- Coolant pipes are the most expensive item on the list and others fall after that. I also replaced them couple weeks ago for about the same price Dennis mentioned.
- Cardan shafts are ok. They are drivable even if they fail
- Ignition coils aren't that big of a deal since Porsche covers it. If you are serious about buying this, call Porsche and find out about the details.
- Horns <- meh. not a big deal IMO
- Air suspension related <- I don't see this being a big issue neither
- Fuel pumps, this is my first time hearing about it and I am assuming all first gen models are affected by it. If it fails, there goes a grand or 1.5g.
- Battery, I am still on my original battery and my dealer checked me out. Not a big deal neither.

Although I don't have Turbo (I have S), it is a solid vehicle. Over 6~7 years of ownership (bought it brand new), besides oil changes, air filters, wipers, maintenance package (ran me about $2g), and other misc. things, which are cheap, I had 0 problems. Just my 2cents.

 

Apparently the vehicle was still at the shop getting all fluids changed. The dealership is going to drive the car out to me this evening.

Enilder, Thanks for the comprehensive list. Would you go for the Turbo if you were buying again? Or are you perfectly content with the S? Was the Offroad Package offered in the S at all?

Thanks again everyone... I'm anxiously waiting to drive this thing.

 

The offroad package was an option on the S model (I believe), but it's not common.

 

If you want to go fast, get the turbo. If you are concerned about fuel economy, get the S...

 

Buying a Cayenne S for fuel economy isn't a good idea. In daily driving that is mostly city in mountainous terrain, I average 13 - 14 mpg. When we lived on flat land in the Midwest, it wasn't much better. On the highway, I usually get 20 mpg+, but I don't drive on the highway often.

 

I am actually steering towards owning a non-SUV at this point. I currently daily drive S and let me tell you, gas mileage sucks on this vehicle but I can totally justify it.

I agree with Dennis that S doesn't get you significantly better gas mileage. If you are concerned about gas mileage ( sorry I couldn't help myself), well, you are looking at a wrong vehicle.

BTW, I put about 30~40 miles per day and spend about $150~$200 per month. Just as a reference.