mike_the_man

Hi all,

I've been looking at early model Cayennes for a few weeks now (04, 05). I'm aware of all of the usual issues (coolant tubes, cardan shaft, coil packs, etc). The one thing I just discovered is the cylinder scoring issue. I'm aware that it only affects a certain range of VINs, but it sounds like it is affecting vehicles outside of that range as well?

I'm not afraid of the regular issues and maintenance, but the thought of an engine grenading, and the replacement cost associated, terrifies me a little bit.

What are everyone's thoughts on this? Is it something I should be worried about? Is there any way to determine if it will happen? Should a PPI include a boroscope of all of the cylinders? Basically, should I buy one or not?

Thanks all,
Mike

XR4Tim

I've only seen cylinder scoring on Cayenne S models, so if you're looking for a V6 or a Turbo, this isn't really a concern. It also appears to be a bigger problem in colder climates, so another way to reduce risk would be to check history, and buy one that's only lived in warmer climates. A typical PPI won't include a boroscope, but I'm sure you could request it and pay extra.
Good luck!

mike_the_man

I should mention that I have been looking at the Cayenne S, and I live in Saskatchewan Canada, so the majority of what I'm looking at has lived in, and will continue to live in, a pretty darn cold climate.

XR4Tim

Well, it's still a relatively low percentage that seem to have that issue. If it worries you, just save a little extra and look for a Turbo. You won't regret it if you do.

endless_corners

Too bad cayennes in Canada have crazy prices.

Dennis C

My 2004 CS has been very reliable. It rolled 120K miles last week!

mike_the_man

The prices up here don't seem that bad. They seem to sell for right around the cost of a new engine. The turbos are a little harder to come by and a little out of my price range, and I'm having a hard time getting excited about the V6.

TenaciousT

Anyone know the VIN range for the scoring issue? That's all I need! I have 04 S with 65k and I've replaced:

Water pump
battery
coolant tubes
fuel pump
cardan shaft
all coils/plugs
hatch struts
brakes/rotors

What I still need done:

Climate control servos....sometimes vents work, sometime they don't
Bose CD system makes noises like there's a CD in there, but there's not

That said, I also had a flash done and added cat bypass pipes and intake. Will probably keep this thing as winter ride until dies now. Definitely worth the money if you can find one with most of the above repairs done (mainly coolant tubes, cardan shaft, coils).

silvercayenneS

I have 2004 Cayenne S with 89k miles and love it. I just had the coolant pipes burst last month so that set me back $3k, but no other problems. I'm getting the cat bypass pipes installed next week. I wouldn't have any other car, I can rage the back roads and it corners on rails, an I can throw the mountain bikes on the back and pack up the fam for the beach. My next car will be a Turbo!

silvercayenneS

Plus you have 4X4 for the winter/snow driving. What other SUV can you tap the gas at 65 and do 95 like its nothing and then stop faster than a 911, while towing a boat!

Boeing 717

Our 05 6 cylinder has been great only had one coil go bad after 30,000 miles of driving it. It now has 55000 miles.

Cole

Fwiw, I just did some engine shopping for my 24v 2.8l VR6 Eurovan.(trust me there is Cayenne V6 and V8 content) In that process I looked at a lot of various upgrade options including using a 24v 3.2l VR6 long block from a Cayenne or Touareg.

I searched nationwide through all sorts of resources and of course found all sorts of V8 Cayenne engines from wrecked vehicles also.

Most rebuilders want $6500 starting price for a rebuilt VR6 24v 2.8l Which makes no sense since a factory long block is only priced at $4k with many of the used motors in the $2k and up range.

The 3.2L version found in the Cayenne and Touaregs is usually priced at $3k and up for a used take out from a wreck.(keep in mind these are the averages I was seeing around the country)

Most of the V8s turbo and NA were priced around $5k, some were,less, some more. Expensive? Yes! As expensive as has been posted for a factory block at $20k? NO! Most used 911 motors go for more than this!(used to used)

So while it would suck, its not *really* that expensive by comparison IF you were in the microscopic % that needs one

mcbit

At 1000 miles of week I have spent some money in maintenance on mine but neither of them has ever let me down or left me stranded.

DenverSteve

There are tons of '04/'05 Cayennes out there. That says it all. If they're still looking great and being driven, you only have to find the one you want and buy it. Set aside $2000 per year of disposable income (may not need it but...may) and drive the heck out of it.