Porsche Cayenne

djolaw1

The Euro delivery is an option that was charged at $1,200. However, we actually saved money because a car rental for a vehicle to hold my family of 5 was going to run about three grand for our three week trip. The $1,200 also included registration and insurance for the time we were in Europe traveling, as well as a tour, track runs with a professional driver, gourmet lunch, refreshments and more. Look at my old posts here and on Cayenne for details.

djolaw1

Here's a follow up on reports of a droning/vibration noise in some vehicles, including mine. My dealer replaced the Cardan Shaft and the noise problem has been solved. The vibration noise at 50-55 mph has completely disappeared.

What an amazing car to drive. Mileage up to skiing in Mammoth was 19.5 going and 23 coming home to L.A.

I hardly ever drive my Boxster S anymore; only occasionally.

highender

glad to hear its gone....

I wanted to drive the cayenne down to LA tomorrow, but we are bringing 2 others kids, so there are 6 of us....so now getting the suburban ready.... :-(.

wish I could do the Cayenne...

highender

YOU: 1) I originally was thinking of getting the 19" wheels, but have since decided that it would be stupid not to get the 18" All Season wheels, since I go up to the snow often. How much of a difference does this make in performance either way? (i.e. can the 19" tires perform OK in the snow and/or do the 18" all seasons give up too much performance?)

me- I would think it depends on your driving style. If you take quick corners, go to the track, race, and in general are a spirited driver, then get the 19 inches. However, if you just drive normal, save for a few quick jaunts up to 120 mph on the freeway, then the 18" may be enough,since they are rated up to 149 mph. But they do roll a little bit more on the corners. I am thinking about getting forged wheels, but still looking...I have the 18" with all season M+S rated tires. The onroad tires on the 19" will not grip as well as the M+S on 18", but you could put on chains, right ? :-)

2) I would love to hear from anyone that has Front/Rear Park Assist and either LOVES or HATES it and why? $1000 is a lot to spend on this option IMO...
  I have them, and use them all the time when parking. I just leave it on (the switch), but when I am waiting for a traffic light, pedestrians sometimes activate the system...

Do Floor mats come with the car, or are they extra? (stupid question I know, but I've never bought a Porsche before)
   I got the dealer to throw them in...but supposedly they do not come with it. Just ask the dealer to throw the darn things in... :-)

Has anyone gotten a deal BETTER than $1500 over invoice for a brand new S? If so, I'd love to hear from you.
not me, you best look for the few who bought recently....and got a great deal...see last page...

good luck on the purchase....

mudman2

Highender and I rarely differ,but, the park assist I like a lot, especially when I am reversing into my tight garage.

As far as tires are concerned, as most in the Northeast will testify, without 18 M & S rated tires you will NOT be able to drive.

Negotiate for a second set of 18s with winter tires to go with the 19 summers, I know a few people who have done this.

Dont take the car without floor mats, I would also pay for mudflaps.

jfk663

My Cayenne S is now 106 days old and has 3200 miles. I read in one of the postings earlier about someone being concerned about buying a "Demo" unit with 5000 miles or more and that he would rather break in a new Cayenne up to 10k. Is it neceassary to really "Break In" the Cayenne S? My salesman told me no. You can't drive this awesome vehicle w/o wanting to step on it every now and then, it's like holding back a race horse ya know. Plus, I live is So.CA and bought my "S" with the 18" all season tires, it never rains hear, thinking about 20" Sport Design w/ a lower profile tire, should I? Is it worth the extra $3000.00 +?

hotpepper

After 2500 miles, my rear passenger windows will only close to within about 1/4" of complete closing. They raise and lower normally but stop short of totally closing. Any ideas about what might be causing it? Good thing it doesn't rain in California for the next few months!

