Hey Guys,

I have an opportunity to buy a Cayenne Turbo S, for what I think is a great price.

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...r_id=322437249

That's the listing. I'm planning on driving it tomorrow, and would like your guys' advice on what to look for. What are common issues etc. Things you can find out on a test drive.

From my research the big thing is checking if the coolant pipes have been replaced with Aluminum. The thread on Rennteam was a little confusing to me as far as checking (probably because I'm not familiar with the engine compartment). I See you remove the two covers, put a mirror down, per the image, but the circle that says "Mirror" doesn't make sense... Is it saying that's where you place the mirror? If so I don't get how it's pointing out the pipes Does anyone have an image showing what the aluminum pipes look like through the mirror from up top? Is there perhaps a better way to check by strapping an iphone to a wand turning on the video camera and shining a flashlight down there?

Depending on your guys' advice, if it passes a 'drive' test, then I'll pay for a PPI.

Also does anyone have experience with extended warranties on porsches? Specifically Force Inducted porsches? Recommendations on a warranty to go with? Something that covers the major mechanicals? (Engine, Drivetrain, Turbos, Trans etc)

I'm comfortable doing my own mechanical work, though I've never worked on a porsche.

On my old A4 1.8T I did all of my own maintenance and upgrades.
Replaced: Timing Belt, Serpentine, Water pump, Tensioners, pulleys, alternator, Turbo (upgrade), Suspension work etc.

So I'm not a stranger to wrenching, but the idea of wrenching on a porsche is a bit intimidating.

Also what can I expect as far as maintenance, and associated costs?
Brake Pads and Rotors?
Brake Calipers?
Suspension components?

etc.

I intend to use this vehicle off pavement a good portion of the time. I would love to find a Turbo model with the Offroad package, but In all my searching I haven't found one for sale, let alone in my price range.

Does anyone here take there's off road? fire roads, rallycross etc.?

I've watched a lot of videos, and have been quite impressed. I have no illusions of creating a rock crawler, but I do intend to overland a little.

Thanks for taking the time! Just trying to do my due diligence.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Richie

 

Big ticket items.

Turbo S' have "power kit" rotors, that run $1300 a pair for the front. At 88K mi, they may be close to replacement.

Is the drive shaft original? The original drive shafts are very weak, and break often. The newer drive shaft replacement is about $600.

PCM LCD screen - take a good look at it and make sure it's not twitching. PCM 2.0 and 2.1 LCD screens on the Cayenne burn out - there is a DIY, but it is a $450 expense.

Air suspension has a pump with a seal that typically fails - you can find a rebuild kit used by VW to make the necessary repairs - pretty easy.

Coil packs, plugs, pretty easy. Oil change, filter, very easy. Brake pads, pretty much standard swap, easy. Be aware, there is some kind of recall on the early coil packs that Porsche will pickup the tab.

Honestly, I love my 05 CTT. But I turn my own wrench as well. I can't imagine how much of a PITA it would be for someone who doesn't DIY. As fun as it is to have a 500+ HP in Wisconsin winters, I'm not so sure that I'd buy it again. In comparison to my 911s, my first generation Cayennes have been problematic. Purchased at 75K miles, currently at 98K.

 

Also to add it to the list, coolant pipe replacements. I believe it's the highest priority due to a potential flood. (Preventative: $1g to $3.5g by indy or Porsche dealer, respectively).

Ignition coils are under warranty but I do not recall if there was a time frame where you had to get it done.

BTW, I'd ditch that Porsche emblem if you get it. Looks out of place.

 

Personally, I wouldn't buy that car without maintenance records. They would tell you everything you need to know. At that age and mileage, you'll need to think about the water pump and fuel pump(s) in addition to the items mentioned above.

I do take my Cayenne S offroading occasionally, and it performs very well. Proper tires are the key, as I'm sure you already know. The same is true for winter driving. As for life expectancy of tires and brakes, I average 25,000 for tires and 40,000 for brakes.

Good luck!

 

+1 on the pipes...I re-read the OP's thread. I thought they had already been done. If not, it is a pretty tough DIY, although doable. Parts run about $500-600.

 

Also - this is a Cayenne Turbo, not a Cayenne Turbo S. Porsche didn't make a Cayenne Turbo S in 2004.

 

Yes... sorry... I didn't mean turbo s... that was a mistake on my part...

I did mention the coolant pipes, and intend to verify the aluminum replacements. If it doesn't have them, I may just pass altogether. While I'm a confident DIYer... I don't want to be doing that on a Brand new (to me) vehicle. Right from the start.

I'll definitely carfax, and hopefully see maintenance records.

There are several porsche dealers in Salt Lake so I'm sure it was serviced at one of them.

So things to look at as far as service records:
Coolant Pipes
Water Pump
Fuel Pump
Timing Belt?

