Used car review: 2003 to 2010 Porsche Cayenne

Model: 2003 to 2010 Porsche Cayenne

Vehicle Type: SUV

History/Description

The Porsche Cayenne is an off-road capable 4x4 built by a brand famous for world-class, high-performance coupes. Family-ready and capable of confident year-round operation on any road, shoppers after a premium SUV will find plenty of selection in the used Cayenne marketplace.

Look for the five-seater with goodies like navigation, a sunroof, premium audio, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, air-adjustable suspension and a full suite of safety features, too. This was a machine that delivered plenty of high-tech for the advancement of its driving experience.

Engine

Depending on the model in question, Cayenne was available with anything from a 3.2 litre, 247-horsepower V6 to a 550-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. A naturally-aspirated V8 was available as well. Automatic transmissions will be fitted to virtually all used models.

What Owners Like

Owners typically rave about a blend off-road capability and on-road comfort backed by plenty of performance. Brakes, handling and power output were highly rated on virtually all models, too. Spaciousness, flexibility, interior quality and all-weather confidence round out the equation.

Those driving the mighty Cayenne Turbo S, with its 550 horsepower, comment positively on the explosive on-demand acceleration.

What Owners Dislike

Typical complaints centre around gas mileage, which is typical of virtually any SUV model. Others include a smaller-than-expected back seat, expensive options, controversial styling and limited rearward visibility.

Common Issues

Start your test-drive with an exhaustive check of every component and accessory that runs on electricity. Pay extra close attention to the stereo, power seats, navigation system, instrument cluster and all lights. Note any check engine lights, too.

Poor, lumpy or hesitant acceleration on any model could be caused by faulty ignition coil packs, and the engine compartment and underside should be checked for signs of a fairly common coolant leak.

Ensure the climate control system works as expected, noting air conditioner performance, and checking that the blower fan runs smoothly and quietly on all speed settings.

Avoid models with the air suspension, which will eventually wear down and require expensive replacement.

A mechanic should inspect the underside of any Cayenne model you’re considering for fluid leaks, or signs of excessive rust or damage caused by off-roading. If you’re used Cayenne has had its oil pan smashed in by a log or rock, you’ll want to know ahead of your purchase.

Having all differential fluids and transfer-case fluids changed upon purchase is a wise choice too, unless the mileage of the last fluid-change is known. If you’re unfamiliar with the service history of the Cayenne you’re considering, an engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant change are good ideas too, for peace of mind.

A turbocharged Cayenne model will be expensive to fuel, insure and maintain, though that’s the price of admission to what’s arguably the fastest SUV on the planet.

The Verdict

This is a machine that delivers primarily on exclusivity and its driving experience. Low maintenance, fuel and purchase costs aren’t the key draws to the Porsche Cayenne. Shop carefully and protect yourself with extended warranty coverage where available—then patiently search out the model that’s perfect for your needs.

Comments(3)

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by ImproveHRM | February 22, 2012 - 10:49am

I hope you have money for maintenance...

I know a sales manager at one of the O'Reputable dealerships in HRM who mentioned to me one of his co-workers personally bought a Porsche Cayenne from a customer, rather than her trade it in. The only thing wrong with it was it needed a headlamp replacement (typically, this costs approximately $20 per light on most standard vehicles, from my experience). He bought the headlamp from Canadian Tire, but learned it required a special tool to open the headlamp casing, which only the Porsche dealership owned. He had no other choice, and had to take it to the dealership to get the lamp replaced, and it cost him $1200 (this *did* include an oilchange... so not a total ripoff haha).

by Paul Tyler | February 22, 2012 - 2:05pm

Nice Review

Thanks for the excellent review. This is a sweet riding vehicle. For less expensive alternatives it is similar to the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg (but they are not Porsches even though they are siblings). Funny you mention the air suspension - we had one in the shop with a bad air spring. We found used ones but didn't feel right putting on something that might crap out prematurely. But for the exact same price as used we found and put on a pair (you should replace in pairs) of Arnott Air Springs for the front and everyone was happy. http://www.arnottindustries.com/part_PORSCHE_Air_Suspension_Parts_yid22_...

by MatthiasGollins | March 2, 2012 - 6:44am

good review

Is econd the motion that indeed this is a good review though there is some problem going on with the Porsche SUV. Faulty headlight installation has been reported on the 2011 and 2012 model year Porsche Cayenne SUV, prompting Porsche to announce a recall. The defect can cause the headlights to drop out of the body. Source of article: Headlight fault prompts Porsche Cayenne recall