You're right Mike. I forgot about the oil filter too.

 

The reliable engine here is the diesel. Most aren't even broken in till 100k but since your folks don't drive it that much, I'm not sure if this is the car for you.

The V6 and V8 are both really reliable engines. Personally prefer the added HP of the V8. Over 10 years time the wear items are expected to go. So I would just choose the car that best suits your needs instead of wanting the most reliable Cayenne. To me, they all are pretty darn reliable.

 

I have a 2013 Diesel with 41k miles on it. I have had 0 issues with it to date. The running costs, if you do not do the work yourself, are incredibly costly.

In addition to the 5k oil changes, you have to factor in the 10k/20k fuel filter drain/change. If you have the work done at the dealership, this gets very expensive very quickly. My dealer changes the fuel filter every 10k since the cost is about the same as the water draining and it runs $289! The oil changes are expensive too ($300+).

This car also eats tires, even if you drive it carefully. Expect 20-25k miles out of standard all seasons in the smaller rim diameter sizes.

I am still on my original brakes. I hope to get another 5-10k out of them, although the pads are getting to the point where the sensors will kick in. Some people on other forums report getting about 30k miles out of them. The pads and rotors are not cheap.

I love and hate this car; it is a high-mileage daily use car that needs service too often. I pre-ordered the car before much of this was known.

 

Wish my Grown Child would buy me one LOL You are a awesome!!