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the 18" and all weather tires do help absorb some of the shock. If that is still too stiff for you, then you may not want to upgrade your wheels to 19 or 20" or get the on road low profile tires....
Even with the air suspension, there were some reviewers who thouoght the comfy mode was a bit stiff.
You could always get a gel pillow at Brookstone.....and that would help.... :-)
If you want your stations, just use the preset buttons. I think it is one of the best designs. If you look at it, the number buttons are not flush, but have the middle button (#5) concave, while all the surrounding buttons convex. This helps you locate and push your favourite stations preset, without taking your eyes off the road. Great ergonomic design, IMO....and oft overlooked. !
Funny how the Brit stood next to that tank, and the sports car, then introduced the Cayenne....
He used the words speed, agility, handling, etc... He said the Cay could do what the MB and BMW could not do . He brought the Cay to the military tank proving grounds....and it tore thru the track....WOW...!
too bad he did not think too much about the looks......
I actually love the looks. Both look like basking sharks, ready for a meal....on road meal. The intakes of both also remind me of some racing cars' intake.
This is not your regular SUV..... :-)
Nice movie.....thanks...
Please check the post on page 31 by mudman if you are interested to see this movie... :-)
1. Took 3 months to get some mats for the car.
2. Took 8 weeks to get the electrics for towing to be sorted.
3. Front wind screen wipers needed to be replaced after 4000 miles
4. All the door handles stick when you open them. So need a lot of fiddling to get them to stay closed.
5. Tailgate micro switch is defective and says tailgate open when it isn’t. Porsche don’t have an answer yet. So they have disabled it.
6. Nav system screen packed up. 5 weeks for a replacement.
All in all the worst new car I have ever had.
73k GBP (times 1.8 for US Dollars)
Crap car . Cant wait for something more reliable.
hit open url
type http://www.mudditt.us/ct.avi
you will need broadband or forget it.
I think this shows where the priority is for Porsche with the Cayenne, we have little or no delays. On the east coast about 24/48hrs for anything I have needed.
Hopefully long term it evens out.
I would also have to agree with the test drive issue. I have never driven the steel suspension because I read that it was a little too harsh. I think they call it due dilligence.
I hope the X5 suits you better, why not a Toureg with the air?
It would not do for a Porsche to handle like a Toyota or Cadillac......that is unthinkable....
The Cayenne is for sports minded enthusiasts.....who love driving , and don't mind to bring a few friends along, with their gear.
Had to go into the documents and find the DIVX, which was there, but the computer still was using the Microsoft Media....so make sure your computer is using the DIVX.
maybe, as mudman says, they will fix those niggles that come with the newer , high tech cars. It is just suffering from teething pains. Yes, I know its frustrating, but all cars have its niggles.....even Toyota and Honda. VW Tourareg has its share, though not all the same as the Cay.
This is no Honda, but then, would you just settle for a Civic look ?
JDpowers rated Porsche reliability in the top 3, with Lexus, Honda, etc.....
Went back and drove CayenneS w/ PASM. I didn't think it made much difference. Speaking of X5, my wife has one & I think I like her car better than mine. She loves the Cayenne. So, if I decide to trade I know who I am going to, if I can make a good deal.Enjoy your X5 but I am going to give my Cayenne so more time to get used to driving it. It takes awhile to adjust to the new suspension after my last car(Audi A6).
The Cayenne with air susp rides better on 20" wheels than does the steel susp on 18's. I have heard this echoed by tons of current owners and just about everybody who has been exposed to the car.
Do what you must but spare us the falsities. There are people here looking for factual information still.
Len merely stated it didn't make a difference to him. A little more mutual respect would be helpful.
tidester, host
I have one on order and have spent a lot of time conversing with the guys driving these trucks. Everyone I have heard from feels that the air make a HUGE difference and my personal experience confirms this.
califjohn,
I do not understand why you think air susp is soooo complex. It has been succesfully used on big rigs for decades. I haven't heard any complaints on the MB system either, have there been problems? The computer controls may be complex but the basic system is just that, four airbags, a compressor and some lines.
