Fred's 964

I'm shopping Cayennes to replace my GMC Yukon 2wd. I'm currently looking at '04's and '05's, is there a good reason to go with the '05? What changes did Porsche make in '05? How about the '06? What should I watch out for specific to the Cayenne (other than the normal used car stuff)? Any advise is appreciated.

Renn 951

03 and 04 model years are commonly referred to here at the Betas - they tended to have numerous teething issues that Porsche sorted out later. However, I wouldn't shy away from an 04 model produced late in the year if it's in good condition and has the options you want at the right price, as most of the "fixes" seemed to get cranked in by late in the year. Mine was a May 04 build and has been pretty much rock solid.

If you want the factory Nav system, the 05 models have the DVD based system instead of the CD based system on the 03/04 models.

Thaddeus

How do you determine build date on an 04?

Dennis C

I believe you can find the build date on the sticker inside the door.

My 2004 was also built in May of 2004, and it has been very good. It has had minor issues here and there, but nothing that is a show stopper. Just make sure you look at the maintenance records carefully. I would buy a properly documented, maintained 2004 over a 2005 with an unknown history.

The nav system issue is a good one to mention too, as you saw above in Renn 951's post. The CD-based nav system is inferior to the DVD based system that became available on 2005 models.

Renn 951

Yes, open the driver's door and look for the sticker on the right side of the opening by the seat. The top line will say something like "Manufactured by Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche AG" and to the right of that will be some numbers like "05/04", which would mean the car was built May 2004.

User 4221

Cosmetically (and a big seller for me) is the '05 has a solid body color where the '03/'04 have the black trim at the body bottom

If you are buying one out of warranty, make sure the coils have been replaced.

Slow Guy

If you're a DIY guy/gal the coils are not a expensive part and not that difficult a task from what I've read. At the dealer it's expensive (what isn't). What I'm saying is, don't turn down a vehicle just because of the coils.

I believe Dennis C / Dennis C did a writeup on coil replacement awhile back.

Dennis C

No 993BillW / Addict, it wasn't me. Although a search on this forum will bring up a good write up - I simply wasn't the author.

MadFox

Actually, minor point.
'03 = Alpha
'04 = Beta

IMHO, I wouldn't buy a used alpha/beta without a CPO which is getting near the end of the cycle as it is only good for 6 years. Many owners have kept their's and have had relatively few problems as they exceed 100K miles. I just wouldn't volunteer to go there with a used purchase. Better to go with a CPO '05 which were less "infected" but still had/have gremlins from the initial production issues of the alpha/betas. If you read the posts.. '06 and later = 99% problem free.

Slow Guy

Just remember, as of Aug. or Sept. (I think) Porsche change the CPO coverage. It's not as generous as it was before. Don't ask me the details, I don't have them but I suspect you can download the new CPO coverage info from Porsche's web site. I just remember reading that they had changed the coverage.

medtech

I'm partial to the '06 myself.

As with any P-car buy the newest model you can afford...

ltc

Wrong.

1973 RS? Not exactly the 'newest' but highly sought after.

Renn 951

I think the operative words here are "...you can afford..." Of course, with all the turmoil on Wall Street, there may be a lot less available capital chasing those 1973 RS cars now...

skl

As a previous owner of a late '04, get the '05 if it has NAV- the CD is NOT upgradeable making it essentially useless. My late '04 was reasonably reliable but I'd go for the newer one. Take your time- there are a lot out there and the price keeps going down, just like the market...

ltc

Wait.....this just in, CDROM NAV is getting life support.....

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/455137-pcm2-0-nav-update.html