Thinking about geting one and would like to know what you think.

Thanks

Aaron

 

I am also thinking about getting an 04 Turbo.

 

I have an 05 that has been excellent. In my research the 05 and newer is the way to go.

 

+1

The '03 and '04's are well known to have been technically challenged. That doesn't mean that there are bad '03s or '04s out there, it just means that you're taking a bigger risk on a truck thats almost certain to be outside of warranty.

FWIW, Porsche even has special inspection procedures noted for 03 and 04 models during service.

 

I had a 04 Cayenne S when it first came out and put 60k miles on her and drove the crap out of it and never had one serious issue other then my A/C sucked and the rear wiper cap fell off every other week !

 

I think I am going with the 04. The difference is about $12k!!! with the same mileage.

 

I have an 04 and have had no problems with it what so ever. I also purchased an aftermarket warranty for it just in case. Awesome truck though!!!

 

I hear a lot about the 03 & 04 models and lot's of pos+ on the 05 & 06....

But can anyone contest to this who has FIRST-HAND knowledge??? Gant it that the 03-04 have been on the earth 2-3 years longer than the 05-06 so of course there will be more mechanical failures if compared side to side.

I'd prefer the owners step up rather than speaking 2nd hand such as "my neighbor" as times will tell many of those guys over-state their business for attention etc. First hand experience would be the best.

Just my .02, hope to hear honest and down to earth replies....

-Eli

 

One bad thing about the 04s (other years too???) is the stupid PLASTIC coolant pipes.. it cost me $2700 to replace them when one cracked to the revised metals ones.

 

Yes, this is a flaw that Porsche didn't see fit to work out. The coolant tubes that were later upgraded are located in the middle of the "V" on the smack dead center of the motor!!!!

I know, we've had this problem come through here in the past. Also careful as most warranties won't cover this sort of work since it's considered to be a coolant hose (three of them) even though Porsche upgrades to aluminum ones when you go to purchase the replacement kit.....

Thanks for the input,

-Eli

 

I have 58K miles on my '04 CTT. Never a problem, best daily driver I have ever had, will get another Cayenne once I hit 85K miles.

 

Great feedback,

Can you tell me why 85K is the number to turn her in?

-Eli

 

It may not be....I just might be ready at that time to trade her in for a new one. This truck will easily go well over 100K in miles if you maintain her well.

 

Does anyone know what year did Porsche switch from the plastic pipes to the aluminum ones?

 

I was just going to say this too ... I'm not sure when Porsche switched to the aluminum tubes - it could be with 957 4.8L. What we are talking about are plastic tubes, I believe there are three of them, that run between the heads under the intake manifold, transporting fluid from the rear to the front of the engine. These tubes are part of the engine cooling system. The engineer who specified PLASTIC (ABS or Nylon) to be used next to one of the HOTEST areas of the engine should be fired! What was he or she thinking? The update to this shortcoming is now aluminum tubes. If the plastic tubes spring a leak, the intake manifold must be removed.

My RUF Dakara 550 is based on the 2004 955 Cayenne Turbo and it has been rock-solid electrically and some minor mechanical issues have been dealt with during the warranty period.

I'm VERY pleased with my 2004!