Buying a 2006 Cayenne Turbo S Sight-Unseen
08-03-2019 | 07:20 PM
#31
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Eastside
I'm still here, and still in the process of buying this Cayenne. PPI found a bunch of things as noted, dealer agreed to fix the valve covers, PCV leak, and a couple of other small items (like AC recharge). I'm waiting on them to finish the repairs.
08-03-2019 | 07:46 PM
#32
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 185
From: Southern AZ
08-04-2019 | 03:58 PM
#33
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Eastside
08-05-2019 | 10:40 AM
#34
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 336
Likes: 17
From: Zionsville, IN
Yikes. A bunch of things found in PPI usually means a bunch of other things ready to go due to poor maintenance. I hope you are getting a serious discount.
08-06-2019 | 12:08 AM
#35
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 172
That PPI seems very superficial. One of those pop the hood and take a look around jobs.
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
The following users liked this post:
I am the Walrus (08-17-2019)
08-06-2019 | 12:59 AM
#36
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 185
From: Southern AZ
That PPI seems very superficial. One of those pop the hood and take a look around jobs.
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
08-09-2019 | 03:38 AM
#37
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Eastside
That PPI seems very superficial. One of those pop the hood and take a look around jobs.
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
I bet those crankcase breather lines the OP says are broken are the two hoses that cost a combined $200. I'd say better than 50/50 chance that the fine establishment he's purchasing the car from will attempt a rig with some heater hose from Pep Boys. OP, do you have any documentation demonstrating that even a single preventative maintenance service has ever been performed? Is it on the original waterpump? Have you thought about suspension? At 130k miles, it's going to at the very least need front lower control arms if it hasn't had them. And what about the brakes? Do you have any idea how insanely expensive the rotors are for this car? If not, I suggest you look them up immediately. How about the front differential? The car should be driven to check for the tell-tale signs of a failing front diff (it's about time for one with those miles--there goes another $2500-3000). Engine mounts? When's the last time the coil packs were replaced? How about fuel pumps (about time for these too)? Does the entry and drive system work properly? These are just a few of the many things that could make this a very expensive purchase.
This is a car for the scrapyard OR, just maybe, for someone who is experienced with these cars and understands how to thoroughly assess what this car needs and can do the work very cost effectively. This is not a car for someone who isn't sure if changing engine and cabin air filters is a DIY job.
Let's say that the money doesn't matter to the OP. What's the point in purchasing this car when it's going to be in the shop all the time? That doesn't sound like much fun. IMO, the people that may get some enjoyment out of this project are going to be much more hands on. I have embarked on more than one project that made no financial sense, but I generally got some enjoyment and/or education out of the projects themselves that made the project worth it to me. I'm about to do a slew of work to my 2004 Cayenne S with 290k miles which arguably won't make much financial sense at all on paper but I've got a number of non-tangible reasons for doing so and I understand what I'm getting myself into.
OP, I hope they haven't got any of your money yet. Even if they have gotten a deposit out of you, just cut your losses.
I thought it was worth one more try...
I would completely agree that the dealer from which I'm purchasing is an untrustworthy source, but I would not agree that the PPI was superficial. I had them do a thorough check of every system except the sunroof (which I knew to be faulty already). Suspension including a full test of the air suspension was looked over explicitly. Brakes were top on my list for assessment and are at 60%. Diffs, transmission, cardan joint, axles, hubs, off road systems and modes, entry and drive, etc. were all deliberately checked. I didn't borescope based on the shops recommendation partially due to the knowledge that the scoring that typically occurs is at the bottom of the cylinder and often doesn't show up on borescopes, and partially because they gave it a solid recommendation.
I required the shop to use explicit replacement parts, in the case of the PCV lines to use the OEM parts. I don't trust them to not be shady, but I'd rather have an attempt to fix it that might hold than a known failure. The car is pretty cheap, $9k after repairs and etc. Shipping will bring it to $10500, cosmetic work will bring it to $14000, head-unit/audio/tech package work to $15000. That still feels like a decent deal to me, given that most of what I've been looking at has been in the $20k range and I was planning to spend $18k. With that said, am I a fool... probably. Will I chronicle being a fool so others can learn from my mistakes, well I think I will.
08-09-2019 | 02:35 PM
#38
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 1,164
From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
Someone once described me as my role in the grand scheme of things was to be a "bad-example for other people.." I've always sort of cherished that. Looking forward to your chronicles.
