is that I have annoying rattles in the interior at the rear which are incredibly hard to nail down. Otherwise I agree totally with your comments.

This perfectly epitomizes why we drive.

Great recap Paul. I’ve had the same thoughts about selling my 2015 Boxster S when it’s sitting in the garage, but then I drive it and the thoughts quickly go away. Every time I get done driving I have a smile on my face.

The 981 GTS is an ABSOLUTE blast to drive!! I bought mine in 2015 with 4K+ miles and I just hit 66K and its one of a few cars I have and not a daily driver. I also drive it like I stole it. I went looking for a used 2015 Carrera S and when I got to the dealership the car had been sold. Feeling it wasnt meant to be I told my wife it was ok I would just wait a few years as our boys were about to head out to college. We've had so much fun with this car I feel it has to remain in the family. I am glad to hear you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. Absolutely fantastic car in every aspect. Thanks for your videos!!

Future classic. Underappreciated sound - much better than any of the pre-RS 718 trims - and more performance potential than people realize. A skilled driver can bother GT3s on track, autocross, etc. :). Glad you've kept yours so long, I've still got mine and short of that GT3 or a GT4 RS, I don't see myself ever letting it go.

Sapphire blue metallic never gets old 👌

Awesome. Thank you Paul. The 20in wheels balance the design out so well. The 911 is my cul de sac car but you’re making me want a Cayman!

Probably one of the best Porsches made, great blend of HP/torque, sound, feel and comfort. With PTV its super sharp as well. Outside of the GT division cars, modern 911s (991.2/992) feel large, torquey and just like many more expensive twin turbo cars comfortable, fast but lacking an emotional connection. The advantage of the 981 GTS, especially with PTV, is you can wring its neck and have loads of fun without the stupid factor of much higher HP/torque cars.

Excellent insight on ownership experience of your GTS.

I also have a 2015 gts. Not getting rid of it anytime soon. Great content. Thank you.

Man watched you 10 years ago. Glad I re found you

One of the nicest examples of a Cayman I’ve ever seen. Now I know which model year to look for.

For some reason I thought you had sold this car. Really glad you kept it and looking forward to watching this video.

i watched your first video on the 981 gts cayman & fell in love with the colour! so much so I waited & waited until I found THE one!, many thanks for pointing me to the best car/colour combination - I've owned a 987s & 981 base {colbart blue & sapphire blue} this is the best car I have ever owned. thank you for converting me

8:50. Fantastic point, it’s been a while since I’ve watched a video on this channel. This episode has reminded me why I remained subscribed. Sublime content, my friends. I and my 21 Camaro SS M6 agree wholeheartedly.

I laughed hard when Paul said: "after listening to that sound I need a cigarette" Great video! The car lines are definately beautiful from any view. My 1995 Porsche 911 (993) cabriolet doesn't have a usb port, nav, backup camera, etc., but it is 100% fun and that's why I love my analog 993. Cheers! 😀

Hi Paul, love the content you all consistently produce, well done to the team. I've always desired a cayman, but they have always been out of reach. However, 2007/8 987 2.7litre models (approx 60k miles) have come down in price in Australia to be just a little dearer than a new 2022 GR86. This poses quite a dilemma as they have similar power/weight and both good handling cars. Now that you own a GR86, perhaps you could do a comparison. 15 year old cayman vs new GR86 as a weekend car with occasional track use from one perspective and daily as another. Appreciate any comments you have on the subject. Cheers.

Paul, you hit it on the head. Porsche nailed it with the 981 GTS. The OEM PSE is out of this world as is the styling. A semi-exotic but in Carmine Red I see all the exotic guys take a look when I drive by. That Sapphire Blue is a head turner as well.

Paul, I bought my 981 Boxster GTS brand new in 2015 (my wife and I ordered it to our spec). We still own it, and my experience is much the same as yours. 7 years later, and there are other cars that tempt me. I have a feeling a C8 Z06 will finally get me out of this car, but failing this, this thing is brilliant.

I am so glad I've gotten time in this car. I love it.

I've always been a Cayman fan. This one looks great and like a lot of fun! That's crazy how it eats through those Pilot Sports on Track days.

I've driven the 987 Boxster S, the 981 Cayman S and a base 718 Cayman. They're all so much fun, but I loved the 718 the most. Just everything about it, even the flat 4 turbo. Always make your own experiences. I hope I'll find a used 718 when prices get back to normal. Awesome cars 👌

Nice to see a long termer video, please keep it and put 200, 000 miles on the clock and document the journey. If I can ever afford one, I’m going to drive put as many miles on it as possible, and film it.