I might also suggest that if you are having trouble paying for a Cayenne, maybe try something that is not a Porsche.
I also can not find much sympathy for people who do not do their homework. It sounds to me that, her test drive did not include roads like those she intended to use it on. I had a cayenne for a week, on my own turf before deciding.
" Drive both, and get the one you like, can live with, and can pay for. "
I just would like to know why you think the air suspension is any less reliable? I have a '92 Peterbuilt with 400,000 miles on it at work. It has never had an air suspension failure. There is nothing complex about an airbag, a compressor, or the air lines..... nothing.
Did you get the NAV system, or the comfort package? Those things are complex electronically as well, would you exclude them?
My point is that I think it would be incorrect to dismiss the air suspension based on your opinion of its level of complexity. I would hate to see someone miss out on its numerous advantages based on that.
I immediately switched to comfort, and thereafter, with more bumps, he was fine.....
I think it is good and comfy......
No X5 I test drove (3 including a 24hr) could match the comfort setting of the air suspension, which I might add maintains the sport handling I only ever found before in rock hard suspension.
For anyone to make the comment that it does not make any difference tells me they have not driven one !
Yes take that whichever way you like.
Model: CAYENNE S
Year: 2004
Recall Number: 04V071000
Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD A TRANSFER CASE INSTALLED THAT COULD, DUE TO CHANGES IN THE HOUSING CASTING, RESULT IN THE OIL PUMP ROTATION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, OIL STARVATION OF THE INTERNAL GEARS MIGHT RESULT.
Consequence:
CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING. INCORRECT TORQUE WOULD THEN BE APPLIED TO THE DRIVEN WHEELS OR OIL COULD LEAK AND CONTACT THE TIRES.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE HOUSING AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Model: CAYENNE S
Year: 2004
Recall Number: 04V069000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ROUTED. DAMAGE TO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS CAN LEAD TO THE FAILURE OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
Consequence:
IN EXTREME CASES, TO A CABLE FIRE BENEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-545-8039.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
How ironic that you do not own one yet, but have no sympathy for those who have had the opportunity to own and drive one, albeit without air suspension, and did not find it comfortable. I hope you are as happy with your decision once you own it as you are while it is on order.
My point on this board was to help others benefit from the mistakes I made.
BTW, I had the 18 in. all weather tires. I was told the larger tires are less effective in the snow. In fact, salesman told me people "were sliding all over the place in the snow" in the bigger tires.
How ironic that you do not own one yet, but have no sympathy for those who have had the opportunity to own and drive one, albeit without air suspension, and did not find it comfortable. I hope you are as happy with your decision once you own it as you are while it is on order."
I have a very good relationship with the dealer, I have owned Porsches for years and I am a Porsche club member. I asked if I could drive it home so that my wife could try it out. I live 150 miles from the dealership so it was going to be a couple of days regardless. It turned into a week based on the salesmans days off and my work schedule.
I don't see any irony? I don't have any sympathy for anybody who buys anything that expensive without doing a serious amount of homework on it.
For example, before buying a property in a new city, a new state for that matter, my wife and I spent an entire day speaking to teachers, parents and staff at the school to determine if we wanted to buy in that community. I spent several days exploring my business opportunities in the area by speaking to city officials, other business owners, insurance agents etc.
Is it possible that if you had spent more time researching the product before spending $60k+ that your predicament could have been avoided?
I drove everything out there, two models of the MB ML extensively, the X5, the FX45, the Toureg and even a Range Rover. I am quite sure that after my extensive driving and research that I will be VERY pleased with the vehicle when it arrives. I am eagerly awaiting that day as I know EXACTLY what I am getting.
