hi all,
I'm looking to replace my wife's current ride (e91 BMW) for something a little larger and a little smoother ride.
The cars we're considering are Audi Q5, Lexus RX350 (her idea) or the new Cayenne (my choice).

the BMW with its runflats is just too uncomfortable for longer road trips and it is somewhat limiting for space--we have a 2 year old now and another one on the way.

I know the true p-car guys poo poo the Cayenne, but this new model is awesome looking, especially the interior.
The one I looked at had the carbon fiber trim and steering wheel(absolutely awesome btw) the best looking steering wheel I've ever seen, must get the CF to go with my AMG.
A test drive only tells so much.

Is it comfortable for longer trips and how's the reliability?
Should I be hesitant to own a first year model?
How about the start/stop function, is it reliable?(may go stick, but for now we're thinking autobox)

We'll probably order one to our specs since there's so few out there and we're not in a super rush--anything we should definitely get or not get?
thanks
Here's some pics I snapped with my BB

 

Buy it! There is no other SUV on the market that rides as well, handles as well, or goes as well.

 

I consider myself a true P-car guy (over 20 of them since my first in 1979) and I love the Cayenne. On our third/fourth ones. I've owned just about every hi end SUV out there and none comes close to the new Cayenne. Go for it.

 

Congrats on your choice of getting a Cayenne and thank you for some eye candy (with those pics). You may want to start shopping for a build date (as there are not very many for a V6 available) now if you want one for May 2011. Motor trend's SUV of the year tag has probably widened the appeal for the Cayenne well above and beyond the enthusiasts to the general public. I have never owned a Cayenne but have a CS on the way to my dealer anytime.

Coming from a long term P-car enthusiast (imcarnuts) those impressions on the Cayenne says a lot about the Cayenne which in terms of quality of fit and finish, safety, reliability, comfort, luxury is likely a superior product be it C, CS or CTT.
Trying to balance between frills and performance is always tough when you custom order as you hate to compromise. Go over all the threads over the past three months and learn about performance options (PASM, air suspension, PDCC PTV etc) frill options ( E&D, full leather, natural leather, pana roof) pros and cons of different wheel sizes and safety options (LCA, adaptive cruise control etc). Get a brochure, play on the porsche usa configurator (try to get into their 3D version as you can actually see how each change looks on the car). Take your time, we can help you along. IMO this building a Cayenne is as exciting as getting into one. When I ordered there were not very many 2011 Cayenne owners (hence very little feedback). You are in a much better position. First year models almsot always have their minor issues but we have yet to see (atleast on non-hybrids) anything really major on a consistent basis.

The V-6 is an updated version of the engine introduced at the 2007 midlife makeover of the first-generation Cayenne. It's a member of the Volkswagen Group's engine family. Some car magazine (motor trend, Car and Driver) reviews suggest that it is slightly underpowered and others say that the power and torque is fine but the refinement is a little lacking to be worthy of a Porsche badge. But everyone who has one love it in this and other Porsche forums.

 

Go for the Cayenne. I just turned in the wife's X5- we had the first year version of the current model. Had alot of minor issues with it and I was worried about these issues once the warranty ran out. We bought the hybrid and love it. Runs pretty much like the standard version, however we are getting about 24mpg with combined city/highway driving. Some of the international forums were reporting serious issues with the hybrid. When I discussed this with the dealer they stated that Porsche delayed the release of the hybrid in the States until they fixed the firmware issue. Porsche is a serious engineering company, of any automotive company I am not afraid of any serious issues with the car. Even if there are issues, its covered under the warranty anyways. You pay a slight premium for these cars, of which some is recovered with a higher resale value as compared to the competition. Hope this helps.

 

You will love the Cayenne, not the same first year issues as other car companies have. These guys do their homework and don't rush new models out. Better get to shopping though - demand is very high and supply is tighter than ever.

 

thanks for the replies.
yeah, the dealer told me that they are in high demand and they wouldn't do much of a discount if any
I've done business with them before and they know I push a hard bargain!

So the start/stop tech really worries me.
I don't like the idea of the whole thing and I know why they're all doing it, but I feel like its more stuff to break--anyone have opinions?
I could go with the stick, but for a DD for the wife, it might be annoying.

How is it on long trips? Comfortable on bumpy roads, etc.
Any seat pkg to steer away from or get?

I just want my wife and I to be happy with the car long term and not be trading it in in two years like the BMW (the depreciation is killer as you all know)
thanks again

 

i think the Cayenne handles better than some sports car IMHO.
So there is no poo pooo from anyone. It's always those who has never driven one.
We have one and it's one of the best cars i have owned.

i have air sus + 14 adjust seat + heat/cool seat. On day 1, I drove 250 miles and no fatigue.

love it.

 

Another Point that should be mentioned is the new v6 is as fast as the old models v8!!!

 

Looking at 2011 Cayenne for wife

I'm not sure it's a fair trade.

I would also ask for a "player to be named later".