Joseph Caruso

Hi, I need some advise. Im looking for a Cayenne Turbo. I found a 2004 with 110,000 miles. 3 owners, looks nice. Wbat do i need to look for when buying this truck? Is that year a good year or should i stay away because of the miles? I have a 2004 911 Cab and love it ! Im looking for a dependable truck to use daily. Any advice would be much appreciated! Should i stay away from the Turbo and go for an S model and stay away from the turbo? Thank you for your help! Joe Caruso......

5CHN3LL

You should definitely look for a Cayenne Turbro model that is not a Cayenne. I suggest a second 996... If you decide to go this route, good news! There are people around here who have second- and third-hand knowledge about 996ing.

What have you read about turbo reliability? I know they're light years better than they were just a decade or so ago, but it's still an expensive item when that rebuild comes around...

I know "older" Cayennes have issues (like the drive shaft support) that have since been resolved. Sound familiar?

This is just opinion you DIDN'T ask for, but...I hate how the early Cayennes look. They are SO plain from the rear view; they look like EVERY OTHER roundish SUV on the road, and that pisses me off. Any Porsche should be distinguishable as a Porsche from any angle, right? The newer ones - and I have no idea about model years - look much less entry-level Mercedes from the hind view.

strathconaman

https://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-cayenne-forum-77/

This.

TonyTwoBags

I know guy that drives a Cayenne.

Lance Craig

I owned that exact SUV and was never happier the day I got rid of it, so many issues from suspension to cracked plastic radiator pipes etc. The back seat don't even fold flat unless you pop off the headrests. Trust me doesn't sound like big deal but was such a nuisance. The suspension issues were not stop for every ball joint to the struts etc. That was just my experience but the build quality on newer ones are much better from 2011 up.

kromdom

+958!!!!!

knfeparty

As an 04 996 and 955TT owner... They are ruthlessly unforgiving in the "catching up on maintenance" department. Have a slight shaking when coming to a stop and the idle dips? No worries, all you have to do is REMOVE THE ENTIRE ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN to replace the engine mounts. Sagging headliner? Don't worry it's only made of unicorn hide and costs $2200 for a replacement piece. "Oh just re-glue it" you say, well trust me that lasts for about 7 months before it sags again.

Is it a good 996 open trailer tow vehicle? Sure. Off-road capable? You bet, way more than most people will be willing to try. Fast on the highway and handles well? Absolutely. But, all of that is only if you can bank on putting $400-$500 a month on average into it on parts. And at that point you could just buy a much newer car with financing

DerkBarrington

I recently purchased a 2004 CTT project and have no regrets. I knew go in it would need work but I haven't found it too bad to wrench on. Parts are expensive but can be found cheaper if you cross reference with the Touareg. I intend to use mine for towing my other projects around and getting through the harsh winter conditions.

FRUNKenstein

I bought an '06 Cayenne S (not the turbo, but a V8 model) about a year ago. Knock on wood, but it's been very reliable. Had about 138,000 miles on it when I bought it and has just under 150k miles on it now.

The guys over on the Cayenne forum (if you haven't figured it out, this is a forum for the 911 generation known as the 996, basically model years 1999 to 2004) will tell you to stay away from the 2004 models, that they got a little better each year and then the newer ones (2011 and newer) are pretty good vehicles.

But, hands down, the best model year for the Cayenne was 2007. Buy one of those immediately if you see one.

kmagnuss

I have a 06' Titanium S model... 115k miles or so on it now. It's been pretty good overall. It has no business being able to handle the way it does at that size. I used to hate the way it looks but I actually have grown fond of it now. It tows terrific... decent motor, big brakes and a stiff suspension. Actually tows my boat better than the f150 and silverado I had... not as good as the F350 diesel though but that's obvious.
I'd buy another one for sure.

sammaw

I have a cayenne S 2008. all and all a good car. But it costs more than the 996 in maintenance. Just look where the battery is located. yes under the front seat, it requires you to remove the front seat to replace the battery.
Highly recommend getting one with the adjustable suspension.
On turbo vs S. no regrets with the S its fast enough for a SUV, but why wouldn't you want a turbo.