I currently own a 2007 GTI as my daily driver and a 2006 Cayman S as my fair weather fun car.

I'm looking at a few cars to replace the GTI with next year when the warranty's up:

2008+ Subaru WRX STI
2006+ BMW X3
2006+ Porsche Cayenne V6, if I can find one (I really want a 2008 V6 with PDCC and a 6-spd manual)

I know they are very different beasts, but they all share AWD and a relatively sporty feel.

I never liked the Cayenne in the past, but I've become so enamored by my Cayman S that the idea of having another Porsche is very appealing. The Cayman S is the best car I've owned, and I've had a few.

But in comparing with the STI and X3, one thing is certain: the gas mileage is a lot worse.

But what about other costs? Oil changes, scheduled maintenance, brakes, etc. How reliable are they?

I would do oil changes myself or go to my mechanic vs. getting gouged at the Porsche dealer as I do now on the CS. I would do the same for most scheduled maintenance.

I did the same on my VW and wound up spending about $400 for my 40k service that would've been $800-$900 at the dealer. I had Farnbacher Loles do the DSG service and did much of the rest myself.

Thoughts on ownership costs and reliability?

 

im a huge BMW fan, but HATE the X3. how can you even consider it ?

how could BMW have ever even made it

 

I have experience owning both the X3 and the Cayenne V6.

The X3 was an all-around joy. When it first came out, I was on the bandwagon of people who hated everything about it. However, it fit my needs perfectly (AWD, decent cargo capacity, sporty, ect. - similar to you) and, when fully loaded with an M sport package, navigation, 18'' M wheels, etc, it looked and felt quite nice. It handles fantastically...I couldn't even tell the difference behind the wheel of an X3 and the then-new 3-series back in '06. That being said, the interior was smaller and -much- less-appointed than the Cayenne. Build quality was terrific, never had a thing go wrong over 32,000 miles and, as with all BMWs, no maintenence costs except 1 new set of Pirelli Scorpions!

The Cayenne is a much different beast. It's bigger and therefore more useful utility-wise. Unlike the X3 the V6 isn't exactly stunning with its stock 17'' rims and doesn't handle nearly as well. However, I agree with what others have written, there is just something about the Cayenne that makes it more appealing...and not just that it's Porsche. The solid build quality and sure-footed stance is more enjoyable to drive. The suspension is smooth and the interior far more luxurious.

Overall, I'll always miss some things about my X3, as it served me perfectly for what I needed. I didn't have the desire to modify it much from stock. Interestingly enough, the X3, on average, achieved 3mpg less that what I'm getting on the Cayenne; around 14/18 vs. 17/20, respectively. With my new 22'' Deluxe Design wheels and olive wood trim installed, I much prefer the Cayenne. Bottom line: Cayenne if you don't mind putting more money into it after purchase price; X3 if you simply want a reliable and solid machine that you'll never think twice about.

Also, I know just the place you can get a great '08 Cayenne with PASM and a 6-speed manual. Auto Palace Porsche

I strongly considered picking this lightly pre-owned when purchasing my Cayenne. As silly as it sounds, the interior color and lack of navigation was too much to look past. Of course there have been times I regret this decision and think about going back and trading in my current Cayenne for the advantages of PASM and 6-speed, but I can't get over the lack of nav. If you want some more details on its background PM me or call Steve Tady at Auto Palace.

Happy decision-making. I'd be glad to continue the conversation through PM if you still can't decide and have questions.

 

That's a nice Cayenne, but I'm not buying for another year. I tend to start researching very early to make the right choice.

Funny what you say about MPG. The X3 is rated for much better mileage. Do you do a lot of city-type driving? Most of my driving is even more efficient than "highway" as my commute is all lazy 40MPH backroads. I get 33MPG in my GTI right now, which is way above the rated highway mileage.

slammedM: have you driven an X3? Preferably sport? It's amazingly nimble and sports sedan-feeling for an SUV. I even like the steering feel better than the current 3-series, which I think they ruined (steering wise).

