X5 vs Cayenne

[tmoeller]

Ok, I'm moving further south of town, and my current car is not going to work. The driveway will be very long and not concrete, and the plowing in this area is going to be sketchy at best. Not like I'm driving through the tundra, but still. So I need something taller than I have, and 4wd. Now, I've looked at wrangler unlimiteds, and even range rovers, but really.....

It's also important to note that I do not buy, have never bought, and will never buy a car new.

So, it's basically down to this....2005ish X5 4.4, or 2005ish Cayenne S.

Which is a better car OT? Anyone have them?

[Bobby Newport]

cayenne thread/ed

[SLH350]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311363_1505076004691_1768008875_760604_1031068393_ n.jpg

Cayenne.

[PorscheH6]

Both are failboats waiting to take space in your CC statement

[kornkid8600]

Do you want a VW Toureg?

[tmoeller]

Both are failboats waiting to take space in your CC statement

meh...first off, I've owned P cars and BMW's before, and never found this to be the case. It's a matter of douchebaggery......treat your car like shit, it will treat you like shit.

There is a shop in town for both.....a great P-Car shop I've used before that is reasonable and outstanding.

There is a shop for BMW's in town that is reasonable, and outstanding. Parts are on the interweb for anyone not an idiot to buy reasonably.

[ATL Buff]

love my Cayenne.

but you may wanna stay away from the earlier year Cayenne's (like an 05) cause they tend to be more prone to issues.

But overall, I still say Cayenne > X5

[RobbieR]

I think the X5 looks better. I've actually driven my former bosses' X5 4.4 several times in the past. It's very quick for the size and handles pretty well for an SUV.

I know it's fast, but I've seen ALOT of women drive Cayennes. Just saying.

[///36M]

Do you want a VW Toureg?

If you do your research and know what to buy they are definitely a viable option IMO.

[kornkid8600]

If you do your research and know what to buy they are definitely a viable option IMO.

Oh I was kind of actually poking fun of the Cayenne because it's built on the same platform. Though, I wouldn't touch a Touareg with a 10 foot pole. Seems to me is that Porsche's reliability in recent years has been quite up, but that has been mostly because of the 911 and the Boxster/Cayman, with the Cayenne bringing them down.

I can't say that the X5 is totally reliable though either. Some early Range Rovers are essentially the same cars as the X5 4.4s underneath, and there are the "standard" BMW problems that arise + more for getting the Range Rover and a more expensive bill.

[RobbieR]

If reliability and off-road capability is a concern, get a 4-Runner.

[Don Nguyen]

Almost in the same situation. I would go with the Cayenne. Seems like an overall fairly reliable car, with a few typical/common issues on the first gen Cayennes. Everything seems fairly well and solidly put together on the Cayennes compared to the X5. I personally would really like to get the face lifted Cayenne.

[T444E]

I'd rock the shit outta a V10 TDI Toureg.

Also I'd get a 5/6 Speed 6 cylinder X5 before I thought about the 4.4L :dunno

[Speed6]

I really like Cayennes and Touregs they are built very well. When you stop on the gas in a Cayenne it doesn't respond instantly. You have to wait for what feels like a long time and then it will down shift. If this was a Range Rover or a Land Cruiser I wouldn't care about that because those aren't supposed to be sporty. If you don't care about that sort of thing then go for it. I wish they still made the V10 TDI Toureg...I am definitely sorry I missed out on those.

[pup]

I have an '07 x5 4.8. Great other than all the plastic on the inside. The plastic is all crap. My rear cupholder exploded into 14 pieces just by pushing the open button. The plastic covers over the lights in the bottom of the doors that illuminate the ground when you open the doors have all fallen out.

Not sure what the ebrake is like in the '05s, in the e70 it's a little plastic tab the you push down or pull up to set and release the brake. That fell out in my hand setting the brake.

