Porsche 718 Cayman vs. Toyota Supra: Complete comparison 2026

Porsche 718 Cayman represents the absolute benchmark among lightweight mid-engine sports coupes, offering drivers surgically precise handling and the unmistakable premium aura of the traditional German brand. Standing against it is the reborn legend Toyota Supra, officially also offered under the Toyota GR Supra designation, which combines aggressive Japanese design with top-tier Bavarian engineering and a classic front-mounted inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive layout. In the following comparison, we will take a detailed look at which of these two purebred sports cars offers a better balance of price, performance, and unforgettable driving experiences for weekend enthusiasts.

Looking at the exterior dimensions of these two sports icons, we encounter one very surprising fact. If we compare the generations relevant to the used car market from around 2022 (Porsche 982C and Toyota A90), we find that the standard versions of both models share an absolutely identical body length of 4379 mm (the Porsche grows up to 4456 mm in the sharper GT4 and GT4 RS versions due to aerodynamic elements). But that's where all shape similarity ends, as both brands approach their overall proportions quite differently.

The main and most visible difference at first glance lies in the overall width. The Toyota Supra boasts a significantly more muscular stance and, with a width starting at 1854 mm, is a non-negligible 53 mm wider than the standard Cayman (1801 mm). This extra width gives the Japanese coupe greater visual dominance and a more aggressive look on the road. The Porsche, on the other hand, is narrower, making it a slightly more practical and predictable tool for driving on narrow mountain passes or for routine parking in tight city garages. In terms of everyday usability, the Cayman benefits from its more compact body construction.

The wheelbase is very similar for both cars – the Porsche offers 2475 mm as standard, while the Toyota has 2470 mm. It's similar with the overall height, where both cars sit just below the 1.3-meter mark (around 1292 to 1295 mm for standard versions), ensuring an exemplary low center of gravity so important for sporty driving. The choice between these two models, in the context of exterior dimensions, therefore primarily comes down to what type of sports car you prefer. If you are looking for a stockier and wider car with the proportions of a classic "GT" with a long hood, the Supra's dimensions will thrill you. However, if you prefer more compact and slender shapes that allow the car to "thread" through narrow corners with surgical precision, the Porsche 718 Cayman will be the more suitable choice.

Although the size of the luggage compartment is usually not the most important criterion when choosing a purebred sports car, this figure plays a crucial role for everyday usability, family use, or weekend trips. Furthermore, the different engine placement concepts in the two compared cars bring a completely different approach to the overall layout. While the Toyota Supra benefits from a classic sports concept with a front-mounted engine, the Porsche 718 Cayman perfectly utilizes a mid-engine layout, which translates into extraordinary flexibility of storage compartments and greater usability of the car.

If we look at specific figures for relevant used cars around four years old, the Porsche 718 Cayman (982C generation, available since 2016) reigns supreme with a total volume of 425 liters. This space is cleverly divided into a very deep front trunk with a volume of 150 liters and a more traditional rear luggage compartment with a capacity of 275 liters. The Toyota Supra (A90 generation, available since 2019) has a classic rear trunk with a volume of 290 liters. Since both sports coupes are strictly two-seaters, they have no rear seats that could be folded down, and therefore the maximum volume for both models is identical to the base volume. It is also important to mention that neither model is offered in any hybrid variant, which would risk reducing transport capacity at the expense of heavy batteries.

In real life, these values mean significant differences in how you pack for the cars. The front "frunk" in the Porsche safely swallows a larger carry-on suitcase, and its rear part is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer vacation. Although two separate compartments do not allow for the transport of long items, they offer great variability and easy separation of clean items from dirty ones. In contrast, the Toyota Supra has a luggage compartment under the liftback that is relatively shallow and harder to access. On the other hand, compared to common small cars, it still hides space for a few extra suitcases, which is easily enough for shorter travel for two. However, if you are looking for a car for longer road trips with bulkier luggage, the Porsche offers much greater transport potential given its total volume and is a more practical car.