I raced a red 981 Cayman GTS at Speedvegas and it blew my mind. Still to this day the best car I have ever driven.

Such a cool thing to still be enamored with your car after six years and so many other driving experiences.

I’ve owned my 981 GTS for 9 months now and echo your sentiments. Especially the hard driving aspect, cornering and the noise. I keep toying with so many other Porsches given the click is ticking on combustion and everything says I need to own a 964, 993, 997.1 gt3 etc, but then I drive the 981 again and it just keeps saying it’s the only car I’ll ever need.

This a good one here been waiting on it

I am driving the 981 Boxster GTS for 5 years. Such a great car, I am loving it since day one and every day I am driving it (my 2nd car) it's falling in love again and again🤩😎

Props on the sneaker-to-paint color matching going on, Paul :)

Brilliant video, exactly why I've done exactly the same. Keeper 👌

Classic North Scottsdale moment from that owner. PNS has been nothing but pleasant to my and my automotive photography friends.

great video as always :)

What a great piece Paul. I am certain I will always own a Porsche. These cars just offer such phenomenal driver engagement and balance. I've had a 987 boxster S for years, and after installing cayman R suspension it truly became the best sports car as far as driver engagement. However I drove a GT4 and wanted something more serious. Thankfully a manual cayman GTS came into my life, and now sits next to the boxster. What the cayman lacks in steering feel it makes up for with a more motorsport feel and a colorful engine. The front end pales in comparison to the 987, but the rear end of the 981 is better as the PTV shoves your around the corners. Plus the interior feels far more modern and premium. So the best answer to your cayman shoot out is buy as many as you can!

I feel the same way about my Honda S2000. The driving experience is like nothing else.

Sounded really great, but amazed that the GTS came with base seats.

Nice. Really nice. Underneath I think Paul really wants a Kia Soulroad. 😄. Great video guys. I enjoyed it. Need more engine sound clips. Just sayin.

Great video as always. You can make a video driving a Prius and it would be entertaining. I’m looking into the 981GTS and the Boxster 981 GTS.

I'm about to pick up my first Porsche and it's my first sports car and the car of my dreams, I'm so friggin HYPED!!!

Amazing engine note

I have a PDK 981 S that's someone spec'd with every option but PASM (I miss it. I had it on my old 987.1 MT) and the PSE (but at least I have Sport Chrono) and i feel the same way you do.... I've tracked it, road tripped it and dailied it up to 125k miles. Zero issues. Brakes, tires, oil changes, and plugs.... That's it.

Congrats. That’s the one I want too. ❤

My favorite place to drive is the Smoky Mountains. Don't miss the manual transmission at all. PDK is giddy fun in the twisties. Paddle pull = instant power. Makes me laugh it's so fun!

I’ve owned a nicely specced PDK 981S for 2 years alongside my 8 year owned 996tt. Wow, what a car it has been.

I love my cayman 981 GTS there is nothing like it for making you feel alive

This video makes me happy.

I have a 981 S in Guards Red (common color I know), but it just looks so amazing. You are right. This car looks great from every angle. I don't doubt the steering is slightly better in the previous generation, but I think the 981 is the first truly great looking Cayman. I had to go outside of Utah to find one with PASM, PSE, Sports Plus, and with a manual. It's incredibly hard to find one with all four of those options that isn't on the other side of the country. I guess I'm getting old and prefer a manual. Straight line speed just isn't as important to me these days as it was drag racing my Mustang GT in high school. I know it isn't as fast as a PDK, but it's still quick, sounds incredible, handles as well as anything out there, and is one of the best all-around sports cars you can drive. I added Fabspeed headers and an FVD Brombacher tune, and the car is nearly perfect. The gearing is a little tall as everyone knows, but it's such an engaging drive to row those gears. I have to admit I've come to love the rev matching. It's cheating a little bit I know, but you are still rowing the gears. Who cares? It works great, and you get a perfect downshift everytime. The best things (as you mentioned) are its reliability and low maintenance. I had a Maserati coupe which was equally as beautiful and had a thunderous Ferrari V8 in it, but it was a maintenance nightmare! The headlights went out while I was on a date, and I had to hold the high beams on the whole time while driving the car. She just looked at me like what a POS car this is. Why didn't we just take my Focus? I kept having to go into the trunk and manually pull the cable to open the fuel hatch. I kept thinking this is ridiculous to be having problems like this. I sold it and bought this Cayman and never looked back. I'm a biased Porsche fan no doubt about it, and I do love the current 911. If we are being honest though, the 911 now (other than a couple trim levels) is a GT car. That's fine, but the Cayman is small and tossable like the 911 used to be. It's the true sports car in the lineup, and has the characteristics that made the 911 famous in the first place. I will say that if you do golf, the 911's extra room is definitely advantageous lol, because getting a regular sized golf bag in a Cayman is a struggle.

