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Buying advice required

T

Tan

New member
Hi

I am in a quandary, I currently have a Mercedes E500 saloon and am contemplating changing it for a Cayenne.

My issue is that the only experience I have of a 4x4 is my Father-In-Laws Volvo XC90, which whilst quite nice is a tad slow with its 2.5 litre diesel, but that is not the main issue. What I am struggling with is what it will be like to live with a large 4x4 having come from a luxury saloon, what would be ideal is a longer, say weekend test drive of a Cayenne, however as I am looking at a used one around the £15k mark this is very unlikely to happen.

Also, if I do go for a Cayenne, what are the must have options, my current car is fully loaded with everything including Radar guided cruise control, air suspension and Keyless go, I think I can live without some of the options I have now, but really want Xenons, Park distance Control, Tiptronic and Sat Nav. Are there any other vital options to look for either for resale value / ease or driving ease / pleasure.

My current car has a Harmon Kardon Sound system which is great, but my previous Audi and my Brother's 911 have BOSE which does not seam that good, how is it in the Cayenne?

My next decision would be the engine choice, head says diesel but they are still out of my budget plus I not a diesel fan, so its between the 3.2 and 4.5, which is better and is there much difference in the fuel economy and performance?

Finally, other than fuel, what are the running costs like, i.e. Brakes, Tyres, Servicing etc?

Many thanks

Tan
 
Hi Tan,

I am now 2 months into Cayenne ownership and made a conscious decision to only look at cars with PCM Sat-Nav, Xenons, Tiptronic gearbox and PDCC as a bare minimum. I was fortunate that the car I actually purchased had the Tequipment Aero-Kit, Sport Techno 20 inch wheels, Turbo exhaust etc. in addition to my minimum requirements....

I also decided to fo for the 4.5 V8 S engine as the 3.2 felt somewhat under-powered on occasion, and there only seemed to be 1-2 mpg difference in day to day driving. Also, the roar of the V8 when accelerating hard is intoxicating, and it is a proper Porsche engine rather than a VW one...

I recently had a minor service carried out which was £450.00, they also advised that the front pads/discs would require replacement soon, but at £950 to do this I opted to go down the independant route for this. So I had a local Porsche independant change all front & rear pads, discs and sensors using OEM parts for £1100.00. I was also very impressed by their knowledge/service so they will be getting all my business for non servicing items...

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase, the car is great in all conditions, especially the recent snow etc. and I don't think there are many other cars which could have fulfilled all my current motoring needs....
 
Tan,

It seems that you and me are probably looking for a similar Cayenne, i missed your OP, and posted something just after you. The idea of a V8 is appealing i must say, it does not appear to make a huge difference in MPG, and as you say, it is a proper Porsche unit.

Good luck with your search!


 
Tan
Look out for a fully loaded Cayenne S, there's plenty about, and the V8 tends to come with tiptronic, PCM/satnav, sensors already specced and a lot have air suspension and Bose (which by the way is very good in the Cayenne). I like the sunroof option and others like heated seats etc. Have a minimum spec in your mind, and some 'nice to have's' up your sleeve. Keep an eagle eye on P**tonheads and autotrader and a good one will turn up. A good service history is essential as, like the Merc, it's a complicated piece of kit that needs proper understanding and care.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, looking at the MPG figures it really does not make a lot of sense going for the V6 as you don't really gain much, apart from what I have read that there are some "leaky pipe" issues with the V8?

However, I love V8's and my current 500 is my second V8, so may be I should keep the trend going.

Regards the Air suspension, how reliable is it? I have it on my E and have had two front struts changed now at about £1000 each, so am somewhat wary air suspension.

I would like to buy a car with a good warranty, but my budget won't find me a car at an OPC, so can anyone recommend a good warranty that allows OPC work.

Also, can anyone recommend a good specialist garage or Porsche Mechanic in the East London, Essex or Kent areas.

Many thanks

Tan
 
Tan
I've had both steel suspension and air, and whilst the air gives a better ride, to be honest there was nothing wrong with the normal suspension on my Gen1 car. Have had no issues with the air in 60k miles and don't recall anyone on the Forum with problems either. The occasional cracked coil pack which causes rough running is a known problem, but not particularly expensive to fix. Have not been outside the OPC network for warranty so can't help on that point.
 
Tan an Indy in Kent La Rose Ightham/Sevenoaks side of Wrotham Hill
To me it seems that with all modern Cars Merc or Porsche included
the LEAST you have on the things the More initially and then eventually
of your hard earned CASH you keep in your pocket .
I am quite disappointed with the things that go wrong with top of the Range cars like
Porsche and Mercedes that are only covered for a relatively short period on warranty
 
Tan - good luck with your hunt for a Cayenne... I am in a similar position... Engine choice is my dilemna... Come back and tell us what you picked at the end of the day ... (have a look at the GTS as well !)
 
Tan How about the V8 S with a £2000 Gas conversion fits into the
spare wheel well and you retain the Petrol tank and thereby the option ....
 
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