The Porsche 718 Cayman (982) represents the most modern and technologically advanced chapter of Porsche’s mid-engine coupe story. Introduced as the successor to the naturally aspirated 981, the 718 Cayman brought turbocharged power, updated electronics, and sharper real-world performance—while retaining the rigid coupe body and mid-engine balance.
For today’s buyers, the 982 Cayman offers a compelling blend of speed, usability, and everyday refinement. It’s quicker and more flexible than earlier Caymans, easier to live with as a daily driver, and still delivers the confidence and composure that define Porsche’s best driver’s cars. Whether you’re cross-shopping newer sports coupes or looking for a modern Porsche that doesn’t sacrifice balance or feel, the 718 Cayman deserves serious consideration.
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Browse Porsche 718 Cayman (982s) listed by our community alongside a curated selection of the most interesting and well-kept examples for sale across the web. We highlight only standout 982 generation Cayman - making it easier to find the right car without the endless searching.
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS sits at the very top of the Cayman value spectrum. With a screaming 9,000-rpm flat-six derived from the 911 GT3, extensive aerodynamic upgrades, track-focused suspension, and limited production, the GT4 RS is one of the rarest and most sought-after road-legal Porsches in the 982 lineup. Its halo-car status and instant collector appeal mean GT4 RS values often exceed MSRP on the secondary market and depreciate very slowly compared to other variants.
Not far behind the RS, the 718 Cayman GT4 (4.0) holds value exceptionally well. It blends the high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six with a more accessible track-ready chassis than the RS version. GT4s are enthusiast favorites for their mechanical purity, strong brakes, and balanced handling—attributes that attract a dedicated buyer pool long after new-car depreciation has slowed. Because these cars are less common than base or S models, demand remains robust in the used market.
The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 strikes a powerful balance of everyday usability and six-cylinder excitement. This variant’s naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine delivers a sweeter sound and more linear power than the turbo four-cylinders found in base and S models, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who want more emotion without going full GT4. The GTS 4.0’s strong performance, along with its desirability and relative rarity, help it hold value better than lesser-spec Caymans.
Across all 982 trims, manual-transmission Caymans tend to hold value better than PDK-only equivalents. Enthusiast demand for manuals remains high as they become rarer in modern sports cars, especially when paired with high-performance variants like the GTS 4.0 or GT4. A clean, well-maintained manual 982 typically commands a premium over similar cars with PDK—reflecting the strong niche demand.
The base 718 Cayman with the 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four offers excellent performance and value for money, but its residual values tend to soften more than six-cylinder variants. While still a fantastic daily-driver sports coupe, it doesn’t hold value as strongly as GTS or GT4 variants because many buyers in the used market prioritize engine sound and engagement—areas where flat-four engines are often viewed as less emotionally rewarding.
Regardless of variant, 718s with extensive aftermarket modifications—especially poorly executed ones—tend to soften more in value than well-preserved, largely stock cars. Enthusiasts often prefer original condition or thoughtfully upgraded cars with documented maintenance over heavily tweaked examples whose history can be muddled.
Performance & Exclusivity: The GT4 RS and GT4 are designed with a clear performance focus and limited production, attracting dedicated buyers.
Emotion & Engagement: Naturally aspirated flat-six power (in GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS) makes these cars more appealing to enthusiasts than turbocharged four-cylinders.
Manual Demand: Rarity plus engagement equals value—manual cars are scarce and coveted.
Desirability Curve: Strong used demand for performance models shrinks effective supply and keeps prices elevated.
If your priority is value retention and resale desirability when shopping a Porsche 718 Cayman (982):
Target GT4 RS first—its collector appeal is unmatched.
Consider GT4 (4.0) next for high performance and strong residual value.
Choose GTS 4.0 if you want a balance between everyday usability and six-cylinder excitement.
Prefer manual transmissions where available, especially on higher-spec variants.
View base turbo four-cyl models as excellent drivers but softer value holders relative to high-spec trims.
The sweet spot for the 718 Cayman (982) is generally 2019 through 2023. These years fall well into the 718’s production run and benefit from incremental refinements Porsche made after the early launch years, without the mileage and age concerns you see in the oldest examples.
Refined performance and electronics: Porsche continued to improve engine calibration, suspension tuning, and interior technology after the 2017–2018 launch years.
Matured production quality: Early minor bugs (software quirks, calibration issues) tend to be addressed by later production cars.
Better used-market availability: These years are young enough that many well-maintained, low-to-moderate mileage examples are available, including desirable variants like GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS.
Strong value retention: Especially in performance trims, late-model 718s balance condition, performance, and resale appeal.
Overall, 2019–2023 delivers the best blend of modern tech, performance, reliability, and inventory choice.
These model years are often considered particularly strong buys because they’re late in the 982 lifecycle yet still retain plenty of new-car technology and refinement. In many cases, these cars still have portions of original warranty coverage remaining (for at least 3–4 years past first sale), which adds peace of mind.
The 2020 model year is a nice crossover point where enthusiast-favorite flat-six engines (particularly in GTS 4.0 and GT4 trims) became more common, offering better performance and emotional appeal than turbo four-cyl variants. Many 2020 cars offer an excellent balance of pricing, low mileage, and modern amenities.
2017 and 2018 represent the earliest production years of the 718 Cayman (982), and while they’re still perfectly enjoyable cars, they come with a few caveats:
Initial software/platform teething: Many new-generation cars experience early calibration or infotainment quirks that get ironed out later in the production run.
Turbo-Four First Impressions: These early years introduced turbocharged flat-four engines, which some buyers love for midrange torque but others find less engaging than the later flat-six 4.0 variants.
Slightly mixed reliability perceptions: A handful of early 718 owners reported minor software or electronics gremlins that became less frequent in later production runs.