The ability to tow a trailer is often an overlooked parameter for purebred sports coupes, yet it can play a crucial role for used car buyers when evaluating overall practicality. If you are deciding between approximately four-year-old models of the Porsche 718 Cayman (982C generation, available from 2016–2024) and the Toyota GR Supra (A90 generation, produced since 2019), you will encounter identical technical limitations.

Both the standard and maximum permitted weight for braked and unbraked trailers for these sports cars is exactly 0 kg.

• None of the available engine options, whether the base two-liter four-cylinders or the top-tier six-cylinders (such as the Cayman GTS 4.0 or Supra 3.0), are factory-homologated for the installation of a towing device.
• There are also no hybrid variants available for these generations that would offer even a reduced or otherwise modified towing capacity.

From the perspective of everyday use, this has clear practical implications. If you are looking for space for a few extra suitcases, room for bicycles, or a storage volume sufficient for weekend shopping and longer holidays, you cannot rely on attaching a trailer. All luggage must be packed exclusively into the cars themselves – with the Porsche Cayman you can cleverly use both the front and rear trunks, while with the Toyota Supra, you have a shared space under the rear window.

Final evaluation: In terms of towing capacity, both cars are equal, and this parameter will not influence your final decision in any way. Both models remain 100% faithful to their uncompromising sporting mission and simply do not allow for the towing of any loads.

(Given that these car generations do not have homologation for a towing device and the relevant data therefore does not exist, no values are logically added to the table).

While Porsche and Toyota share a passion for rear-wheel drive and uncompromising sports experiences, their approach to engines and overall concept differs fundamentally. The Porsche 718 Cayman utilizes the renowned mid-engine layout, giving the car phenomenal balance and agility in corners. The engine range relies on turbocharged flat-four (boxer) engines and, for purist versions, high-revving naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines that excel with instant throttle response and an unmistakable sound. Conversely, the Toyota GR Supra bets on a classic front-engine layout and uses proven Bavarian inline units sourced from BMW (turbocharged four- and six-cylinders). These engines are highly valued on the used car market for their excellent reliability, massive torque from very low revs, and robustness that can handle additional performance tuning. In terms of running costs, both cars can be surprisingly frugal in their base two-liter versions; however, while the Supra plays the role of a muscular daily grand tourer, the Cayman targets uncompromising track precision with its top-tier models.

Porsche 718 Cayman (982C generation)

Under the hood (or rather, behind the seats) of the current 982C generation Porsche 718 Cayman (2016–2024), which currently dominates the market for roughly 4-year-old used cars, we find a very diverse range of boxer engines. The base model and the driver-oriented Cayman T version rely on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 220 kW. The more powerful Cayman S adds displacement with a 2.5-liter turbo engine producing 257 kW. For enthusiasts seeking a purebred mechanical experience, there is the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six – found in the Cayman GTS 4.0 (294 kW) and the track-focused GT4 (309 kW). The manufacturer gradually added the extreme GT4 RS (368 kW) to the lineup, whose power unit comes directly from the 911 GT3 and revs to a breathtaking 9,000 rpm. Most engines can be paired with either a precise six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a lightning-fast dual-clutch automatic (7PDK). It is important for used car buyers to know that the older version of the GTS model (until 2020) used a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (269 kW), which was later replaced in the lineup by the naturally aspirated GTS 4.0 six-cylinder.

Toyota GR Supra (A90 generation)

The engine lineup for the fifth-generation Toyota GR Supra (A90, 2019–present) is somewhat narrower, yet exceptionally effective. The entry point, available since 2020, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (B48) with a twin-scroll setup, offering a respectable 190 kW. Its great advantage is lower weight shifted further behind the front axle, which gives the car excellent predictability and agility in corners. However, the true soul of the Supra is the more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (B58). In European markets, it provides 250 kW and a massive 500 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate powerfully in any gear. Both engines were initially paired as standard with an excellent and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic (8AT). However, fans of three pedals got their wish in the fall of 2022, when Toyota began offering a proper six-speed manual transmission (often referred to as the Legend version) for the 3.0 six-cylinder variant. This now forms a very interesting alternative on the market for young used cars.

