Porsche Cayenne Issues
Porsche Cayenne Issues
Author
Discussion

eldonj

Original Poster:

28 posts

302 months

Monday 8th April 2013
quotequote all
I am thinking of buying an old Porsche Cayenne, probably a Turbo (on the basis that it is much faster than the Cayenne S with little difference in fuel economy) - I could be wrong on this fact. However I am thinking of buying an early model 2004/5. Are there any serious common issues with cars of this age that I need to be aware of, or do I have to be careful when looking at cars over a certain mileage? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Magic919

14,511 posts

231 months

Monday 8th April 2013
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Had a few similar threads and it's worth doing a search.

Start with this one http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

westberks

1,435 posts

165 months

Monday 8th April 2013
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my prop shaft went a couple of weeks ago; but after 170,000 I should expect the odd bit to fall off!

had all the other stuff done too.

BrewsterBear

1,548 posts

222 months

Monday 8th April 2013
quotequote all
Propshaft bearing can fail. OPC will replace the whole lot although specialists can replace just the bearing with an improved one. Coolant pipes can burst and are a pain to replace as they're under the inlet manifold. Most of this age will probably have been done, but worth checking. You need an endoscope to see them properly. I've read it's possible with a mirror, but I couldn't see how. Electrics can have gremlins. Ensure everything works. Final big one I've read about is the valve box in the gearbox letting go, although it's rare and seems to be random rather than simply wear related. Ensure it kicks down cleanly with no clunking.

Other than those things they're generally seen as reliable in Turbo form. 4.5S models have been known to score bores. Some people think it's rare and, much the same as the 996, is blown out of proportion. That's of little comfort to those people left with a £7k rebuild to fund. Turbos and 3.2s don't suffer with this problem. Consumables are expensive. Expect to pay £1k for discs and pads or a set of tyres. Turbos eat spark plugs and coil packs although they are £12 and £25 respectively so don't break the bank. Desirables are air suspension and PCM, although the satnav is terrible and I wouldn't stress if an otherwise good car doesn't have it.

bigee

1,497 posts

268 months

Monday 8th April 2013
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As an ex Turbo owner,the above advice is spot on.Great cars but can be costly.

eldonj

Original Poster:

28 posts

302 months

Monday 8th April 2013
quotequote all
Everyone, thanks very much for your advice, especially for the detailed advice from "BrewsterBear". It seems that like with any old car they have issues but not as many as expected. Now I know what to look for it should give me more confidence. Thanks again!