jmoney

I live in the Northeast and for that reason alone I keep the 18" all weather's on. I'm actually debating on throwing 19's on for the summer but then I would never drive my boxster! If I lived in SoCal, I would have the 19's on yesterday!!
The 20's will probably work for you as well, but I think the 19's, even though they won't give you the lower profile which I myslef love, will do a great job addressing practicality, safety and of course, performance.
Let us know

jmoney

If you're a regular reader of this board, you probably know that I bought my cay s as a demo for as we should all expect, under invoice. I did however, before inking the deal on my cay, negotiate a deal that was in my best estimation, 1300 above invoice. This cay however lacked some of the options that I wanted, mainly the PCM. I didn't even post this since the negotiating for this car was to feel out the dealer and was not a vehicle I planned on buying. The cay I did buy showed up on their inventory at 68k. This was one that was on my original hit list but was quickly crossed off since I didn't think I would be able to get it for my target price range of 56-59k. Once I found out it was a demo, I made the deal for what seems to be about 2800 below invoice.
So to answer your question, can a new cay be had for less than 1500 below invoice, the answer is yes. But wat till' the end of the month!!!

jfk663

My Cayenne S in now 103 days old and has 3200 miles. Is there a real "Break In" period for this vehicle? My salesman told me not to worry about it. Is it wise to take it easy up to 10k? I can't hold myself back some times, you can relate, it's like holding back a race horse.

Plus, has anyone gone from the 18" All Season tires to the 20" Performance tires? I am looking to change, I live in So Cal and don't really have a need for All Season Tires since we only have one real season here. Is it worth the $3500.00 + to get the better handling tires?

sharkala

I am in the market for a V6 and have been getting quotes for a 36 m and 48 m lease. I have been in contact with the Porsche dealer and he is insisting that the money factor is currently .0027 from Porsche credit-he was willing to use .0024- and to top it off he is trying to sell me a car with additional features because it is in the lot-said I had to make the deal by the end of the week- should I walk away and go to a different dealer-he also mentioned that he is in the business to make money- Additionally, the MSRP is $49,800 and he is taking about $3K off- any suggestions or input would be very helpful-

sharkala

One more observation, my husband is convinced that the cayenne looks more like a car for males vs. females-his feeling is that it looks bulky and more macho than say the BMW x3 and Lexus RX330- any thoughts on this-

jfk663

Looks aside, the Cayenne takes a little more getting used to then say a Lexus or BMW, fortunately it is worth it. Once you get used to how this car drives, you will fall more and more in love with it. This is my first Porsche, and as I have been told and learned, they are like no other car or suv made. The Cayenne is the most well rounded performance SUV you will find on the market today.

My wife is the one who saw a Porsche Cayenne S one day on the road and said "what a bitchen car", that was all I needed to hear, so I bought one. However, her diving experience with the car was a different story, she does not have the patience to learn how to drive this car, she is more of a Lexus kind of girl.

If you love to drive, buy the Cayenne, you will not be disappointed.

designo

On eBay, they have this listed as a "2005" feature for Cayenne's:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1- &item=2472825801&category=36475

Quite hideous and ugly in my opinion...

I find that rather hard to believe. Does anyone know what exactly are the changes for the 2005 Cayenne models? I have heard though, rumors that a manual would be avaliable for the V6 and S models.

baileybonds

I have seen on the net that the 2005 Cayennes will start to be built/available this summer. The 05 S will have a 18" collapsible spare, power tailgate latch, and an integrated garage door opener as standard equipment. The PCM will also be DVD based as opposed to CD based. Integrated Satellite Radio will also be an option.

If I am about to place an order for an S, shouldnt I just wait for the 05, and do we think the same deal on an order for an 04 will be had on the 05?

More decisions!!

peteropny

Every Cay with PCM that I've seen, as well as in the brochure, shows "aluminum" trim around the PCM unit. However, mine (I guess I didn't look over the car carefully enough when I picked it up) has black trim. Anyone have experience in changing this out to the "aluminum" one in terms of both cost and difficulty.

scottphillip

Is this the new 2005 design?

usc5ter

I just got myself a 04 Porsche Cayenne S and I love this car. However, the acceleration is not as good as I expected from a 340 hp engine (feels more like a 300 hp). Anyway, overall the suv is a blast and my friends are all green from envy.

