2005 - 2006 CTT but I am also biased. Someone mentioned before ... but I second the Acura MDX. Fantastic car (my wifes car), but I enjoy driving it as much as the CTT. Seriously!

 

Thank you for your opinions guys. The VW is not in my liking, and the MDX new design is just not my taste (sorry). I am used to a pretty stiff ride, and car like handling. The X5 has been 100% ruled out due to issues, which is upsetting, as I do like my current.

I will keep looking for CTT's that seem right. Do CTT's have extended warranties available? I never knew what the original warranty was so I can get extended?

Edward

 

OK, so the X5 is out. And I don't think you can find an X6 for $40k. So down to 3. I can't comment on the RR or SRT because I don't have experience on neither. And because this is a Cayenne forum and I own one ('06 S), here are my thoughts:

CPO is a must, as much as I love mine, these thing are not cheap to own. There are few common problems on earlier models like "coolant tubes" and "cardan shaft" which are both very expensive to repair. I believe somewhere along the line in 2005 the coolant tubes have been updated so anything before that I would avoid unless it has been replaced. Ignition coils and parking brake sensor are also common but very inexpensive to replace. Also, I think Porsche in particular are made to be DIY unfriendly. Unless you have your own PIWIS (this $2-3k computer), you cannot reset the oil change reminder. Of course this PIWIS does many other things but bottomline is Porsche wants you to go back to the dealer for pretty much everything.

I have also read earlier Turbos have been known to consume oil quite a bit. So I must recommend you to look at a CPO '05 or '06 S (which are well within your budget) Especially the '06 as many were sold in 2007, which means some might still have the remaining of new car warranty assuming its a low miler. New car warranty is 4yr/50k btw. And there were no 2007 Cayennes in the US because the '06 were way overstocked at the time.

Someone mentioned the Cayenne used the same V8 in Audi/VW, not true. The 4.2 used in many Audis and the VW Touareg is one engine but the 4.5 used in the Cayenne is all Porsche. The V6 Cayenne however uses the VW engine, pre06 and 08+. Speaking of the V6 Cayenne, while the pre06 is underpowered IMO. I have heard many good things about the 08+ V6. It maybe worth a look as I'm sure one can get good deal on just about any new car nowadays. It maybe slight over your budget but it's a brand new car

 

I currently own an SRT8 so I will only speak to that since my knowledge on the rest would be based on hearsay. Based on your criteria, I don't think the Jeep would be the truck for you.

-It certainly isn't "classy," and it has no where near the brand prestige of your other choices. I personally find that trait to be appealing however.
-The 08+ Jeeps have much better interiors than the 06 and 07s. It has all the creature comforts I need with the great seats which are heated front and rear, touch screen NAV with hard drive and HIDs. The euro competitors will use nicer materials however. It sounds like you are looking for that little extra, which the Jeep does not have.
-There is no doubt it is the best performing of the bunch save for possibly a TT Cayenne or GTS. It has gobs of torque and the AWD allows it to hook and go. It handles better than most give it credit for. It pulls .9g's on the skidpad and has good Brembo brakes. It's not like you're going to take any of these SUVs to a (twisty) track anyways.
-For $40k you could easily find a loaded 08 lightly used or even a new or lightly used 09. You'll have the basic 3mo/36k mile warranty. The Jeeps seem pretty reliable as well.
-It would not be the best tow or off road vehicle and it gets very poor gas mileage.

The whole premise of the Jeep is unnecessary, it is a total niche vehicle and thus makes it relatively rare. If that appeals to you and you can look past the brand and "crappy" interior, I say go for it. Otherwise I'd go for a Cayenne S or S6.

Good luck with your choice!

 

That's the most honest, down to earth and helpful information!

 

Agree, others are more refined and comfy... but the SRT-8 is a pure blast to drive, just straight raw fun.

 

If you're concerned about resale value, maintenance, gas mileage, practicality, I think you should seriously consider the Japanese SUV's like MDX/RX. If your priorities are driving experience, I vote German all day long.

 

^^ I agree - MDX is a great 'used' vehicle all around.

Re the X5 - I might have got lucky, but my just returned 2006 X5 4.4i was bulletproof for 45,000 miles and an amazingly nice all around truck. They offered it to me for $28K - it looked like new.

FWIW.