jasonfreed

a tow vehicle.

I want the V8 and am not too particular about model year.

Is there a certain model year to stay away from?

I don't want to spend more than about $30K and there are TONS of them for sale.

So, before I spend the entire day searching this site, I thought maybe someone could give me a few quick things too look for or stay away from.

Thanks in advance.

wirunner

As has been stated on here many times, always try to buy the newest Porsche you can. Obvious reasons aside (i.e. age), there are hundreds of TSBs on the Cayenne, many of which were actual "problems" affecting the vehicle (coils, driveshafts, coolant pipes, blah blah - search the forum). The newer model you buy, the more likely many of these were addressed when built (but probably not all). Example: 03 CS horrible - 06 CS probably better.

At a $30k limit, you're unfortunately still in 04 territory if you want lower miles (maybe an 05 too). Hmmm an 04. I've certainly never owned one of those.

ltc

"!"

ltc

Exactly what are you going to be towing?
How much towing experience do you have?

Stay away from this forum.
Run Forest Run

You're welcome. You'll really be thankful later when you buy a proper tow vehicle.

jasonfreed

I know the "buy the newest Porsche you can afford" thing.

I've owned an '02 C2 cab and now own an '02 996TT. I've bought used Porsches before.

I'll be towing a track rat (prob around 2200lbs car + the trailer). I will tow 3 times during the entire year and will be towing about 175miles.

I've towed before and understand what towing is like with a short wheel base car.

I was hoping to get some ideas re: years to stay away from.

wirunner - - there are plenty of '06 CS available for low to mid $30's - that is asking. In this economy, I think I would not have much problem finding an '06 for around $30k - maybe a few dollars more.

PogueMoHone

Buy a Ford or GM diesel truck as a tow vehicle.

jasonfreed

I went and looked at the diesel trucks. I can't own one.

I'd literally drive it 3 times a year when i was heading to the track.

At least with a nice small SUV, I'd drive it once in a while.

I'm also looking at the Toureg 10cyl TDI - nice truck for about the same price as the CS.

ltc

Given your experience with towing and what you will be towing, IMHO the Touareg TDI is a better choice to a Cayenne.

skl

Gotta agree with Lewis- open trailer is no big deal but if you tow an enclosed trailer you are dealing with a mirror issue. You WON'T be able to see ANYTHING right behind you including the police car with his lights on... as for towing I'd recommend the Toureg TDI as well- and when not towing with it, you can pull stumps out of the yard...
If you go with a Cayenne make sure to get one with the factory tow package and get one with PASM- a must for towing IMHO. You'll find a lot more Touregs out there with air suspension. Finding a Cayenne with PASM if it's not a Turbo (they all come with it) is rather tough...

PogueMoHone

I have a garage full of Porsches, and an F250. I love tooling around in the F250, so I suggest you reconsider your assumptions.

INURGRL951

Well I got a cayenne turbo s I do it all in off roading /tracking /towing track cars and it does it very well but, i think the toureg 10 TDI would be NICE for the job you could move you house or plane with ease but I haven't seen a v10TDI under 60K

jasonfreed

well, I don't want a pick-up truck.

I'd literally put it in storage and use it ONLY to tow.

The '06 V10 TDIs can be had in the 30s - - ALL used car sales have taken a nose dive.

There are great deals out there right now.

I'll take a closer look at the Toureg TDI.

INURGRL951

But if you want performance also it my have to be the cayenne the only big problem with the toureg is the buttons and switches I think it sucks!

wirunner

Oh mid 30s...well you have plenty of anything to choose from at that price especially if you're not figuring in uncle sam's share. Then again I wouldn't know. I never bought a Cayenne before. A couple have landed on my doorstep by a stork though.

On a side note, the magic eight ball told me CPO was a good idea. Enjoy