Choosing the right engine is key to long-term satisfaction, especially with sports coupes where not only performance but also mechanical durability and reasonable operating costs are expected. While Porsche bets on a lightweight mid-engine concept for perfect weight distribution and neutral handling, Toyota (utilizing BMW technology) follows the classic school – a powerful longitudinally mounted six-cylinder in the front and rear-wheel drive, making it a more muscular grand tourer. Both manufacturers approach turbocharging quite differently, and the four-year-old used car market offers representatives of both worlds. However, real-world experiences from owners and service technicians point to clear favorites for both vehicles.

For the Porsche 718 Cayman, we recommend: 2.0 B4 turbocharged boxer (220 kW / 300 hp)

The base turbocharged two-liter boxer represents the most rational choice for the 982C generation (available in the database across the years 2016–2024, after which production of this engine was gradually phased out). It perfectly balances purchase price, everyday usability, and exemplary mechanical reliability.

• Why it's the best choice: Although purists crave the expensive naturally aspirated four-liter GTS version, the base two-liter (often paired with the excellent PDK automatic) makes the most sense for the vast majority of buyers on the used market. It doesn't suffer from the teething troubles or fatal flaws of older generations (such as the dreaded cylinder scoring or IMS bearing issues) and offers robust engineering.
• Technical advantages: The engine scores with an excellent torque curve – a solid 380 Nm is available from low RPMs, ensuring the Cayman has immediate punch without the need to constantly rev the engine to the redline. Furthermore, thanks to the lower weight of the four-cylinder, the front axle doesn't suffer from as much inertia. Real-world fuel consumption can be kept between 8.5 and 9 l/100 km in combined driving.
• What to watch out for: The weakest link of this engine is usually the water pump. Minor coolant leaks often occur here. When inspecting a used car, check the coolant level carefully and use a flashlight to look for traces of dried pink residue in the engine compartment and under the car – this will help you avoid an expensive repair associated with overheating. Additionally, due to direct injection, carbon buildup occurs on the intake valves after roughly 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers (manifesting as slight hesitation), which must be addressed by mechanical cleaning.
• Who it's for: It is an ideal partner for drivers who want to use the Cayman daily, and for those who appreciate lightness, surgically precise steering, and perfect balance on twisty backroads rather than brute force on the straights.

For the Toyota Supra, we recommend: 3.0 R6 turbocharged six-cylinder (250 kW / 340 hp)

With the A90 generation (which has been on the market from 2019 to the present), it makes no sense to look for compromises. The inline three-liter six-cylinder with the code name B58, which Toyota adopted and carefully tuned in cooperation with BMW, is generally recognized as one of the most durable modern turbo engines on the market.

• Why it's the best choice: Although a lighter two-liter version is also available, it is the six-cylinder that gives the Supra its legendary and respected character. It offers crushing dynamics and above-average mechanical sturdiness. Furthermore, in terms of the residual value of a four-year-old used car, this engine is the safest long-term investment.
• Technical advantages: The B58 features a "closed-deck" cylinder block, which gives it massive structural strength and reliability even during occasional weekend visits to the racetrack. 500 Nm of torque comes on perfectly smoothly and silkily. A big surprise for owners is the fuel consumption – during longer highway trips at a steady speed, the aerodynamic Supra can drive for under 8 l/100 km.
• What to watch out for: Even this exceptional engine has its minor flaws. Owners across various model years often report an unexplained but slight loss of coolant (often due to minor leaks through the expansion tank cap). Regular visual checks of the level are therefore a necessity. On units with mileage approaching the 100,000 km mark, problems with the VANOS system (variable valve timing) may appear, specifically with hardened rubber seals on its solenoids. This manifests as noticeable RPM fluctuations or a rougher idle. The prevention is clear: shorten the oil change interval to a maximum of 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers.
• Who it's for: An absolutely perfect choice for traditional automotive enthusiasts looking for a muscular coupe suitable for comfortably swallowing hundreds of highway kilometers, but also for drivers who love dynamic driving controlled by the throttle and the characteristic, deep sound of a six-cylinder.

