I'm a new member to the site. Looking aggressively for a 2005 - 09 Cayenne or Cayenne S. I'm seeking some advise on what to look out for before purchasing. Do and don't that kind of thing. I'm Canadian and looking at the option to purchase in the States. Any advise ?

 

I've got a 2005 Cayenne S that I've been driving for over 4 years. I obviously bought it used, but have never regretted it. It's definitely the best vehicle I've ever owned! I currently have a little over 100K miles on it, but it still runs like new. I'd would recommend you buying as new an S as you can afford. There are some "kinks" in the earlier models to look out for. I replaced the water pump at around 65K and was told that that is common with the Cayenne. There's is also a cooling system fix that needs to be done to the earlier models: plastic pipes that run over the head on the motor that eventually will break/leak and cause lots of problems. So far that hasn't happened to mine and I've wondered if it was taken care of by the previous owner. It's not something that's easily seen without removing a lot of parts. This problem should be fixed on the later models....I would hope after '06. Love the vehicle though. I'm hoping to find a clean low mileage GTS in a couple of years to replace her. For now, I'm completely satisfied. Hope this helps. Good luck with your search.

 

There are some issues to look for. The coolant pipes as already mentioned. They are plastic on the earlier models and I think 2008 up has the upgrade. They are located underneath the intake. By now most have been replaced. If you are good at DIY you can do it for about $500 in parts. Dealerships can charge up to 2000 bucks. The coil packs and driveshaft are also issues, again, most have had the upgraded coil packs already done. Do a lot of searching and reading in the various cayenne forums and you will get educated. I just bought a 05 CTT. Also being a Canadian I also was looking in the states. Ended up finding one in Edmonton. Seems a good number of Cayennes in Canada are US imports. Also if you get one from the US make sure you educated yourself on the importing process and the taxes that may be due in the state you buy it in as some will not give a break. I figured the cost of duty, flight, fuel etc adds about $2500 to the price paid in the US, so take that into account.
Good Luck

 

Just bought a 2005 Cayenne turbo in Vancouver for $26K. Ex-US car. Incredible condition at 114K kms. Orig price $140K! They are around. Keep looking!