I have also read there's a bunch of electronic gremlins in this early models... Anything to look for on that front? or is it safe to assume at 80K+ this issues have been taken care of, or didn't occur?

Thanks guys! I hope to be a part of this family soon, but don't want to put the cart before the horse.

 

Totally agree.

 

Most of the issues should be sorted. The problem with fuel pumps is that they either work or they don't. I'm not sure you can check for an impending failure. Water pumps, on the other hand, get noisy and they start to leak. Porsche water pumps seem to wear out around 80,000 miles. Other common issues include:

- Battery (I'm on my 3rd)
- Horns - they fill up with water, corrode and fail
- Cardan shaft
- Ignition coils
- Air suspension pump needing to be rebuil. There's an inexpensive kit for this.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Dennis!

I was meaning check for Fuel Pump in service records... Something to put on my radar if it hasn't been replaced.

Estimates on Cardan Shaft Repair? Parts? Service?

Ignition Coils are these a $200 per each coil? more less? IIRC they were about $200 on my A4

Regarding Battery, does it use a standard battery? is it specific to the Porsche?

The secret to batteries is getting a high end AGM battery. One designed for overland travel is best. I'm assuming there isn't room under the hood for dual batteries, I intend to locate a second one somewhere if this all works out.

Thanks again everyone you've been extremely helpful.

Richie

 

I'd pass at any price

 

thats a great price, my 04 is at 110k, just to be safe i replaced the coolent pipes and shaft, and had to reseal the air pump with the vw part 130$ and 30 minutes. oh and a secondary cat delete. i love my ctt ive had it 3 years and am going to buy another after this one. there is nothing more fun in the snow, with good snow tires and in the summer its a great cruiser with all the turbo trim kit, leather, suede everything. and you are saving 100,000$ so that will put a smile on your face too. pay no attention to the haters, snap it up.

 

Trollers, gunna troll.



@cuemaster - Did you do your own coolant pipes and shaft replacement? Is there any DIY information on this? I understand it's not beyond a diy swap, but it is a bit involved. What about the shaft? Also what's the price of the parts to swap the shaft?

Again thanks everyone, It's great to know there is a helpful community out there. The last community I was a part of (Vehicross.info) was an amazing community, extremely helpful. Guys on there would bail you out of jail.



The vehicle I'll be replacing with (hopefully) the Cayenne.

 

The Cayenne has a primary and a secondary fuel pump. The primary fuel pump failed on mine last year and it was ~$1,200 (going off of memory, I'm not in my office right now) to have replaced. It gave no warning signs of failure - it simply stopped working.

When I had my coils replaced, it was just under $400 for all eight of them. They retail for around ~$20 per coil, so it's not bad at all. Porsche ended up reimbursing me for this repair.

I had my coolant pipes replaced before they failed because I didn't want to get stranded. It was ~$1,650. I'm glad I did it.

I had my air suspension compressor rebuilt last year also, and it wasn't expensive. I think it was less than $300 including labor.

I'm still on my original cardan shaft at 108K miles, so I can't tell you what to expect on that in terms of cost. I think the part is around $700 and it is a DIY item if you're pretty good with a wrench.

The Cayenne does take a special battery, but many people have replaced them with aftermarket batteries. It isn't located under the hood - it's under the driver's seat. You need a tool (10mm triple square bit) to move the seat out of the way to access the battery, and you need to make sure that the replacement has a vent tube or that you utilize the vent tube from the original. Some Cayennes (mostly 2003s) have an auxilliary battery in the cargo area by the spare tire. This option eliminates the Bose subwoofer that is normally there.

Other than that, the only thing that comes to mind is more of a normal wear item. My Cayenne is starting to rattle a little from the front suspension. I suspect my bushings are worn and need to be replaced.

 

Dennis you Rock!!

Thanks for putting numbers to potential issues...

Also Great news on the battery... the fact that it's located inside is actually a bonus. I would recommend everyone replace the factory battery with an AGM... AGM Batteries do not require venting, they are a sealed battery. Also great that they had a 2nd battery in the back, that means I could potentially eliminate the factory sub, and place the battery back there for a more clean approach.

AGM batteries are heavy, but they're reliable. A quality AGM battery will go 2 years with out needing a charge. Just parked in the garage. (I personally recommend the Sears Platinum Duralast) It was ranked #1 by Overland Journal Magazine. (A magazine I recommend you all subscribe to, even if you have no interest in overland travel) It's like National Geographic, for vehicle dependent travel. Great imagery, great articles etc. They even took an Audi R8 through the Outback, and documented the full thing.

but I digress.

Even if I had to replace all items you've listed (save cardan shaft) I'm still under $23,000 on the vehicle. Which makes me optimistic.