Hi All

Spider1V · Jan 25, 2013

Hmmmm where do I start? Spider1V here, based in Bucks and Long term mercedes fan and owner.....Current vehicle is the Mercedes Benz G Wagen - V8 G500. Loves off road, and can hold its own on the black stuff rather well - stopped for speeding at 133MPH (recorded) a few years back, sweet talked the officer and got an Sp70 and £60 fine. However enough of that, but some back ground is important I feel.

So as luck would have it , have to sell the G and was looking around for something of a replacement that was a) different and b) could match the G or come close in the off road department, as while we still have green lanes and BOATs might as well use them before the 'Bobble Hat Brigade' has them closed off.

Looked at the Jap stuff - very capable, but not really me. Looked at the New G....Good, but not as good as the older versions. Range Rover/ Landrover - Please... I am tired of pulling them out of fields, snow etc etc. Friend then sent me a link of a Cayenne off roading....I laughed and said, me? in a mummy mobile? Come on like that is going to happen....... well I watched the link and begrudgingly I have to say I am impressed......Very....so much so, that when the G has gone, I am going to have a dabble! [8D]

I am looking to dip a toe in the water and try and older model 02-05, what ever my merge budget can stretch to £9-11K and have settled on the 4.5 Cayenne S (I hope that is right). Seems to have the toys in the cabin, but this is where I need your help. Has anyone taken their KN off road or have the Off Road Technology Pack and can speak with some authority on the off road capabilities? Unlike most modern Off Roaders there are locking centre and rear diffs and to keep up with a G I will say is impressive.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gPx6LR2nz0

OK loving the Narrator - very dynamic
(and the start is not fair - its up against a V6 350 G)
An please don't get me started on the final hill climb - both should have made it with AT tyres! (and you would take a run up anyway)

Any pointers you can give with regard to what to look for, what to avoid, little 'gems' of info on owning such a beastie, what additions (Ingress and Egress slam plates , I think will be a must with the front and back overhang, tyres to recommend, etc will be gratefuly received.

So, in advance, please forgive; any noobie mistakes, silly questions as I am going through a very fast learning curve! [8|]

Spider1V

Tony M · Jan 26, 2013

I did a factory collection from Leipzig,with my wife and another couple. As part of the collection programme one has the opportunity to firstly take a demonstrator around the test track with 911's etc. After several laps with the Professional driver alongside and 3 passengers in the back, I thought I was doing quite well until the Pro took over. He took off the Traction control and demonstrated high speed tyre smoking drifts around corners. With traction control on he then took the corners at similar speeds, then he demonstrated an emergency stop whilst at the apex. On a straight section he violently turned left and right with feet off of the pedals, then the electronics braked the car to a halt. He did a few more party tricks, then it was the time for the off road circuit.

The off road circuit is something like the video clip and I drove up and down seemingly impossible hills and over the roofs of old ammunition stores which had been in use in the 'old' East Germany. Dips and gradients had been constructed so that firstly the nearside front wheel was off of the ground followed by the offside rear. The scariest bit was traversing a gradient with 3 passengers in a heap on one side in the rear seats and one lady shouting 'It's going to tip' !. I was reassured by the pro who said ' Ve Haff six to seven degrees more to go before it tips'.

A brilliant experience and I was totally impressed.

As mentioned in another thread, the Cayenne with Scorpion Winter tyres is very capable in the snow and ice and It can even tow fully laden Royal Mail Vans uphill when the need arises !

Porsche Customer Service is also head and shoulders above Mercedes Customer Service.

235tonyw · Jan 26, 2013

Hi Spider1V,

If you want to be sure you can get 90 mins hands on at the Silverstone Porsche driving experiance center for £275 which includes lunch (well worth it take the wife or lady friend great food )!
Check it out on the web you choose which Cayenne model bare in mind they will be newish cars!

Been there twice now, I did a 911 evolution experience in 2011 & took my wife (Boxster) and son (911) for experience drives last year!

They really look after you well worth the money and of course it confirms if the cars for you or not?

Early Cayenne's are great value now but can be expensive to put right if you don't pick a good one so check them out thoroughly!

Hope that helps?

Regards

Tony

pwebb · Jan 26, 2013

Hi Spider IV
Similar to Tony I've had the opportunity to be with instructors on off road demos both at Silverstone and Chobham and it's a scary experience at times. I think you're right to look at the earlier cars as they are more capable for serious off roading. I remember seeing the Cayenne at Goodwood a few years ago and the severity of their demonstration circuit was way more challenging than the RR one.

Having said all that I'm in no position to give a true opinion, a muddy field is as far as my limited talents go!

david_yorkshire · Jan 27, 2013

I've done the full day Cayenne experience at Silverstone ;
track time and off road;
I was surprised by how capable the car is off road - especially with me at the wheel !
Basically what is described above, instructor demonstrates first, then you get to learn and drive yourself; very relaxed day, but quite hard work, as it is mentally taxing.

I prefer going round tracks fast - the Cayenne turbo I was driving was exceptional at that.

I can't compare the Cayenne to other 4x4's, but I've used mine in deep snow, sheer Ice, muddy fields & tracks etc and with the right tyres it's never got stuck or left me stranded.

Spider1V · Jan 27, 2013

All,

Many thanks for your time in replying. As I do my research I am finding some amazing deals... just missed out on one - 2007, V8 (Non turbo), 49K miles FSH, satnav and Bose system (in car entertainment I presume?) leather ect.. for £7495!!! Gone within 48 hrs [

].

I am still reading about the various re calls etc. But what does keep cropping up are the 'coils' needing replacement. What are 'coils'? are they important and , this being porsche, are they expensive? I am also seeing a problem with the air suspension. I thought this was std on all KN's? Is that not the case.

Also I am seeing that there are two types of service stamps - official Porsche and 'Specialist' porsche garages. Depending on the issues I am getting mix responses from other members, some say - official and keep it that way, other state the 'specialist' tend to know what they are doing more.....? Your comments please!

Am now getting to the points I should really pop out and test one, and am liking the ida of the day out at silverstone and see what is what. Keep the good info coming!

Kind regards

Spider1V

pwebb · Jan 27, 2013

Coil packs are what's referred to. They can crack due to heat build up, and it's a common fault in many cars that use them (does away with the need for a distributor). You can tell by a misfire under acceleration, but it can be intermittent. Normally only one or two are cracked but can be worth changing the lot if the car's done a significant mileage. They're about £50 each, I seem to remember plus fitting.

Steel springs were/are standard and air suspension an option. Never had a problem with either but there may be others out there who have.

As for OPC or specialist, you pays your money etc. The cars you're looking at are probably out of extended warranty by now so no reason not to use a specialist. Just make sure all the electrics work correctly before you buy.

Stu_No1 · Jan 27, 2013

7495??? Where was that advertised? Those year and spec cayennes tend to be 10-15k!

Spider1V · Jan 28, 2013

ORIGINAL: Stu_No1

7495??? Where was that advertised? Those year and spec cayennes tend to be 10-15k!

Sorry for the pause in my reply!

It was on Auto Trader, Was black. It did save it in my 'account' settings but once it is sold, you can not see it any more. I alos got the price wrong - it was £7,200. Very nice spec - most if not all the toys! Bit miffed I missed that one.

Spider1V