bmwtmx

Well I just lost a deal on a 2006 Cayenne S that I loved and after I decided to start doing homework. These cars do not seem to be too reliable and I was just wondering if 2006 models are more reliable than earlier models. Are 2008's improved even more? I am going to be towing a track car and I live in Florida (a/c on all day, every day, 365 days a year). Is this just a headache waiting to happen even with Porsche CPO? I see trailer light problems, non-stop coil problems, radiator problems, PCM problems, etc. Anyone have a good experience??

Dennis C

Our 2004 CS is one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. It has about 72K on the clock right now.

ltc

You forgot cardan shaft, horns that fill with water, keyless entry, tire wear... I would suggest more homework.

bmwtmx

What the hell is a cardan shaft? I mean $40k for a nearly 5 year old car I just don't want a headache. Is that too much to ask? Why do all German cars last 3-4 years and then start breaking regardless of miles? It's like they are timed to die.

rome

114,000 miles here... No problems to speak of...

Great 5 years with my 2006 'S'

2011 is on the way (Oct. 7th build date).

P.S. Anyone interested in a really nice, albeit high mile 2006 please let me know...

ltc

All German cars do not die after 3-4 years.

As for "what the hell is a cardan shaft", again I would suggest searching the forum as part of your homework assignment.

00Jay

I spent a few extra $$ and went with an 08 S. More HP, less problems (from what I've read on forums), and a total of 3.5 years worth of bumper-to-bumper warranty with CPO. The only thing that really angers me about my CS is the maintenance fees at my local dealer. $600 every 12K miles for an oil change and $1,400 for a 40K maintenance.

PS: See my avatar for the wonderful loaner you get here in AZ when you pay the premium services fees....

bmwtmx

Well I used to just have BMW's and raced them for about 12 years. All the road cars would develop what I called the WLS: Warning Light Syndrome. Once it came on, it was there forever and my cars lived at the dealer thereafter. Not to mention leaking valve covers (at 25k miles), never ending idrive problems, transmission issues, etc. I just have been reading a lot of the same here. I always fall into the "bad car" category. And at least you got a loaner car. I had to pay to rent my loaner on my 2009 Lotus Exige S 260. Go figure.

ltc

Good news...no leaking valve covers on Cayennes.

Don't take my word for it...you can check for yourself every time you're checking and replacing coils and plugs.

Assuming you have a warranty (OEM or CPO) and the coils, carden shaft, coolant tubes have been replaced, you have a good chance of surviving...

If you want 100% trouble free vehicle, you might be disappointed.

ltc

What are you towing?
Is 7700# and 660# tongue acceptable?

bmwtmx

Just sold my Lotus and am looking to get something else. Can't decide if I want another track car or go back to racingr. But I am going to get something...I am just trying to decide on the tow vehicle first. 7400lbs is plenty.

Dennis C

I hear Acura and Lexus SUVs are quite reliable. You could always go that route.

Otherwise, just get a Cayenne, make sure it's been properly mainained, and don't worry about it. Nobody can guarantee you a low-maintenance vehicle if you're buying a used car. Some are good, some are bad.

bmwtmx

Car I am now looking at has 18k miles, Lapis Blue/Grey. Has no warranty but I can buy an aftermarket one for 3 years 60k miles. Car has had none of the work described at all but a brake flush and ABS control module. It is in impeccable condition now. It's on eBay but it's local:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...fCarsQ5fTrucks

wirunner

Having owned two, I would never buy one that was already out of warranty. That's the one I hated the most, even if in retrospect, it didn't have any major failures like the one under warranty. For the amount you're willing to fork out, it's worth the time and wait to find a nice 08 CS that has at least a year of base warranty + added CPO coverage (3 yr lease returns should be coming in on 08s). Then you'll be happy. Oh, and find one WITH a trailer hitch.

! Beep !

Good Luck

ltc

Make sure you know the exact coverage provided by the aftermarket warranty.
One did not cover the internal coolant tubes...the ones that crack on all Cayennes...since they're plastic, they're excluded.