We are facing a heart-wrenching issue with our beloved 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 as its departure date approaches. In just 8052 miles, it will bid us farewell, and we’re already feeling separation anxiety, knowing that at 40,000 miles, it will leave the Car and Driver test lot. Coping with this loss might require a support group for former Cayman owners or indulging in a marathon of Ted Lasso episodes to lift our spirits.
As we near the end of this testing phase, our sentiments toward Porsche’s mid-engine sports car remain unchanged. The 718 continues to impress us every time we ignite its sonorous 394-hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Across various aspects cherished by enthusiasts – driver engagement, handling, ride, acceleration, engine sound, manual-gearbox shift quality, brake response, everyday usability, and long-haul comfort – the 718 has become the benchmark against which we compare other performance cars.
The praises for the Cayman continue to pour in, even during the winter months when most Porsches hibernate. Our team members found solace and joy in driving the GTS 4.0, with some noting that a ride in this car can brighten even the darkest of days. It’s so enjoyable to drive that an errand run easily transforms into an hour-long aimless drive. Friends and family have also been requesting rides as everyone falls in love with this captivating machine.
Of course, no vehicle is without its imperfections. Our logbook reveals several comments about the Cayman’s limited interior storage options, making it inconvenient to find a suitable place for our phones. The flip-out cupholders are flimsy, and road and wind noise can sometimes become noticeable, particularly on rough surfaces or during crosswinds. Additionally, prolonged urban driving has exposed some issues with the brakes, which can cause them to squeal with light use. One editor found the seats uncomfortable due to their lack of adjustability.
Nevertheless, these minor drawbacks have not overshadowed the sheer joy of driving the dark-green Cayman. However, a stark reality about Porsche ownership has come to light during the last 8222 miles: the significant cost of maintaining and repairing this high-performance machine.
As we reached the 29,915-mile mark, we took the Cayman in for its scheduled 30,000-mile service, which included an oil and filter change, fresh spark plugs, and a comprehensive inspection. The cost amounted to $390, with an additional $72 for new wiper blades. Unfortunately, the replacement of the difficult-to-access spark plugs had to be done in a separate visit, which added $659 to the total.
However, these maintenance expenses pale in comparison to an issue we inadvertently caused. At around 26,000 miles, we noticed the clutch slipping during high-rpm shifts. Upon inspection, the Porsche techs found that the clutch disc had worn out, and both the pressure plate and dual-mass flywheel had extensive discoloration, indicating overheating and potential abuse. Since clutches are considered wear items and not covered under warranty, we had to bear the brunt of the costs, totaling $4898 for parts and labor. Fortunately, an oil leak from a chain tensioner was resolved under warranty, possibly explaining the increased oil consumption before the service.
Throughout the winter months, the Cayman primarily remained close to home, but our editors still managed to venture as far north as Wisconsin and south to Kentucky. With the weather warming up and the car equipped with a fresh clutch and summer tires, we anticipate racking up the last set of miles, though it will be far too soon for us to bid farewell to this exceptional vehicle.
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