Here is a list of questions that I have:

1. Has anyone been able to install their IPOD to be used through the cars stereo system? I am currently waiting for a product named ICELINK to become available.( I don't wanna use an fm modulator)

2. I have leased this car and I wanted to know if its ok to use 87 Octane gas as oppose to the 91. The manual says that nething below 91 could/will cause engine knock but I want to get others opinions since gas is now so expensive.

Anyway thanks guys, this is my first time posting and I love to read your responses.

jmoney

Acceleration is definately better when in manual mode from a dead stop. I agree with you about acceleration, so when I am at a stop, I always start out in manual mode and then either keep shifting manually or pop it back in auto.

As far as the gas, I've been using 93 octane for all my cars since 1993. I know that the cay has anti knock software and hardware for lower octane gas, but why put anything less than the best for such an investment. You'll only get out of your vehicle what you put into it. Are the savings of about $6 per tankful worth it when compared to a vehicle that's usually got an MSRP of over 60k?

In the meantime, just enjoy the ride!!!

usc5ter

Hmmm, jmoney you are right about the manual gear shifting. I also discovered that if I turn off the PSM the car will start in first gear even in automatic mode as oppose to second gear and the transmission won't change gears so quickly = better acceleration response. On the other hand I live in southern cali and with our gas prices and this cars guzzling ability I need to find ways to save money.

Also, if anybody has any idea on how to hook up an IPOD to their stereo and not just through a fm modulator (which I heard sounds like crap) please please let me know

usc5ter

oh and also my car is a lease so I could care less about the investment since I am giving it back :-) I just want to make sure that it doesn't brake down by the end of my lease (3 years).

designo

all I can say is:

OH MY GOD.

If that's what the 2005 Cayenne will look like, Porsche has then successfully created a toad/frog SUV.

designo

Sometimes I wish I had opted for the Cayenne S instead of the V6. Perhaps shelling out $10,000 more for the V8 helps in instances when you need the power going up-hill.

When going up-hill, the Cayenne seems to have a little difficulty (according to my wife) going up hill at high speeds (approx 40-60) like when going up a hill/ramp to freeway. She thinks that using Tiptronic and pushing the "-" button will give her more power. However, on the intrument panel, it still says D3, so she tried D2 and the whole car basically stalled, which scared the daylights out of my wife for a sec.

Are there any suggestions? I have tried just slamming on the pedal, and the Cayenne whines considerably more than I would have thought (similar to a ML320). I can't really downshift because it's still (for the most-part) on 3rd gear. Any suggestions? I highly doubt A/C has anything to do with this.

Thanks.

philly

New V6 with 400 miles on it so far kept stalling whenever I backed into or pulled out of parking spots at low speed. Then the check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer. "Never seen this before" was the response. Obviously, even the largest dealers have very little experience with the V6. After 3 days, and apparently, several calls to Germany, they figured out a hose was loose and flooding the engine. Say the have repaired and all is running fine.
Would still recommend, as when I get behind the wheel I want to drive all day, but wanted all to be aware that as with any new model there can be some hiccups..

roadtwister

I removed the head light assemblies on an 04 cayenne; used a hair dryer to evaporate the condensation within. I used the hair drier to dessicate the the dessicant. But the condensation has reappeared, but not as much. Just keep doing the above until it works?

joanmk

I use my ipod with the Monster icarplay wireless through the FM and it sounds just great. You can't beat the sound system in the Cayenne. Of course, my in dash CD player doesn't work but the remote is going great.
Another question - Has anybody else gotten a recall notice dealing with the parking brake wiring?

sharkala

I am very close to purchasing my first Cayenne. I do have one question. The dealer with the best price is an hour and a half away, there is a local dealer about a half hour away who would not meet the price. I was told if I brought my car in for service to the local dealer they would not provide a loaner car. Do the dealers have to provide this service or is it on an individual basis? thanks for your help.

carnut36

I don't know what your price difference is between the dealerships but let's say for example you'll take the car in for 20 times for the length of your ownership of the car and it'll cost you about $50/day to rent a car. That's $1000 in rental fees. If you can save more than $1000 at the further dealership, then go for the extra drive. You'll have an extra hour to enjoy on the way home. Now I doubt it that you'll need to take it in for 20 times but that's the way I would consider the price difference.

