Hey everybody, new to the forum here and have been reading some prior threads regarding the Porsche Cayenne. I currently drive an 08 Lexus ISF and am thinking about getting back into an SUV. I absolutely love the ISF and it saddens me to even think of trading it in, but my priorities have changed somewhat and being in Chicago, having an SUV for an all around is just less work in the end of the day.

So before I start asking questions, here is somewhat of a preface:

1) Depending on what I can get for my ISF, I'll be looking at either a new Cayenne S or possibly a GTS. I have found some used turbos out there but unless the mileage and/or price is right, it is a toss up. I guess if I can find a nice, lightly used S or GTS I'd jump on that to save some $$ as well.

2) The car WILL be used as my daily driver, year round.

OK on to the questions:

1) I know it is a "sporty" SUV. Is the ride harsh, or too harsh for a DD?

2) Being that it will be driven in the winter, will I need to plan on buying an extra set(s) of winter tires/rims? I'm not sure what tires it comes with stock. And, how is it in the snow or bad terrain?

3)I hate to ask this one, BUT, as far as fuel mileage goes, what can I seriously expect out of the 4.8L V8? Owners please chime in for the S, GTS & Turbo if possible. Coming from averaging 28-30 mpg on the highway in the ISF, gas $$$ will go up a bunch I'm sure.

4) Are there any must have options I should look for when comparing Cayennes?

Sorry for so many questions, here guys. I appreciate any and all questions/comments/concerns. In an ideal world, I'd be trading in for a "newer" gently used GTS.

Thanks again
DRE

 

1) I have a 06 S w/o PASM (air suspension), 99% of the time I am very happy with it but there are times (bumpy road) I wish I have PASM. I think the GTS comes standard with it but not the S. So if that is a concern, make sure you find one that has it. Easiest way to tell is below the shifter, the shock adjustment buttons on the right. If you see an empty tray, it does not have PASM.

2) No experience here as I am in Los Angeles. But I have read many good reviews on Pirelli Ice & Snow and they do make them in all stock sizes that I am aware of, even the 21".

3) Depends on who you ask, I get mid teens in city and around 20 on highway. But I have read many only getting low teens in city.

4) As mentioned above, PASM if ride is a big concern. Also if you plan on towing, make sure you get one that has the hitch installed already, getting one afterward is expensive and PITA.

As far as new or used, I guess it depends on the deal you find. Given current economy, you can find amazing deals on new or used. That said, selling/trading your current ride is going to be ugly...

 

i have speedbumps going to my house and my v6 with eibach springs does absolutely fine on them unless i speed over them and its a little bumpy. On highways its smoother than some everyday commute cars and i dont think its harsh at all.

living in nj we have some rough winters and i keep the same rims on and swap tires in winter then go back to summer performance tires in march (yes i know early) and im fine with the march/april snow storms, just not as good as winter tires.

my v6 averages less than a S, so i cant really chime in on that one.

Must haves- PASM and i love the panoramic sunroof on the gts but i dont know if you'd have the same taste. thats really it i think of the top of my head.

and id say if your going to buy a new gts, the extra money is totally worth it for a turbo, buya CPO'ed used 08+ turbo and youll be glad you made that choice. the only reason id go with the GTS is the 6spd but living in chicago im not sure if you want that PITA.

 

1) Try to pick up Cayenne Turbo 08,09 with ALL the extras and you done It has everything you will ever need and more. (You will LOVE it).

2)Get extra set of wheels & tires for winter from eBay (19" Pirreli Scorpions)

BTW: I tried S and GTS and they are dogs (sorry guys)

That's it......

 

2005 or 2006 turbo. I personally like the looks better than newer version, and the price is right.

 

08, has more power and still under warranty.

The price? I am sure you can find great deals in USA....

 

I'm a Chicagoan, too. and LOVING my 2009 Cayenne GTS (I've had it for 14 months and 27,000 trouble-free miles). My answers:

1. It absolutely rides smooth enough to be a daily driver. On really bad Chicago roads, just set the PASM to Comfort. If you choose an S over the GTS, make sure it has PASM (standard on US-model GTSs). Most of the time, I keep mine in full sport mode.

2. I run 21" P Zeros half the year and have a set of 19-inch Michelin Latitude all-seasons for winter. The 21" summer tires are completely unfit even in the lightest snow, but are phenomenal the rest of the year. Absolutely worth the extra cost to have 2 sets of wheels/tires. When it's time to replace the Latitudes, I may switch to dedicated winter tires. But the all-seasons did fairly well last winter.

3. I have a GTS with manual transmission, which has the dubious distinction having the worst fuel economy of all current-year Cayennes. If the PCM figures are correct, my overall average is 13.8 mpg. On my mixed-drive commute, I get about 15-16 mpg. My weekend errand-running in stop and go traffic is what lowers my overall mpg. The sounds are so alluring that I can't help driving it hard around town! (Which lowers economy to 10-12 mpg). My personal best mpg is around 19 (highway with cruise set at 65). For a 405 hp, 2 1/2 ton truck, I think the numbers are acceptable (better than the ML63 that I was considering).

