mikeymike79

So I'm looking to spend between $25k - $30 on a used Cayenne.

I am on the road 6 months of the year for work so I don't really put much mileage on my cars. Last year, I think I only drove around 4 or 5k.

However, when I AM in town, I play hockey and go on some short road trips. The Cayenne seems like the perfect car for me. I love the combination of performance, interior room, and luxury.

There are a LOT of options for me in this price range.

Here are 3 options I am looking at:
2004 Cayenne Turbo with 75k miles ($25k)
2006 Cayenne S with 66k miles, moon roof, fully loaded ($27k)

or...

2008 Cayenne v6 with 56k miles, but the price is a little over my budget ($34k)... I'd have to stretch.

Since I don't drive very much, does that change my buying strategy? I was thinking that perhaps I am the ideal type of person to buy a car with higher mileage (since I won't be driving it much). The money I save can be used to get a higher model or newer version.

Thoughts? Much appreciated!

mikeymike79

Also, I know there was a cosmetic upgrade for the 2008 models. What about for the 2004 to 2006 models? Are they identical? And does a Turbo looks any different from the S model?

endless_corners

I personally give v6 cayennes zero consideration.. But they can be had with a stick. Keep in mind that turbos come stock with more options than you can normally find on even a well optioned s or v6. There is someone on the forum selling a really nice turbo for your budget. Take a peek at that one - it seems super well taken care of.

I would try and get an 05-06 turbo if it were me. I settled on a 2004 cayenne s recently for $17k but it came very well optioned with air suspension, full leather package, lighting package, dark green interior.... And it fit my budget and I'm stoked. But if I had been benchmarking $25-31k I would be looking at turbos for 100% sure.

mikeymike79

Interesting... it does seem like a used turbo has pretty good value. That said, I don't know if I really need a turbo charged engine.

Would you prefer a 2004 Turbo or a 2006 Cayenne S?

endless_corners

If the S has air suspension i'd consider it.. There is some solid anecdotal info that 06's are a little more reliable.

gllever

The only factor between a 2004-2006 is the miles,condition and options . they are the same other than that.
Look for one that that has had the cooling tube changed.

mikeymike79

or do I get a low end 2008 model? v6, high mileage, not as many options...? IS the 2008 model really worth it?

GuyIncognito

a friend had 2 air bladders let go on the air suspension...total repair bill was $4k (they went out at separate times, but within a few months of each other).

I'd rather replace shocks and springs

AdMan21

I'd get the 06 s. Especially if your questioning wether or not you need turbo power.

endless_corners

Yeah I bought mine with the air suspension having been just refurbed. Still it's a must feature for me. I just wouldn't buy a pig without. The ride height and damper firmness adjustment is just too tops for me.

mikeymike79

Which models come with the air suspension? Also, are there any other differences between the 04 and 06? It really looks the same (both interior and exterior) and it seems like there are just some minor maintenance benefits to the newer car.

endless_corners

You have to look in the center console behind the shifter. When I was shopping for mine I would look for interior pictures and see if the switches and buttons were there. It is standard on the turbo but optional on other models.
The first switch is on all cayennes and engages low range and center diff lock. The next slot which is blank in the picture is for rear sway unlock and found only in rare models with offroad package, the next three buttons are for sport, normal, and comfort settings (air suspension), the last switch is for ride height (air suspension). So if you see a cayenne S with only the first switch and all three other slots blank it doesn't have air suspension.

deilenberger

The upside is the nice little recessed tray that takes the place of the other switches on our stripper Cayennes..

deilenberger

BTW - since you're in the price range where it's possible - buy one with the Porsche CPO extended warranty. It is worth every penny extra you pay (well - it's a LOT of pennies, but still worth it.)

mikeymike79

Awesome - that's some great advice. I'm now looking for a Cayenne online. So many choices! I'm really leaning towards the S or the Turbo. It is incredible to think that at retail price, the Turbo might be $50,000 more expensive than the base model but when you look at 2004 or 2005 models, we are talking about $5000 more for the Turbo version only.