I go to parts on sunday

 

Best value in the $60K range - 2011 + Turbo - That's when they did the complete redesign, shed 500 lbs and went to the 8spd trany. Go with the Turbo and have it tuned if you want the power of the Turbo S

 

Buy as close to new as you can afford.

The one exception to that being if there is a killer deal on an older one, way below market value or something. I guess the second exception would be if there is a certain model that appeals to you more.

 

In your budget range you should be able to find a CPO 2011 - as noted - the new series and it's well worth the extra over the earlier series. See my sig for what I bought recently (replacing a 2006 /S/..)

 

I have an old 04 Cayenne Turbo (slightly modified) and dusted a brand new Cayenne S a few wks ago. If you want power, the get the best CTT you can. The old ones have no loss of performance that I can tell. If you care more about looks, then get the newest Cayenne you can find, color, options, etc.

 

1. Ask not what it costs to buy. Ask what it costs to own.
A $60'000 car that needs $5'000 in repair & maintenance is a better buy than a $50'000 car that needs $10'000.
Ask about coolant pipes, intermediate main seal and other usual jobs.

2. Newer is not necessarily better.

For example, you cannot permanently deactivate the Auto Stop-Start function on 2015+ models. That would drive me insane.

2015+ models have more dummy buttons, regardless of equipment.

The 2011-14s come with a "Sport Package" including PDCC at a discount. The "Sport Package" on 2015+ does not include PDCC; the original buyer must have paid full price for PDCC. Hence 2011-2014 are by definition a better deal.

2010 and earlier models have the low-range transfer box. Much better for towing & terrain.

3. The model year is more important than age alone.
2011+s are way more powerful than 2010 & earlier. Little difference 2015+ vs earlier.
2012+s have a few bug fixes over the 2011s, including redesigned engine components. Not sure but I think that phone connection works better on 2012-2014 than on 2011s.
There's not that much difference between 2015+ and 2012-2014 other than visual.

 

Rep points ^^^^^^^^
All very good points. Nice post.

 

Thank you

I hope this helps the OP.