Porsche Cayenne

jeffreybehr

...system with yours? The off-pavement option? Its variable ride height is one feature I've really wanted but didn't have on my prior SUVs. I too think the Cayennes are wimpily tired. I'm planning to go with 285/60R18s or 285/55R18s on 18x9" ROH wheels with mine, with either Toyo Proxes STs or Yokohama AVS STs. The former's diameter is 2-1/2" greater while the latter's is 1-1/2" greater than that of the stock 255/55R18s, and I'm a little concerned with that, but we'll see.

Any transmission-shift lag when cruising normally around town?

driver53

My S does not offer the suspension option, but I was referring to a power steering assist that is probably standard on your turbo.
No lag noted yet. It may shift up a little to quick for my preference, but I can control that if I keep it in Tip mode.
The Cayenne effortlessly cruises at about 80 MPH at a relaxed 2400 RPM, nice.
As for wheels, Porsche should bring back the black, 5 spoke wheels with the aluminum outer rims from the late 70s in a 20 inch version. That would look nice. Techequip has a pricey but good looking 20 inch, 5 blade/spoke wheel that I have seen in person, looks good.

sbcooke

Does the cayenne offer any sort of 3rd row option? How would they compare inside? Like a RX300 or smaller?

jeffreybehr

The Cayenne really is a mid-size SUV, about the same overall and interior size as my '99 Grand Cherokee and the just-prior generation of Ford Explorer. It'll be comfortable for 4, not 5, adults. The Dodge Durango is definitely larger, and my impression is that the current Explorer is a bit bigger than my Grandokee. Don't know anything about the RX300 but that I think it's a Japanese model.

stever

"I don't understand the complaints I've read in letters to the editor in car magazines and on the Internet about Porsche committing some crime by doing an SUV," he says. "... Real Porsche enthusiasts know Ferdinand Porsche built all-wheel-drive, gas-electric hybrids before World War I, and there were Porsche tractors in the '40s."

Porsche hopes Cayenne spices sales (USA Today)

Steve, Host

Ccexxp1

Dear Board Members...I was considering a Lexus GX 470, BUT want a Porsche. My only hesitation is the ride, I drove my friend's X5 4.4, it jiggled, and was not comfortable. How is the ride in the Porsche? Is is better than the X5? All of your input is greatly appreciated...thanks, Craig.

jeffreybehr

"The best thing that can be said about the Cayenne S' on-road comfort is that the BMW X5 4.6 Sport is a lot worse." This is from this http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/index.asp?storyId=5868 article.

highender

Hi . I test drove the Cayenne "S", thought it was good, but not great. So I bought the turbo. It does attract a lot of attention.(most for it, some hate it.) .I think it rides more comfortable than the X5, has more features, more ergonomics, more safety. I did not like the turbo wheels, so they gave me the S wheels. The other beautiful ones cost $1900 to $2400 more. Yes, they are whimpily tired. I stayed with the 18" because they give a more cushy ride. The car handles good enough as is. Engine is very strong with little lag. I sold my 1994 Jaguar XJ-12 and 2000 Boxster S to get this car. The Jag had more luxury. but the Cayenne is better.The boxster is good, with everything one wants in a midlevel sports car, but it is not practical when you have 2 kids. Now I have a sports car and a SUV. Some of you think it should only be one or the other. , but I say now I can catch up with my friends on the way up to Tahoe, and still carry everything for the family. It beats our 1983 928 also. Some people will prefer the X-5, which is a very good car. My wife likes the Cayenne, hands down. I would prefer a better warranty (5 or 6 yrs bumper to bumper.), real spare, porsche loaner cars, a DVD-TV system,and a backup camera, like the FX-45. mpg can improve.

Ccexxp1

To compensate for the ride (I wanted kinda cushy), I ordered an "S" with air-suspension, and lots of other toys. I kinda resent the ala carte menu, it got expensive, but, I guess desirable things cost more! I love the sound of the engine, and, I am excited to receive it next month (I hope)...I'll keep you posted..cc

highender

An "S" with air suspension is great. I agree with you that the alacarte menu is a pain, and they should include more standard equipment, since their competitors all are well equiped. Perhaps when Porsche recoups their initial investment, then they could add features. Let us know how you like it.