I think all dealerships have their own policy about loaners, the one I purchased at have no loaners so I'll probably just find a closer dealership or an independant mechanic in the future.

Happy hunting.

mudman2

None, repeat none of the wireless iPod adapters work in a Cayenne period. The best you get is very bad quality.

On the other hand an FM Modulator is NOT a transmitter, it injects a high signal strength FM stream directly into the antenna. This produces "near"CD quality through the BOSE.

Icelink have been promising an interface for a year.....its not coming.

If you want to see an install I will post a link

ukulele2

Just wanna express my thanks to all the help I received on this board. Pulled the trigger on a V6 last week. MSRP ~$54500 (including destination) with invoice ~$48000; got the deal for $51000. Could of done better, but not a bad one consider the dealer doesn't have the car in the lot. Thought long and hard about the end of the month strategy, but since there aren't a lot of V6 around and I am very specific with my color/configuration, I wanted to lock it in. That strategy would of worked if the dealer has the car in the lot; but the one I want is being built and shipped directly from Germany.

usc5ter

Post a link brother :-)

autocrazy

Great price...Ukulele2. Could you provide us with a few more details - what options? color combo? and which dealer? Thanks

mudman2

Sorry Tidester

http://gallery.rennlist.com/cayennegallery/album01

highender

nice link....

what a great vehecle...!

highender

neighborhood of ours, last month in one block I saw 2 cayennes, plus mine would be 3....

what a coincidence....

I noticed that the recent Cayennes have a parallel roof rack....silver in color.

dtampa

Hi, I have a couple of questions for the experienced owners here. I am just about to purchase an 04 Cay S. I noticed somebody mentioned the 2005 model. So here are some questions:

1. When is the 05 coming out and when will it hit the dealers?

2. Have the early quality problems from 4-5 months ago that some have reported been worked out or is the 05 model the only way to be sure the kinks are gone?

3. I'm thinking of the following packages: comfort, touring, activity, warm weather. Are there useless features in these packages that would suggest getting separate options rather than the packages.

4. Does anybody have the 4-zone A/C and if so is it any better than the poor fan strength reported on the std 2-zone?

5. Are the 19" wheels worth the extra $ in terms of ride and performance?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.

carnut36

I posted the fix on this board about a week ago. You need to dry out the dessicant bags a lot more. A hair dryer won't be enough. I put my bags in an oven at 250 degrees for about an hour. Don't worry, they won't burn up.

doubleagle

Have owned my TT for 5 months, and have had it in the shop 5 times with electrical problems :-((

-key fobs would not lock and unlock....very exasperating...finally decided one key was bad and ordered a new one

-second key went bad, and not only would not lock/unlock, it would not start the car (would not even turn in the ignition)

-drove it for a couple of days with the "good" key as I tried to get it to the shop, parked it at the office, and as I was on the phone with service, they told me to try the other key...wellll, not only did that not work, but the car was unstartable after that point with either key...had to have it towed in :-((((

-air bag sensor light came on in the several weeks ago, and they had to order a new "module"

Highender or others...any suggestions? also, I am very disappointed in no follow-up from the dealership for 5 days....

other issues...am I the only one who wishes the volume control would go several notches lower? my wife keeps asking me to turn it down as we are trying to talk, but it goes to mute..any possibility of modification?

philly

Got my V6 back (see above) and less than a week later the Engine light is back on and the car stalled in highway stop and go traffic. Back at the dealer for 2 days so far- no news. 650 miles and nothing but trouble so far. Half of those miles are back and forth to the dealer!! Not a happy guy.
Keep you posted if I ever see it again. Ignore my recommendation above.

mudman2

That would be the Roof Rails, they are tequipment addons

mudman2

Who is your dealer, I am also in Philly

mudman2

You should take it to another dealer. the fault with the entry and drive was not uncommon, and is fixed with a new electronic module. The dealer would know that if they had bothered to check with their PCA regional rep.

