I am looking at a 15000 mi, 2014 Cayenne S hybrid at a non-Porsche dealer for $54750. Late in service so there is still 3 years left of factory warranty. Should I still get a PPI? There also seems to be a static noise coming out of the right door speaker on occasional start-up. I have never had a hybrid, so the issue of what is driving the wheels and when seem confusing. So is the hybrid worth it? Any potential problems to look out for? Other option is a 2012 S for $53000 but for slightly more, 2 years newer and potential for better milage the hybrid would seem to make more sense. My wife will drive for mostly intern driving with occasional road trips. Do people love their hybrids?
Thanks

 

"intern driving" - whatzat?

We rarely see the hybrid Cayenne discussed here. They seem rather rare in the enthusiast community.

The vehicle must have sat on the original dealers lot for well over a year to still have 3 years factory warranty left - which gives you an idea of how desirable they are perceived as.

There are a few concerns I'd have about the hybrid..

1 - battery cost. If you're looking at it as a long-term vehicle, dunno what the factory battery warranty is - but I do know a replacement before installation is $11,000 or so. Was curious so I looked it up.

2 - limited mechanics. Not all mechanics are going to be able to work on the hybrid. I suspect ones trained for the hybrid are going to be Porsche dealer only, and most independents will not go near it. 48V electric scares them - as well it should, it can be lethal.

That's OK if everything is warrantied - but things like regular maintenance isn't covered - so you'll end up at Porsche for that and it's gonna be costly. It's not like an all-electric vehicle where there is very little to service or maintain - this is like that all electric vehicle combined with a gasoline powered vehicles maintenance requirements.

My thought - unless you have a burning desire for a hybrid - stick with a single-fuel vehicle. I think hybrids are a stopgap measure between all gas and all electric. I don't think they'll have a lasting market.

 

I had a C V6 and now a hybrid C and love it. Don't expect to keep it more than four years so meh with battery replacement issues. I get mid 30's mpg and love starting it in the gargage silently with no exhaust fumes plus only visiting gas station once a month.


disadvantage to buying it used is not getting the $7500 fed tax credit...which puts it at a discount to the non-hybrid S. Adjustable suspension dampers (sans air pump) is standard on hybrid too.


No issues with driving it or maintance in its short time with me. Basically oil/filter q10kmiles


I drove it back to back with another non-hybrid C-S and could not feel the battery where the spare is and appreciate the higher 435lbft of torque with the hybrid. Transition between battery and engine and brake differences are fleeting thoughts after the first week but very noticeable during initial test drive. Acid green brake calipers, badging inside and out are a trip too.

 

Whatz'a "gargage"?

If you intend to just own the hybrid during the warranty period then it's probably a reasonable alternative, provided you can find a dealer who has mechanics to service it.

IMHO - it's best as a leased vehicle. That way you don't care about the resale value when you're done with it.

 

I picked one up from Carmax last month, 2014, 12400 miles, same price. I like the car, well built and one of the better cars I have owned. The hybrid is a joke. I am light on the pedal I get about 22 mpg, if you want efficiency diesel is the way to go. My previous car was a BMW 328d, and I average about 35 mpg (I know smaller engine and lighter car) Besides the fuel efficiency, great car. The S E Hybrid is much more efficient as it can run up to 15 miles on a full charge of battery.