Hello 6speed...long time lurker here. In the process of selling my BMW and looking for a CTT. I've always loved the 08-10 body style but now that the 11-12 have dropped in price I am wondering if I should try to spring for one of those instead. I've done a lot of reading on here and it seems like everyone agrees that the 11-12 is much better vehicle but I have some hesitations. Those being:

1) It's more car like, I like the SUV component of the earlier Cayennes
2) Not sure I am sold on the interior, it looks a lot like the Panamera and again too car like and not very SUV like to me
3) First year of the new model year issues....worried about the aluminum bolts in 11 and just in general having to buy one with higher miles
4) Transfer case in the turbo models. Seems like they break a lot?

The draw to the newer models is the weight reduction and newer technology, as well as them looking less dated compared to the earlier Cayennes.

Vehicle will be used as a DD and occasional tow vehicle.

 

I had the 957.1 Turbo and the 957.2 GTS along with the 13CTT I have now.

I don't think there is a comparison how much better the newer 958 model is compared to the 957. Better PCM, more robust suspension components with a better managed PASM, taller gears for highway coasting, massive weight reduction, and I can go on and on...

My dad just traded in his 11 CTT that he put 115K on bought new. Other then maintenance, there was no real issues with his truck. I bought mine new too and it currently reads 82K on the dial with no issues to speak of.

I, personally think this is a no comparison. The 958's are head and shoulders better then any itineration of the 957.

 

I couldn't and still can't warm up to the look of anything newer than the 957 - the pointy nose, odd shape of the taillights, and rounded rear hatch just don't do it for me compared to the muscular and beefier look of the 957. 955 looks dated to me because of the bodywork and lights, but to me, the 957 is the sweet spot in the range, which is why I bought that model earlier this year. Coolant pipes issue resolved, no aluminum variocam bolts, etc. Lightness is great, but not at the expense of quality. If you have any plans to do any real off-roading, the drive system in the 957 is more capable, but for how 96% of these vehicles are used, that's probably a non issue. I also have 2 997.1s and liked the way the interior of the 957 is more inline with the look and feel of those cars for P-car unity in my personal collection.

Bought it earlier this year with only 26,000 miles on it and I'm currently in the midst of a widebody and slight performance enhancement project (exhaust, intake, Intercoolers, Diverter valves, etc), just ordered an all aluminum Driveshaft to replace the standard cardan shaft with center bearing, support, and flex plate and getting it setup for what I hope are many years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Just my input on what factored into my decision. Make sure to get one with PDCC - standard on the Turbo S (maybe the Turbo), optional on the GTS. 2009 is the first year of the DFI engine.

 

I've owned a 955 and now a 958 CTT. No comparison. 958 = Hands down a much more comfortable, better handling, better riding and better looking vehicle. The 955 always looked like Jeremy Clarkson described it once I read his description. Like a blowfish version of a 911. Someone blew into the exhaust pipe of a 911 and ended up with a 955. The turbo version almost overcame that with the huge grille - but not quite..

Lower, lighter and far superior driving dynamics on the 958. Weight does count. 500lbs lighter is nothing to sniff at, and I'm not all that certain that the 955/957 was that much more off-road capable, the gearing on the 8 speed is such that a two speed gear reduction isn't needed to crawl along. Just put it in 1st, raise the suspension and lock the front-to-rear diff. It will tackle any supermarket parking lot you care to try it in..

Oh - and it's lots (LOTS! Yugely!) faster - but that's to be expected going from an S to a TT (and 340hp to 500hp plus dropping 500lbs.)

 

I've owned 4 cayennes... 04 V6, 04 turbo, 05 turbo and now a 11 turbo... The 958 platform is head and shoulders above the outgoing 955 or 957... the 11 I have has no issues to speak of and I just love the SUV.....

 

With an '11 turbo, if you haven't already, make sure you look into the WC-22 campaign and the aluminum variocam bolts to get those replaced.

 

Just had 40K service done and all recalls and campaigns are done according to the dealership.

 

I would specifically ask them about that one as there are 2011/2012 V8 Cayennes and Panameras in the US that are excluded from the campaign, but actually have the aluminum variocam bolts and those will fail. For example, in Japan, the recall campaign is covering a greater production range of vehicles than the US campaign. Unless you're under warranty, it would be in your best interest to do some research on this particular topic or actually have the dealer do a visual inspection of which bolts you actually have in your engine - research will give you the details on what the visual differences are if your dealer isn't aware. Then, if you have the aluminum bolts and your car isn't included in the US campaign, you'll have to decide what to do. Some data is suggesting that there are a few of these motors failing per month, some suggests as high as 1-2 per week.

Here's a starting point for you - https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...failure-5.html

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I am going to hold off for a couple more weeks to get through the holidays and see what I can find in the 11-12 year range

 

Good luck with your search! Great decision!

 

I currently own 1 of each. The 955 lives in the mountains and with the transfer case and the beefier chassis it is the perfect off-road tool. The 958 lives in the city and with the lighter weight and 8 speed trans it is the perfect urban assault vehicle!

 

Owned a 10 GTS DE3 and now own an 11 CTT. 11 CTT is much better than my 10.

 

(I know it's and old topic).

For me the 957 is still the best looking Cayenne of all time. The 958.1 made me want to cry when it came out, looks like a 2009 Nissan Murano from behind. The 958.2 is much better, and I kinda started liking it.

The 955 and the 958.1 are both design fails in my book, always needed a second generation to prefect it.

My advice for anyone with the same questions as the OP, is to get a 2009+ 957 (as they have PCM3.0), and then trade it for a 958.2 when the prices come down .

 

No contest, the 958. I test drove a 955 CTT first and while it was nice I didn't even look back once I drove the 958 even though the 955 was a good bit cheaper. Both inside and out there is like a 10 year spread in appearance and technology, at the least. That being said that is only my opinion and you have to buy what you like best AFTER walking around and driving both. If in your mind all things are equal then the 955 would obviously cost less.

 

My feeling is exactly the opposite. IMHO the 958.1 TT is the best looking of the bunch, especially in white with gloss-black trim and wheels. And it doesn't look at all like a Murano (yuck!) from the back.