Ccexxp1

The list price of my ordered car was around 69,300, and the turbo is around 95?? I could have included more options, BUT, I hit my limit! Has anyone heard about a "panoramic sunroof" option? That would be nice, and I would certainly pay the extra for it...thanks, cc

tcams76

keep me posted also; your car sounds like what I may order in the near future. I just read that Porsche improved on the latest annual J.D. Power & Associates survey.
I live in the heart of Atlanta and ride quality is important to me likewise.
good luck

highender

The turbo is more expensive because of several factors. One, the engine value is around $30,000, according to the auto magazines. 2nd, it has as standard the air suspension ($3200), navigation, multicolor computer display, bi-xenon lights, different hood & exhaust, parktronic, and some other minor items. So I guess that pushed the prices up. The S is a great car even without all these. Its nice to have. I bought a near stripped turbo( these are rare, because they like to load them up with the comfort package, wheels, etc. Mine came only with the sunroof, and I don't think it is a panoramic one, nor is one offered. I was lucky, and got it at $1000 below MSRP, plus the dealer threw in a set of roof racks. I understand that Newport Porsche is selling turbos at $12,000 over MSRP, plus 3 month waiting period. Norwalk Porsche(also in CA) is sellin $10,000 above. Destination charge is $765 where I live. Hope this helps those of you who are considering to buy. The price range is wide. Check internet sales and areas of depressed economic output. If you are serious, I could put you in contact with my salesman.

jeffreybehr

Finally confirmed my order for a Cayenne Turbo. Silver metallic with lite-and-dark-gray interior. Includes off-pavement package, towing package, thermally insulated windows (in very-hot Phoenix!), roof-rack rails, and fire extinguisher, plus the free options for sports seats and rear-model-indication deletion. ‘Only’ $94,795. To be built in July and delivered in August. WAHOO!!!!!! It’ll be a LONG summer.

highender

I know you will love the car. My car does not have the options that you mentioned, but we love it. Sometimes I am not careful with the throttle, and end up being pushed into the seat. I only have 121 miles on mine, and am still waiting to finish the break-in period at 2000 miles. You can program the computer to remind you not to go over 65 or 70 mph (2500 rpm) and accelerate gently during this period to allow the valves to seat properly, and all engine parts to mesh. My salesman also gave me an original production certificate of the car. Maybe you can request one also. Let me know how you like it.

tcams76

http://www3.us.porsche.com/english/usa/cayenne/cayennes/default.h- tm

Pretty good info.

highender

Does anyone know if the turbo needs to be cooled down before I turn off the engine? I understand that it is good for some turbos to idle the engine for a few minutes before turning off engine, thus increasing turbo life. Is that true in this case? The car does not have a turbo temp gauge, only a boost gauge. thanks

highender

The site was very informative and had a good video.

stheodd1

I am considering the Cayenne. Looks great and the performance for type is great.

Buying is always easy. It's the other end, the sale, trade or whatever that is problematic. I have always tried to purchase cars that will hold the greatest amount of value after ownership. The TLC that I owned was outstanding. Traded and moved to a E320 4matic. Porsche in the 911 has always been near the top of the heap in resale and residual.
What do you think will be the status of the Cayenne? I know it's all opinion at this point but it is opinion and perspective that sets a market.
Thanks