Hard car to find even harder to find with out the high sticker now. Had to put this one on the back burner. One of my favorite sweethearts.

Thanks Paul

I just took delivery of a ‘24 GTS 4.0 - one of the last ICE cars??? And I selected the 911 Turbo wheels that you have. They really enhance the overall look of high performance, that look of fast-even-when-standing-still. :)

I owned a VW Golf R with the DSG, the VW version of PDK, and it's an excellent gearbox. I always owned manuals before that and I didn't want to go back to them after owning the DSG.

Love my 981 GT Silver GTS Manual🏁

Great video. I dream of driving a Porsche some day. Someday sooner than later I hope.

Excellent video.

I'd have to drive one to be convinced that it's worth getting rid of my 987.1 base 5spd which is so much fun and the steering is perfect!

Love your video. I own a 981GTS. ABOLUTELY LOVE IT. and I could easily buy a 911.

any 12v cigarette light type outlet can be converted into a usb port for less than ten dollars.

That Is One Sick Carr!

I love the blue trim, and I permanent (unlike tires)!

Definitely a great looking car and I love that color

I own a base 2022 Cayman. It's only got a 2.0L engine but it's the fastest car I've ever owned. It's also the finest built car that I've ever owned. I hope it holds up for 10-15 years because that's how long I plan to keep it.

Great review! Is it GTS 4.0? Also how is this color called?

I got my 981S used from the dealership and the previous owner was like yours. He got a manual and every sport option possible and then added sports exhaust after taking delivery at twice the price as factory. I adore the mid engine layout and have the 4L GTS on order. Two year wait!

I bought my 2015 Cayman 981 GTS with 10k miles as a CPO back in December of 2016. It has been a dream to own and drive. For the last couple of years I thought of a few other cars that I would like to drive and considered selling the GTS but I just can't seem to pull the trigger. There are faster cars for sure but also more expensive. I have this feeling in my gut that if I do sell the GTS I will end up regretting it at some point down the road. So here I am, still driving this beautiful Black Cayman GTS and still smiling every time I get behind the wheel. Life is good! I case you want to know what other cars I have considered here they are and they are mostly other Porsches: the 911 GT3 or Turbo S, a Panamera GTS or Turbo, and the Cayenne GTS or Turbo. An Audi R8 V10. A Mercedes AMG GTR. Oh and of course the Cayman GT4 RS but I can't pay the markups they are asking. All great cars for sure. To bad my $ is capped under 150K right now.

Nice video Paul. Hope Todd is okay - this is two in a row without Todd (he wasn't there for the GR Corolla ride along either.)

That ending tho 🔥

Glad you are holding onto it!! I remember I bought my 997 a few years ago and after my mechanic gave it a clean bill of health he said great 977 but you should have bought a 981 cayman s or Gts! 🤦‍♂️

Exterior color is good. Said color on interior accents makes it look so O’Reilleys

Great car. Sold my 981 Cayman S for a Alfa 4C, and I do miss the manual from time to time (minus the tall gearing), but since I now have a different daily I don't think I'd go back. Driving the Alfa just feels much more of an event than the Cayman did, but for cross country or daily purposes, doesn't compare. Hang on to that beauty until something brings you more joy.

Best looking Porsche IMHO.

Had a '15 Boxster GTS, sold it when I got a '16 Spyder. My comment when asked about it is: "It makes me feel like a better driver than I am." I've always liked Sapphire Blue and love the wheels (I kept them for my Spyder). Mine has the painted louvers too and I literally laughed out loud when I saw the option pricing. 😆

my 2014 Cayman S has USB in the glove box. PCM with BOSE. Love everything about the car except the steering vs my old 987. I love the 360hp of the Softronic Tune, the car is a rocket, no power dips like stock. I have X73 which is low and stiff!

Oddly your thought here relate to my BRZ in some ways. I think about whether it makes sense, whether something else is more "practical", etc. But when I drive or autocross it all of those thoughts go away.

Well done!!!! Sincerely, you should work in the marketing apartment for Porsche! Well done in explaining the passion of driving and finding an excellent, superb, sports car! Thanks!

Thanks!

Does this car have the X73 factory sport suspension suspension? It makes a big difference.

Porsche. There is no substitute.👌🏽🔥🔥

Exactly! You perfectly described my feelings about my PDK 987.2 S!! How do I ever move on?!? 🤣