Porsche Cayman (2012)
2012 Porsche Cayman
CarHunch analysed 316 real MOT records for the 2012 Porsche Cayman. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2012 Porsche Cayman is genuinely reliable: a 91.8% first-time pass rate sits well above the UK average of 80%, and petrol variants achieve 91.9%. However, one in five of these cars (20.2%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is worth factoring into your inspection checklist.
These Cayans are running low mileage for their age at a median of just 36,928 miles, suggesting they've been cherished rather than thrashed—but that also means you're buying a 12-year-old car that may have been sat for periods. The average 0.91 failures per vehicle is low, though 8.1 advisories suggests nibbling issues like worn trim and minor wear that come with age. Get a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension and cooling systems, as these are the areas where Porsche sports cars tend to show their first real cracks.
What to check before buying a 2012 Porsche Cayman
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 20.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Porsche Cayman
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 313 | 91.9% | 0.91 |
| Other (1%) | 3 | 90% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2012 Porsche Cayman vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2012 Porsche Cayman vehicles fall between 25,167 and 47,354 miles.
2012 Porsche Cayman — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 279 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 96% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2012 Porsche Cayman
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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34.8%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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25.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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25%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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24.3%
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
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17.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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16.9%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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16.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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16.1%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Porsche Cayman?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.