After 5 years with our Q5, it's time to move on.

We're looking at CPO Cayenne, and would love to hear some suggestions/recommendations from the owners here.

1) Should we look for Gen 2 model years such as 2017/2018 or the newer Gen 3 model (2019)? What are the significant upgrades/enhancements on the 2019 model year?

2) If we go with 2017/2018 model year, would it make sense to look at the Platinum edition vs the Base edition? Or even try to go for the S version? Is the S worth the premium?

3) Anything else we should look for in a CPO model? Low mileage? Certain packages or options?

Thanks very much, and greatly appreciate any feedback you provide.

 

I'll let other longer time Cayenne owners chip in on the driveability and reliability, but from my viewpoint as a new 2016 Cayenne S owner, I definitely think you're making a good decision going for at least the "dot 2" version of the 958 (series 2 Cayenne) model years 2016 to 2018. That 958.2 facelift included the skinnier tail lights, but not as skinny/wide as the even newer series III model 9Y0 you're thinking of (you could ask same question on that 9Y0 subforum). For me, getting the extra kick of the "S" model was worth going down a couple of model years, as long as I got up to that 958.2 body style. My 2016 (or maybe the late 2015's) was the first year of the biturbo V6, versus a V8, but still producing 420 hp, vs 300-320 for the base. If I keep my right foot in check, I can keep the turbos unspooled and get reasonable gas mileage. I've heard that initial versions of the V6 turbo can spring oil leaks, but mine seems okay so far at 90k kms (65K miles) and I hear that this engine got sorted in follow-on years. To be honest, if I was looking at a base, I'd probably be as likely to get the diesel, with its fantastic gas mileage, but you didn't mention having any interest in that. Not sure what others say about the newer 9Y0, it's tail definitely looks great, and in line with the other new Porsche models rear end treatment, but as with anything Porsche, it may come down to a very careful comparison of the option list of available used models. I would definitely have wished for PASM and air suspension which I didn't get, and again, at any particular budget level, getting more options might mean going older by a year or so, and I could only have gotten PASM at my price point by compromising the model year by about 3 years.

Good luck in your search and decision.

Regards,
Gary

 

Thanks Gary, appreciate the input.

We're in the US, haven't seen much (if any) Diesel models in our search.

 

Just my opinion but I didn't even consider a base and was only looking at the "S" version. On such a large vehicle, the base model was just so sluggish when I test drove it. I know this isn't meant to be a "sports car" (see my avatar as I already have that), but I feel this big/heavy of a vehicle really needs the "S".

Make sure you test drive both base and "S" models.

 

The 2019+ is a different platform. I recently had a loaner Base model, which I think it handles a little better but there's a little turbo lag. I would imagine that's when the S twin turbo 2.9 shines.

 

One consideration is that with the Audi there were about 5 options / packages to chose from at each trim level. Porsche has a much wider range of options available and as a result almost every car is different. Research the options and check to see if the car you like has what you want. Some of what comes “standard” on a Q5 might not be available on the Cayenne (I.e. CarPlay for example)
the Platinum edition does seem to buck this trend slightly as (in my experience) they seem to all have very similar options on them.

 

Why pay for the Porsche premium if you're only getting the weak base engine? I don't understand why they even offer it. IMO the "base" should be the S. I guess it appeals to the badge bragging ******, but I buy cars 90% based on what's under the hood and how exciting it is to drive, not for what other people think of me based on the badge of my car.

 

If you have the 3.0 engine, you will probably find your Q5 feels quicker and sportier than a base Cayenne. The 958.2 started in 2015. I personally don't like the new Cayenne. I don't care for the dash and controls..I prefer buttons and switches, and I don't like to go through menus. I bought a 2015 CPO diesel shortly after the dieselgate case was settled. I know it is low on the horsepower end, but high on the torque end. Diesel is not for everybody, but I had always wanted one. If I didn't get a diesel, I'd probably get an S. Most of them (S) are nicely equipped, whereas, most diesels have average equipment. That is one of the things that us frustrating with Porsche....everything is an option. I'm now at 37,000 miles on mine and CPO until August, diesel warranty until 2025. I keep thinking I want to get something else, and then I drive mine and really enjoy it. Good luck and let us know what you do.

 

Boy, I think it all depends a bit what you're looking for. I had a 2013 (B8.5) tuned S4 that I just sold, so performance was important to me. In general I tend to stay away from first MY with major revisions. So, pick either later 958.1 or 958.2. I personally only looked at the GTS and Turbo in the 958.1 series and Cayenne S for the 958.2. Drove all three and the GTS was the one for me; picked up a 2014; last year of the V8.

And, of course, do a PPI. Anything that breaks on the Cayenne will end up being a multiple of Audi repair cost.

 

My wife recently switched her Q5 (3.0 supercharged) for a Cayenne Platinum Edition (base engine) and loves it. All that the audi offered, but with Porsche goodness and in a slightly larger size which was important to her. The S would have been prefered as it would be more pep, but frankly she (we) are happy as can be with it. for speed and sports car fun I drive my 997.2 C2S. If it were our only Porsche I would get an S or GTS.