4. Must-have options: besides the adjustable suspension, everything else is just personal preference. I didn't get PDCC, but would have if I lived somewhere that wasn't flat and congested. Most GTSs are fairly well-equipped; Ss run the gamut. Full leather (dash/doors) is nicer than the partial leather, but I don't mind the standard plastic dash covering. It wouldn't be a deal-breaker. I didn't get the panorama roof because I always have a convertible in the garage and was also worried about rattles developing (perhaps an unfounded fear).

5. (The question you didn't ask.) Yes, operating costs are very high. In addition to burning more gas, prepare for expensive maintenance. I learned the hard way that "stealerships" may charge $400 for an oil change. And at an independent shop, it will still be about $180.00. The 21" summer tires have a very short lifespan: 10,000-15,000 miles (maybe less).

If I only had one vehicle in Chicago, my GTS would be the "keeper." It sounds better than any SUV (and almost any car), handles better than many sports sedans, has a gorgeous interior and superbly comfortable seats (and everyone loves the Alcantara headliner), is great in the snow, and has decent cargo capacity.

Have I "sold you" yet?

 

1) Depending on what I can get for my ISF, I'll be looking at either a new Cayenne S or possibly a GTS. I have found some used turbos out there but unless the mileage and/or price is right, it is a toss up. I guess if I can find a nice, lightly used S or GTS I'd jump on that to save some $$ as well.

2) The car WILL be used as my daily driver, year round.

OK on to the questions:

1) I know it is a "sporty" SUV. Is the ride harsh, or too harsh for a DD? The 04 turbo I have has the adjustable suspension and it is quite nice in the comfort setting. So the answer is no.

2) Being that it will be driven in the winter, will I need to plan on buying an extra set(s) of winter tires/rims? I'm not sure what tires it comes with stock. And, how is it in the snow or bad terrain? No idea for snow since I live in Houston, but the adjustable height on the turbo was invaluable on some very stormy days making it through some flooded streets.

3)I hate to ask this one, BUT, as far as fuel mileage goes, what can I seriously expect out of the 4.8L V8? Owners please chime in for the S, GTS & Turbo if possible. Coming from averaging 28-30 mpg on the highway in the ISF, gas $$$ will go up a bunch I'm sure. I got about 11.8mpg with my turbo until I put the IPD plenum on there and it went up to 12.5mpg but I'm almost exclusively city driving. On the highway I've gotten about 16.5mpg at a 85-90mph cruise.

4) Are there any must have options I should look for when comparing Cayennes? If you are looking at an earlier model, consider a warranty if it is not a CPO. I've had a lot of problems with my 04 but the CPO warranty has taken care of everything, thankfully.

 

Thanks for the comments guys. I was looking to land in a Cayenne but I haven't found a dealer in Chicagoland that has a used one that's worth looking at IMO. Either the V6, which I don't want, or $100k+ Turbo S models. I leaning towards an 09 Range Rover Sport HSE. Not quite as sporty but a great ride nontheless. The deals on the 09 sports are great right now as well. I'll let you know what I decide on. Thanks

 

check out the deals; 08 turbo sold for 56,100.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Porsche-Cayanne-Turbo_W0QQitemZ180411112537QQihZ008QQcategoryZ4392 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?ssPageName= HPm2:JustSold

I own a 04 turbo, drive it hard (ALWAYS) I average 15mpg city and 22 hwy, it is a blast everytime you get in and drive, passing it to my daughter next year who started driving, (mainly for the safety) I will step it up to the turbo S

 

Hey DRE1615,
I have a 2008 GTS 6-speed manual I bought NEW in May of this year just to the north in MILW. I'd give you a phenominal deal if you're still in the market for an incredible vehicle. It's black -- sexiest vehicle on the road.

 

2muchtime: Looks like I missed a great deal. I have a hard time justifying the transport to Chicago. I'm looking to drive my next SUV for a looong time. I'm a little afraid about getting one with around 30k miles already. How long do you think the Range Rover and Cayenne are good for as far as longevity. Leave warranty and costs aside, just pure longevity.

jefffboatin: Being that it will be a DD and I drive in a lot of traffic, having a manual would be like cruel and unusual punishment. Find me an auto for 50's and I'll buy you dinner. HAHA. Thanks for the offer btw

 

Iv'e had mine for three years know and 50k miles and it is just like the day I bought it, like everything if you do proper maintenance should be good for minimum 150k if not more

 

Just picked up an 06 Range Rover Sport Supercharged in the Limited Edition Vesuvious Orange paint job. Love it. Thanks for the input guys.

 

I might be interested - what are you thinking for price? PM me...