At Law

Greetings,

Long time 997 owner here.

I ran across a 2016 Cayenne base with the 3.6 -- 29k miles.

Well equipped with the Sport Exhaust and the rare tow package.

It has approx 9 months of factory warranty remaining. It is at an Audi dealer.

I have always liked the Cayennes, just never owned one.

How reliable would a 2016 be after the warranty expires? I know they have TC issues (sometimes more than one during their lives).
Any other issues to be concerned with for this year??
Thanks.
Tom

jpru2001

Having had a 955 that had a list of problems, before we purchased a 2016 I had the same question as you. After a bunch of research I was convinced enough that the TC problem was the only commonplace wallet killer on the 2016s that I had no problem making the purchase.

Quadcammer

Should be solid. The motors don't seem to have issues, the trannies are solid if you change the oil every 60k or so miles, and the transfer case issues can be reduced with regular fluid changes (say every 10k). Rebuilding the TC is not a big deal, so that lessens the concerns. The typical 958 issues like the blocked drains still apply, but aren't a big deal. You have a bunch of electronic crap in there though, so there is always the chance that something poops the bed, but for the most part, it should be a solid vehicle for you. My parents bought almost the exact same car and they are pleased with it.

BrendonSF

Curious how much rebuilding the TC typically runs? I know dealers usually quote around $6k for replacement.

At Law

Thank you, Gentlemen.

As a previous owner of 3 Range Rover Sport Superchargeds as well, I just don't want to get into another situation where I am constantly fighting reliability and worrying about issues. (And these were brand new Range Rovers).

I don't want to have to write a check for $6k for a TC for no reason.

The smarter part of me (which doesn't appear very often) thinks I should just buy a Toyota Land Cruiser / 4 Runner Limited and run the wheels off it.

gekko997

I had a 957 base which has been solid as a rock and a great vehicle. Re: the TC, just change the fluid and keep doing so. If you do this before problems or right when little ones start, then you should have no issues. I have a $100 that says it is black and nasty right now. Also change the differentials as well.

Quadcammer

Parts to rebuild were about $530, plus fluid and some miscellaneous stuff.

I did the rebuild and R&R myself

Quadcammer

If reliability is your primary concern, the Lexus LX570 or TLC are the way to go. Great resale also

At Law

Reliability is not my main concern, however, I have been down the path of unreliable vehicles in the past with Land Rover and am no longer interested in driving dealer loaners.

I understand a Porsche will never be as reliable as a Toyota. They are not designed to be. However, I just would prefer not to find myself fighting mechanical / electrical issues constantly.
A few hiccups from time to time is to be expected from any vehicle, especially a German vehicle.

jtsmith18

I bought a new 2016 base in July 2015 and put 78,000kms. On it. Very trouble free, just change the transfer case regularly and normal servicing which I did myself. Learnt the hard way about cleaning the AC drains etc. but now I am pre-emptive. Mine had very few options so I just traded it in on another but used 2016 base with full options and lower Kim’s. With full warranty until Aug. 2020. I expect it will be very reliable too. I already changed the transfer case fluid and checked the drains. So far I’m a happy guy.

PJ Cayenne

Agreed, but they are tops for putting you to sleep while underway.

dbv1

I got a buddy with 2 Range Rovers so I know where you're coming from. The base 3.6 should be pretty decent. I got a complete service history for my 2011 and these are the repairs: crankshaft position sensor, exhaust flexes, rear hatch struts (the struts are acting up in cold weather so I'm replacing them). Like others keep saying, replace that transfer case fluid every so often and you're golden.

awd.tech

Hi guys. A 2016 car most likely will have a transfer gear box of PL72 ATC NG (New Generation). This model overcame some unpleasant issues of the previous generation (old one was PL72 ATC). Therefore, it is much more reliable. In our opinion, there is just a tiny possibility that the transfer gear box might break, subject of you buying a car in a good condition.

Good luck!

jpru2001

I had read that the switchover was some time around late 2017 - this was on a message board, not an official document - you guys have reason to believe that 2016 models had the updated version?

awd.tech

Hi

Thank you for your response. PL72 ATC NG has been in production since 2014. There are 4 types of these transmissions, that have slight differences in the body and joints. They are as follows:

1) 0C2341041K (95834101303) – in production since 2014
2) 0C2341041J (95834101204) - in production since 2014
3) 0C2341041M (95834101214) - in production since 2014
4) 0C2341041L (95834101308) - in production since 2015

The production of PL72 ATC model has been finished in 2015.

Based on the above dates, we can assume that there was NO organic transformation from one model to an updated one. However, we do believe that there is a great chance that the 2016 Cayenne has the PL72 ATC NG transmission.