Official fuel consumption figures for sports cars often resemble laboratory fiction rather than the reality of ordinary roads. In the real world, consumption depends dramatically on driving style, especially if you have a reactive turbo engine or a high-revving naturally aspirated six-cylinder under the hood. To find out the real values for popular, roughly four-year-old used cars, we used real data from the independent community platform Spritmonitor.de, where owners themselves record their long-term refueling from normal operation.

A detailed look at the compiled real-world data reveals some very interesting trends:

• Six-cylinder more economical than four-cylinder: The real surprise is the three-liter inline-six in the Toyota Supra. It averages only 8.5 l/100 km, which is paradoxically less than what the base turbocharged two-liter in the Porsche 718 Cayman consumes in the real world (9.1 l/100 km).
• Small turbos don't save everything: At Porsche, it is clearly shown that downsizing and the installation of smaller turbo engines do not bring such radical fuel savings in a sports car as might be theoretically expected.
• Absence of diesel doesn't matter: Although economical diesel units are naturally completely missing in the class of purebred coupes, the base two-liter in the Supra (7.3 l/100 km) clearly proves that modern gasoline can be extremely efficient while maintaining high dynamics.
• Naturally aspirated engines demand their due: The top naturally aspirated four-liters at Porsche (GTS 4.0 or GT4) average between 10.5 and 10.9 l/100 km. Given the power delivered, however, this still represents a very reasonable and acceptable value.

What does this mean for the average user? If you are one of the drivers who plan to use the car for daily commuting (as a so-called daily driver) or for long highway trips, the Toyota Supra represents an incomparably friendlier choice for your budget. Its power units can be unexpectedly modest at a relaxed pace. Conversely, Porsche 718 Cayman owners must prepare for overall higher operating costs, regardless of whether they choose the smaller four-cylinder or the large naturally aspirated engine, which may discourage budget-conscious buyers in the used car market.

In the end, however, fuel consumption will not be the main deciding factor. For enthusiastic drivers who buy a Porsche primarily for undiluted weekend joy and surgically precise handling, the slightly higher engine appetite is just a small and gladly paid tax for a great experience. But if you are looking for a powerful sports car combining intoxicating dynamics with excellent efficiency and trouble-free daily use, the Toyota Supra certainly wins in this discipline.

Price Comparison of Used Cars: Affordability vs. Stuttgart Exclusivity

Looking at the used car market for vehicles approximately four years old (generations produced around 2021 to 2022), a fundamental difference in total acquisition costs is evident. The Toyota Supra (J29 generation) represents a more affordable path to a full-fledged sports car, while the Porsche 718 Cayman (982 generation) charges a premium for the badge on the hood, uncompromising mid-engine driving characteristics, and extensive options for expensive individual equipment.

Toyota Supra: Exceptional Value for Money

For four-year-old used Toyota Supras, the market is divided into two clear categories based on the chosen number of cylinders:

• Four-cylinder 2.0 version (258 hp): These lighter and more agile models can be found on the used market for amounts ranging from approximately €45,000 to €49,000. The initial depreciation is slightly steeper here, which plays into the hands of second-hand buyers.
• Six-cylinder 3.0 version (340 hp): For the full-fat engine, sharing the iconic inline-six from BMW production, you have to pay extra. For four-year-old used cars, it typically ranges from €55,000 to €70,000 depending on mileage and equipment level (you will often come across the top-tier Executive specification). Even so, in the world of sports cars, this is an exceptionally attractive offer.

Porsche 718 Cayman: Low Depreciation

From a residual value perspective, Porsche behaves like a phenomenon. The 718 Cayman holds its price very confidently on the used market. The deciding factor is not just the prestige of the brand itself, but also the huge sums that the first owners paid for extensive optional equipment.

