2008 Cayenne GTS, 37k miles, well maintained. What's the deal?

 

Did you look up the P2181 code? Most issues are not black or white in terms of a resolution. It could implicate multiple components.

Here is a good start - looks cooling related:

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...3/P2181/008577

 

Took it into the dealer this morning and they successfully diagnosed and fixed it the same day. They ended up having to replace the thermostat insert (faulty, stuck open). Parts and labor was $802.12. This was the first time I used my third party extended warranty (MRC thru my credit union) and everything went smooth. All I paid for was my $100 deductible and no need for an inspector. Everything was over the phone. They even covered 3.75L of coolant which is stated on my contract as coolant not being a covered item.

Initially, the dealer mentioned the warranty company only approved up to ~$500 and I had to pay the differnce plus my deductible ($310 total). I called the dealer and they told me there was a labor cap of $115/hr for coverage. I fully reviewed my contract then called the warranty company to notify them that nothing in my contract states a cap of $115/hr. They reviewed on their end and told me to tell the dealer to call them back. I told my service advisor at Porsche to call them back and the warranty company ended up covering everything less my deductible. Sweet!

Based on my first experience with an extended warranty repair, I highly recommend MRC. It's significantly lower in cost compared to Zurich, Fidelity or even the Porsche 2 yr additional CPO warranty. My coverage was an add-on platinum level (exclusionary) of 5yr/60k miles for $2709.