Among the coveted Porsches, the Cayman is said to be “surprisingly affordable.” How can a luxury sports car be purchased at such an affordable price? This is a question that many people have.
In fact, the reason the Porsche 718 Cayman is so cheap is due to a combination of factors, including Porsche’s strategic positioning, the characteristics of the used car market, and high maintenance costs. In this article, we’ll analyze these factors in detail and provide the information you need if you’re considering buying a Cayman.
The Cayman is said to be “cheap,” but we will explain in detail what costs are actually involved in purchasing and maintaining it, and when is the best time to buy one.
Porsche Cayman’s market position
Porsche 718 Cayman
Strategic pricing as an entry model
The biggest reason why the Porsche Cayman is “cheap” is that it is positioned as the entry model for the Porsche brand. Porsche has a clear price hierarchy strategy, and the Cayman is designed as the “entrance to Porsche ownership.”
Price structure as of 2025 (reference price for new cars)
- Cayman (718): From 9.48 million yen
- 911 Carrera: From 18.53 million yen
- 911 Turbo S: from 32.79 million yen
This price difference of approximately 90,500 yen is no coincidence: Porsche is using the Cayman as a long-term customer development strategy to encourage customers to experience the brand first, before upgrading to a more expensive model in the future.
Reference: Porsche Japan
911 connection and intentional performance limitations
Interestingly, the Cayman could technically be as good as the 911, or even better in some respects, but Porsche has deliberately limited the Cayman’s capabilities to protect the 911’s value.
Differences in technical features
- Cayman: Mid-engine layout (ideal weight distribution)
- 911: rear-engine layout (traditional but technically challenging)
Maintaining this value hierarchy of “911 > Cayman” is one of the factors that keeps the price of the Cayman down.
The specific reasons why the Cayman is cheap
1. Optimization of development and manufacturing costs
Porsche 718 Cayman 718-boxster
Platform sharing strategy: The Cayman uses essentially the same platform as the Boxster . This sharing:
- Development costs: reduced by approximately 30-40%
- Parts procurement costs: Reduced unit costs through mass production
- Manufacturing costs: Increased efficiency through common processes
The current 718 Cayman uses a turbocharged flat-four engine (excluding special models such as the GTS and GT4). Compared to the six-cylinder engine used in the previous 911:
- Number of parts: reduced by approximately 20%
- Manufacturing process: Labor costs reduced by simplification
- Compliance with environmental regulations: Cost-effective and meets emission standards
2. Supply and demand balance in the secondhand market
Abundant supply: The Cayman is produced in relatively large numbers, and there is a plentiful supply on the used market. This oversupply has led to price competition and has depressed the market price.
The impact of the 911’s popularity: For many Porsche enthusiasts, the 911 is the ultimate goal, and the Cayman is sometimes seen as a “stopgap.” This perception keeps demand on the used market relatively low.
3. High maintenance costs
Actual annual maintenance costs
- Basic maintenance costs: 500,000 to 700,000 yen/year
- Automobile tax: 24,600 yen to 58,000 yen/year (depending on engine displacement)
- Insurance premium: Approximately 150,000 to 250,000 yen per year
- Regular maintenance: Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 yen per year
Many buyers are reluctant to pay these high maintenance costs, which means the price tends to drop when it comes time to sell.
Imported car resale value ranking
The Porsche 718 Cayman has the fifth highest resale value among imported cars.
Imported cars
| Ranking | Car model | Residual value rate (after 5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Land Rover Defender | 89.20% |
| 2nd place | AMG G | 78.48% |
| 3rd place | Land Rover Discovery Sport | 66.58% |
| 4th place | Land Rover Discovery | 66.58% |
| 5th place | Porsche 718 Cayman | 65.98% |
Price trends and market trends by generation
First generation Cayman (987 model: 2005-2012)
Current market sentiment
- Standard model: 2.8 million to 4.5 million yen
- S model: 3.5 million to 5.8 million yen
- R model: 5.8 million to 8 million yen
The price of the first-generation Cayman has bottomed out and is now trending upward rather than remaining flat. This is because the value of the car as a “classic Porsche” is beginning to be recognized.