• Base 2.0 models and S 2.5 versions (300 to 350 hp): Even for the most common turbocharged four-cylinders from 2021 and 2022, you need to prepare an amount in the range of €62,000 to €78,000. It depends mainly on visual packages and the condition of the car.
• Six-cylinder GTS 4.0 version: The return of the naturally aspirated four-liter six-cylinder caused a huge stir among fans, and this purist specification depreciates only minimally on the second-hand market. You will mostly be choosing from cars in the €98,000 to €107,000 range.
• Track-focused GT4 variants: For the uncompromising GT4 model, which balances on the edge between a racing car and a road car, the price currently sits in a wide range from €88,000 to €111,000. Many of these cars are already transitioning into the role of collector's items, and their value is slowly rising.

Overview of Price Comparison on the Used Market (approx. 4-year-old cars)

The table below summarizes the approximate price range for models from 2021 and 2022 on the European market:

Note: Prices reflect used cars in good visual and technical condition with mileage corresponding to age (approx. 20,000 to 60,000 km).

The Hidden Factor of Inflation and Investment

When comparing the depreciation curve, the Toyota Supra loses value at the typical rate of more mainstream sports vehicles. In contrast, for the Stuttgart representative, emotions and exclusivity take the lead. The Porsche 718 Cayman with the larger engine benefits strongly from its status in the gradually disappearing era of purely internal combustion, naturally aspirated coupes. Buying a GTS 4.0 or GT4 variant can, with a reasonable approach, be seen not only as a driver's joy but also as a stable investment that is not subject to rapid price drops.

When evaluating the safety of premium sports cars, customers often look for the prestigious five-star Euro NCAP rating. However, it is absolutely crucial to put any results into context and specifically look at the year of testing. Euro NCAP's methodology and requirements are constantly evolving, and the tests are becoming stricter. Percentage scores from different years are therefore not directly comparable, as modern testing protocols have gradually begun to require more advanced frontal impact simulations, sophisticated cyclist detection, or complex emergency scenarios at intersections.

Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman from the 982 generation (which covers the market for popular roughly four-year-old used cars) was never officially tested by Euro NCAP. This is a completely common situation for similar low-volume sports coupes. While the Cayman boasts first-class body torsional rigidity, six standard airbags, and a precisely tuned stability system, it lags behind newer competitors in the area of modern active safety. More advanced safety nets, such as adaptive cruise control or a lane-keeping system, were mostly available only for a significant surcharge and are rather rare to find on the used car market. Therefore, exact data for this model is missing from the table below.

Toyota Supra
Although the Toyota GR Supra (A90 generation) did not undergo direct crash tests under the Japanese brand, it shares its chassis and structural platform with the BMW Z4, which was thoroughly tested in 2019 and earned a full five-star rating. In the tests, the car demonstrated exceptional adult occupant protection with an excellent result of 97%, although the rating for assistance systems now reflects a slightly older methodology without including the very latest expansions. Even so, as a used car, the Supra offers a solid level of safety even in its basic equipment. The driver has standard autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a lane departure warning system, and, in most units, blind spot monitoring.

In an overall comparison of both cars in terms of safety, the Toyota Supra offers a more comprehensive and slightly more modern package. While Porsche relies more on phenomenal mechanical handling, which gives the driver room to resolve critical moments through their own steering, the Supra brings more modern active safety nets and demonstrable safety supported by the results of its sister Bavarian platform. For those interested in a used coupe where a higher emphasis is placed on modern assistants, the Supra represents a more certain choice.

*Note: Euro NCAP crash test ratings apply to the BMW Z4, which shares its entire structural and chassis platform with the Toyota GR Supra.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features and technological solutions that underline their different approach to sporty driving and can be completely decisive for the buyer.

