Before I do I'd like to know what to expect. What is the maintenance on these? Am I looking at a ridiculous amount of upkeep? Is there a year or model that I should or shouldn't focus on?

My wife and I just bought a new house with a high mortgage payment, so my budget isn't great. Looking at maybe a 2006 or so with 100k or so miles. Prefer the V8 and turbo if possible.

I just want to know what I'm in for with expected annual maintenance on one of these. Are there things that break alot? Are they tanks and run a long time. Is maintenance and parts expensive?

Thanks for any replies and I hope to be joining the community with my own Cayenne!

 

I highly recommend you go with the 957 (2008-2010) over the 955 (2007 and prior).

There are a lot of minor reasons why but it all adds up to a major difference. Better reliability, power, fuel economy, less dated styling, etc.

I recently purchased a 957 Turbo with 59k miles. I was lucky and found a CPO car still under warranty but I haven't needed it. The car is pretty bullet proof all things considered.

Having said that, just because major things don't break all the time doesn't mean that it's cheap to own. You are still always going to pay a premium for a premium vehicle that is so capable. It still sucks gas (premium), blows through breaks/tires, insurance is more, etc. It's important to understand that the nicer variant you buy, the more all those things cost incrementally. Not enough to break the bank, but it is more.

For my needs there was no better car available for the money and I considered many believe me. It's kind of a silver bullet in a way because it does everything.

- Very luxurious interior to play the country club part
- Very fast and great handling to play the roll of a sports car
- Very capable off road & towing

It's not the best at any one of those things compared to an S Class, 911, or F250, but for an all in one package it's very hard to beat.

My last bit of advice is be very picky on options, some things make a world of difference and every car out there is different from another. If you go with a Turbo make sure it has PDCC. Also, try to find an interior that has the full leather and wood trim opposed to alum. or carbon, it really makes a big difference in the feel of the interior.

Good luck!

 

First I Want to thank you for the detailed reply. That's a huge help.

The way you stated it's good at everything is exactly why I want one. Tone of HP, can tow and look good all at the same time. I definitely can agree with the paying more for work/parts on a higher end vehicle. I go through that with my Mustang now. My goal is to keep my Mustang off the road and the miles down. I want something enjoyable when I don't have it out. This is my first choice. I've had people tell me how ridiculous these can handle. I get 11-12 MPG from my Mustang, so if I get 15 MPG that's a win for me. Being in PA I will need something for the winter also.

I will definitely be looking for a 2008-2010. I was hoping to stay under $15k, but that may be a little rough with going a little newer. My mortgage payment is $1800, so I'm a little strapped...still have some wiggle room though.

Hopefully be behind the wheel of one within the next month

 

I wouldn't necessarily focus on only getting a 957 because there are some good 955's out there. With your budget you really can't afford be picky. I would be focusing my effort on finding the best example I could with the money I have to work with regardless if its a 955 or 957. Make sure the coolant pipes, coolant T's, and water pump have been replaced. Also check for leaks around the valve cover gaskets and charge pipe seals. No matter what series you go with these cars are getting old and gaskets/seals will need to be refreshed. I would also recommend going with a turbo model to minimize yourself from getting a car with scored cylinders. Good luck!