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Porsche Cayman 987c (2005-2012) reliability

At a glance

Porsche Cayman 987c built around 2012: fails its MOT less often than average

Porsche Cayman 987c models built around 2012 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche Cayman 987c?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

8% of MOT tests on Porsche Cayman 987c models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche Cayman 987c models built around 2012 involves the tyres.

excellent reliability2005-2012CoupePETROL

Based on 6,811 tests of Cayman models registered 2005-2012.

About 1 in 30 Cayman 987c MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 536 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.8% and 4.8%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 50 Cayman 987c MOTs (2.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 536 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.1% and 3.6%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

987c fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1084.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5368.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
56711.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
64512.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
81516.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,38017.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,62717.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,13317.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the Cayman 987c compares

At each age below, see how the Cayman 987c holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 5,371 tests across 5 Porsche models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1084.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
5368.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
56711.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
64512.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
81516.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,38017.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,62717.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,13317.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Cayman 987c.

  1. 1

    Mini (R58)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.9%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Cayman 987c on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,394 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Honda CR-Z

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.5%
    Dangerous
    5.8%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Cayman 987c on these figures.

    1,220 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Hyundai Veloster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10%
    Dangerous
    7.6%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Cayman 987c on these figures.

    1,183 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.3%
    Dangerous
    8.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Cayman 987c on these figures.

    6,800 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

93%of all Porsche Cayman cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

8 recalls in all

1 of the 8 Cayman 987c recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Parking brake may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Cayman 987c cars have aged

How Cayman 987c cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%91113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (280 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (264 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 7.8% (257 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 7.3% (261 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 7.0% (258 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (360 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 7.2% (334 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (332 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (340 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (313 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (372 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (345 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (335 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (335 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (349 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (473 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (471 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (454 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (465 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (442 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (741 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (719 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (708 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (675 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (666 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (1,075 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (1,045 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (1,016 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (952 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (921 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (1,170 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (1,128 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (1,096 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (1,043 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (973 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
987c variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Porsche Caymans of this age

This list covers every Porsche Cayman built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 987c on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.3%
    Advisory: 82Fail: 3 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    7.7%
    Advisory: 83Fail: 3 (3% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    7.7%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 10 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    6.9%
    Advisory: 52Fail: 5 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.7%
    Advisory: 65Fail: 7 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 536 tests

Looking at a Porsche Cayman 987c?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Porsche Cayman 987c (2005-2012) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 536 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 6,811 MOT tests on Porsche Caymans first registered between 2005-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.