Tempted to buy a 2003 4.5S. Help!

RGL55 · Mar 19, 2012

Thinking of finally selling my old Colorado and getting something a little more exciting. Used to own a '79 911SC before kids and always promised myself a Porsche at sometime in the future. Currently very tempted by a 2003 4.5S with around 55k miles at about £10k. BUT, what are the real world ownership costs like? Currently get 26 - 27 mpg on diesel, so I think I could live with 21 - 23 mpg on petrol for my 6k - 7k miles a year, but are there any Specialists in my area (Colchester) who could maintain the beast (and at what cost) as I don't think I could afford the OPC rates!
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks in anticipation.[8|]

stevett · Mar 21, 2012

Be extremely careful! A recent article in Evo regarding Cayennes warned about 4.5's (pre 2007) suffering from engine failures between 50-70k so if you do buy one make sure you get a warranty.

Apparently Turbos and V6s were fine, but almost all engine failures were with early 4.5s and relate to a failure in the Nikosil engine linings causing cylinders to go.

But Cayenne is an extremely plush car and interior is excellent in my opinion. Bose sound system is really impressive.

RGL55 · Mar 22, 2012

Thanks. Warning duly heeded. Will try and look out that Evo article.
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bigee · Mar 25, 2012

all the more reason to buy the Turbo....

pwebb · Mar 25, 2012

For sure get one checked over, but as usual stories of total failures are not that common. I got 19mpg average over 70k in my 2004 car, then 21mpg over 80k in the 2007 one. As long as the car is in good bodily and mechanical nick you'll get a great deal of car for the money. Check out the OPC fixed rates because you'll often get a deal for servicing, and join the Club to get discounts from a lot of indies as well as OPC's. Not familiar with your part of the world though.

RGL55 · Mar 26, 2012

Thanks for the help. MPG much as I thought / feared, but probably just about justifiable when looking at performance and fun factor. Thinking of increasing budget to c£16k to get into a 2006 rather than the 2003....and will certainly join the club....I've already bought the T-shirt![

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BigladUK · Mar 28, 2012

ORIGINAL: RGL55

Thanks for the help. MPG much as I thought / feared, but probably just about justifiable when looking at performance and fun factor. Thinking of increasing budget to c£16k to get into a 2006 rather than the 2003....and will certainly join the club....I've already bought the T-shirt![]

We are toying with selling our 2006 S if your interested.

Plus side is it's got a year of Porsche warranty ( purchased a year ago from Colchester Porsche )
Negative is it's got 103k on the clock ( if you see that a negative ...it certainly doesn't look or behave like a car with that mileage ).

Happy to give you more details if thats of any interest.

We'd be after £15k BTW

Let me know

Si

tiskev · Mar 28, 2012

My 03 S is still for sale now done 46K miles only.
Low spec so much less to go wrong
£12K Silver

BigladUK · Mar 28, 2012

ORIGINAL: tiskev

My 03 S is still for sale now done 46K miles only.
Low spec so much less to go wrong
£12K Silver

PMSL @ Low spec so much less to go wrong

Are you a car salesman [

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RGL55 · Mar 28, 2012

Age is about right, colour is right, but probably too leggy.....was hoping for 50k to 80k, but if it has Air, Bose, Xenons, Cruise and rear DVD (I know, not asking for much!) then I could be tempted....

RGL55 · Mar 28, 2012

Like the miles, but was hoping for 54 to 56 plate range. Is it advertised somewhere to let me see spec?

BigladUK · Mar 28, 2012

ORIGINAL: RGL55

Age is about right, colour is right, but probably too leggy.....was hoping for 50k to 80k, but if it has Air, Bose, Xenons, Cruise and rear DVD (I know, not asking for much!) then I could be tempted....

Looks like we might be close to a deal then LOL

Here is the spec ( over standard options ) so the only thing missing is CC which is retro fitable for £500 via dealer

"¢ Air suspension with ride height control and PASM
"¢ BOSE® Surround Sound System
"¢ Bi-Xenon headlamps
"¢ Light comfort package - Auto lights
"¢ Multi-function steering wheel in leather (inc tel)
"¢ ParkAssist
"¢ Porsche Communication Management (PCM)
"¢ Porsche Crest embossed on head restraints
"¢ Privacy glass
"¢ Seat heating in front incl. heated steering wheel
"¢ Ski bag
"¢ Sport aluminum pack
"¢ Sports tailpipes
"¢ Telephone module for PCM without handset
"¢ Tiptronic S
"¢ Voice Control
"¢ Wheel centers
"¢ Porsche Smooth Leather
"¢ Rear Entertainment System made up of 2 Headrest screens, DVD player, Aux and 2 Porsche Wireless Headphones
"¢ Porsche Tracker (installed new when we purchased the car)

Car is Silver BTW, black leather with black 19inch wheels

Car has full porsche main dealer service history ( recently had a service ) and has best part of a years MOT.

Warranty runs till April 2013 and is transferable ( mileage limit is 125k )

So, how does that sound ?

Si

BigladUK · Mar 28, 2012

And pics

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigladuk/sets/72157629323948298/

Si

RGL55 · Mar 28, 2012

Cat and pidgins comes to mind! Don't know why I thought yours was black, but that means 2 and a bit boxes unticked. As I'm in no rush other than wanting to be sorted by July, I'll pass for the time being. If you haven't sold and I haven't found my ideal by, say, June, perhaps we can talk then.
Thanks for showing interestî€Ž

Frutti_pig · Mar 28, 2012

Great looking motor!

What have you used to clean up you're brake calipars?

Thx John.

Paulo · Mar 28, 2012

If looking to buy any Cayenne V8 or Turbo, ensure that the coolant pipes are the new aluminium ones and that the Cardan-shaft is also new or recently replaced....

Unfortunately these are the 2 major failures on an otherwise very reliable car....

I know this from my own and others experience....

RGL55 · Mar 28, 2012

Pics of Si's car do look good, especially at 104k miles. Posts on mileage survey thread do add confidence in owning a higher miler, but too early in my search to take the plunge.
G

Frutti_pig · Mar 28, 2012

Hi G,

I bought my "S" in December, garaged it for a month. Got major service done and full check up. Checked out history via Porsche and dvla as well as the normal hpi check. It's not the best Cayenne out there, but it sure is a great motor and so far only a few small issues, I had my boot hinges replaced - other posts are on here. Sometimes if you pay less you can get the failures replaced and you know what's what then.

Good luck with what ever you choose to buy...........

pwebb · Mar 28, 2012

If you're interested,can tick some different boxes, and a bit more on your budget.

My S Tiptronic is a 2007 facelift version which I've had from new. Always OPC serviced and warrantied (due a service btw) currently 82k miles.

Basalt Black with black leather interior.
20" Sport technic wheels with coloured crest centre caps and one pair of new tyres and the others are good (currently on winter set of wheels but will swap prior to sale).
Air suspension
Sunroof
Bi Xenons
Bose
Cruise control
Multi function steering wheel
PCM Satnav with phone non handset
Parking Sensors front and back
Porsche VTS tracker
Privacy Glass
Park Assist
Rain sensor and auto mirrors
Rear Cargo mat
Extended Porsche Warranty

Have to hurry though - our OPC is expecting to take it in p/x in the next week or two.
£19k

Here's a picture after a machine polish last year (bit muddy atm!)