My 12 CTT has been a nightmare in maintenance...The previous owner and I have always serviced accordingly at Porsche. This past year I have replaced Camshaft Controllers (common problem- $3k), transfer case (common problem $3500), rear differential ($3400>, side mirror motor ($700!), plugs every 30k at $1000, Wiper nozzel, tires last 15-18k miles (21" -$1600+ per set, plus winter set ), $280 per oil change. All of this in past year. I have a high mileage vehicle 125k. This is not high in today's car world IMO. All that being said, the CTT has to be the most complete car in the world... Sportiness, luxury, utility...Just love to drive it, questions persists on whether the high cost of ownership can continue.

 

The cost of maintenance is high on a Cayenne - but that should have been understood before you bought it. If you look at the performance parts used (tires, brakes, etc) - keeping it "OE" can be rather expensive. You can get longer lasting tires (Conti DWS for instance) but you'll feel it in the performance. You can get less expensive brake parts - but gain - usually at some performance cost. Plugs? Why were they $1,000? It cost me about $100 to change them myself.

The other repairs you reported - hopefully you DID report them to NHTSA/DOT. Get it on record. If enough people report the same failures and it can be evident that these failures create a safety hazard - it may be possible to push Porsche into a recall.

Having somewhat long experience with euro cars - at 125,000 miles - most are due for some serious work. Usually when the common failure items are repaired or replaced - they're good for another 100,000 miles. While it seems annoying that the cars have these flaws - it's countered by it being a car that you want to drive for 125,000 miles. As you say - you love to drive it. Sometimes you've gotta pay to play - and any euro car that's true.

 

I've owned 4 Porsches. Not many in comparison to others here, but this one just seems like its always in the shop, and the 500-$1000 expected repairs are long gone. General maintenance was listed as in response to the OP questions. Besides some real component defects these trucks have, the general maintenance is consderably higher as well...$400 a tire is just ridiculous, and wtf- plugs every 30k

 

Are you guys buying new or used for those having problems?

I bought mine new in 2013. CTT with 91K on the clock. Maintenance all done by me and it has never had a warranty issue. Third Cayenne and its just been flawless other then the things that wear out. Have done the pads, brake rotors, brake fluid flush, new sparks, air filters, routine oil changes etc.....

 

Just curious, did you ever change the trans fluid, and coolant?

Know the book states 100K or lifetime coolant, but both seem excessive. Maybe I'm a bit too old fashion.

TIA.

 

Just purchased a 2011 CTT from the original owner, with 157,000 I replaced the tires and all the fluids and filters.
here's the run down
150K A/C blower controller $750.00
127K Engine (camshaft bolts) $5,200.00 dealer paid for the engine
121K Transmission replaced $11,000.00
88k Oil air seperator $650.00
the rest are normal tire and brakes.

I don't agree with the 10k oil changes. Still have my 996 Cab they say 20K for oil and filter.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...ojgz4U9gwGVIAJ

 

Goog God! Replaced transmission at 121k miles...jeez!
I'm skeptical on the build quality with these Cayenne's. I've had too many big failures after 100k...now I guess I can expect transmission on the horizon

 

Mine was always dealer serviced at proper intervals.
Last year alone I spent over 12k on failures, not counting normal maintenance.
I have been following the same maintenance standards with the dealership.
Complete money out IMO...but damn, just love it none the less

 

160,000 miles is too long for any transmission service, I have a Lexus GS and they also claim lifetime fluid.
The plugs are replaced at 30K with a brake flush. Replace your tranny fluid before 100K i would suggest 60K.
This unit is not made by Porsche its used on the Touareg and Q7
(Aisin 8 speed automatic transmission)
The Diff's and transfer case fluids did hold up well dark, but not burnt.
These are cheap and easy items to service all can be done in 4 hours for piece of mind.

 

Any explanation on the combo of engine and transmission? And what exactly was done to the engine?

 

I fixed the mileage the engine was done at 127K, the engine grenaded filled with silver paste and bent valves.

The transmission no reason given, just would not go into any gear.

 

No problems at all but was notified that my CTT is on the recall list for the camshaft bolts, very reliable - great truck at 60K miles

 

Sybco, what reasons were given for the transfer case and rear differential . Those items are typically bullet proof. I have 159K on my 2011 CTT the turbos should be the toughest of the bunch, coming from a 996 Carerra. Just change the fluids and they were dark but not concerning.

 

I'm not Sybco - but the transfer cases are a real weak point on the 958 series.

I'd suggest reading: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-replaced.html

The cost of the camshaft controllers should be coming back to you - that was subject to a recent US recall, and if you paid to have them done - Porsche has to pay you back.

Sybco - The other costs seem in line with using a dealer - which IMHO only a rich man can do - I'd be looking for a good independent - most of those costs would be 1/2 of what you paid Porsche. Were they replacing the coils with the plugs at every 30k miles? The plugs are around $150. Takes about 90 minutes to change them - after you've done it once and know the tricks to getting the starboard rear plug out/in. For $1,000 it was an awful lot of profit for that dealer. $280 oil changes? Mobil-1 has rebate coupons that bring the cost of 10 quarts down to around $100. A filter/seal is about $18 on-line (MANN is good, MAHLE is good) - it takes about 30 minutes to do. Tires - that is about right if you go with the Michelins - many of us have moved to other brands that are longer lasting, handle just as well and cost less. The rear diff - unless it was PTV (torque-vectoring) can usually be fixed with an oil change, ditto on the transfer case. "Lifetime" fluids - aren't.

My suggestion is - join the PCA - then when you find out what your local chapter is - go to an event and start asking what independent mechanic other members are using. If you can find one who works on lots of Cayennes you can easily cut your costs in half. If you get really ambitious - rennlist.comn has a great bunch of DIY's - and can cut that cost in half again.

 

Don-Thanks for the information on the XC and transmission at the next oil change I'll collect some fluid from both see how the RAVENOL held up after 5000 miles in the XC, and what the transmission fluid looks like after just over 30,000 Just ordered the VAS 6262/2.
Any one else have AOS problems? known issue on 996's and 987's
Coolant loss?
Oil consumption? New engine has no oil consumption or coolant loss issues.

link to repairs.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4H...ew?usp=sharing