I might suggest that you spend some time drving an X5 lest you end up in a similar situation. My experience with that vehicle has been that it has possibly the worst ride along with the FX45, of the whole bunch. Just trying to share my experiences ;-)
Best of luck
The inside edges of the front tires were worn off after 7000 miles. The service adviser said he'd seen this before. Two new tires and a toe-in adjustment courtesy of Porsche.
The Keyless Go is inconsistent. Sometimes the car unlocks as I approach, sometimes I have to pull on the door handle a few times. Sometimes the car will lock when I first push the button in the door handle, sometimes I have to push the button several times.
Upon exiting, Memory Seat feature pulls the seat back and down only a very small distance. When returning and restarting the car, sometimes the seat doesn't return, sometimes it returns part way and I push the Memory Button to finish the job, and sometimes it comes back to the proper place.
The service adviser said that Porsche was still trying to sort out the software.
The Comfort Setting on the air suspension is quite firm, with the Normal and Sport settings very hard and uncomfortable, with short, snappy motions.
But 450 horsepower always brings a smile to my face.
Cost in the UK (with a few extras £K73 or in USD circa 130K
Had it 8 months.
Done 5000 miles.
Faults
1 Mats not available for 3 months
2 Nav system packed up, took 8 weeks to rectify
3 Electrics for tow hitch not correct, took 5 weeks to rectify
4 Front windscreen wipers faulty, had to be replaced (after 3000 miles)
5 Door handles stick open when you try to close the doors. Haven’t been resolved yet.
6 Tailgate closed but system says it’s open so lights on inside car. Porsche say they have a problem with the micro switch. What do they do? Immobilise the switch so it doesn’t work.
Overall the worst car I have ever purchased for faults in a new car. I feel they have let loose a vehicle far too soon without checking everything out.
Harry
So far any glitches have been handled in short order by the dealer. They truly try hard.
It's a kick to drive and runs great in the snow to boot. What's not to like?
Even my trusty Toyota had a few of those....
I think some 911 and other Porsche enthusiasts are laughing.......they predicted the cayenne would attract some people who DO NOT know what Porsche is about, other than the fact that it is a glamourous , image name...!
1- Porsches have a firmer ride, because they have to maintain the company reputation as a performance car maker!!!!
2- The suspension has been tested over and over, and the several prototypes was tested in US, Oman, Canada, Sweden, Australia; in all sorts of terrain, on pavement and off. I don't think that your local Honda would have such a testing procedure. I like Hondas, and they are reliable....but performance wise, they do not touch Porsches.
3- Porsches have been known to have little niggles, and that was the price that owners "paid", and were willing to tolerate it , because they emphasize the performance part. I want to double EMPHASIZE : Performance. OTOH, Porsche did get to be one of the top in terms of JD POwers Awards for quality , 2003.
4- When testing , the cayenne had to take the corners like a boxster....that was one of the goals.! This is no small feat, considering you are talking higher center of gravity and almost 5500 lbs. Its like asking a 300 lbs couch potato to run and turn like an Olympian....something thought impossible, until the cayenne was made.
5- it does the Nurburing course as fast as the boxster and the BMW 3 series !! These are sports cars and sports sedans that are being beat by your cayenne !!!
6- For those who want a comfy ride....I have a suggestion....the Range Rover....it is soft and leans when cornering....but may be the ticket...
Why even go to a sporty X5 if soft cushy ride is that much of a buying parameter ?
7- Same with the "reliability" issues..... this is a porsche SUV, and it can do more than what any other SUV can , without sacrificing offroad ability and on road performance.....bar none!!!
If reliability is such an issue, perhaps a first year new model car is NOT the ticket, IMO. All auto makers have their first year model niggles.....all. Check out the fx45/35 forum, and you will see the same complaints....harsh ride, and all sorts of electrical and fitment problems...
IMO, these are things that need to be worked out....and like newlyweds, it takes patience and understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, persistance and time.