The electronics can be annoying. The idrive occasionally does it's own thing. I've got the HUD in mine. I get more warnings for low fuel in the car than my airplane has for an engine fire. Want to back up on the driveway 5' with the door open? You can't. It automatically shifts back into park. Comfort access, car automatically unlocks if your keys are in your pocket and you touch the door handle, as well as no need to take the key out of your pocket to start it- about 50% successful. The other half the time you still have to take the key out of your pocket.

The good- it has plenty of power, even at altitude in the mountains. I live a bit in the sticks, we get a lot of snow and are usually the last to get plowed. With snow tires I have no issues, even up to 18"s. Very comfortable for long drives up to Montana. I thought the heated steering wheel was ridiculous until the first time I drove it in -10 weather.

Never had a Porsche.

[97 Ex/SiR]

i fail to see how a tall 4x4 is necessary. run that one by again plz.

[tmoeller]

i fail to see how a tall 4x4 is necessary. run that one by again plz.

we get snow, and the driveway will be long, and based on what the land lies like now, probably not level. My current car cannot traverse this as it sits now, not even close. The snow we get, even where I live now, makes my M3 undrivable in the snowy parts of our winter. With no plowing where we'll be, TOTALLY unusable. And note, I'm not looking at really tall 4wd's, I'm looking at cayenne's and X5's, neither of which would be considered off road trail type trucks.

[TangoRed]

love my Cayenne.

but you may wanna stay away from the earlier year Cayenne's (like an 05) cause they tend to be more prone to issues.

But overall, I still say Cayenne > X5

Exactly. OP, do yourself a favor and stay away from '04-'05 Cayenne/Touaregs, it's not worth the pain.

[tmoeller]

Exactly. OP, do yourself a favor and stay away from '04-'05 Cayenne/Touaregs, it's not worth the pain.

can you describe said issues?

[Hugo]

ML 320 Bluetec, or Jeep GC with the same engine for half the price.

Tim, do a search for early Touareg/Cayenne. Nightmares.

[tmoeller]

ML 320 Bluetec, or Jeeo GC with the same engine for half the price.

I hate the GC with every fiber of my being. ML, I will look at my brother

[Don Nguyen]

Most issues with the earlier Cayennes is the driveshaft, coolant pipes, and ignition coils. Usually most of these would/should be addressed to already, especially at this point in their life. Other than those, I've read from owners that they're fairly reliable. X5s always seem to have little things here and there always breaking/broken.

[97 Ex/SiR]

we get snow, and the driveway will be long, and based on what the land lies like now, probably not level. My current car cannot traverse this as it sits now, not even close. The snow we get, even where I live now, makes my M3 undrivable in the snowy parts of our winter. With no plowing where we'll be, TOTALLY unusable. And note, I'm not looking at really tall 4wd's, I'm looking at cayenne's and X5's, neither of which would be considered off road trail type trucks.

I didn't realize that you guys got a lot of snow. Snow tires won't do the trick?

G500 or G55? I fuckin' love those things. FJ is cool, as well IMO.

[TangoRed]

can you describe said issues?

Sure. I believe I'm missing a few items but here are the big'uns:

1. Coolant pipes- they're made out of plastic, they will break and result in a ~$1600 repair.
2. Rear hatch latch failure
3. Water inside headlights
4. Cornering light faults (they stop working)
5. Air suspension faults (they're not just for Rovers). Compressor and/or sensors
6. Cracked ignition coils
7. Peeling interior trim
8. Jammed panoramic sunroof
9. Cardan shaft

Now, if you find a properly maintained one most of these should be taken care already. I will say this: They're not a bad ride for how heavy they are. I'm a fan. The Treg has its own list of issues for those model years.


ML 320 Bluetec, or Jeep GC with the same engine for half the price.

Tim, do a search for early Touareg/Cayenne. Nightmares.

The previous generation GCs are nice but have an interior supplied by Fisher Price. Solid vehicles though. I'm a fan of the ML320 Bluetec, but it does have noticeable turbo lag. And it's fairly bland. I like them, but if you're looking for excitement you might have to look elsewhere. I can provide some common problems with those if you're interested.