Ccexxp1

I ordered one 5/2/03, and, of course, I hope for the best in the value dept. BUT, with the amazing dicounts that I am seeing (especially on Ebay and AutoTrader-even for brand new '04's), and the economy, and the other products getting better, etc., etc., its a real gamble. Thus, I think that the answer, in my opinion, is "no", it won't hold its value as well as other products. (For reference, there are lots of these listed on Ebay, and only 1 or 0 GX 470's available on Ebay...and the VW Toureg is not even out yet, don't know that effect yet). I know, I know, apples and oranges, BUT, both new model cars on the market, and Ebay is a constant good source of public supply/demand. That said, it is kind of a spectacular vehicle, and I had SUCH a hard choice choosing between products/options, etc., this is one part of the equation that I did not even consider...it is what it is. CAVEAT: These are only my opinions, and, I am NO expert in this field...My best advice: since no one NEEDS one of the these, and everyone WANTS one, if you are able to get one and enjoy it, then godspeed...cc

paulchiu

I test drove a Cayenne S this morning, and it is great. For those of you with some experience with it now, does the interiors have any creaks and other noises from the plastic dash or other assembly areas. My test ride over a few bumpy roads yielded little rattles. I have to say the ride was a LOT better than the X5 and Range Rover. Is the ride on a Turbo the same? The dealer had no Turbo version in stock.

Thanks!

jeffreybehr

Paul, I ordered a Turbo in April, and I too have never ridden in one, but from everything I read, the air-suspension system sort of ALWAYS rides less harshly than the steel suspension. With the air-suspension system (standard on the Turbo, optional on the S) set to Normal or Comfort, the ride is substantially less jiggly. Even if I didn't 'need' the Turbo's power, I'd have ordered the air suspension for its better ride, variable damping, and variable ride height.

paulchiu

Jeffrey,
During your tesrt ride(s) of the base Cayenne, did you hear any rattles or noise from the cargo area, and/or noise from the glove compartments? Because of the absolute lack of windnoise at 75mph, my ultra sensitive ears heard some of these noise.

Did you bother to negotiate on the Turbo? Since you had to order one....

jeffreybehr

...but I have a substantial depression in my hearing in the 2 lower-treble octaves, so I might not have heard some noises anyway. My Grandokee has a 'cricket chirp' ahead of the steering wheel that annoys my wife but that I can't hear.

I managed to negotiate some free accessories (5 floormats, cargo nets, 2 oilfilters, and 2 stainlesssteel coffee cups). The retail price was the price.

paulchiu

The guy showed me 2 tickets today, one was 64K before taxes on the base, the other was 94K for the turbo. They both were supposed to have "popular" options included. Since I really did not prepare myself before going, I cannot recall what these extras were. Does these prices seem right?

jeffreybehr

The sunroof is quite popular (at least with dealers) and is something like $1100, and 20" wheels are $2100. The all-leather interior and the GPS-navigation system are optional on the S, and wood trim and the CD changer (about $800 I think) are on both. My Turbo's retail is $94,795 and includes the off-pavement ($2800) and towing $500) packages and thermally insulated windows ($1100).

If you buy an S, I strongly recommend the air-suspension system.

highender

Paul, I agree with Jeff. I have the turbo and only put 437 miles on it. I am breaking it in , so have barely even seen the boost gauge move. So far, no creaks or rattles. Very little wind noise at 70 mph, 1800 rpm. I also srongly recommend the air suspension. It gives you & the car a lot of flexibility. Depending on where you live, prices vary from below MSRP to $12,000 above MSRP. So I suggest you shop around. I'm getting surprisingly good gas mileage. In town I average 15 mpg. but freeway it approaches 20 mpg.(going only 60 mph).

paulchiu

Guys,

Has any magazine tested a production Turbo yet? I have read 1st and pre-test of the S late last year only.

15mph is already better than the 11mph I get now on my S500.

What color did you guys go with? I was disappointed no hot colors like yellow or red.

Is the leather on the dashboard for the turbo across the entire area?

If one of you guys are leasing, what is the residual value and your terms?

