Keep in mind ALL the options were "a la carte" on Cayennes. There really aren't two a like.

I would suggest downloading and reading the owners manual (renntech.org) and become familiar with ALL the various options so you can spot them on sight. Don't assume ANYTHING when it comes to options. I've seen very highly optioned Turbos that were missing things as simple as homelink (garage door opener)

The Turbos automatically came with some very nice upgrades over an S. You could option an S up to the same stuff but its rare since it would add a lot to the cost, putting them in the price point of a Turbo new. (Some examples, full leather interior, air suspension, etc)

The $3k price difference between an S and a Turbo is a no brainer at any mileage. The most reliable and highest mileage Cayennes on record here are ALL Turbos!

There is no factory aluminum pipes either. They ALL need to be done, even late 06s.

Under the rear cargo cover (spare tire area) there is an options sticker. It's a 3x5" ish white decal in the upper left corner with a bunch of 3 digit codes on it! Renntech.org has a decoder. (Read the directions carefully, its a quirky decoder). This is the only way to know what options really came on a certain Cayenne. Most owners and dealers don't even "really" know what the correct options are. They just spout out "loaded", etc. Check the codes!!

Good luck.......buy a Turbo!

 

If you don't buy a turbo, every day it will eat at you. It will eat you alive.

 

Yeah might go back and get it the more I think. Thinking about taking it to the local dealer and getting an inspection done as there were no brakes..Also hydraulics on trunk lid have gone so either I need to choke on that or cut a very accurate broom stick! Can't find a thread on it here..anyone a clue how much for that?

 

Turbo and Thrust both start with T...

 

I am definitely turbo curious but I really love my S. However it is extremely well optioned with air, full leather and so on. If I wasn't so attached to the palm green leather I probably would have gotten a bigger itch to upgrade but all the other interiors play second fiddle now. I say get a solid vehicle that you can afford. If a cheap but well maintained S gets you in the game it's not a bad option. There is no reason to stretch ones budget too far for beat up turbo. Just know there are a lot of cayennes on the used market and it's not favoring sellers. Be patient and take your time to make an informed decision. Turbos have the power to weight ratio that makes most sense but the S isn't a slouch. Figure out where your REAL line in the sand is for budget and don't cross it. That way you won't have remorse later when the shine wears off of getting something new.

Btw search for "rear hatch struts" they are not that expensive and EVERYONE will have to do them at some point.

 

Broom stick is about $8

 

lol!!

 

So, I took the 04' Turbo to the dealer today who reported it healthy... well, needs $4k spending on it (Rear brakes, Brake Booster $1200 (-seriously, for two pipes?) and water pump belt... other stuff I can live with.

I'll be in it for $17,500 when done with everything - BUT, I have found a 08' V6 for $15k, so now I am torn. Did not inspire me with confidence when leaving the dealer with air suspension warning light suddnely came on turbo and budget is an issue for me. Not much difference between miles between two cars *99k vs 115k) but wondering if im better with much newer lower power car.

I like the turbo and for sure the V6 is under powered, but I've driven E63's and ISF's which I like better than the turbo, just right now cash is an issue.

Decisions decisions!!

I read on here the 08's are good cars though...although sure I will feel a tool when a turbo pulls up

 

Are you fuxing blind? $2,500 difference between a Turbo and a V6?

Pull a couple of teeth and stick them under your pillow

Honestly, putting the $30k in options differences aside, the turbo has a more reliable engine and will save you in the long run.

1. The fuel mileage is not much different.
2. The "v6" is really a VW "VR6". Most of the people that buy the V6 Cayenne aren't "enthusiasts surfing these forums. So the problems with the VR6 simply don't show up here as often. If you go surf the VW/Audi forums where the VR6 is the "enthusiast" motor (often the largest motor in certain chassis) then you will find that it is a FAR more problematic engine than the V8 found in the Cayennes.
3. I would bet that some of the issues on the Turbo you are looking at are much cheaper to DIY than going to the dealer. "Brake booster" warnings are usually a vacuum leak on the passenger side of the engine compartment where the hose rubs a little. Most people fic it with electrical tape and the problem never comes back. If its a 2004 Turbo you are looking at the air suspension issue is most likely the compressor piston ring that many Touareg and Cayennes had in 2004. The part is a little expensive from VW($150) for what it is. The fix is a simple 20min DIY with a couple of screwdrivers and a sandwich. (might need a few tools too)

4. As much as depreciation has made these cars obtainable to the masses. At this point I think the only real value left is as a "enthusiast" car. Which means "turbo". It will be the one that keeps the value moving forward. While the rest will fall off into parts cars. Nobody will want to shell out $8k to fix the timing chains on their VR6, but they will fix a Turbo.

5. Not to mention the VAST driving difference. It's not just about putting the hammer down in a straight line. Toss the Turbo into the corners, step on the brakes, pet the leather, listen to the sound system, listen to the growl of a V8 twin turbo, tow a real trailer(self leveled), and enjoy the 75 other options the Turbo probably has that the V6 doesn't!!(Hell.....$2,500 is worth it to not have the S/V6 nose IMO)

 

hey cole, i hear ya, but surely a massive difference in reliability between a 2008 and 2004 no?

 

On the V6? No. Still the same Basic VR6.(it changed a little, but not enough to make it worth a $2,500 difference to any Turbo)

The 08-10s are basically just a "facelift" to stimulate sales. There were not "major" changes.

I actually think the 08+ look a little "cheap bodykit" where the front fenders meet the doors. They added some squarish lines to the new front fenders but left the doors exactly the same.

In reality, there is only about $2,500 worth of "common" issues(maint) on the V8/Turbo 955s if you DIY. Most of which have probably already been done by now. (coolant pipes, driveshaft, control arms, coils, compressor on 04s, hatch struts, dipped beam, etc) Some of those items remain on 08+, some if already fixed, you might never see again depending on the part number revision or mileage of ownership.

 

I hear ya man.. just reading the touareg forums and agree with you mstly.

 

Keep in mind that the Touareg, while designed on the same floorpan, was a completely different vehicle!. And, oddly, much less reliable than the Cayenne.

The Tourareg had a completely different engine selection with the exception of the VR6 (different HP output, but same basic VR6 with different intake and cams). The V8 was an Audi sourced unit, not a Porsche one. Which meant that they used ENTIRELY different wiring and computer systems!!(can plug a VAGCOM into a Touareg but not a Cayenne) The only components they sorta shared were some control arms (not all), the transmission but not really the Transfercase or axles since the torque split and axle ratios were different. Some of the brake components were the same. That is about where the similarities end.

Just saying, don't take any reliability statements on the Touareg as comparible to the Cayenne (with maybe the exception of the VR6, but it did have some differences)

 

Cole has given you all you need to know. the turbo is the better deal.

 

Well, my V6 has been trouble-free (*knock on wood*), and I'm not disappointed with the performance, (considering that it's the family truckster and I have two cars bought to toss), but for $17k I'd sure as hell take the turbo...