So i own a 05 VR6, about 108k on the clock, standard base model with the panoramic roof (i love this). Went to day to check out a Turbo same year, drove really nice, seems in good shape but has 180k on the clock, guy asked for a trade, im considering it but a little nervous with the mileage.

Just wondering what you guys think about this? How reliable is the turbo at this mileage? think its worth it? i might be letting my emotions get involved in this one.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Your VR6 is bullet proof and will go many more miles. The turbo with 180K miles is used up.
It's less likely to be one of the bad engines that bore score, but 180K seems to be prime mileage for losing a valve which also destroys the engine. How much life does the timing chain and tensioners have left? Have you seen what's involved in replacing those? Forget about the engine for a minute...what about every other moving part? Transmission, transfer case, differentials, CV joints, wheel bearings, entire suspension, motor mounts, alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump, etc.
To buy it for a 2nd fun vehicle, yeah no problem. If it's going to replace your current reliable Cayenne and be a daily driver, hell no.

Every car forum has a couple of members that will chime in and tell you how their crazy high mileage car is awesome...click on their profile and skim through their posts. You'll find they've put an ungodly amount of money and time into keeping their used up car on the road, but won't tell you about it.

Lastly, you have to wonder why he wants to trade his V8 turbo for your base 6 cylinder?

 

Might be okay if you have an unlimited budget and are prepared to wrench on the Cayenne yourself.

If not run away from this deal.

 

That 189k mileage is getting into the everything that hasn't been replaced yet will need to be. I bought my 09 Turbo S with 28k miles on it in 2016 and it has 48k on it now. Has been flawless, but really only does highway trips and really is only used about 5 times a year, so in a very different mileage category and use case then what you're talking about. I wanted years of trouble-free ownership and why I searched for a super.low.mileage one when buying.

The turbo power makes it feel like a completely different car than the V6 if you drive it to take advantage of the power. If you want to make that move, I'd find a much lower.mileage example.

 

I think the v6 is the smarter play, but if we only made logically choices, everyone would drive a Toyota. I also believe...the turbo is a million mile vehicle (highest I've seen is 600k)...just needs maintenance. I personally wouldn't bat an eye purchasing a 955/957 with 200, 300, 400k miles...for the right price...your tolerance for risk may be different. I'll also say...my daily driver is a Honda for reliability.

 

Thanks for the responses, I've felt that the vr6 is the better option, as both cars are getting old and maintenance on mine would be better. Emotions are getting the best of me as this car does drive nicely.

Ill do the maintenance myself but im more worried about the bigger stuff down the line alongside with much more parts on the turbo, it could be a headache. But by gosh the drive was nice. the vr6 is the sensible option for sure!

The car wouldn't be a daily, as i ride a bike to work, sometimes i drive. but i do intend on going places with it. Tough one!

 

Get the Turbo.


Source: I've owned my 04 CTT from 80K to its current 275K. It is the best car I've owned to include many other Porsches (still own 3)

 

How did you solve your scored cylinder #6 you posted about back in 2018?

 

Did you ever have many issue in one go?

 

Have you considered just buying the turbo…and keeping the vr6….it’s what makes the most sense :-)

 

would love too, but dont have the space :/

 

It's not scored - internet hype got me all paranoid

 

The only real headache was the alternator at ~150K miles - not difficult just required more patience than most jobs. Coolant T's were a piece of cake. Valve cover gaskets are also a piece of cake. Sure I've replaced plenty of the crappy plastic tubing but they aren't expensive from FCP Euro and carry a lifetime warranty. Change the ignition coils every 40-50K and inspect engine bay wiring/anything plastic and you'll be fine. Obviously things break sometimes but they are all easily dealt with - and it's not like the VR6 is immune from needing driveshafts, coils, random emission stuff. I had my little brother get a base 957 and I cursed that suggestion when I was replacing his PCV valve - and all the other common Cayenne issues.

 

if it helps, we also have an 05 VR6. Had is since 2009 and ~44000 miles and it now has 195000 miles on it. It is a manual, so that definitely helps keep it fun and keep it around. This year was my biggest maintenance year as a result of numerous failures (TStat housing, fuel pumps, and head unit). I do all the work on it, so went after the entire cooling system minus the radiator and coolant reservoir. Did the valve cover gasket since the valve cover had to come off to get to the tstat housing. Also did upper and lower control arms, tie rod ends, and new Bilsteins all around (i'm on steel springs) as the front bushings were shot (second time I have done lowers) and the shocks were a bit tired. And brakes this year as well. Went high end on the stereo install/upgrade and had MusicarNW do what they do. But all of this is "normal" for cars that are over 15 years old and have 200k miles on them. This is not our only Porsche. I will tell you that if you drive them and look after them, they are no worse than any other car and often I find the parts, while expensive, are better engineered and last longer than other makes. You know the history on yours and you don't drive it daily. I would keep it. If you buy any car more than 10 years old, regardless of mileage, you will have brittle plastics, old electronics, and worn rubber pieces that could all use a refresh. So if you go the Turbo route, don't be upset or surprised if the bills start coming in for all the refresh that may be needed. The one thing I do wish the VR6 had is more power. Drove a GTS manual and the brakes and steering felt over assisted compared to our little base VR6. The Vr6 felt like more the drivers car to me. Good luck with your dilemma.