What body kit is that? looks great!!!

 

The Cayenne and Toureq are essentially the same car but different brand.

Think of it this way, a Cayenne is almost a factory modded Toureq for slightly improved performance.
With the price different though, something like $12k for base, you jump from VW to a Porsche. If you have the extra $12k, all for the Cayenne.

 

Oh, also. There is an oversaturation of MLs, so residual values going to be low if you care about that.

Though, the new ML (redesigned for MY12) has a lot of technological improvements so it's worth looking at.

 

I would caution you that unless the get the larger engines of any MB range, you will be shocked at just how under-powered they feel.

 

Don't buy a 2004 Touareg.

lot's of parts have been replaced, new part numbers, lots of warranty work.

The consensus seems to be that the later model years have much better reliability.

I have a love hate relationship with the Touareg.

I love it when it works, hate it when it needs repairs.

Thermostat disintegrated @ 70k Miles, replaced under warranty.
Transmission Valvebody @ 100K Miles, replaced under warranty.
Driver side airbag needs to be replaced, 110k Miles. sounds like roughly $1000
I just replaced the HID control unit for $400 part, plus a couple hours of my labor....

I did the brakes myself and it still cost $1000, 6 pot brembo's like the Cayenne... (that's the price of being awesome..?)

Most of the issues have been electronic in nature.

The later year models are a little de-contented, things like heated steering wheel and headlight washers, that I have on my '04, aren't even options in later years...

The 4.2 liter V8 is sourced from Audi. The latest generation engine options are v6 gas or v6 diesel. If you want a v8 (or air suspension) you have to buy a cayenne now.
v-10 Diesel is now gone also .There is a 4.2 V8 diesel (in Europe...)

The air suspension is a cool option that makes the Touareg unstoppable in the Snow. whens the last time you saw a cayenne S that has air suspension? it is optional and really hard to find and is standard on Turbo Cayennes.

I would own a touareg again, just stay away from 2004 models, and get a CPO warranty if you can.



My little sister just bought a 2009 ML 350 CPO.

My initial impressions, It's really quite and smooth... at the expense of sportiness.

I think that's it's purpose, quiet smooth comfortable transportation at highway speeds around 75 MPH(can't vouch for 80-90 MPH range). the V6 is adequate but lacks authoritative thrust.

7 speed transmission in the Benz is silky smooth compared to the 6 speed in the VW.

ML interior dimensions are also larger, rear seat leg room, and rear cargo capacity.

 

Agreed.

I have a 5.5L V8 Benz sedan that brings home well over 500HP. Oh it's fast, but I don't get the joy that I do from my base Cayenne.

It just has to do with the consumers of the cars. Mercs are aimed more towards stable quiet ride with softer suspensions, while Porsches are for the thrill seekers, even in a SUV.

Shrug. I considered the ML when purchasing the Cayenne. Well, I think you know the rest.