 

Your list of cars is quite varied... one is a mid-sized SUV, one is a compact-SUV, and the other is a AWD rally-car. Reliability and cost of ownership aside, I think you need to decide whether you need the luxuries/usability/features that each choice offers.

For instance the STI (while relatively fast) will never be able to haul significant amounts of cargo, and would look odd hauling a boat or RV.

The V6 Cayenne on the other hand would be significantly slower than the STI, while offering a smoother, more luxurious ride and Porsche prestige.

To me, the X3 is somewhere in between.

For what its worth - I chose the Cayenne (albeit 'S' - but 956 model) for my wife because it is safe, reliable (knock on wood), fast enough, and can carry cargo in a pinch. But when I replace my current winter car (a honda civic) and have a choice between the 3 cars listed above, I would choose the STI.

 

Safety is a big consideration in my windy 2 lane commute that sometimes sees inclement weather. There's no doubt that the Cayenne will be the safest in a wreck.

 

please dont take this the wrong way....
but why would anyone faced with the choice opt for a cayenne V6 with manual transmition??

the cayenne is a big heavy beast, and although the VW engine pulls fine, its hard work combined with a stick shift.
a turbo would be fun to change manually, but not as a daily drive/distance.

even now the off road brigade here in the uk are shifting to auto transmition even for challenge events (i have a land rover defender)

can i ask why you need such an option? it would be almost impossible to find a V6 manual here in England.

as far as subaru is concerened, go for the STI you will love it (best real world super car eater you can buy)

 

Be sure to take the cost of fuel into consideration if you have a lead foot as I do...I would surely make the EPA think about changing their ratings for the Cayenne should they ride along with me for a week

 

Regardless of the type of driving I do most, those are the numbers for my city/hwy driving, rather than combined average. I always reset the trip when filling up the tank. My 400 mile trip between home and school is consistently 20-21 mpg. Driving around suburban and urban Pittsburgh is 17, sometimes dipping below when I use "sport" often. Also, I have an '08 Cayenne (different engine than '06) and had an '06 X3 (3.0i rather than 3.0si). Not sure if you're comparing apples to apples.

The absolute worst thing about the X3 was the 5-speed auto. It never could find the right gear. If you choose the X3 go with an '07+ with the 6-speed auto, although I read it wasn't a tremendous improvement.

 

Have experience with an '08 x3. Do not get the autobox. Get the manual. Also the gas mileage in city traffic can be very bad (14). Very plain jane. Handles well but not as well as the Cayenne and the ride in the Cayenne is much better. Bad weather is classic BMW with a little too much rear wheel drive emphasis. Cayenne is much better because of weight and drivetrain tuning than the X3. Gas mileage is about the same but the Cayenne has a larger tank.

 

I love rowing my own gears. Autos bore me. There are V6 manuals out there, not a whole lot though. I would love a GTS, but I don't think they'll drop in price anytime soon to a level that I can afford.

 

i understand your love of manuals, but i was not comparing manual/auto, or which is preferable, just saying that a manual is NOT suited to a two and half tonne cayenne with a V6.

my friend has a lovley black V6 2005, and when we go out for a mini cruse with other cayennes, he is always at the back, and when its a quick pull away he is struggeling. (and he has an auto)
my point was if you have the choice (i understand the only other manual is the GTS) take a test drive in the manual...it will open your eyes.

 

Question: when exactly did Porsche start selling the 2008's?

Just wondering as prices are still very high on the used market vs. 2006's. I'm sure when they hit the 3 year lease end mark, they will come down quite a bit.

I'm pretty sold on the 08' V6, would get a GTS if I could justify the price but I cannot. The only thing that will keep me from getting one is the width: my new 2-car garage of the townhouse I'm moving into in November is not the widest (about 17 feet wide).

 

bump