CrossT

I need an SUV. So, why get a boring one. I am a long time 911 owner and am predisposed to getting a Porsche over pretty much any other brand.

Since there is no "sticky" on general info, can someone point me to a good general info thread on model years, changes etc.? If there is a "what to look for" thread that would be helpful too. I know little about the Cayenne.

Thanks in advance

Todd
99 996 coupe

mudman2

yeh there is

CrossT

Thanks. That's what I thought...

koolkat1973

I am also an owner of a 996tt and just bought a 2006 CTTS less than a month ago. All I can say is... "What an awesome car!!!" Luxury, power, comfort, etc... this car has it all. I'm actually driving my CTTS more than I am driving my 996tt right now. Anyway - find the right one and you will not regret it one bit.

gnat

If you need it to be a real SUV, the 955/957s are better than the 958 in my opinion. Their rear glass opens, back seats fold flat, there is more vertical space in the cargo area (958 has a more aggressive D-pillar), and roof rails don't have to come built in from the factory. The older ones are better for more serious off road.

The 958, on the other hand, looks a bit more refined, has newer electronic stuff if that's your thing, weighs less which means the engines go further in power power/weight and gas mileage. There are also the Hybrid and Diesel (pretty much new only) options too.

The v6 in the older models is considered under powered, but with the weight reduction in the 958 it's not a bad engine.

Really the only big common problem is the coolant pipes in the older v8s (955 only I believe). Either buy one with aluminum pipes already or get the pipes changed ASAP (the plastics will fail eventually so it's considered best to avoid the mess and extra damage that happens when they fail).

Just remember that even though VW was involved in their creation, they are still Porches. So they can be fun as hell, but they can also be a finicky pain in the ***

CrossT

From my limited searches it seems the main weak point is the coolant pipes, right? This and the coil packs as well as the cardan shafts round out the main things to look at?

Thanks for the insight. I am looking for an earlier one, probably in the $14k range. I know I would regret getting a generic truck.

Todd
99 996 coupe

AdMan21

Those are the main issues, get an 8 cyl. 955

JohnnyBahamas

Problems become opportunities... if you have Buddy Jesus on your side.

https://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-...-get-ltcd.html

Dennis C

You've got a few more things that can be issues: fuel pump(s), water pump, horns, excessive oil consumption, air suspension issues, cabin climate control fan, rear window washer nozzle, self-ejecting trim pieces, etc.

mcbit

Rubber!

Out of all the other issues here my only problem in 3 Cayennes has been fuel pumps, however I have been endlessly changing rubber: suspension bushes, strut mounts, PDCC mounts, subframe mounts, diff mounts, transmission mounts, engine mounts, etc... which unless you have an exceptional dealer are not covered under warranty.

gnat

You don't exactly live in the best environment for rubber longevity now do you?

mcbit

That you'd have to ask my six kids.

endless_corners

touche!

toastedhalfbagel

Deleted

DARIOcaptain

I don't really know much about the pre-facelift first gen Cayennes, but I can share my knowledge about differences between each trim on the 2007-2010 facelift Cayennes if that may help you:

The entry model is a basic Volkswagen (if I recall correctly) 3.2 V6. While it's still enough to pull this car, it may lack the power if you want something faster (aaaand it's not a V8 if you want something with a more aggressive sound).
S and GTS have basically the same NA 4.8 V8 pulling 400hp (according to dealer specs GTS has 15hp more than S but imo that's only on paper). The main difference between them is the styling, GTS is intended to be the more "sporty" looking version of an S (it has wheel arch extensions, painted lower front and rear bumper parts and painted side skirts + a 4-barrell "sport" exhaust as standard). Those were optional on S models. The last and actually main difference is the front-end, GTS and Turbo have front bumper with a much more obnoxious grille while base V6 and S V8 have a more refined front look. Personally I prefer the latter one as the GTS front reminds me of pre-facelift Cayenne E1 which I don't really like but that's just my opinion.
The difference in interior is that GTS has front and rear sport bucket seats as standard, with alcantara in the center and leather on the sides while S has more comfortable, full-leather seats.

The "top of the line" is of course the Turbo which has the same 4.8 V8 but twin-turbocharged (450hp without and 500hp with turbo power kit). It's the sportiest version of the E1 Cayennes, if you want the fastest one than probably that's the way you go. The Turbo is I think 1s faster than S and GTS when it comes to 0-60 run. Idk what's most important to you in this case (best performance or fun with NA).

It's said that the V8 on those Cayennes tend to have problems with bore-scoring (I remember the moment when mine S did some suspicious clicking sound from the engine which made it sound like a diesel but after a minute or two it seized and never came back).

Hope you find this somewhat helpful.