bigbevo

I've been reading the forums trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. It's been great, really enjoying the community.

I did read the sticky "ATTENTION: If you're thinking of buying a 955 read this first before you ask your question" but I didn't "get it". Maybe its because I'm not reading enough. If I offend anyone with the question below, apologies beforehand.

I've been thinking of getting in to a Cayenne for awhile. It would be my daily driver for a 10m commute. Right now I have a Z71 crew cab I would trade in, work a deal on a Cayenne and then happily go on my merry way.

I can work on cars and follow instructions fairly well so I think I can do the coolant tubes, etc all myself.

A dealer near me has a one Texas owned 04 Cayenne S with 37k miles. Looking at the carfax and VIN lookup there are no red flags. They're asking 14k.

With such low miles for a 10+ old car a good or a bad thing here? Thinking of a test drive tomorrow but if buying a 955 is such a bad idea by those in the know here I will cancel it.

I am the Walrus

If you post the price along with stuff below, it will help with the replies
service records?
how many owners?
Accidents?
Did you run a carfax?
Are you going to get a ppi done?

bigbevo

Thanks, added price. 14k

bigbevo

service records?
Unknown, looking at the carfax it was serviced at the same shop, but not a Porsche Dealer.

Failed a recent emissions test (Texas) twice in a row, but passed the third time.

Front brake pads replaced at 23k

Needs new tires and 1 shock. Dealer said that would be done before the sale

how many owners?
One

Accidents?
None

Did you run a carfax?
Yes

Are you going to get a ppi done?
Wavering on this one, since its at a dealer I don't know if I'll get enough time.

Wisconsin Joe

The sticky is kind of a joke.

The 955 got better across the years, but an 04 isn't too bad (I'd stay away from an 03, or the first year of any model from any maker).

The low miles aren't a 'deal killer', but the car obviously sat a lot. And no matter the miles, it's still a 13 year old car. There's stuff that ages by time, rubber & plastic stuff mostly.

You say it's a Texas car, where are you? The S model (normally aspirated V-8) is prone to cylinder scoring, but it's largely a colder climate issue. I wouldn't worry about the motor now, but if you are "up north", it may be a concern for the future.

A PPI is a really good idea. If at all possible, put a deposit down and make the sale contingent on passing an independent inspection.

All in all, from what you have posted, it's certainly worth a closer look and a test drive.

ventoGT

Based on extensive reading over the past few months, the coolant pipes are the main thing to look for as they are plastic and will almost certainly fail--repairs at a shop are anywhere from $1500-$3K so negotiate that into the price if that repair has not been done--even if you are doing the labor tell the dealer you aren't Wonder what got done to pass emissions if it was a reset CEL and cross fingers thing or if they actually fixed something--would be interested to hear what that was. There are a LOT of these trucks out there, especially S models, so don't rush in if you don't feel 100% confident and feel like you will "miss" one -- another will come along. Would do a PPI especially if you can't get service records--it's weird to not service it in warranty at a Porsche dealer as well.

What's the VIN?

bigbevo

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'm keen on this one because of the low miles, but this could be a red herring.

Here is the VIN:

WP1AB29P74LA68471

ventoGT

http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-...AB29P74LA68471

Not a ton of options but you can see the build sheet here

uphoto

Low miles sounds good in theory but that would scare me actually. It usually means nothing has really had time to break and be replaced. Coolant hoses are probably stock, cardon shaft hasn't been done, tires would be shot, lot's of rubber items that have been just sitting.

PPI is always a must do no matter what.

J'sWorld

I don't mean to offend anyone but IMO @ this point in the 955's life cycle it makes absolutely no sense @ all to buy a non turbo. Not from an aesthetics, mechanical, money, or appointments angle. In fact without the normal issues and things that can only be fixed with a PIWIS I find the S to be much more of a liability should you suffer the dreaded scoring. It doesn't "only" happen in cold climates.

uphoto

Also interesting that you can buy a used CTT that retailed for almost double the cost of the above S for almost the same price.

Living in higher elevation there was no way I was getting a NA Cayenne

ventoGT

I'd be interested to see what people are actually PURCHASING Turbos for right now. The cars that I have seen that seem reasonably priced [low to mid $20K] are disappearing immediately while the board says they are $15K. Something doesn't add up.

uphoto

I think it depends on the location, car, mileage etc.

I bought an 08 CTT with PDCC and 64k miles for $26. When I was shopping for 05-06 CTT with 100k miles or so they were going for $16k-18k out here, maybe 20k at the higher end with 80k miles.

Dilberto

I got my 93k/mi 2006 CTT for $16k. Clean Carfax, which includes coolant tubes, transfer case motor, rear hatch struts and Water pump/sepentine belt.

bigbevo

I went and checked it out today. Decided to pass. While the mileage was low it looked "rode hard and put away wet". The headliner was sagging fairly bad, the wheels were in bad shape, the leather had heavy creases in it.

Just didn't get a good feeling from it, and decided not to take the plunge.

Thanks for the advice and willingness to tutor another newb