[BFCOT Veteran]

http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/01/20/12/02/2008_infiniti_fx45_base_awd-pic-27843.jpeg

http://www.jdpower.com/images/vehicles/jdpa/2009/MercedesBenz/ML350/480/09-MercedesBenz-ML350-12.jpg

[tmoeller]

thanks tangored....I'll consider this....the X5 also has issues I'm more familiar with since I'm basically on a BMW forum all the damned time.

[FastrTHNu]

+1 for the Cayenne. A cayenne S handles and stops better then an x5 4.8iS. Both are 'quick' for what they are with the X5 being a little quicker.

I also like the cayenne better in the snow.

[///36M]

Oh I was kind of actually poking fun of the Cayenne because it's built on the same platform. Though, I wouldn't touch a Touareg with a 10 foot pole. Seems to me is that Porsche's reliability in recent years has been quite up, but that has been mostly because of the 911 and the Boxster/Cayman, with the Cayenne bringing them down.

I can't say that the X5 is totally reliable though either. Some early Range Rovers are essentially the same cars as the X5 4.4s underneath, and there are the "standard" BMW problems that arise + more for getting the Range Rover and a more expensive bill.

Theres a range of Touaregs that arent bad at all, and pretty reliable.

[gregbmw]

What about a lexus gx470?

http://images.usedcheapcars.org/used-lexus/2007-lexus-gx-470/lexus_gx_2007_photos_SUV_Exterior_2007-Lexus-GX470-ext-1-ucc.jpg

[BimmerBoyUSMC]

I like the idea of the 4Runner. What about an FX45?

[deathwarden5]

XC90 4.4L? i

07+ Denali?

[tmoeller]

What about a lexus gx470?

http://images.usedcheapcars.org/used-lexus/2007-lexus-gx-470/lexus_gx_2007_photos_SUV_Exterior_2007-Lexus-GX470-ext-1-ucc.jpg

no chance. ever.

[nike001]

I drive X5's every day at the dealer and they really are awesome to drive.

The 3.5d's are absolutely incredible.

X5 FTW

[redfoot]

Why no turbo cayenne?

[97 Ex/SiR]

i drove a turbo cayenne a few times (first gen), it was fast, it was cool, but i don't think they're the most attractive vehicles around.

i think i would drive one of these simply due to the rarity factor. the badass-ness is just additional awesome.
http://www.gotbroken.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2006-mercedes-benz-g500-grand-edition-front-side-view-588x441.jpg

the AMG variant sounds absolutely disgusting as well. 3 locking diffs, etc. it might get shit gas mileage, and not be most peoples cup-o-tea. but there is no denying the awesome factor. i've only driven a G500, but I've seen/heard a G55 many times. not to mention they look super sharp.

[magman007]

Tmo, you still has m3? Selling? Specs?

[gpibambam]

If reliability and off-road capability is a concern, get a 4-Runner.
This. Til the end of time.

We got an 06 v8 sport 4runner. It's a beast.. Nothing has gone wrong with it, and we drive it in all sorts of terrain. Although we don't 4wheel too much, I have taken it out. Probably 80k on it since bought new? No major failures, service has always been fairly cheap... Things a tank. 110% more pleased with that than the 06 civic that I DD. Growing to hate that car. Everything seems to be going to shit and I've put more money into it and had more problems that I should have for a car that's 5 years old. That's neither here nor there:

the 4 runner 0-60 6.8 sec. Handles pretty well, spacious as hell (more spacious than the x5s and cayennes imho.) Interior ft^3 may say otherwise, but I've been in and loaded plenty of all three and prefer the 4runner all day. Now... cayenne turbo, cayenne hybrid, or the new x5- we're talkin some different cars. But for the time, and car you're talking about... my vote is 4runner.

and if you won't take that: x5. In people I talk with at work and tow drivers I have talked with, the x5's seem to break down a bit less.

