mtnracer

Hi All,

Brand spanking new to the forum. I am actively looking for a pre-owned 2011 or 2012 Cayenne base or S model.

Since 2011 was the first year for the new body style I was wondering if you had some tips on what to look out for. Are there known issues that will need to be addressed or things that should make me walk away from a deal?

Would you take a 2010 over a 2011 for whatever reason?

Thanks for the help.

gnat

2010 vs 2011 you have a bit more usable cargo area in the 955/957s as the rear seats fold flat and the D pillar isn't as raked. The 958 seats don't quite fold completely flat and while the sharp cut on the D pillar looks good you drop a substantial amount of vertical space in the back.

I believe I read somewhere that the 955/957 hatch window opens, it does not on the 958 which means you have to open the entire hatch.

The older models also give you the option of using roof rails while the 958 doesn't allow you to retrofit (useful, there are some decorative eBay options) roof rails after the fact if the car didn't have them from the factory.

mtnracer

Thanks for the info. I wonder why all the reviews for the 958 say that it has more space than the 955 / 957.

mtnracer

Anything mechanically I need to watch out for on the 958? Are they pretty reliable overall? My wife will be driving it most of the time and I don't want her stranded with odd mechanical failures (such as busted coolant pipes on the 955).

gnat

Notice that I said "usable". Technically I believe there is more space, but it's not as usable as the older models in my opinion.

I don't think it's a deal breaker (and certainly not for your average SUV owner) as it didn't stop me from getting a 958 (though wanting new and the TDI were ther overriding factors for me).

I haven't had any real issues, but I'm only at 8500 now and it's not an early model. All the common problems I've read about are with the pre-958 variants and even of those the base V6 seems to be pretty solid. I've seen some reports of major issues with 958, but they appear to be the exception rather than the rule.

I think it's a good solid vehicle and should do your wife well. It will cost you more, but if you're worried about it just make sure you get one that has enough warranty left for you to get a good run in period.

Bill P.

Mine's been good after some electrical gremlins were fixed. Best large car I've ever had. 23k miles.

mtnracer

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate the help.

Sounds like the 958s are a bit more reliable than the older models.

Now I just need to find the right color combo.