heavy emphasis on standard.
if you are looking for 955/957s, get S if not higher. drive both and you will know why.

 

What do you mean buy that? Standard as in options? One thing I should add is the main reason I started looking into a Cayenne is because of the available 6-speed. If I'm looking at a TT or an S then I'll also have to drive several other SUV's because there are more options out there when settling for an auto. Not that I think others would be as good but for the money I could probably go for a newer almost as good SRT-8 or Rover sport.

 

You are certainly not "settling" by getting an auto in the S or Turbo wi an auto.

The magic of the Cayenne is that it does EVERYTHING VERY WELL.

Can't just compare thinga like the options or speed.

The Jeep and Rover are nice, but nowhere near a real comparison.

The Jeep for example still has a solid rear axle and ride quality and handling suff from it. It doesn't have a true 4x4 feature and has less than half the towing capacity. All pathetic coming from a company that builds its reputation on utility 4x4s. Build quality is not e same.

Don't get me wrong the Jeep has its place. Just not a true comparison.

The Rover is cool looking with a great interior. The handling isn't in the same ballpark though. Land Rover was rated absolutely last place for reliability and Porsche #1 during the years you would be looking at.

I've taught performance driving skills for 20 years. SOOOOOOOO much more to driving than moving a lever around to select gears.

 

..... Forgive the typos.... Posted from a phone and it won't let me edit

 

The thing I like the most about the Cayenne is that it does seem to be a great on road, capable off road and I'm sure it a great snow vehicle. Settle was probably not the best term for the upper models but having a stick is still at the top of my priority list. Not necessarily for performance but I just like driving a stick.

How does the S and TT compare to to the V6 as far as reliability. I'm wanting to spend around $25K so I'll be out of warranty no matter what I get. I can do my own maintenance but I'd rather not spend all my free time working on my vehicle.

 

For $25k you could probably find a decent Turbo these days.

Several of those running around with 250k plus miles on them.

I'd say the v8s S and Turbo are more reliable than what if seen with the VR6 motors in other platforms (the Cayenne v6 is a VW VR6)