edit:
We have this sans additional rack (the top part) and black wheels.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii311/SportRunner/05-12-09_1119.jpg
or the following, just in gunmetal instead of black:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/clem18/4Runner01-a.jpg

Serious. The things a tank.
Also, fwiw:

Has anyone done a test on their 0-60 on their 04-05 X5? I did one on mine and got a satisfying 8.2 seconds out of it. If anyone has let me know because I was thinking I might even get at better time out of the I-6.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350410
:menani

If you really are just looking for... things in that SIZE. IMHO, steer clear of the lexus. The ones I've been in have more plastic than the 4runner we have (for whatever reason?) and just feel... cheapy. They're also BIG. Think sequoia big. I don't see a lot of the infinitis, so not lots to say... seen quite a few of the merc. SUVs though. Aunt & uncle own a GL550 (I think) and its fuckin... awesome. Nicer than their previous Navigator (they had one of the firsts), even considering the time diff... by a lot. Feels big though, and from what I hear its a gas hog.

[Artikgrau325is]

Slam the M3 =>>> Snowplow that shiet.

[BoneThug]

+1 to the XC-90

or a G wagon, but only because they are the definition of boss.

[dano670]

we get snow, and the driveway will be long, and based on what the land lies like now, probably not level. My current car cannot traverse this as it sits now, not even close. The snow we get, even where I live now, makes my M3 undrivable in the snowy parts of our winter. With no plowing where we'll be, TOTALLY unusable. And note, I'm not looking at really tall 4wd's, I'm looking at cayenne's and X5's, neither of which would be considered off road trail type trucks.

My parents live in Oklahoma with a driveway that is 800 or 900 ft. I would say that neither of those would work when the snow really gets going. You either need to commit to a proper 4 wheel drive, or just don't go to work.

We just abused the shitbox when it the snow got deep. That last poll is the street. Driveway turned to snow covered mud.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/dano670/snow.jpg

[Skwisgaar]

My indy has a lot of cars (mostly BMWs), but his SUV is a Cayenne. He is not a fan of the X5, aside from the fact that he makes a lot of money working on them.

[kornkid8600]

I like the idea of the 4Runner. What about an FX45?

FX is underrated for sure. They are fast, powerful and handle well. They look good too.

[Artikgrau325is]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f77/dano670/snow.jpg

:rofl

That is totally me during the snowy winters (but mine is gold). The car does okay with some decent all seasons and snow cables, but I always end up in a ditch somewhere with a shovel sooner or later :(

[BoiWonder]

I say take the X5, in my opinion it's sportier, better looking, more fun to drive and more reliability. Plus I don't like the complicated Audi/Volkswagon designs and although I like Porche, I say screw the Cayenne. Stick with a Bimmer! :)

[noid]

Get a G wagon, if not a G wagon then get a m62 x5.

[Speed6]

Gelandewagens are good cars but definitely not sporty. You can fit much more in one than a Cayenne.

[OxfordM3]

I have been in the search for an X5 (E53) as well. I'm quickly finding out that they are the least reliable BMW. Transmission issues/failures, air suspension going out, 4.4L engine issues, weak cooling system, window regulators consistently failing, ect. Even more worrisome is that most of these issues are independent of maintenance or mileage. I think I might have to forget the idea of getting a X5 all together and consider getting something Japanese. MDX perhaps.

[Dricebrug]

Looks and reliability aside, haven driven both, I much prefer the X5.

But, as mentioned before, go with the Gelandewagen.

[BFCOT Veteran]

post #25 and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yyQN-ImkFE

[IslandS62]

You've read my assessment in the X forum on my opinion of the E53 X5 as an owner. I can only really compare it to the Cayenne S, which I drove quite a bit as I was close to buying one for my wife as a replacement. I drove a 2005 S and honestly I like the feel of the X5 better. Porsche really dialed in the steering of the Cayenne on the light side. It lacks the heft of the X5, which is, imo, a good thing. The Cayenne steers like a small car, sort of like a Highlander. The auto tranny in the Cayenne had a hesitation leaving from a stop, and frankly it didn't feel fast, and is much bigger and heavier. Cayenne steering wheel tiptronic buttons felt shockingly cheap, and the aluminum look trim (that looks OK in the 911) looks nasty in the Cayenne.