Porsche 718 Cayman: Mid-engine concept and purist experience

• Smart use of space: Thanks to the mid-engine layout, the Cayman offers a huge everyday advantage in the form of two luggage compartments. The trunk under the front hood ("frunk") and a smaller space in the rear together provide enough room for a weekend trip, which is a great rarity in this class of sports cars.
• Chassis and driving dynamics: The optional PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system allows for electronic regulation of damper stiffness. In conjunction with PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) technology and a mechanical limited-slip differential, the car provides unrivaled agility and predictability in corners.
• Engines and transmissions: A specialty of the brand is the flat boxer engine, which lowers the car's center of gravity. On the used car market, you can choose between efficient turbocharged four-cylinders and the iconic naturally aspirated six-cylinder (in the GTS 4.0 version). You can choose between the lightning-fast seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission or a perfectly mechanical six-speed manual.
• Sport Chrono Package: This popular optional package is highly sought after among used cars. It adds an analog stopwatch to the dashboard, but primarily a driving mode selector directly on the steering wheel, a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, and dynamic transmission mounts that limit the transfer of vibrations and shocks to the body during spirited driving.
• Iconic interior: Ergonomics are centered around the driver. Brand specifics include the dominant analog tachometer located exactly in the center of the instrument cluster and the ignition switch traditionally located to the left of the steering wheel.

Toyota GR Supra: Muscular design and modern technology

• Design and aerodynamics: A characteristic feature of the Supra is the "double-bubble" roof. This element not only refers to the brand's legendary historical models but also has a practical benefit: it reduces aerodynamic drag while providing the crew with more headroom, which you will especially appreciate when driving with a helmet on a race track.
• Engines and transmission: At the heart of the Supra are turbocharged inline engines originally from BMW (offering a brisk two-liter as well as the legendary three-liter six-cylinder). They are paired with a top-of-the-line eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which shifts silky smooth in normal traffic but offers aggressive and fast gear changes in sport mode.
• Chassis and traction: Standard for more powerful versions is adaptive suspension (AVS) and an active sport differential. This can electronically and continuously shift torque between the rear wheels from 0 to 100 percent, which dramatically improves traction on corner exit and helps the driver control understeer and oversteer.
• Infotainment and connectivity: Thanks to the collaboration with BMW, the Supra received a system based on the iDrive platform (here called Supra Command). It is among the most user-friendly on the market – offering exceptionally fast responses, the ability to control the menu intuitively via a physical dial on the center console, and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay integration.
• Assistant systems and safety: Unlike the purist-oriented Porsche, the Supra offers an extensive set of modern assistants in higher trim levels. You'll find adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, blind-spot monitoring, and collision warning, making the Supra a surprisingly pleasant car for daily commuting through city traffic.

The Porsche 718 Cayman is a purist sports car that will thrill drivers looking for a perfect connection with the machine and uncompromising handling. It is an ideal choice for those who appreciate precise German engineering, high brand prestige, and don't mind paying extra for premium service.

The Toyota Supra is a muscular and emotive "gran turismo" that scores with the fantastic torque of its six-cylinder engine and aggressive looks. It will appeal to drivers who prefer fun dynamics with a slight tendency towards oversteer and want a powerful car with more rational acquisition costs.

Based on our own inspections through the CarAudit service, long-term owner experiences, service reports, and breakdown statistics, we have compiled a detailed overview of the most common problems that buyers of both used sports cars should watch out for.

Although the Porsche 718 Cayman is considered a superbly crafted sports car, an independent technical inspection often reveals several specific defects, especially in models with four-cylinder turbocharged engines.

• Engine and cooling: In the four-cylinder boxer engines (2.0 and 2.5 litres), premature water pump failures and minor coolant leaks appear quite frequently. Less common, but with more expensive consequences, problems with the turbocharger regulation (wastegate) can occur.
• Transmission: The PDK dual-clutch transmission is mechanically exceptionally durable, but its sensors can show errors after several years. Regular replacement of the expensive transmission fluid is absolutely essential for trouble-free operation; neglected maintenance quickly manifests as jerking when pulling away.
• Chassis and brakes: A frequent and often reported nuisance is significant brake squealing during light braking in the city. For Porsche, this is a common phenomenon associated with the materials used and has no effect on braking performance. In cars with higher mileage, play and creaking may start to appear on the front axle.
• Electronics and infotainment: In older versions of the PCM system, owners report occasional screen freezing and dropouts of the wireless connection with mobile phones. Most of these issues are successfully resolved by a software update at the dealer.