Avoid 2017–2018 only if you’re focused on minimizing early-production risk or want the later-generation refinements that come standard on most 2019+ cars. With excellent maintenance history and a strong PPI, early 718s can still be good buys—but not ideal if you’re optimizing for reliability and value.
While not strictly “model years to avoid,” the following trends are worth noting:
Base Turbo-4 Models (Any Year): The base 2.0L and 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder cars depreciate more quickly than flat-six GTS or GT4 variants because the enthusiast market drives the 718 resale values most strongly toward naturally aspirated engines and performance models.
High-Mileage Examples (Any Year): Regardless of model year, high mileage (especially >50–60k miles) typically softens value and increases maintenance risk, particularly on performance models and track-ridden cars.
One of the first decisions when buying a 718 Cayman is engine choice. Base and S models use turbocharged flat-four engines, while GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS variants use naturally aspirated flat-six engines. Each has a different character and ownership profile. On turbo models, check for smooth boost delivery, no hesitation, and listen for wastegate rattle or unusual whistling. On flat-six cars, listen for clean cold starts, stable idle, and no excessive mechanical noise. Regardless of engine type, strong service records and frequent oil changes are critical indicators of long-term engine health.
Most 718 Caymans are equipped with PDK, which is generally reliable but requires proper fluid and filter servicing. Confirm that scheduled PDK services have been performed and that shifts are crisp and consistent under all driving modes. If you’re looking at a manual transmission car, check for smooth clutch engagement, no slipping under load, and easy gear selection—especially into second gear when cold. Transmission issues can be expensive, making this a key inspection area.
The 718 Cayman’s cooling system should be carefully inspected, particularly on turbocharged models that generate additional heat. Look for coolant smells, dried residue around hoses, stable operating temperatures, and clean intercooler and charge-pipe connections. Water pumps, thermostats, and expansion tanks are wear items even on newer cars, so documentation of cooling system maintenance or replacements is a strong positive sign when evaluating a used example.
A properly sorted 718 Cayman should feel tight, responsive, and well-balanced. Inspect suspension components for clunks, squeaks, or excessive harshness, which may indicate worn bushings, dampers, or alignment issues. Uneven tire wear can signal neglected suspension maintenance or prior track use. If the car is equipped with PASM, make sure the adaptive suspension works correctly in all modes. Good ride quality and precise steering are hallmarks of a healthy 718.
Many 718 Caymans—especially S, GTS, GT4, and RS models—see spirited driving or track days. Inspect brake rotors and pads for excessive wear, heat discoloration, or vibration under braking. Look for mismatched tires or low-quality replacement parts, which may indicate cost-cutting maintenance. Finally, assess the overall ownership story: clean interior condition, original paintwork, minimal modifications, and complete service documentation often point to a well-cared-for car and a safer purchase.
For most buyers, a 2019–2023 718 Cayman (982) with full service records, moderate mileage, and a clean pre-purchase inspection offers the best balance of performance, reliability, and long-term value.
These are the options that genuinely improve performance, daily usability, and long-term desirability in the used market—especially among enthusiast buyers.
The Sport Chrono Package is one of the most important options on a 718 Cayman. It adds selectable driving modes (Sport and Sport Plus), sharper throttle response, revised stability control programming, and—on PDK cars—noticeably quicker, more aggressive shifts. Sport Chrono transforms how the car responds when driven hard and is widely considered a must-have by enthusiasts, making it a strong contributor to resale value.
PASM gives the 718 Cayman adjustable damping, allowing the suspension to switch between a more comfortable road setup and a firmer, sport-oriented mode. This flexibility makes the car far more livable day-to-day while preserving excellent body control for spirited driving. PASM-equipped cars tend to feel more refined and composed, and most buyers actively seek it out on the used market.
A factory limited-slip differential significantly enhances traction and balance, particularly during aggressive corner exits or track driving. While not common, LSD is one of the most desirable performance options for knowledgeable buyers. It improves confidence at the limit and makes the Cayman feel more planted and predictable, which directly adds to enthusiast appeal and long-term value.
Upgraded seating makes a meaningful difference in how the 718 feels to drive. Sport Seats Plus or Adaptive Sport Seats provide better lateral support, increased comfort on long drives, and improved driver confidence during spirited cornering. These seats are a frequent buyer preference and often make a used car easier to sell than one equipped with standard seats.
The Porsche Sport Exhaust is especially desirable on the 718 because it improves engine sound and emotional engagement—particularly important on turbocharged four-cylinder models. On flat-six variants (GTS 4.0, GT4), it further enhances an already excellent soundtrack. PSE is one of the most noticeable options from behind the wheel and consistently boosts buyer interest.
While not technically an option in the traditional sense, the manual transmission deserves special mention. Manual 718 Caymans—especially GTS 4.0 and GT4 models—are increasingly rare and highly sought after. Enthusiasts often pay a premium for manual cars due to engagement, purity, and long-term collectibility, making this one of the biggest value drivers in the 982 lineup.
Upgraded brake packages, including larger steel sport brakes or Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), improve stopping power and fade resistance—particularly valuable for spirited driving or track use. While PCCB replacements are expensive, factory-equipped cars often attract performance-focused buyers who value braking capability and originality.
Options like premium audio (BOSE or Burmester), heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and navigation upgrades add daily usability and comfort. While these features don’t affect driving dynamics as much as performance options, they broaden buyer appeal and can help a car stand out in the used market.
From an expert buyer’s perspective, the most desirable Porsche 718 Cayman (982) typically includes: Sport Chrono Package, PASM, Limited-Slip Differential, Sport Seats Plus or Adaptive Sport Seats, Porsche Sport Exhaust and Manual transmission.