Thanks again!

highender

I purchased mine,since I plan to keep it for some time. Mileage is almost like my Previa(21mpg). Very little throttle pressure needed to get to speed, so I imagine the 340 hp engine is enough. My car is titanium metalic grey. I just sold my red Boxster "S", it went in 1 week while the black, grey, and blue boxsters languished in the same lot. So yes, red or yellow are sports car colors and may increase value of car. However, I feel that at this point in my life I wanted a little subtlety and camouflage in case the highway patrol is on the prowl. The color is the same as the ones in the dealer pamphlet, pre intro book, and most magazine ads. I bought several mags with info on the Cayenne, but most seemed to just regurgitate the official info. I am still waiting for an objective multi day test drive article with personal insights. You will find some owner reviews on edmunds-cayenne.

highender

Oh, the dealer told me it was full leather dash. However, the vents near the bottom of the windshield, the vents and frames, center speaker, all look plastic. There is high quality double stitching of the leather everywhere else. There are a lot of neat features that I am still discovering. Too many double takes and staring. Today a police officer in his cruiser smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

paulchiu

Thumbs up from a cop? You must not be living neat New York city. Tickets and pull over signals is more the norm here.

I tested drove the S only so far, and the gas was very sensitive. It got to 30 mph (city speeds) very fast and 60-70mph with little additional effort. It took a while before I got used to the gas, and kept jerking the starts with my test drive.

I had the wood S. wheel in the test vehicle, and thought about getting it on a prospective Turbo. I think I have to wait and test a turbo before a final decision. Perhaps one with the 20" wheels.

paulchiu

The British magazine EVO compared the Turbo with the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII, Overfinch Range Rover and the Audi RS6 Avant wagon in the May issue.

The site is www.evo.co.uk

The site is updated to only April unfortunately.

A very subjective series of comparisons; not [non-permissible content removed] kissing Porsche, and depending on your orientation, might either enforce your desires for the Turbo or steer you away even when the attraction grows stronger.

Anyway, get it from your local Barnes & Nobles.

Paul

paulchiu

Does the parktronics option standard on the Turbo beeps loudly as well as lights up?

highender

Hi : Yes , the parktronic has both front and back lights( visible in rearview mirror) that flash more LED's as you get closer to obstacle, and they also beep. It is noticeble, but I would'nt say it was "loud". Also, I went to barnes&noble and got the EVO mag that compared the turbo with 3 diff cars. It was very subjective and helpful. thanks. I wish I had gotten the keyless entry & drive($890), it would be more convenient.

paulchiu

The EVO was terrific, and I loved the photos. You get get past reviews on the Cayenne through their web site at www.evo.co.uk if you haven't already....

BTW, was there any room on your pricing on the Turbo, Harry? Some dealers offer me ZERO, while other authorized dealers gave me a few thousands under MSRP. My time to buy a new car is early September. I look forward to a few more test drives before then; plus some in a Audi RS6 and MB E55 when those are out.

sbcooke

There was some talk about re-sellers buying them and charging an arm and a leg for them. I went by the Porsche dealer in my area and they had about 10 on the lot. Looked more like a GM/Ford lot with all the SUVs. It seems like Porsche may actually have gotten ahead on this one and possibly met demand?

paulchiu

Porsche sales jumped 47% from a year ago in April, after a similar increase in March.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/030502/autos_porsche_stock_2.html

In March, they sold 889 Cayennes in the US during the 1st month roll out.

highender

Yes, I saw a lot of variability in prices. At Newport Beach and Norwalk porsche dealers, the going price for turbos was $10,000 to $12,000 above MSRP. At Negherbon, I got $1000 below MSRP plus free roof rack. Dealer invoice is around $78,000, plus there is the dealer holdback. So they still made at least $12,000 off of me. A few thousand off msrp is great!! Prices in general depend on the local economy and demand. Try to buy at a depressed area.

highender

I like the mercedes E55 and S55, but preferred the cayenne . Plus there was a 5 month wait for those cars. Test drive the RS6 turbo and let us know how it compares.

sc430pilot

I'm interested in knowing from current Cayenne owners how the navigation systems works. I understand from one posting that the navigation and the cd player use the same drive in the dash, so you must load the destination first, then remove the Nav disc and load a music CD for music. (This is a little hard to believe that the set up is user unfriendly) But I saw a Cayenne S last week with a separate Nav drive in the left rear storage area ( if I don't have my SUVs mixed up that I have been test driving. So I'd like to know if the Nav really has a dedicated drive so the music Cd can always be used in the dash, or the Nav disc is in the dash and one uses music CDs in a changer.

