Used car guide

2006 Porsche Cayman: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Porsche Caymans, from 1,449 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,449MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
4,200typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for exhaust emissions (catalyst)

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Porsche Caymans than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
    Porsche Cayman
    5% All 2006 cars
    2.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Better than most

Headlights: 3% here, against 14.3% of all 2006 cars. Tread depth: 10.3% here, against 21.4% of all 2006 cars.

By area

The share of 2006 Porsche Cayman MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    30% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    19% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    17% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    14% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Steering
    7% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20191,002Tyres 19%
20181,195Tyres 17%
2017884Tyres 19%
20161,006Tyres 13%
20151,096Tyres 16%
20141,196Tyres 17%
20131,042Tyres 17%
2011540Brakes 20%
2010530Brakes 25%
2009657Brakes 21%
2008853Brakes 25%
20071,388Brakes 26%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Porsche Caymans registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score