2009 PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Metal shavings in oil during changes, Rattling/knocking from rear of engine on cold start, Catastrophic engine failure with no warning (grenaded engine)

Fix: Preventive IMS bearing upgrade requires transmission removal, clutch replacement while you're in there, and upgraded bearing install — 12-16 hours labor. If it fails, you're looking at full engine rebuild or replacement with all internals (pistons, rings, bearings, seals). Many owners do this preventively around 60k-80k miles.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000 preventive upgrade, $15,000-25,000 engine rebuild after failure

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start that clears up, High oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 miles), Loss of compression in affected cylinders, Rough idle when engine is warm

Fix: Requires full engine disassembly, cylinder re-sleeving or replacement, new pistons and rings. Often combined with IMS bearing upgrade while engine is out. 40-60 hours labor for complete rebuild including machine work.

Estimated cost: $12,000-20,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil spots under car after sitting overnight, Oil accumulation on bottom of transmission bell housing, Wet area visible around flywheel through inspection hole

Fix: Transmission must come out to access the seal. Smart owners combine this with IMS bearing upgrade and clutch replacement since you're already 80% there. RMS replacement alone is 8-10 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000 standalone, $3,500-5,000 if combining with IMS/clutch

Symptoms: Visible coolant seepage or cracks on plastic tank, Low coolant warning light, Sweet coolant smell from engine bay, Overheating if ignored long enough

Fix: The plastic becomes brittle with age and heat cycling. Tank replacement is straightforward — 1.5-2 hours labor. Check it during every service after 10 years old regardless of mileage.

Estimated cost: $300-500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, Clunking during aggressive shifts or throttle transitions, Engine movement visible when revving in neutral

Fix: Rubber mounts age and tear. Transmission mount is most common culprit — 2-3 hours labor. Engine mounts require more disassembly — 4-5 hours total for both sides.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000 transmission mount, $1,200-1,800 all engine mounts

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: Erratic or stuck fuel gauge reading, Fuel pump whine or buzzing from rear, Hard starting or stumbling when fuel level is low, Check engine light with fuel system codes

Fix: Requires dropping the fuel tank and replacing sending unit assembly or pump. 4-5 hours labor. The access is terrible on these mid-engine cars.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400