Second generation Cayman (981 type: 2013-2016)
Current market sentiment
- Standard model: 5.8 million to 7.8 million yen
- S model: 7.2 million to 9.2 million yen
- GT4: Over 12 million yen (premium price)
The second generation was the last model equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, and its value has been increasing in recent years. Manual transmission models in particular are becoming increasingly rare.
Current third-generation Cayman (718 model: 2016-present)
Current market sentiment
- Standard model: 6.2 million to 7.2 million yen
- S model: 7.5 million to 8.5 million yen
- GTS 4.0: Almost no drop from new car price
- GT4: Deals that exceed the price of a new car
Market Trends: With electrification planned for 2026, the value of internal combustion engine models is being reassessed. Prices of 6-cylinder engine models (GTS 4.0, GT4) in particular are on the rise.
When will the Cayman become cheaper?
Price fluctuations before and after new model announcements
The best timing
- 3 months before new model announcement: Stock clearance begins
- Immediately after the new model is released: Demand for the old model declines
- Six months after the new model is released: This is when the price difference becomes the largest.
Specific price decline rate
- When a full model change occurs: 15-25% price drop
- Minor change: 5-10% price drop
Seasonal factors and fiscal year end
When prices tend to fall
- December to February : Prices fall due to a drop in demand
- March and September : End of fiscal year inventory clearance sale
- Around Golden Week : Sales promotion campaign
Easy price negotiation
- Long-term inventory vehicles (more than 6 months since display)
- Unpopular colors (unusual colors, etc.)
- High mileage vehicles (over 100,000 km)
The real and hidden costs of maintenance
Regular maintenance costs
Porsche authorized dealer price
- Oil change: 40,000 to 60,000 yen per change
- 12-month inspection: 50,000 to 80,000 yen
- 24-month inspection (vehicle inspection): 200,000 to 400,000 yen
Price at specialty stores
- Oil change: 25,000 to 35,000 yen/change
- 12-month inspection: 35,000 to 50,000 yen
- Vehicle inspection: 150,000 to 250,000 yen
Consumable replacement costs
Cost of major consumables
- 4 tires: 250,000 to 350,000 yen
- Brake pads (front): 120,000 to 180,000 yen
- Clutch replacement (MT vehicle): 450,000 to 600,000 yen
- Battery: 50,000 to 80,000 yen
Risk of breakdown and repair costs
Common breakdowns and repair costs
- Oil leak : 100,000 to 500,000 yen
- Air conditioner failure : 150,000 to 250,000 yen
- Electrical system problems : 50,000 to 200,000 yen
- Suspension replacement : 200,000 to 400,000 yen
Economic Cayman Ownership Strategies
Smart Purchasing Strategies
Select the optimal model year and grade
- Cost-effective : 718 2019-2021 model
- Emphasis on future prospects : Late model 981 (2014-2016)
- Value for money : 718 GTS 4.0 or GT4
Optimizing purchase timing
- Within 6 months of new model release
- December to February: low demand period
- End of fiscal year sales (March and September)
How to reduce maintenance costs
Differentiating maintenance locations
- During warranty period : Authorized dealer
- After the warranty expires : Trusted specialist store
- Easy to do : DIY or general repair shop
Ingenious parts selection
- Genuine parts vs. OEM parts
- Appropriate selection of aftermarket parts
- Utilizing used parts (in good condition)
Maximizing resale value
Points to maintain value
- Maintaining regular maintenance records
- Maintaining genuine options
- Avoiding accidents and repair history
- Popular color options (white, black, silver, red)
- Proper mileage management
Recommended by model
First generation Cayman (987 model)
Recommendation:
merit
- The cheapest available
- Expected to increase in value as a classic Porsche
- Simple and easy-to-understand structure
Disadvantages
- High risk of failure
- Lacking modern amenities
- Maintenance costs can be high
Recommended for:
- Those who want to enjoy the Porsche experience at the lowest possible cost
- Those who can understand the appeal of classic cars
- Those who enjoy maintenance
Second generation Cayman (981 type)
Recommendation:
merit