08-09-2019 | 03:22 PM
#39
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 142
From: Bay Area, CA
I did my own PPI when buying mine (documented here as its own thread), including a borescope of some of the cylinders that were making a little noise. So I know exactly how difficult (i.e., very easy) it is to do a borescope. Especially when they are replacing the valve cover gaskets, it would be literally less time to do the borescope than to read the discussion on here about why it was or wasn't done. Yes, the scoring could be hidden by the pistons, but maybe not. Makes no sense to me that they skipped it and the compression test.
08-17-2019 | 02:14 PM
#40
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 51
From: Palm Desert, California
Bottom line.... do not ever, buy a CTTS sight-unseen.
My buddy bought a 113,000 mile, California CTT that was supposedly "fully serviced by a Porsche Tech" for $13,000 sight-unseen and shipped to Florida.
He was lied to about much of the work performed.
Car had issues, from day one: chain rattle at cold start, coolant drips from rear of engine, transmission slammed shifts, constant vibration at idle....
Required engine-out replacement of: coolant Tees, motor mounts, chain tensioners, torque converter Viton seal
Spent additional $5600 to bring back to "as-described" condition.
Yeah, don't do it...
My buddy bought a 113,000 mile, California CTT that was supposedly "fully serviced by a Porsche Tech" for $13,000 sight-unseen and shipped to Florida.
He was lied to about much of the work performed.
Car had issues, from day one: chain rattle at cold start, coolant drips from rear of engine, transmission slammed shifts, constant vibration at idle....
Required engine-out replacement of: coolant Tees, motor mounts, chain tensioners, torque converter Viton seal
Spent additional $5600 to bring back to "as-described" condition.
Yeah, don't do it...
08-18-2019 | 04:43 PM
#41
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 99
From: Bluemont VA
When I first joined this forum in 2009 my first post "Hi I just purchased a 2004 Cayenne S" resulted in a barrage of insults with a condescending tone. Just saying hello, I was not asking for assistance, there no issues with my S at that time.
Since returning to this forum, about 5 years ago, most everyone has been mild mannered, even professional, compared to the 2009 members.
I am guessing many thousands of $$ have been save by DIY owners with the information provided here.
If anyone is not happy with replies posted they are invited to seek help elsewhere.
Since returning to this forum, about 5 years ago, most everyone has been mild mannered, even professional, compared to the 2009 members.
I am guessing many thousands of $$ have been save by DIY owners with the information provided here.
If anyone is not happy with replies posted they are invited to seek help elsewhere.
The following 3 users liked this post by v10rick:
09-04-2019 | 02:10 AM
#42
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Eastside
Well, for better or for worse, she's here. I'm sure I've got a nice long road of work ahead of me to get it into the condition I want, might never get there.
She did reward me for my patience with a coolant failure on the highway about 100mi into my ownership. Top coolant pipe came off. Had it towed to a shop and refitted and refilled. Question: Where do people's thermostat's sit? Now I'm being extra vigilant about watching temperatures and now every time it comes above halfway I'm paranoid.
Another question I have is regarding the engine bay covers. Since it's going to take me a bit of work to ensure she's running well, is there any harm in removing them and just leaving them off? I can't imagine they block too much heat or airflow, but I figured to ask. When the coolant issue occurred I also discovered the filler neck for the washer fluid is broken.
Had two lights on when it arrived. Low tire pressure (TPMS) and parking brake warning. Turns out, a tire was low and the parking brake wasn't fully released (who'd have guessed).
Blower fan doesn't appear to be working, next step is to check the fuses, similarly speakers don't work. Climate control panel and radio screen work fine. Backup camera is a blank image.
The knee panel beneath the glove compartment (with the power outlets) is loose and falls down. Screw mount appears to be broken and one retaining clip is missing. Cup holder insert is missing. Rear console panel below the cup holders is also missing.
Lots of little projects, but overall I'm in love with the feel of driving the car. She's so settled on the highway and there's plenty of power. Not as raw as my STi or some of the other cars I've owned, but it feels solid and comfortable and trustworthy. Overall, it's about where I expected it to be in terms of condition. A project, for sure, but should be a decent one.
Of course there's the big projects I haven't mentioned. Paint correction, android head unit install, and the cost of new head/tail lights. But hey, the way I see it I got it for about $9k under what I was expecting. That's a decent amount of wiggle room to play with.
I wonder what people's thoughts are. Keep this thread and make updates here, or should I start a build log?
09-04-2019 | 02:46 PM
#45
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 1,053
From: Mt Juliet, TN
My temp rarely budges past straight-up 180. If it’s 100+ outside and I am working the engine hard...might go to 190 for a couple of minutes. You can leave the covers off, but keep track of those pesky fasteners for reinstall.