The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a 2-seater compact Porsche sports car made for those who want to enjoy a compact Porsche chassis, but with the 4.0L flat 6-cylinder engine. According to many Porsche enthusiasts, the 911 has become way too big in the past few years while the Cayman is now sized just about right.
When it comes to reliability, the 718 Cayman GTD 4.0 is not necessarily all that much different than other 718 models, except for the engine which is known to experience issues. The most common 718 Cayman GTS issues are related to the engine’s connecting rods, higher levels of oil consumption, and issues with the transmission.
The 718 also experiences issues with the A/C system and the equipment. Most of these issues can be solved proactively which means that maintenance is essential. It is true that Porsches do cost considerably more money to maintain than most premium cars out there, but you get what you pay for.
On the other hand, Porsches typically benefit by having replacement parts with around 50% more serviceably life than most other brands. All in all, the GTS 4.0 is a really fun car to drive and is one of the best 718 models out there.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Engine connecting rod issues
Probably the worst problem that could ever happen with your 718 GTS is the one associated with defective engine connecting rods. Porsche even stopped the production of many 718 models with the flat 6-cylinder engine because they had to fix this issue before moving on. If not taken care of early enough, these can cause serious damage to your engine.
These can even result in engine fires if not handled properly. The good news is that Porsche has made sure to replace all defective engines with newer ones. However, you can never be too sure about this. So, be sure to inspect the engine’s connecting rod’s before you decide to buy a used 718 Cayman GTS.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – High oil consumption
The 4.0L flat 6-cylinder engine is sourced directly from the Porsche 911 GT3 which means that the engine is capable of pushing a lot more power than it does in the 718 Cayman. However, many owners are complaining about having to top up the oil every few hundred miles because the car burns way too much oil.
The necessity of having to top up the oil depends on each individual car. Some Porsche specialists state that this is normal, but others believe that it isn’t. Either way, be sure to keep an eye out on your oil levels as a lack of engine oil can cause severe engine damage, so much so that it can even destroy an engine.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Transmission issues
The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is available with either a Porsche short-throw manual or an automatic dual-clutch PDK gearbox. The PDK used to experience issues early on in the GTS lifespan, but 4.0L later models with PDK are a lot more dependable. You can still sometimes experience the transmission being hesitant, but overall, it is a really good system.
The short-throw manual box is a lot different as it needs to be babied, otherwise, it is going to fail. Some say that these issues are completely due to lack of skill while others believe that Porsche manuals are not as good as some think they are.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – A/C system issues
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS suffers from various A/C issues, but those issues are common across the entire 718 range. These include problems with the A/C condenser, problems with condenser lines, and the car losing the ability to cool down or heat up the cabin when necessary. These can typically be resolved with just repairs without the need for serious replacement parts.
If you are interested in buying a 718 Cayman GTS, be sure to inspect the A/C system thoroughly.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Equipment issues
The 718 Cayman GTS suffers from certain equipment issues which are relatively common on certain Cayman models. One of those issues is related to the rear spoiler which is known to not be able to sit flush when lowered. Others have reported issues with the fenders and the hood not aligning properly.
FAQ Section
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 worth it?
Yes, it is. The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is one of the best Cayman models to ever come out because it combines the 718 chassis with a glorious 4.0L flat 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. This ensures that the 718 Cayman GTS sounds good, runs well, and feels like a joy behind the steering wheel.
The only Cayman models that are better than the GTS 4.0 are the GT4 and the range-topping GT4 RS, both of which cost a lot more money than the GTS does. All in all, we can definitely say that the GTS 4.0 is worth it.
What is the difference between the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the GT4?
The Porsche 718 GT4 is a track-focused version of the regular Cayman which means that it drives and feels a lot more focused than all other 718 models, except for the range-topping GT4 RS. The GT4 is also a limited-edition car which means that there aren’t too many of these around.
Even though the GTS 4.0 and the GT4 share the same engine, the GT4 is more powerful and it beats the GTS in every way. Moreover, the GT4 gets a special body kit, a fixed rear spoiler, and more focused tires straight from the factory.
Is there a version of the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS with a 4-cylinder engine?
Yes, the first 718 GTS uses a 4-cylinder engine while the post-facelift mid-cycle refresh models use a flat 6-cylinder engine. Between these two, the 4.0L is by far the better car as the engine is what makes all the difference in the world. However, the 4-cylinder GTS is also a nice car, but it simply can’t match the experience you get with a flat 6-cylinder engine.