The fifth-generation Toyota Supra uses shared technology from BMW (including the B58 engine and electronics), which brings excellent powertrain reliability, but also some characteristic quirks that a comprehensive car inspection must focus on.

• Aerodynamics and exterior: The most well-known and immediately noticeable problem with the Supra is extreme aerodynamic noise (so-called wind buffeting) when driving with the windows open, which becomes unbearable at speeds around 80 km/h. Most owners successfully solve this by installing aftermarket aerodynamic deflectors on the mirrors.
• Engine: The B58 inline-six from BMW is generally considered one of the most reliable modern turbo engines. However, in some early units (around 2019-2020), slightly higher engine oil consumption and very minor coolant leaks from the expansion tank cap may appear.
• Chassis and steering: Many used car owners report occasional knocking from the steering area (tie rods) or prematurely worn upper strut mounts, which typically manifests as creaking or dull thuds when driving over larger bumps.
• Interior and infotainment: The system, which is a derivative of BMW iDrive, can suffer from unpredictable software dropouts of the Apple CarPlay function. From the interior, specifically from the plastic panels and speakers behind the seats, unwanted noises and resonances may be heard after several years of operation.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models to avoid unexpected investments after purchase.

When choosing a Porsche 718 Cayman:

• ECU data readout (DME report): If you are buying a version with a manual transmission, always insist on a so-called over-rev report from diagnostics. This report clearly shows whether the previous owner made a mistake while downshifting and sent the engine into dangerous RPMs. Over-revving can mean hidden and fatal damage to internal engine parts.
• Condition of the water pump and cooling system: Turbocharged four-cylinders (2.0 and 2.5 liters) in earlier model years occasionally suffered from premature coolant leaks. During the engine bay inspection, look for traces of dried pink fluid around the water pump and check if the trip computer reports a low level.
• PDK automatic transmission behavior: The PDK dual-clutch gearbox is among the best on the market and should shift perfectly smoothly and lightning-fast. If it jerks during a slow start or hesitates when downshifting, it could be a neglected oil change or, in the worst case, an approaching expensive mechatronics failure.
• Chassis knocking and brake wear: During a test drive on rougher surfaces, listen for any thumping from the front axle, which usually indicates play in the upper shock mounts. For sports cars of this type, an independent technical inspection of the car is always worth it, as it will reveal any extreme wear on the brake discs – especially if the car was frequently driven on a track or is equipped with very expensive carbon-ceramic brakes (PCCB).

When choosing a Toyota Supra:

• Traces of chip tuning and modifications: The B58 six-cylinder engine and the B48 four-cylinder (originally from BMW) are extremely popular for performance upgrades. Use diagnostics to check if the ECU software has been overwritten (so-called flash tuning). Unprofessional modifications can mean excessive wear on the turbocharger and, in many cases, result in an irreversible loss of the factory warranty.
• Oil leaks from the engine block: Especially on the three-liter six-cylinder, check the area around the oil filter housing and the valve cover. Although the engine is generally reliable, these plastic parts can crack over time and leak oil. A detailed physical inspection of the used car on a lift is the best prevention against expensive fluid leak repairs.
• Noises from the rear suspension and steering: Early models may exhibit dull thuds from the rear axle, often caused by faulty adaptive dampers or loose steering rods at the front. Try driving the car more dynamically over speed bumps or potholes and watch for any unnatural acoustic manifestations.
• Infotainment and connectivity reliability: The multimedia system, based on an older generation of BMW iDrive, can suffer from freezing and spontaneous restarts. During testing, check the screen response smoothness, the functionality of the reversing camera, and the stability of the Apple CarPlay connection, which often drops out on older software versions.
• Aerodynamic noise with open windows: The Supra has a specific design flaw where driving with the windows partially open (around 80-100 km/h) creates a strong, even unpleasant booming in the cabin (so-called wind buffeting). Test this during the test drive and see if the previous owner has already solved this issue by installing special aftermarket deflectors on the side mirrors.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, e15.cz, techfocus.cz, autozive.cz, carfans.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.