kedar

Here's link to decoded VIN.

You will see it's quite loaded with options.

I am inclined to decide to buy, but would like your opinion first! I also want to get a PPI done.

The PO claims there is a interested owner from CA that wants a PPI done ... can't know if that's true.

btw my previous consideration of 2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo didn't pan out - the owner sold it to a shop instead (guess he didn't want to wait for PPI) ... oh, well.

This CTT is dark olive (almost black) and has nice redish leather seats.
Asking price $22,000
Mileage: 85K
4 owners; current owner (3 years); enthusiast racer

Pros:
I test drove and it was a blast! The owner drove it (he knew the local roads) and it was blast++!! I have no idea where I could use that kind of power, except maybe at a track ...

Overall condition: 8/10

Cons:

• Curb rash on 21" OEM wheels (2 of 4 have rash)
• Minor scratch on passenger door

All things I checked functioned properly, except interior lights didn't work. Fiddled with the overhead switches, but couldn't get it to work!? Perhaps this is a setting in PCM or simply a blown fuse? The owner didn't know why interior lights didn't work! (he has too many Porsches in his garage).

Anyway, this issue seems minor to check/fix.

Is the asking price in the "reasonable" ball-park? I know for this SUV the prices can vary greatly ... it's seems a matter of depreciation on a luxury SUV and local market conditions.

Besides PPI, what else should I think about?

Your experienced input is greatly appreciated!!

kedar

Can anyone recommend a PPI shop near Poughkeepsie, NY? Within an hour driving radius would good.

Torre

Get a PPI done at Porsche Center, unless you can find an Indy that is specialized in Porsche. Never buy this kind of car without PPI, many problems a pervious owners might be trying to hide.

The interior light switch should not be in the middle, it should be to the right if I remember correctly, for them to be in the automatic position.

kedar

@Torre, I moved the overhead switch to left, middle and center, but that didn't bring on the lights at all, in auto or manual mode. Coincidentally(?), the rear overhead lights do not come on either (inside, just above rear doors). Not sure if the front lights are on the same circuit as the rear ones.

I will get a PPI done at a Porsche center, unless someone can recommend a Indy specialized in Porsche in the Poughkeepsie, NY area.

btw does the 2008 turbo model have plastic cooling tubes (that leak) or aluminum? I know this was a known problem w/ earlier models. What's the miles/life for the drive shaft?

TIA

ScootCherHienie

I paid a little less for a non-turbo S model at a dealer, same year, same miles so 22 is in the ballpark, though ours sounds like it was in better cosmetic condition... looked new, even all 4 wheels, no stone chips, no scratches, no dents, no cracked plastic, no fogged headlights, and the interior looked new.

Don't assume the lights not coming on is an easy fix... maybe it's easy, but maybe not. Unlikely to be something as simple as a blown fuse. Fuses don't usually blow for no reason and whatever caused the fuse to blow is likely still there and will cause the next fuse to blow also. Could an owner really miss the interior lights not coming on at night? Mmmmm, maybe if the vehicle isn't driven often and especially if it isn't driven at night. I don't think I'd notice if the interior lighs weren't working during the day and never been in the car at night when the problem existed. Also, you can check kbb.com for retail/wholesale/private sale values on your car, customized with miles, options, condition, etc.

Juaneo'sPorsche

Try http://advancedautomotivenw.com. They're in New Windsor. Porsche specialists.

prosled8

I think it was mostly the color combo on that one keeping the price down. If you like the dark green and chestnut combo, the car is likely a great deal. I found one much closer to me, better colors for me and 68k miles for $25k with quite a few service records. You certainly can buy one of these without a PPI but you should be a capable wrench with a deferred maintenance fund ready. I bought mine without a PPI. My deferred list includes plugs and coils, fluid flushes all around and replacement of the PDCC reservoir. Looks like front brakes are not far off either. I will have $1000-1500 in parts to buy. I already dumped another grand into tires so just beware of what you are looking at, a former $120k car that is going to need a few expensive parts along the way.

Lionworks Auto

Do the interior lights work on any other door than the drivers? I've had an 04 and now an 08 CTT and the micro switch in the drivers door is notorious for failure which means the truck doesn't recognize you've opened the driver door (and no lights and also no priming of the fuel pump.).

Also is it just the center console lights that aren't working or all interior. Another notorious failure in these pigs is that console switch - the incandescent bulbs melt the contact. It's an easy fix and I've posted a thread with a step by step,pasted below. Get led plug and play bulbs to prevent for future.

https://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-...nd-photos.html

LED interior bulbs - good color! Sim to incandescent:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/291644967957
https://www.ebay.com/itm/201067060520

Otherwise If this is the one you considering, it seems to be a good buy, but definitely heed the advice given here and get a PPI.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/142183404456

rebrewer

Before I bought my silver '08 CTT I drove a GTS in this same color combination. I thought it was gorgeous. $22k could be a good price if a PPI by a Porsche dealer shows it's ok.

There is a single plastic coolant line under the intake that runs from the thermostat housing rearward. It should be replaced with the new aluminum version. It's not all that expensive but you'd want to replace any plastic or rubber lines you touch getting to it, and unless it's been done you may as well do the thermostat and water pump, serpentine belt and related, and of course check the hose fitting on the coolant manifold at the back of the engine that is so notorious. Mine wasn't leaking at all but when I gave it a good tug it came off so I replaced it with the newer version with the larger boss and threaded fitting.

Like mine, it has PCCM and you'll want to check carefully for signs of tiny leaks. Those are pricey bits to replace, but PCCM is amazing on this machine. The hydraulic pump which also serves the power steering will develop a bit of a whine long before it needs to be replaced.

There is a recall on the high pressure fuel pump at the back of the engine which is a free replacement from Porsche.

I don't know where you live but the one you are looking at has some important options. The thermally insulated glass serves me well in hot Davis summers as well as frequent trips to Tahoe to ski. You also have the preheater which isn't a common option. Mine has 4-zone HVAC which was a requirement for me and the pano roof which I love. I thought mine was heavily optioned at 120,500...

rebrewer

@Lionworks Auto - thanks for the links for LED replacements.

kedar

Thanks everyone for offering your experienced opinions. I am scheduling a PPI to be done at Danbury CT, Porsche dealer. Hopefully, they can do it this week and major things will check out. I saw some posts on the interior dome lights issue and seems like something I could fix myself if it's just burned out contacts. Also, will replace with LEDs where possible.

I still don't understand why Porsche hasn't replaced (or forced to replace) the plastic coolant pipes (duh!) with aluminum/metal ones, under a recall! Perhaps a signature campaign (if this goes beyond Cayennes)?

v10rick

According to your VIN this is a 2008 which does not have the plastic coolant pipe issues like the 4.5 engine. There are a few other coolant system weak spots with the 4.8 that the search feature will reveal. One was mentioned in this thread, but reported failures of that pipe have been few.

Porsche did reimburse most owners who replaced the plastic pipes on the 4.5 engine and submitted a claim.

Replaced the pipes on my 04S as precaution, P covered the cost of the parts.

rebrewer

The 2008 CTT does have a plastic coolant pipe and there is a aluminum replacement for it. Just did mine. I suspect there is a reason the updated part is metal.

7 Summits

I had a few of my wheels refinished for around $100 a piece IIRC

Torre

The 2008 CTT does NOT have the "cracking coolant pipe issue". Congrats on wasting your money.