- The appeal of naturally aspirated engines
- A good balance between design and performance
- Value can be expected to increase
Disadvantages
- Prices are on the rise
- Difficulty in securing quality vehicles
- Maintenance costs are quite high
Recommended for:
- Those who prefer naturally aspirated engines
- Those who expect future value preservation
- Those who want to choose with an emphasis on balance
Current Cayman (718 type)
Recommendation:
merit
- The latest safety equipment and comfort
- Relatively low risk of failure
- 4-cylinder turbo fuel economy
Disadvantages
- Mixed opinions on the sound of the 4-cylinder turbo
- The price is still high
- Risk of value decline due to electrification
Recommended for:
- Those who want to enjoy the latest technology
- Those who value everyday use
- Those who prioritize fuel efficiency
Points to check when purchasing
Important items to check on the actual vehicle
Appearance check
- Body scratches, dents, paint condition
- Cloudy or yellowed headlights
- Uneven tire wear patterns
- Brake rotor wear condition
- Oil leaks underneath
Interior check
- Seat wear and tear
- Checking the operation of the electrical system
- Air conditioning effectiveness
- Audio/navigation operation
- Presence or absence of strange noises or odors
Engine and driving check
- Abnormal noise when starting the engine
- Vibration when idling
- Response during acceleration
- Braking effectiveness
- Steering play or vibration
Document and record confirmation items
Required verification documents
- Vehicle inspection certificate and maintenance record book
- Instruction manual and maintenance notes
- Accident and repair history records
- Previous owner information (to the extent possible)
- Warranty and warranty details
The Importance of Maintenance Records
- Dealer maintenance frequency
- Oil change history
- Timing for replacing consumables
- Past breakdowns and repairs
- Regular inspection status
Future market forecast
The impact of electrification
2026 Electrification Plan Porsche has announced plans to electrify the new Cayman/Boxster from 2026. This will:
- Increased rarity of internal combustion engine models
- Increased value, especially for 6-cylinder models (GTS 4.0, GT4)
- Growing demand in the collector market
As the last generation of internal combustion engines, the current 718 model is expected to retain its value. In particular :
- Manual transmission vehicles
- Vehicles with 6-cylinder engines
- Limited edition and special edition vehicles
Used car market trends
Factors behind price stabilization
- Increased demand for used cars due to rising new car prices
- Interest in internal combustion engine vehicles due to electrification
- Demand for high-priced items due to monetary easing policies
Risk factors
- Decline in demand due to economic recession
- Younger generations are moving away from cars
- Strengthening environmental regulations
summary
The reason why the Porsche Cayman is “cheap” is due to a combination of factors. The main reasons can be summarized as follows:
The main reason for the low price
- Strategic positioning : Pricing as an entry model
- Optimizing manufacturing costs : Sharing platforms and adopting four-cylinder engines
- Oversupply in the used car market : The impact of abundant supply and the popularity of the 911
- High maintenance costs : Post-purchase costs pressure sellers
- Awareness issue : “Not a real Porsche”
Key points for a successful purchase
- Good timing : After a new model is released or at the end of the fiscal year
- Pre-calculation of maintenance costs : Estimated annual maintenance costs of 500,000 to 700,000 yen
- Choosing a reliable dealer : focusing on maintenance records and warranty details
- Considering future value : Electrification makes internal combustion engine vehicles rarer
The Cayman is certainly an “affordable Porsche,” but there are clear reasons behind this. If you consider purchasing it after understanding these factors, you will be able to enjoy a satisfying Porsche life.
Now is the last chance before electrification, so we recommend getting a Cayman at the right price and at the right time, so you can fully enjoy the charm of an internal combustion engine.