On the plus side the Cayenne had a bigger rear seat and a bigger rear cargo area, and are potentially better equipped. Good luck with our decision.

[Aamir bt]

the cayenne is uglier imo. other than that i know nothing about cayennes.

E53's are fun cars, but like any german car has it's own issues with age. the more features it came with/has, the more problems it will have. almost all the problems are easy fixes, and a mechanically inclined person with the use of this forum can fix most problems that happen to them. only thing is the leaky valley pans, and front timing covers, which are both not hard but very time consuming for a backyard mechanic. if the coolant pipe through the middle of the engine leaks (which does happen), expensive repair that will have to be done at a shop. i have a couple friends with a 4.4 E53, they both love their cars and have not had much problems with them comparatively. i wouldn't mind owning one, but don't find them to be too appealing physically. i love the way E70's look, but would never own a E70.

[kornkid8600]

Old video..5th Gear's shootout of the X5 4.8 vs the Cayenne S
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gxAaeMwc3s
obviously the 4.4 won't be as fast but there lots of other things to consider.

[gateguardian]

First gen X5 (E53) looks too outdated.
Same goes with the Cayenne.

Ever see a first gen (~2000ish) ML? That's what the X5 and Cayenne will look like soon. Total shit. You'll be banging your head thinking what was I doing buying this time machine.

On the other hand, buying a first year model (if you were to get a 06 X5) is a big nono for me.
Why no Touareg?

[97 Ex/SiR]

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3275/snowdragon4cs1.png

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200902/mercedes-g-class-edi-5_1600x0w.jpg

[bimmerdriver99]

I would say check out 06-08 Infiniti FX35-45. I'm on my second FX35 and I really enjoy these cars/SUVs. I think it's a great mix between utility and sportiness. I got my 06' with 40k miles on it with every option for 26k. DVD player, navigation, back-up camera, 20'' factory wheels, BT phone.

I think it has a pretty good AWD system as I've driven it in some pretty heavy PA snow and up in the mountains on just all season tires. They are even better just like anything with dedicated snow tires.

Also, compared to BMW and Porsche, the FX is going to be a much better option when it comes to fuel "FX35 takes 87 octane min" and routine upkeep. Breaks, oil, parts, ect are a lot cheaper than BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW.

I've also have had my FX on a drive from Monterey, CA > Tempe, AZ and took PCH for about 80 miles. I had such a blast driving the car in manual shift mode. The breaks and car held up great and it was a great drive.

[pup]

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3275/snowdragon4cs1.png


good thing that was modded, no way would he have gotten through that one inch of snow without the snorkel.

joking aside, fjs are awesome in the snow, but the suck for putting kids in the back.

[1flossedm3]

I LOVE Cayennes. That is all.

[geoffm3]

XC90 4.4L? i

07+ Denali?

If you don't need to carry more than 4 adults ever, I'd say the Volvo's a good option too. Just don't get a '05 V8. I looooved the power of our V8. I miss it.

[mattjw916]

X5 by far... can't stand Cayennes, which are beyond ugly

The 4.4L V8 BMW motor gets thumbs up from me as well. Smooth and powerful without a hint of obnoxiousness like American V8s.

[sachin528]

Outback, man. Duh.

Or get a Legacy GT with a man pedal.

