Need your help guys!

We're still on the hunt for our first Cayenne, and will be seeing 2 pretty similar ones this week. We will be bringing both in for pre-purchase inspections, but absent of any information from that right now we wanted to get your guys' opinions on which ones sounds 'better' so far, based on the slight differences we already know about.

Similarities

• both are 2008 models
• both automatic/tiptronic
• both have the same interior and exterior colors
• both have heated front seats
• both have navigation
• both current owners have not been driving them 'hard'
• no smokers in both

Differences between Cayenne #1 vs. #2

• #1 has heated steering wheel, #2 doesn't (not very important in CA I suppose)
• #1 has a pano roof, I don't think #2 does
• #1 has no clear bra on front and rear bumpers, #2 does
• #1 has 50k, #2 has 56k miles
• #1 has had 2 owners, #2 has had one leaser and then the second owner
• #1 asking $40k (firm), #2 asking $38k

Unknowns

• #1 has parking assist, not sure about #2 yet
• #1 has no PDCC, not sure about #2 yet

Thoughts/opinions/advice are much appreciated! Danke!

 

They sound very similar. Personally, I would avoid the pano roof. I've heard lots of reports of them making noise, rattling, etc. If you can get PDCC, that would be a great find. As for the heated steering wheel, it's probably not there because the vehicle has a leather and wood or a leather and carbon fiber wheel. My Cayenne has leather and wood and it isn't heated. They didn't start heating the upgraded wheel until the 958 models.

Based on what you've presented, I would probably lean towards #2.

Things to think about:

- How are the tires? Should a new set be factored into the sale? Both of these vehicles are probably needing their third set of tires soon...
- Same as above for brakes. They typically last ~40K miles or less. You could be getting close to another set, depending on the previous driver's driving habits.
- Do you have service records for either car? Was the 30K maintenance performed? You've got the 60K major service coming up for either choice. This should be ~$1,200 at a Porsche dealer.

Good luck!

 

I will go for the one with pano roof, mine has it and had been trouble free in three years I'd owned it. Even if you don't open the sliding glass panels ( I rarely do), letting the sun in is the next best thing to having a convertible. We get lot's of sunlight and it doesn't get too too hot here in Alberta, Canada, I drive with the sliding curtain open all the time. Agree with Dennis on PDCC and the rest of his post.

 

Thanks everyone! Will update with details after we see the cars tomorrow. Quick question on the pano creaking -- does that only happen when it is open during driving, or even when it is closed?

 

Creaking typically happens when it's closed, but not when it's open. It's easily fixable, but sometimes takes some time to track down the source.
Sounds like the biggest determining factor is going to be the Panorama roof. For me, it's a plus, so I'd probably lean toward that one.

 

Just got back from seeing #1. Great condition, well-maintained. Some minor interior scuffs and wear, reasonable for a 2008 I suppose. Only things are front tires need to be changed and front wheels realigned. Brakes are at 50%. Also, slight coolant leaking, which as I understand it is a known issue (plastic pipes?) with this generation Cayenne.

We asked about the pano and the seller said he did experience the creaking but had brought it into the dealership when it was still under factory warranty to get it fixed. Did not hear any creaking during our brief test drive.

#2 car seller just changed his mind about selling (his gf was making him sell it apparently), "unless I wanted to pay more", which is a pity since I was looking forward to seeing if it has PDCC.

Guess we have a decision to make now!

 

I think the 2008 cars still had plastic coolant pipes, but I'm not sure. If this is the case then you'll want to change them ASAP. It's much better to change them before they fail. If they burst, they can cause a host of other problems including a failed starter motor and a failed torque converter seal. A leak could be caused by the pipes, and it could be caused by a failing water pump. If the pipes are leaking, then failure is impending. I would change them immediately. If the water pump is leaking, you'll need to change that pretty soon. Water pump failure is pretty common for these cars. Many consider it a "wear item".

 

2008s do not have the same notorious coolant pipe setup that the 2003-2006 models have. The coolant leak will require additional diagnosis on the 2008.

 

Well that makes us feel a little bit better. Is there a thread on here that discusses the coolant pipe issue? The 'leak' the mechanic pointed out to me from under the car appeared very minor, just one drop of pink residue stuck on a pipe/tube, but he did say obviously that it would eventually grow into a bigger problem if not resolved.

 

Thanks for everyone's help and advice! We just got home with our new car. Wife is very happy with her new ride.

 

Congrats! Which one did you go with? Did you end up getting PDCC (one of my favorite features)?

 

We got #1. Unfortunately the owner for #2 had a change of heart the morning of our appointment and decided not to sell it, so we never got a chance to see if it has PDCC.

Sitting in line at AAA right now, waiting to process the change of ownership and all that jazz.

 

Cool! I am sure you will enjoy it. FWIW, I have not had any noise issues with my Pano roof and anyone who sees it open for the first time, has been amazed by the size of it. Way too many open positions though- I only use about 3 settings.

 

Well congrats on your purchase and hopefully the line moves fast. We look forward to seeing a few pictures. Enjoy

 

Ha I know what you mean about the numerous positions, it will definitely take us a while to get familiar with them all.

I have a pano roof on my Merc sedan too, and to be honest, in our experience at least, it's been more of a vanity feature that occasionally 'wows' our backseat passengers. I do open it up when I want some fresh air and sunlight, but would be able to achieve the same with a regular sun roof I think.