Thinking about buying a used Porsche 718 (2000–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$4,500
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Porsche 718 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Cylinder bore scoring (987.1, worst on 3.4 Cayman S / Boxster S M97)
CriticalOccasionalEngine $18,000–$35,000 to fix
The 3.4-litre M97 in 987.1 S models is susceptible to the same vertical bore scoring as the 997, typically appearing between about 50,000 and 130,000 km, with cylinder 6 running hottest and failing first. It announces itself as a cold-engine tick and sooty left tailpipe before progressing to serious oil consumption and a rebuild-level repair. Specialists consider 987.2 (2009-on) direct-injection cars to have almost entirely resolved the problem.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start ticking that fades when warm
One exhaust tip much sootier than the other
Rising oil consumption
Aluminium debris in the oil filter
What to check
Watch for: Cold-start ticking that fades when warm. If a workshop inspection is possible: Listen to a stone-cold start, compare exhaust tip soot, and insist on a borescope of the bores during the pre-purchase inspection - it is standard practice on these cars and any specialist can do it.
Where to look: Cylinder walls inside the mid-mounted engine; evidence at exhaust tips and oil filter
Ask the seller
“Has a borescope inspection been done, and can I see the report?”
“What oil is used and how often is it changed?”
02Coolant expansion reservoir cracking (987/981)
MajorCommonCooling $700–$1,500 to fix
The plastic coolant reservoir on 987 and 981 cars cracks at its seams from age and heat cycles, often starting as a faint coolant smell and slow loss before splitting and dumping coolant. On these mid-engined cars the tank lives in the boot area beside the engine, so access is awkward and labour is most of the bill. Left alone it risks overheating an otherwise healthy engine.
Symptoms to notice
Sweet coolant smell while driving
Slow coolant loss between services
Low coolant warning light
Crusty residue around the boot-side tank
What to check
Check the coolant level and look for dried residue around the reservoir (rear boot area). Ask the seller how often they top up coolant - any regular topping up means the tank or pipes are leaking.
Where to look: Coolant reservoir beside the engine bay, accessed from the rear boot
Ask the seller
“Has the coolant reservoir been replaced?”
“How often does the coolant need topping up?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
CoolingMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
7 more documented faults on the Porsche 718
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Porsche 718, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and cooling. A Porsche 718 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Porsche 718?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Porsche 718, covering engine, body & rust, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Porsche 718?
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Most single repairs on the Porsche 718 fall between $900–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Porsche 718?
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Yes. A Porsche 718 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.