ltc

A. Yes, that picture actually is funny. If you don't think so, you shouldn't buy the Cayenne

B. I would suggest checking both Autoatlanta and Germancarrepair via as many sources as possible. Just saying...

Rickyuk

My best advice would be to drive the car first. I took many 2004/5/6 cars out and it was amazing how many had issues that have been discussed in the post. Sluggish acceleration, misfires, clunking carden shaft. Worn rotors and spongy brakes. Also check the internal cabin trim for missing and damaged parts. 2 keys are a must. Make sure the indicator and light warning works. Changing the speaker is a nightmare! You know when you drive a well cared for Cayanne as I did. Just remember that at $80000 new all parts are very expensive. That's why e bay is such a good tool for parts. Check the car fax for serious issues. I have never seen on any car fax that the coolant tubes have been changed. Assume they have not. Good luck and enjoy your Porsche.

Miamirice

You are in the Atlanta area, consider there will be a very strong PCA group that frequent Road Atlanta. I run a Honda and BMW on track, but there is always a big Porsche group and I talk to those guys. These guys tend to have some wrenching skills but more importantly they all know who in Town is the legit independent guys and who are not. You can probably find the PCA forum and ask for help in your area.

Rennlist is an excellent source. I just took the plunge on a 2006 S. I plan to do the work myself for most stuff. There is great info here to walk you through most issues. Good luck.

dryadsdad

My take is that a specialist indie is the best for a PPI on any but current models. They have the depth of knowledge about 'veteran' cars which the dealer doesn't. Why? Because very few older cars see the dealer and either are ignored, home maintained or if lucky, see the indie specialist.

scaredstupid

I'm all in! I just bought it! Geronimooo!!!! I'll be here a lot! Hopefully if I treat this car right, it will be kind to me. I have a nice spot in the garage waiting, new oil too. I may wait about 8k miles and then go ahead and change the transmission and gear oils too... I read the manual doesn't seem like I'll have too much trouble. Admittedly, I'm feeling a little overconfident after changing the water pump and thermostat on my 08 325i lol.

scaredstupid

Oh and those plastic cooling pipes everyone keeps talking about will be done asap too! Thanks for the advice guys!

Miamirice

Congrats. Oil change is easy, taking off the aero panels is 50% of the job. Just don't over torque the drain plugs. They feel rather soft to me. .I drove my front wheels up onto a single patio paver for both front wheels and did the job. No jack stands needed

Slyker

I bought a mint '04 Cayenne S this past spring. Had 72,000 kms which is something like 55,000 miles. I happily paid a few grand more than the price you noted and I absolutely love the car. I believe the used Cayenne's, if in good condition, are very under priced, which is great for guys like you and I! Nicest most refined car I've ever owned. Love it. It will cost more to repair and operate, so if you are on a tight budget that could be a problem. I'm not super wealthy or anything, but I am willing and able to pay more for repairs etc. for a car of this quality. I'd say go for it if you can afford it. Also, if you drive hard and or commute great distances daily you will pay big bucks for fuel. I don't have long commutes and I try (as hard as it is) not to open it up all the time, although I do this selectively for the pure joy of feeling that Porsche, there Is no substitute" vibe.

One very common issue is fuel pumps giving out. Well actually it's usually the main one that usually goes and luckily there's a secondary fuel pump. If you buy a Cayenne and ever have stalling issues, don't panic. Pull the #14 fuse and if the car runs normally this means that it's the main fuel pump. Hope you bought one and if so, enjoy and good luck!

Slyker

2nd post and I already &ˆ%$ up! I didn't see the last post saying that you bought it. Congrats. I'm sure you're loving it and good for you for getting in there and getting your hands dirty. You'll save big $$.

Enjoy and remember about the fuel pump.

Slyker

I bought a mint '04 Cayenne S this past spring. Had 72,000 kms which is something like 55,000 miles. I happily paid a few grand more than the price you noted and I absolutely love the car. I believe the used Cayenne's, if in good condition, are very under priced, which is great for guys like you and I! Nicest most refined car I've ever owned. Love it. It will cost more to repair and operate, so if you are on a tight budget that could be a problem. I'm not super wealthy or anything, but I am willing and able to pay more for repairs etc. for a car of this quality. I'd say go for it if you can afford it. Also, if you drive hard and or commute great distances daily you will pay big bucks for fuel. I don't have long commutes and I try (as hard as it is) not to open it up all the time, although I do this selectively for the pure joy of feeling that Porsche, there Is no substitute" vibe.

One very common issue is fuel pumps giving out. Well actually it's usually the main one that usually goes and luckily there's a secondary fuel pump. If you buy a Cayenne and ever have stalling issues, don't panic. Pull the #14 fuse and if the car runs normally this means that it's the main fuel pump. Hope you bought one and if so, enjoy and good luck!

endless_corners

I don't think fuel pump failure is quite the epidemic you bring up. You do see it but its not uncommon on any car over 100k miles. I would be more concerned about the usual suspects. Coils, horns, driveshaft, coolant pipes, valve body...

Shawn Stanford

Yeah, these a$$holes did the same thing to me when I bought my P!g. Just figure on $5,000 for repairs over the next few years and you'll be fine. $14k + a few grand in repairs is a small price to pay for a barely-used $80k vehicle.

One more thing: Become a Rennlist member immediately! This should be your very first stop when things go wrong. There is a vast amount of experience and advice on this board. It will save you time, aggravation, and money.

Good luck!

Dino V

Congrats and enjoy!