Otherwise, Dodge Durango. (Just so you can say, "It's got a hemi")

[funfgang]

my truck http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w280/sechsgang/IMG00637-20110604-1459.jpg


looked at everything else...fwiw, the normal v8 is MORE than adequate...im just an idiot and want to use things that would be more environmentally disturbing than using sliced dolphins for fuel (thank you Jeremy Clarkson)

[E53BimmerJunkie]

my truck http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w280/sechsgang/IMG00637-20110604-1459.jpg


looked at everything else...fwiw, the normal v8 is MORE than adequate...im just an idiot and want to use things that would be more environmentally disturbing than using sliced dolphins for fuel (thank you Jeremy Clarkson)

:buttrock

X5 lover here! I think the E53's still look very good for their age.

I would buy another 4.4 or larger in a heartbeat.

[1flossedm3]

^ That X5 is sex.

I vote white Cayenne.

[tmoeller]

you guys are giving me a lot to think about, and I appreciate that.

[TangoRed]

OP, you may want to look at the W164 ML500/ML550 also.

[tmoeller]

ok, I will....

Someone earlier mentioned touareg.....here at least, a touareg in the used car market is about the same price as a cayenne, and frankly a porsche is probably cheaper to maintain than a VW, which seem engineered to fall apart. I could be biased because my wife's jetta was a great car until the day after the warranty was over, at which point a new air conditioner and alternator were needed about 3 weeks apart. Also the door handle actually broke in half one morning when it was cold.....literally just broke in half. I've never known anyone with a VW that they raved about reliability. Pcars will run forever if you're even kinda nice to em, and there's a shop in town I'm very familiar with that do great work cheap for things I can't do myself.
I will look at the merc and the infinity as well.

[AHenry014]

ive got nothing to add really other than how much i LOVE the way those infiniti's sound. their stock exhaust note is just incredible. IMO they are a tad on the ugly side and would much prefer an X5 for styling. been in an x5 once, its just an e38/e39 with more ground clearance (interior, engine, -wise). i like it, but this particular one seemed a little clunky.

If the snow will be the only problem really getting up and down the driveway, why not get a cheap winter car? Cherokee's or a 4runner like already stated are where its at. VERY cheap to buy and maintain. Ive got two friends with both, they were 500 bucks or under initially, and theyve both been awesome vehicles. no real issues with them.

[MIGHTYMINI]

No love for the ML63? Faster and better looking than all the others mentioned here in my opinion.

http://i53.tinypic.com/33ykn5l.jpg

[Don Nguyen]

No love for the ML63? Faster and better looking than all the others mentioned here in my opinion.

http://i53.tinypic.com/33ykn5l.jpg

Considering the price range that the two cars that he posted are in, I think the ML63 would cost at least 3x more.

[MIGHTYMINI]

Considering the price range that the two cars that he posted are in, I think the ML63 would cost at least 3x more.

Not really, you can get an '05 - '06 for ~25K.

MB has the worst resale value, I was looking at an '05 CL65 AMG, Twin turbo V12 30K miles for $35K

[Don Nguyen]

Seems kind of hard to find. Didn't find any on ebay in that year range.

[Speed6]

I suppose if you were interested in a X5 the ML would be the direct competition. The Cayenne, the G500 and the Land Cruiser are out of its league.

[MIGHTYMINI]

Seems kind of hard to find. Didn't find any on ebay in that year range.

Fuck, youre right... They are closer to $40K.

Well the ML430 - 500 are still good cars.

[97 Ex/SiR]

whoa, i didn't even know that existed. pretty cool - i even like the early ML's that kind of looked like vans.

[Brett]

I had an 08 Cayenne S.. my only real complaint was the interior was very dull, and forget about the nav/premium OEM stereo package because its garbage. I special ordered mine with the base stereo/no nav which the dealer thought was crazy.. I gutted it all and put in aftermarket nav/sat/amp/etc and it was great.

It handled great and was very fast.

The S (V8) sucks gas like crazy.. probably not much different than a X5 4.4.

[WCM3]

Any other info guys. Do the Cayenne Turbos have the same reliability issues as earlier Cayennes? Should I def stay with an 06+?

