Posing the question for a friend who is looking at some 08 Cayennes.

He was told by one indie that the 3.6l is underpowered for the SUV. Was also told that the chain for the cams stretches and needs to be replaced around 150km (100k miles) and costs around $4000.

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated. Would also love any feedback on specific trouble items he should be aware of.

 

I have an '05 with the V6. It's not going to win any races, but it's not 'gutless' and if you press hard on the loud pedal it moves along okay. It will downshift into 5th on hills, most often if I'm towing with it. The gas mileage is no better than the V8.

This is the first I've heard mention about cam chains. I'm at 115k (miles) with mine and absolutely no complaints.

The flip side is that the V8 has known issues. If you get a V8, make sure they've been resolved, or set aside some money to take care of them when they happen.

 

I've driven both the first gen v6, v8 and second gen v6. The second gen is very similar power feel as the fist gen v8. It is more then enough power. The first gen v6 is ok reminds me of my old Land Rover Discovery 2, that being feels like your driving a tank.

 

jumper, did you have the stick or auto on the V6's ? I'm considering a second gen v6 this fall, leaning towards a stick if i can find it.

 

We have an 08 V6 with six speed manual. We looked hard to find it, and have been very pleased with it. It's plenty fast and makes a nice sound as you run through the gears. It's certainly not as strong as the 06 Turbo we also drove, but it suits our needs. This is a smooth, comfortable, capable and heavy SUV. When we want a sports car, we drive our 997. There was a great article in a recent issue of Panorama that tested a new Cayenne V6 stick, and they loved it. The VR6 is a proven design. Ours has 73,000 miles on it and has been flawless. 20-21 mpg on the highway, 16-17 in town.

 

Honestly in other car i would say the v6 is fine. But mentally its a little lacking given the brand.

 

It was auto, stick are very hard to find here.

 

A very small percentage of v8's have engine scoring issues. I have talked to several porsche service advisors at a few dealerships and it is quite rare. It's nothing like the IMS failures in 996 and boxsters much more rare.

 

I meant the coolant pipes and ignition coils.

 

Oh see for me thats not a show stopper. Especially the ignition coils. The coolant pipes are annoying because you have to spend $1100. I wouldnt want a cayenne with less power than my first gen v8. However since the second gen v6 has almost as much hp/ton AND the coolant pipe and coil issue is "solved" I could live with it. First gen v6 just wouldnt cut it for me personally.

 

Go read the VW forums on other platforms using the VR6. It has MORE issues than the Porsche V8.

Not a bad motor, but technically has more issues. I just had to replace one that had a spun rod bearing at 150k.




Um...no! Hell, I don't even consider my CTT "more than enough power". It just feels right for a Porsche SUV. You don't want it to feel like a Ford Explorer!


The VR6 has booth coolant pipe and coil issues. (Google VR6 crack pipe and you will find a metal replacement for the crack prone plastic ones)

 

That will be quite enough out of you, my friend! Don't give my truck any ideas!

 

Haha!

Don't get me wrong here.... I like the VR6. I've ownd three....... Unfortunately two were for the same vehicle!

I've had to put far more money into my VR6 motor than the Porsche V8s (which I have 2 in 2 cars)

Just think the small sample size of VR6 Cayenne owners, especially on the forums, makes them seem more reliable. We just don't hear about issues.

 

My 2004 Cayenne V6 has around 113k miles on it, without any catastrophic problems. However the drive shaft had to be replaced at 93k, and both fuel pumps (wear and tear item) had to be replaced at 98k. Other than that, the car has been completely bullet proof without a single problem.

I'm not to sure what Cole is saying, but the Cayenne V6 has far less problems when compared to the V8.

Is the Cayenne V6 slow? Yes, but the way it drives and cruises at 70mph+ is more than enough for me. I don't need a fast truck as I have other cars that can overcome my desire for more acceleration. As far as fuel mileage goes, I get about 430miles a tank which is not that impressive.

It handles great, sounds amazing, and pulls nicely at higher speeds.

 

The only difference is coil packs. I will gladly replace some cracked coils to drive a v8. I don't know where all these other big problems are coming from.