Do any of you use Cayenne's for off roading?
#1
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Do any of you use Cayenne's for off roading?
I'm thinking of switching from my Hummer H-3 to a Cayenne. Is this a good idea? I'm not trying to climb rock walls but I go into the mountains and deserts for my job.
#2
I know very little about the H3, but what are the repair costs? I assume that if you go into mountains and deserts often, there is more maintanance and repair than normal road travel? Something to consider if GM parts and labor are cheaper than those on the Cayenne.
However, from shows like 5th Gear, Top Gear and Motor Week, the Cayenne is a very capable off-road vehicle. The only off-roading I've done was in Leipzig on their off-road demo course and I found it impressive. I have however heard that the new (2010 ?) will be losing a lot of it's off-roading and people-hauling capabilities...possibly because so few Cayennes ever see the dirt. Look for posts from 'Coochas' and he may have links for the video reviews I mentioned above.
However, from shows like 5th Gear, Top Gear and Motor Week, the Cayenne is a very capable off-road vehicle. The only off-roading I've done was in Leipzig on their off-road demo course and I found it impressive. I have however heard that the new (2010 ?) will be losing a lot of it's off-roading and people-hauling capabilities...possibly because so few Cayennes ever see the dirt. Look for posts from 'Coochas' and he may have links for the video reviews I mentioned above.
#3
The Cayenne will be fine for off-roading and there's no extra maintenance to be done, unless you break something. I have taken my Cayenne off-road extensively and can tell you that it is very capable. I now have 60k miles on my Cayenne and have had no unusual maintenance items. YMMV.
#4
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by GM Austin
The Cayenne will be fine for off-roading and there's no extra maintenance to be done, unless you break something. I have taken my Cayenne off-road extensively and can tell you that it is very capable. I now have 60k miles on my Cayenne and have had no unusual maintenance items. YMMV.
I love Top Gear in the UK. You can't get it in the States.
#5
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Originally Posted by ChipAZ
I'm thinking of switching from my Hummer H-3 to a Cayenne. Is this a good idea? I'm not trying to climb rock walls but I go into the mountains and deserts for my job.
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#8
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Originally Posted by ChipAZ
Another concern, is what do you do when you blow a tire on some back trail in Utah? Without a spare.
http://porsche.parkplacestores.com/caspwhho.html
But wait, there's more.....
Act now and we'll include the Cayenne spare wheel COVER:
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Don't delay, supplies are limited.
#9
Originally Posted by ChipAZ
Another concern, is what do you do when you blow a tire on some back trail in Utah? Without a spare.
Interestingly, I have never had a tire failure off-roading. I'm very careful and slow on the sort of stuff you see in the above photo, just to avoid busting something on the underside, but if the terrain is relatively flat, I let'er rip. I will drive as fast or faster off-road as I do on pavement (no radar out there).
Driving on paved roads has been much more hazardous to tires for me. I've had several failures on-road; beer bottles, nails, curbs, etc.
#10
Racer
Originally Posted by GM Austin
Budget M3: Turn off PSM? Why?
#11
Originally Posted by ChipAZ
Another concern, is what do you do when you blow a tire on some back trail in Utah? Without a spare.
#12
Originally Posted by Budget M3
To allow for SOME wheel spin...With the Cayenne, the PSM is never really completely off, but when climbing on dirt, the PSM thinks you are sliding and applies the brakes to the spinning wheel. There are some climbs where you just want the AWD to do it's thing and send power to the wheel(s) w/ traction.
The Cayenne's big asset off-road, IMHO, is the incredible ground clearance you can get with the suspension fully raised. That quality alone is enough to give the Cayenne serious off-road abilities. The low range gearing and locking center differential are also helpful.
But don't turn off PSM. It is somewhat helpful and there is no advantage to turning it off.
#13
Racer
Originally Posted by GM Austin
But don't turn off PSM. It is somewhat helpful and there is no advantage to turning it off.
In hindsight, I probably should have said to be PREPARED to turn off PSM in certain conditions. Any way you take your Cayenne off road, though...it's all good!
#15
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The Cayenne is a great offroad vehicle
I have taken my CTT offroad - Death Valley, Mojave National Monument, Anza Borrego, Lytle Creek, etc...
IMO the Cayenne is a more capable offroad vehicle than an H-3, which is built on the Chevy Trailblazer platform. The Trailblazer is more of a family SUV than a true offroader, whereas Porsche designed serious offroad capabilities into the Cayenne.
I suggest you use 18 inch wheels with rugged tires. I have Nitto Terragrapplers on mine, but there are many other good choices. PASM (air suspenison) is a real plus.
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.
IMO the Cayenne is a more capable offroad vehicle than an H-3, which is built on the Chevy Trailblazer platform. The Trailblazer is more of a family SUV than a true offroader, whereas Porsche designed serious offroad capabilities into the Cayenne.
I suggest you use 18 inch wheels with rugged tires. I have Nitto Terragrapplers on mine, but there are many other good choices. PASM (air suspenison) is a real plus.
Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.