Honestly at first I can't say I gave a damn about this "thing". But as more and more pictures became avail, I have to say that it begins to catch my interest. Even more so in (I think) the Seal Grey (of the recent pics out).

I am in the midst of getting rid of my X5 4.4 and am considering an X5 4.6. However the price of it being $10K more than the 4.4 is hard to digest. Personally I am not sure the performance of the 4.6 justifies the price. Not sure I want to get another 4.4 since I already owned it, though it's more than competent.

I like the new Range Rover, but drivability WILL suffer against the X5 I know. Truthfully I drive the X5 almost like I drive my 996. It's that damn good (remember SUV here). So climbing into the RR will take some adjusting, not to mention that RR has it's issues: reliability and mkt value. What scares me is that the previous RR model sold for also around $70K but is worth an avg of $33~$40K on the used mkt. That's a big hit. Anyone here buy the new one yet? Any suggestions/opinions?

Then again there's the new Porsche "thing". And considering what's available on the market it makes itself more and more exciting to anticipate. Anyone know when it will be in the dealerships? Or know how much this thing will cost (in the Non-Turbo version)? Are there waiting lists already? The majority of the personal opinions here would lead me to believe that it should be readily and easily to obtain. Also this is a new V8 engine no? Not to mention a new type of vehicle for Porsche. I suppose that should lead me to be concerned about quality issues as much as the new RR?

If anyone is bored enough to reply please do so.

Thanks in advanced.

 

See <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=23&t=000089" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=23&t=000089</a>

My guess FWIW is $75,000 - $80,000 USD for a well specced "S"

 

Oris, I'm bored enough to not address your questions directly, but I think some of the guys who work at dealerships will provide you better info...

On the opinions from Rennlist participants; I think they are skewed against the C vs. the "general marketplace". Please be reminded that even those who have great techncial expertise can (unwittingly or not) color their analysis w/ personal bias. This is esp. so where there is no hardware to evaluate - all is opinion at this point.

On the reliability of "first year models"; I think this is a truism, that there are exceptions, & that (obviously) only becomes clear in hindsight. I suspect that Porsches are generally better than average due to their engineering standards & long development cycles. Of course, problems are what warranties & leasing are for - it appears you don't keep your utility devices too long in any case.
You have the right mindset - an open one, and "from Missouri". I can almost imagine that there will be open arguments in the showrooms & parking lots when the C debuts. What fun!

 

Though I know it's still speculation, I've heard the pricing for the Cayanne S will be about $80K. But if experience serves me right I am sure Porsche will have options galore for these Utes...and with that comes a particularly high priced vehicle.

I am not sure I will want to look at an SUV that's that expensive. Heck I am having demonic nightmares already about the 2003 Range Rover. I like it from an aesthetics point of view. Haven't driven it yet, though I know it's more of a UV than an SUV (as in the "Sport"). Yet it's price of $72K is already eating at me. Yes I like it enough to buy it. But that doesn't escape the fact that it's still an SUV....$72K can buy you a 996, an M5, a SL430, 745...etc...etc...not exactly apples to apples, but nonetheless.

Oh the choices...maybe I should just stick with another X5 4.4? But how boring would that be?

 

I'm in the same boat and considering a 4.6 too. I can't get any answers from Porsche and don't like the color choices on the 4.6 (want white).

I will no doubt wait and see what happens with BMW this fall- I've heard a number of improvements will be made to the 4.6 and we're not in any real hurry.

I will add I love the 4.4. Except for the "key memory" problem it's been trouble free.

 

George,

Curious...what changes have you heard of planned for the 2003 MY for the X5? I haven't heard of anything except for the upgrade from CD to DVD for the navigation.

 

George,

Forgot to add my two cents. I think BMW will also be cornered for the fact that the Porsche and VW SUVs will be offered with competent V8s capable of 310~340HP. Seeing that that could eat into the X5 4.4, it only makes sense that the 4.4 eventually get the's new V8 that's crammed into the 745 sedan. That'll bring it up to 325HP. But then the X5 4.6 won't look like a bargain anymore.

Those are guesses...afterall I can't imagine why BMW would want to keep building two V8 engines.

 

because their middle name is Motor?

another aspect of (certain models) Porsche ownership is "relative equity stability". this may be more true of past models than current & future models, and certainly a new model like the C has to establish its own track record from scratch.

however, I have always found it useful to consider the financial component of my "auto equity position" like a stock portfolio. what are the total number of cars, what did I get into them for (individually & in toto), what is their current value, etc? all w/ regard to preserving the investment, minimizing the depreciation, manipulating a pool of equity that is convertable into numerous less expensive cars or one expensive one.

I suppose my point is obvious - which is a "better deal" - a $80K vehicle worth $55K in 4 years or a $65K one worth $30K at the same point in time? there are many reasons to own a good Porsche.

 

Dear Kevin,
Based on the data I looked at yesterday that I received from our importing company for Porsche, the costs in Euros, options plans etc and the falling US dollar (great for exports not good for imports)if you get a Cayenne V8TT off the lot for under 100K you are doing well. From what I have read these things are going to be optioned up to the hilt for the US market. Dealer "standard options". Of course until Herbst/Autumn/Fall this year we will never know but I doubt if these things are going to be cheap. As for what problems they will have, who knows, the only true tester is the consumer. Tyres maybe? A lot of HP, heavy, quite large, attempting to provide sports car performance and handling,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

 

I've heard there will be more power across the line within the X range in addition to more subtle improvements like lining in the door pockets (a cost cutting move that drives me nuts).

I seriously doubt I'd get the Porsche. The dealer service in this area is terrible, (in contrast to BMW which is excellent) I suspect they're going to cost way too much, depreciate way too fast and won't be near as reliable as the BMW. I first bought a BMW four years ago (a 528 sport we still own) and wonder why I waited so long. The car has been bulletproof, a joy to drive and is still worth almost 30K (paid 42). Only the aircooled 911 can match that kind of depreciation.

Besides the BMW will be in its fourth year of development. Does anybody remember porous Boxster blocks or has anyone checked the price of early 996s vs. late 993s lately?