The Porsche 718 Cayman T is a more driver-focused version of the regular 718 Cayman. Even though the powertrain stays the same, the T is lower to the ground, has more focused components and it also gets certain features that are only available with 6-cylinder 718 Cayman models. This means that the 718 Cayman T is the entry-level 718 for purists.
Porsche also does this with their 911 lineup with pretty much the same idea. The T model is slightly lower, lighter, gets special options, and is more tailored to those who love the Porsche brand as a whole. All of this means that these T models should not be all that much different from the models on which they are based and it seems like that is the case here.
The Cayman T suffers from engine-related issues, transmission issues, A/C system issues, airbag issues, and issues with the fuel system. It’s worth mentioning that older 718 models are considerably worse and are more prone to these and many other issues.
All in all, the 718 Cayman T is a decently reliable car as is the case with the regular 718 Cayman. It may be a bit more costly than many other cars in this segment, but most people are willing to pay for it because the Cayman is an incredibly fun car to drive.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Engine issues
The 718 Cayman T uses the entry-level flat 4-cylinder engine with 300hp which is not exactly something most Porsche enthusiasts want. The flat 6-cylinder found in higher-end models are the ones getting all the praise for a reason. When it comes to reliability though, these 4-cylinder Boxster engines can sometimes have issues with the spark plugs and ignition coils.
Oil leaks are rare, but some owners are suggesting that they can occur on even lower mileage cars. These can be accompanied by engine misfires, rough idling, and the car even stalling. All in all, these engine issues aren’t common enough, especially on newer 718 models.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Transmission issues
The 718 Cayman T also sometimes suffers from transmission-related issues. The 718 Cayman T is available with either a manual or a PDK dual-clutch gearbox and both of these can sometimes cause issues. Problems with manual transmissions are typically down to unskilled driving, so be sure to pay close attention to how you drive the car.
On the other hand, 718 Cayman T models with an automatic dual-clutch PDK gearbox are known to be jittery at lower speeds. A few owners even reported the PDK completely failing and not willing to let you engage D or reverse gear. Issues such as these are not all that common with newer 718 models including the 718 T.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – A/C issues
The A/C system can often be a problem in many Porsche models, but it seems like the 718 lineup is the one suffering the most from A/C-related issues. For starters, the A/C condenser is known to sometimes fail and become extremely rattly and noisy. This can mean that the A/C system becomes unable to properly cool down or heat up the interior of the 718.
Finally, the condenser lines can also prematurely wear out and render the entire A/C system useless. Either way, if you are interested in buying a 718 Cayman, be sure to always inspect the A/C system for any signs of trouble as these can cost quite a lot of money to fix.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Airbag issues
Airbag issues are something many automakers struggle with getting right as there simply isn’t any room for error when it comes to airbags. The 718 lineup was recalled by Porsche twice due to airbag-related issues. The first recall took place back in 2016, and the other recall happened back in 2018.
718 Cayman models made after these two recalls seem to have fully functioning airbags that are not showing any signs of trouble. It is paramount to check if the 718 Cayman T you are looking at has had these issues resolved.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Fuel system issues
We have already mentioned that the 718 Cayman was part of two different recalls related to airbag problems, but many 718 models made between 2019 and 2020 were also part of a recall due to trouble with the fuel lines.
These issues are even more serious than the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph as these can easily result in an engine fire which can total the car immediately. As such, be sure to check if the car you are looking at was involved in this recall.
FAQ Section
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman T better than the regular Cayman?
The Porsche 718 Cayman T is just a slightly more driver-focused version of the regular Cayman. This means that the T model is made for those who don’t want the entry-level 718 but want something with a tad bit more substance. The T offers the same power as the regular 718, but it does drive differently.
If you are someone who values Porsche as a brand and you deem yourself to be a Porsche enthusiast, you are likely going to appreciate the 718 Cayman T. If you are not a Porsche nutcase, you are better off taking the regular 718 Cayman.
How much does the Porsche 718 Cayman T cost?
The Porsche 718 Cayman T starts at a little under $67,000 which is about $6,000 more than the regular 718 Cayman. We have already mentioned that these two are almost identical and that only Porsche enthusiasts can tell the difference.
You can think of the Cayman T as a regular Cayman but with additional options mostly tailored towards pleasurable driving.
How long can a Porsche 718 Cayman T last?
According to many online sources, the 718 Cayman T should be able to last around 100,000 miles without needing major overhauls. However, there are no reasons why the Cayman T should not be able to do a lot more than that.
Average Porsche sports car owners take care of their cars pretty well which usually means that these cars are able to last a long longer than most cars.
