Thanks for the additional feedback.

I had the selling dealership (Cadillac/GM) put the vehicle up on one of their lifts with the wheels off so I could get a good look at the brake components, the Cardan shaft components, and the underside in general. Brakes are fair-to-okay, Cardan shaft is okay, and there is some surface rust as you would expect from a vehicle spending its initial lease period on the Ohio/Michigan border.

Still waiting to get a copy of the build sheet from the selling dealership. Once they provide it to me, I'll decide on whether to make a low-ball offer. Wife wants it. Me, not so much. I don't plan to negotiate so if my offer is turned down, I'm done and I'm happy. I'll have to deal with my wife, though....

 

For the economically minded and DYI oriented person who wants to own for the long term, here are my 2 cents:

1. Cayenne offers many intangibles, but it's not the most logical choice
2. The only "must have" option is the V8. Regardless whether you are a performance oriented driver, the 6 cylinder engine of that generation is an all around misfit for the car. There is little fuel economy advantage to be gained. With V8s being plentiful and cheap on the second hand market, there is no reason to go for the 6.
3. Air suspension is likely a non-issue, because it's not a common option on the base Cayenne or the S. I'd avoid it anyways. It's not particularly trouble prone, but not necessary for soccer mom duties. It just introduces more hassle for the DYI'er. It adds more steps in the mix when you do simple stuff like removing a tire or even changing the air cleaner. If you're the type that likes to keep a car forever, steel springs will last the life of the car; air suspension won't.

 

Thanks for your feedback.

Still haven't received the factory build sheet as promised. Without the build sheet in hand, there will be no chance of me making an offer.