Which Cayenne suits a driver who is not a typical enthusiast, a family person who mostly cares about being practical ?

I was told the V6 is the route --better on gas , cheaper to buy and maintain , reliable and somewhat fun . I have no idea about options . For instance does this vehicle need an air suspension? What are the basic must have options ?

Does the S model burn that much more gas ? Does the Gts burn that much more ?

Has anyone driven all four models? If so which do you feel is the best all around value ?

I saw a used GTS priced in S range new . In short these cars on the used market challenge each other too.

Thanks

 

i'd recommend you go drive them and decide for yourself. either the V6 or S.

"somewhat fun" id go for the S or GTS

 

gts' are a blast to drive.

 

I don't think V6 would give you a significant gas mileage improvement.

Cayenne itself is a heavy SUV, you gotta have an enough engine power to haul this thing around efficiently.)

I think S would do the best in general. V6 was somewhat popular in 2005-6 due to the fact that it was the only model offered with manual tranny; but you can get manual tranny with V8 engine starting MY 2008.

 

wait for the upcoming hybrid.

 

Probably better to wait another few more years to have hybrid team to find/fix all the bugs.

 

Thanks guys . The car is not for me. Otherwise I'd be discussing the Gts and Turbo and ask about mods .
I'm leaning towards recommending an S new or a used GTS to my friend but I did want to drive them first . The point made about gas mileage on the heavy car makes a lot of sense to me. The key thing here is that this person is on a budget . I guess we all are to some degree but I don't want to recommend a vehicle which couild eat up some serious expenses . Now I am going to drive them but since I know very little about SUV's in general and have always been drawn to the 911 Porsches I want to learn .

What are some must have options ? BTW --thanks .

 

i dont mean to offend anyone with the 6 but imho it has to be minimum a s or gts---i have driven the 6 and i have the 8---

 

"On a budget" and "Cayenne" are not really ideal bedfellows. I don't think I'd even recommend a V6 to someone concerned about mpg or maintenance costs. They cost a lot to feed and maintain (hmm...just like me).

Having said that, I love my 2009 GTS 6-speed more and more every day. I've already put more than 15,000 miles on it. On my mixed-condition commute (60% expressway / 40% stop-n-go) I'm getting about 16 mpg, which seems pretty good given the weight/performance. Overall average mpg, which includes my leadfooted weekend errand-running is 14. That's up a bit compared to the first few thousand miles.

I've only had one very minor problem: a broken parking brake tooth. The alcantara seats don't show one bit of wear (I was a bit worried about them initially). So, no regrets at all.

 

buy a used lexus lx or toyota landcruiser and call it a day. They are great cars both toyota and will last you for your child's first car. if they are heavier on the gas mileage, you will save in the long run on service and the longevity of those cars b/c they will last you close to forever.

 

The person already has an SUV and even if she got another like an MDX or Lexus it's in Cayenne V6 price range . If she bought a less expensive car like a Honda Pilot or Toyota she loses out on many of the quality features of Porsche ( drive, build quality, customer service ). If she buys a used Cayenne the CPO program offers a lot of coverage right ought of the gate . She can keep it for years.

I would agree that a Cayenne has to burn gas but I suppose that's what a vehicle entails if someone has children or needs space . Since I never had that type of life --I had not considered an SUV . But she does and will spend 40 -55 grand no matter what . I may not know about the Cayenne but I do know enough about Porsche that whatever car she decided would have warranty and I can introduce her to those who keep my cars in great shape . I think she'll enjoy the experience .

I suppose by "budget" I meant shes not going to mod up a Turbo s . That's my style but its a different budget as well as a different ideology about cars . So I am trying to figure out which would suit her need from her frame of reference --not mine , drive it myself and then make the suggestion .

I am leaning towards the S .

 

Great piece of insight . Thank you.

MPG sounds OK . The alcantra seats look fantastic new and I'm glad to hear they held up for 15K mi . I saw a used one with 8K miles and it also looked beautiful . Not a hint of wear .

The more I look and learn the more I like these cars .

I've ruled out the V6 .
I've ruled out the Turbo (priced out of her range ).

It's new car S Vs used Gts and for that I would have to drive both before I make my recomendation .

 

Yes we are all power hungry, but the V6 does the job nicely.

Techart has some 680hp Cayenne now, who cares, unless you live in Germany on the Autobahn or the Nurburgring its pointless. And if you don't own a boat you don't need the V8.

Hey. It's the truth.

Mikhail.