Give them hell and call Atlanta.

highender

I have heard of some problems with entry and go....I concur with mudman....change the module, and it should be OK. Have your dealer check with the company..(they all have laptops to get instant access to tech info and help.

as to volume control for the radio, I have not heard of the volume too loud, as it should stay where you set it....and it does automatically turn louder if you go on the freeway, and when you exit it should turn back to original volume level. Not to mute. Some Cayheads here have accidentally hit the mute button on the steering wheel, so watch out for that.

Others have had niggles also...the people on the Mercedes ML, X5, Xc90,Toyota,fx35/45, and touareg, etc all have some electrical niggles. I am sorry it had happened to you guys. I hope Porsche will get it fixed soon.

Good to hear from you, though. :-)

Personally I have not had a single electrical problem....but I know it will come and am prepared for it, :-(

Hang in there and let us know how it goes,,,........ .

highender

thanks for the info....

I guess it is new in the tecquipment catalog..

I just got 15 mpg doing mixed local and freeway....not bad. All freeway gets me 17 to 18 mpg.

highender

hi ....good to hear from you. I got 2 recall notices, and took it in, but they said it did not apply to my car.

Mudman has posted some recall info a few pages back...

good to hear from you....

highender

congrats ukulele.....

it would be fun driving all the roads of Hawaii....

Which island do you live on ?

highender

guys and gals: a note of caution: the cayenne does get mid teens mpg and at most 18 to 20 mpg on downhills and with a tail wind. This is a heavy and very capable vehicle. It is the only regular car that has a dry sump lubrication system, which allows better lubrication, even if the car is at 40 deg slope, or at high gravitational forces. It even has a pump to spray (with 2 jets,) oil onto the piston. The only other way you are going to get this type of technology is if you go to real race cars, or shell out $200K to $650K for a exotic car.

  at 15 to 18 mpg, this car is close to or better than, many minivans, many vans, many SUVs, even better than some cars....

so please bear that in mind before you complain about gas prices.... :-)

ukulele2

Thanks Highender. I'm actually at frigid Boston instead of Hawaii.....although I wish I'm there instead.
Got my V6 at a dealer in Burlington, MA. They are very easy to deal with. The rep. just handed me the key and let me go for a test drive by myself!
The reality is it's hard to get a good deal for a V6, at least in the Boston area because there aren't a whole lot to choose from. I have 9 Porsche dealers within a 90 miles radius but it doesn't matter because of the shortage of the vehicle. I am fortunate that I got the vehicle that I want (silver, nav, xenon, moonroof, bose, cd changer). You can't approach Porsche like Toyota, because they don't mass produce like them. Last time I checked Porsche is only going to build 40,000 C's this year. So that means maybe 10-20,000 of them are going to be V6's. That's not a whole lot.
For anyone who thinks the V6 is not a good deal, just think. My buddy got a Mercedes E320 and paid more than my Cayenne, and I have 4wd and more equipments. Not to mention the C has more power too. On top of that I believe Porsche is more prestigeous than MB. It's really a no brainer decision for me. If anyone out there thinks the Pepper is just a rebadged VW Touraeg V6, go get a test drive and you'll change your mind. I did and I'm glad I made my choice.

dubster

Can anyone direct me to a reputable shop for more info about a supercharger. Any idea of cost, ballpark. I wouldn`t normally bother with it, but the infrastucture of the s is so sound, I imagine it could easily handle the increase in performance. I`m not a fan of turbo lag.

Highender -- what do you think?

dubster

I`ve noticed that if you drive the car more aggressively, the tranny seems to remember to keep gear shift points more resonsive to your driving style. not sure how that works , but if its a function of computer chip, can`t you program diffwerent shift points?
Also noticed cxar shifts more aggressively
, suprisingly in comfort setting. Any comments?