Enjoy your cayennes !!!
nowadays , these same systems can cost upwards of 25 % .....going towards 33% ..... of the price of the new car...
These are complex systems....more so in the cayenne:
1- the navigation, stereo, on board computers, etc....speak to each other using MOST (media oriented signal transmission) , a digital fiber optic system....one of the first in the industry.
2- the cayenne, due to style and performance , have all the antennas( up to 29; 34 if you have tire pressure monitoring system) hidden INSIDE the car. This gives the car a clean, futuristic look. However, it may impede the remote effective operating distance .... There is a way to splice the antenna wire and move the antenna into one of the front "A" pillars.
One of my previous posts stated that Cayenne owners should be cognizant of the above issues....
When I went to the dealer, I already was prepared, that such a ground breaking vehicle, with all systems new and complex, would give me niggles. It may even have bigger issues, but it does not faze me because what I wanted was performance SUV, and I got it . :-)
For those who have many niggles, I am sorry for all your hopes and expectations dashed , and the inconvenience of going back to the dealer multiple times.... :-(
My conclusion was I like the handling of the Pepper so much better but the V6 was "weak" compared to the fluid power in the V8 t-reg.
Now that all said, I am coming from a truck, a Toyota Tundra. Although it is probably the best riding truck, it is NO performer. I think what one is used to and expects play a BIG part in how the suspension is perceived on the Pepper (and the FX for that matter).
I just need to find an used Cayenne S that I can afford. Unlike some, this is a "High"-end decision for me. It is just exciting to have some choices for those of us that want to take our trucks off-road. I started my love for the SUV back in 1980's in a Ford Bronco II. To have the choice of handling and off-roadability is incredible to say the least.
I also think that those looking to use the off-road ability of these trucks are probably better off with the T-reg. I am pretty sure that it includes the locking rear diff where the Cayenne does not unless you order the rare and expensive off-road package. I am not a fan of the braked traction control systems for off-road. The locking diff is a better choice.
jb.
However, if you can swing it...it may be more economical if you get a home equity loan , and use that to buy the car....and the interest payments are a tax writeoff.
likewise....all porsche's have relatively heavier clutches(pedal feel)....and require a few more muscle cells to depress....though they are getting better. Same with the Lamborghini or Ferrari....you buy one of those, and the clutches are heavy,,,more heavy than a Porsche clutch.
I always leave it on one level lower than the normal (middle) setting.
I don't accelerate like a bat out of hell at all lights....but will mash on it if the need arises.
If the need for speed is imminent, I would down shift and go for the gas.......
get the 18 " tires and M+S tires if you drive in snow or mud, other wise the 19 and 20 " are great in looks and the on road tires will improve handling....
Check the oil level often, especially the first 5000 miles and after long trips....
Do this
approach a corner/bend at speed, when you would normally start to brake, quickly flick the gas pedal, gear changes 6 > 4 brake with engine braking, flick again 4 > 3 into the corner, at the apex floor it.
result = whoosh
Do you mean quickly release the gas pedal and downshifting via the triptronic from 6 to 4 to slow down the vehicle into the turn and then downshift to 3 in the corner to accelerate out of the corner?
Playing with triptronic is fun and takes some getting used to. I'm used to shifting the old fashioned way with a clutch and physically moving the shifter. Don't you think you get more of a feel for the engine the old fashioned way?
but the tiptronic can sense and make gear changes quicker than a manual......less chance of being in the wrong gear if maximum fuel economy is your style at the moment...
The computer on the Cayenne can sense your driving style and shift with your style....or revert to different style if needs be....
so it may take a few seconds for my grandma's Cayenne to recognize my driving style.... :-)
Plus all the shifting takes your hands off the steering wheel....
but I do miss my Vw Scirocco 1977. :-(
I got to try it .....
I knew you were going to the driving technique angle..... :-)
Let me know what else you discover...
Just saw the Fabspeed ad in the Excellence mag...but will have to wait a few more months....wife said...