So I just finished my residency and will be heading out to Minneapolis for further training in a one year fellowship. My daily driver is an 04 330Ci which I love dearly (my first new car, and although its not the fastest, with all the mods it handles like a dream). I was considering acquiring a pre-owned GTS (manual) or a Turbo Cayenne and taking it to Minneapolis as my moving truck/daily driver. My 330Ci its too low to the ground and will act like a snow plow in 1+ feet of snow. Whatever I get I was planning on keeping it for at least 3 years. Now the new Cayenne's just came out and I don't know what to do. Although I haven't had the time to test drive one, the interior is superb. I also assume since the engines haven't changed but the newer models are lighter with better transmissions, fuel economy and the overall handling characteristics of the vehicle will be much better. My dream would be the new Turbo but I can't realize that from a financial perspective for another 2 years. Should I just get a 25-30K manual X3 and wait to get an 12 Cayenne Turbo or GTS or should I get a preowned Cayenne Turbo/GTS and enjoy it. I drove an 08 GTS and was thoroughly impressed. My father has an 08 X3 as his winter car and while its not fast, it handles and brakes like a smaller 3 series BMW. I also drove an 08 Range Rover Sport Supercharged. It wasn't bad, and I was impressed with the off-roading capabilities but the cayenne and X3 are much better handling vehicles. Any suggestions?

 

Why would you get an X3 if it "breaks" like a 3-series? Don't you want something more dependable?

These Docs just can't spell...

 

If you just need a vehicle for 2-3 years and can currently spend $30k then get an '04 or '05 Cayenne Turbo and never look back.

 

SB sorry I meant to write "Brakes." I'm worried about out of warranty issues on an 04 or 05.

 

Don't get an older Cayenne, not worth it due to no warranty.
You are comparing a $30K X3 to a GTS which is more than double ($64K+ before any TTL).
Kind of a weird comparison... also, how far will your commute be? You may find that you don't want to deal with a manual transmission every day.

Between the options you presented however, I WOULD choose the X3 and wait for the 2012 Cayenne Turbo. It will also not be the first model year so you won't have to deal with any "1st year gremlins", etc.
Or at that time pick up a 2011 Cayenne Turbo USED and don't end up paying all the depreciation the previous owner had to endure but still get the latest body style.

 

What's your budget?

I will pick an Audi Q5 before the X3. If acceleration is not an issue, don't rule out a new Cayenne V6.

When I finished my residency many many years ago, I bought myself a 993 Targa. After that day, my Porsche buying illness has metastasized.

 

Get a used GTS or Turbo 06-08. Buy it from a dealer and make sure its Porsche certified pre-owned. The CPO is almost like the factory but with a $50 deductable from what i understand.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I know the comparison between an X3 and GTS is not the most fair one but the handling and braking of the two appear to be on par with one another. That being said, I know the GTS will out accelerate the X3. My budget is up to 55K.

I found in a nice CPO 08 X3heavily optioned out for 26K so I may pull the trigger on that one. All the manual CPO GTSs I've found are at least 65K.

 

Utter BS!

You are suggesting spending upwards of $30k extra for a vehicle with a warranty

Seriously. You could just leave the 03-05 turbo sitting on the side of the road "IF" it breaks and buy a second one and still be money ahead over buying one twice the price just to get a warranty.

Chances are even if you had a few MAJOR repairs you would still be saving around $20,000

 

Just a thought here about an out-of-warranty '04 or '05...

Short of a blown engine or catestrophic driveline problem, one of the most expensive things to have done out of warranty (and I should know) is to have the coolant pipes in the intake manifold replaced. Runs you just under $2k to have that done. Other than that, just make sure the used one you're looking at has had the known issues taken care of under the previous owner and enjoy the $20k you saved and you get to drive a Turbo.

 

You beat me to it!!!

Other than a few things, these Cayennes are pretty durable and reliable.

What are you doing your fellowship in?

 

Doing a fellowship in Orthopaedic Spine. Does anyone have any experience with the Q5? I don't think it comes in stick.

I can respect those that suggest an older Turbo, but my biggest concern isn't a catastrophic malfunction but little things that need replacing / servicing. Unfortunately my job will most likely consume much of my free time and I'd rather not worry about having to fix little things or if it a big thing shopping around for the best price and then getting a loaner. In the event something does happen to a warrantied car I can just take it to the dealer (who will hopefully supply me with a loaner) and don't have to worry about the cost of a repair.

Don't get me wrong I completely agree that a properly maintained German automobile should be relatively problem free. However if / when problems do arise I'd rather not have to worry about them.

I have always loved Porsches. My gear head friends would always talk about Ferrari and Lamborghini but I was always a Porsche and BMW kind of guy. I also loved the lines of the 959 and 993 Turbo and now love the 997 and even the Cayenne has grown on me (especially after an hour of aggressively test driving a GTS and Turbo.) Hopefully one day I'll be able to have one. Just not sure if that time should be now =P

BTW any news of an 11 or 12 GTS Cayenne?

 

I would imagine that they will wait for sales of new CS models to slow down before offering a GTS variant.

I think the GTS was only offered to bring w little spice to the Cayenne line up after it had been around for about 6 years.

 

Fair enough. Good luck with the fellowship. My next door neighbor is an orthopedic surgeon. Pretty nice lifestyle...except for having to be on call.

 

Wow. I was driving a Honda Prelude through residency and fellowship. Moved to an Audi S4 after being an attending for a year. That was back in 1999. Best car for your situation IMO is a 2008 Audi S4. Should be priced in the upper 30's, very good in snow and plenty of fun. save a little $$$$, then go for the real fun stuff!!