I'm actually in the same boat. Looking at X5s, RR sports, and Cayennes (preferably turbo)..

[Kman911]

IIRC the early cayenne's have some engine seal issues

[tmoeller]

IIRC the early cayenne's have some engine seal issues

I've researched them pretty extensively.....there are two recurring problems with cayennes....

1. The coolant tubes. They are plastic. If they crack the resulting leakage causes a bunch of other problems. They suck donkey balls to fix due to their location.
2. The drive shaft assemblies have a rubber piece that wears out. Replacing it sucks donkey balls. There for that one a fix that you can DIY for about 500 bucks and takes about an hour.

Honestly, like any cars they have some problems, but those two are the only recurring mechanical problems I've been able to find....

oh, the steering wheels....sometimes the paint on the buttons on the steering wheel flakes. Normally not worth mentioning, except on the cayenne the buttons can't be replaces...they are somehow connected to the airbag, and the entire thing has to be replaced.

[WCM3]

I've researched them pretty extensively.....there are two recurring problems with cayennes....

1. The coolant tubes. They are plastic. If they crack the resulting leakage causes a bunch of other problems. They suck donkey balls to fix due to their location.
2. The drive shaft assemblies have a rubber piece that wears out. Replacing it sucks donkey balls. There for that one a fix that you can DIY for about 500 bucks and takes about an hour.

Honestly, like any cars they have some problems, but those two are the only recurring mechanical problems I've been able to find....

oh, the steering wheels....sometimes the paint on the buttons on the steering wheel flakes. Normally not worth mentioning, except on the cayenne the buttons can't be replaces...they are somehow connected to the airbag, and the entire thing has to be replaced.

Thanks for the heads up. Have you picked one up yet? There was a white 05 around here a couple months ago. The steering wheel buttons were flaking like you said. Surprised to see it on a Porsche..

[IslandS62]

If the wheel buttons are a problem, try "stickynomore.com". 911 A/C buttons do that too, and these guys can fix them permanently for about $75.

[tmaher]

Because Kansas

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/4537037358_c2f868ceb4_z.jpg

[GoBLue]

what kind of pricing are you finding for the average condition/mileage CTT?

[tmoeller]

Thanks for the heads up. Have you picked one up yet? There was a white 05 around here a couple months ago. The steering wheel buttons were flaking like you said. Surprised to see it on a Porsche..

I have not, but I will say I've made offers on three. I can be patient.

[tmoeller]

what kind of pricing are you finding for the average condition/mileage CTT?

if you're willing to travel, which I am, I've seen several with mileage in the 40k range for around the 20k number.

[tmoeller]

If the wheel buttons are a problem, try "sticknomore.com". 911 A/C buttons do that too, and these guys can fix them permanently for about $75.

I emailed them, but I'm thinking it's gonna be a no...the buttons can't be removed. If they DO have something, that will dramatically change my car search.

[GoBLue]

if you're willing to travel, which I am, I've seen several with mileage in the 40k range for around the 20k number.

damn that's a lot of vehicle for $20k

[tmoeller]

damn that's a lot of vehicle for $20k

I agree....I'm only looking at the Cayenne S (V8 model). I don't want to mess with the air suspension on the turbo (was an option on the S, but the VAST majority don't have it). IMO it's more trouble than it's worth.

[WCM3]

I agree....I'm only looking at the Cayenne S (V8 model). I don't want to mess with the air suspension on the turbo (was an option on the S, but the VAST majority don't have it). IMO it's more trouble than it's worth.

Any other reason to stay away from the turbo models?

[tmoeller]

Any other reason to stay away from the turbo models?

from what I've read, and I haven't read as much on the turbos I have to say, is other than the air suspension (which like any other eventually is gonna puke, but aren't like failing in droves or anything), it's the same as the S. If those coolant tubes start leaking, the moisture can cause a bunch of other problems, none of which are a delight so you have to watch it. There's a lot of high mileage cayennes out there, so like most porsches they are probably reliable for the most part.