I'm thinking of picking up a 2012 CTT with about 60k miles and wanted to get some feedback from current owners about their experiences with the reliability.

I know the maintenance costs are higher than the average Benz/BMW; however, I'm interested in the reliability aspect.

I know the previous gen had the water coolant pipe issues, have talked to two dealers (sales & service staff) and all have said the coolant pipe issue has been addressed on the 958's.

Are there any reliability issues which show up when the car reaches 50-60k miles or more? I've seen a few threads about scored cylinders, thermostat housing breaking and spilling coolant, and just recently a 958 coolant pipe leak.

 

Yes, everything imaginable. I bought my Cayenne S NEW in 2011 and had three catastrophic failures each resulting with getting stranded and waiting for the flat bed truck in Sonoran desert at temps over 100F.

The latest, few days ago, was the destruction of the camshaft at 50,000 caused by the well known to Porsche failure of the camshaft adjuster screws. Camshaft is trashed and the engine will need to be replaced, hopefully at Porsche cost.
Ii would dissuade anybody from buying Porsche Scheistwerk!

 

Sorry to hear about that, sounds painful. My experience has been different, I've had a number of Cayennes, never had a mechanical issue. Current 2011 CTT has been incredible, I haven't spent a dime other than annual inspections and on small maintenance items things like an oil change and brake flush.

Comparatively, my bills for past mid-range Benz, BMW and Audi's were higher than I've experienced on the Cayenne's I've owned.

 

As long as maintenance has been up to date, there is nothing out of the ordinary. Things are going to wear out, and it's not going to be cheap to replace them. We have 2 x 958 CTT and 1 X958 CS in the family. All these vehicles were bought new. Other then a few wear items, nothing to worry about.

Mileages-
2011 CTT- 91K
2012 CS- 80K
2013 CTT- 72K

 

I've had 4 cayennes.. the 958 is the most stout and well sorted of them all.. no issues with mine so far ...knock on wood...

 

One of the front shocks went bad. Other than that the car has been very reliable and it has done 56k miles so far. No coolant issues in our hot climate and the car is tuned too.

12 CT first owner.

 

any updates on the camshaft issue?

 

It the same boat as you, however ur in a bit better position, u have a 2012 and u dont have to worry about the aluminum nuts failing on urs (only applied to 11 MY). Im looking at 2011 ctt with 50k miles. Ill also be driving it in extreme weather conditions with the dealer being in a different state(!)... Ill be in Montana that is, no porsche dealer there


Also, another question. The one im looking at has a tow hook... Hmm. How much wear does it put on the car if it was used for towing?

 

Take your time finding the right pig. If you find one that has been well cared for with up to date maintenance take the plunge. I have an 11 TT with 65k miles and it has been a great experience thus far.

 

Actually - some early 2012's also had the aluminum bolt problem with the VarioCam. There are instances of several of them failing, and they were included in the Porsche recalls issued in China and Japan. A later model 2012 will probably be fine.

 

Have mine for few days now 11 CTT runs great !
gonna get a set of new camshaft bolts adjusters WC22 and get them installed before it breaks down.

 

Good move. Enjoy your CTT!

 

2013+ 958 is the ideal Cayenne to get...

 

If you can afford it. The difference between a 2011 and 2013 CTT is probably around $25-30,000. For that amount of money you can get the 2011 Variocam adjusters replaced and still be way ahead..

 

Also looking at a previously enjoyed Cayenne. Drove 2012 Turbo with 89K miles today. A little high for sure but one owner and religious maintenance every 10K. The car is solid like a rock. Could not tell difference between it and 2014 i drove last week with 20k miles.