Also, how easy to use and accurate is the Nav, how readable is the display, are there voice prompts for the driver, etc.

highender

My turbo has just the stock nav. The salesman did show us that we had to load the nav dvd first, than take it out in order to listen to CDs. My wife has been playing with the nav, it is fairly accurate( will get some false readings) she says. however, it is lower and pointed rearward, so hard to read while trying to keep 5200 lbs on the road. You can program the voice prompt to be the nice female voice or a male voice. I don't like the display map, as it is 2 dimensional. I have a Stillen Suburban that has an Alpine nav unit. It is a separate drive under left rear passenger seat, but adds weight to the already heavy car. the Alpine can show the map in 3D, as if you are looking out your windsheild and see a vanishing horizon. Also, Stillen custom made a console that places the monitor in the middle but facing at a slight upward angle, thus easier to look at and understand. I wish the cayenne monitor faced slightly upward so I don't have to crane my neck to see it. We prefer the Alpine software and graphics and Stillen install. The Cayenne is functional & fair to learn, not easy.

mudman2

As the age of cassettes is gone does anyone know if behind the radio there are inputs one could use for an iPOD connection to the Bose ?

prlady1

If you're a Cayenne owner who has adaptive headlights (that rotate on turns, etc), and are willing to be quoted in print about your experience, would you please contact me at jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number asap no later than Friday, June 13?
Thanks much,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

chile96

Congrats on the new toy! Sounds like a perfect combo of sports car & SUV. Unfortunately for me, I'm a few yrs away from ultimate luxury items(currently anesthesia resident with VERY limited income!). Anyway, to reward myself I have been planning on buying a year old boxster this winter(when prices are down?) as a weekend/fun car. Since you mentioned you traded yours in, I am curious to know if you would recommend it - are the repairs/maintenance going to eat me up? Because of this is why I was looking at an '02 or '03. Now even considering only an '03 because of the increased hp for the base model as well as the glass rear window instead of plastic - is the glass really worth getting the '03?
Yes, because of the aforementioned budget, I will only be considering the base model. Any caveats you have for me? Thanks for any and all info.

take care
fo

ps - Is the Bose system worth it?

tcams76

If you have to ask about maintenance costs don't consider buying any Porsche.
But the chart doesn't look that bad.
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/porsche/boxster/100183117/cto.htm- l?tid=edmunds.n.prices.leftsidenav..4.Porsche*

Question have you ever seem a Porsche bodyshop, garage, or dealership in a low income neighborhood.
Porsche's have always been high maintenance vehicles and probably always will be.
Mercedes was smart to include upkeep in the price for the first four years

highender

Thanks, we love the Cayenne. When I graduated from dental school I got a used 1982 928. It was a good every day car, and we found a mechanic that did everything at cheap price. The Boxster we also like, but had to sell because it seated only 2(we are 4). The Boxster "S" is what I recommend, great hp. Now is the time to buy, since economy is slow, you can get one below the MSRP. The glass rear window is a must; I made the mistake of wiping the plastic window with a dry cloth and ended up permanently scratching it. I would recommend the 03 model because it does have cup holders and glass window and more hp. I never had any problems with my "S", and I think these engines last a long time. Some 70%+ of all Porsches ever built are still running. email me at harryphlin@yahoo.com for more details.

highender

I agree that Porsche parts and repairs are on the more costly end of things. But you can always get used parts/rebuilt ones. The dealership that I bought my Cayenne is in a low income, higher crime area, but it is surrounded by higher income areas. I got a good price because it was not at a ritzy area. Two places in Los Angeles wanted $10,000 + above MSRP for the Turbo. I suggest that chile96 contact me if you want to know where I bought mine. Perhaps you can get a good price on a new Boxster.

xfactor

I have a bet going with a buddy who is buying a Cayenne. What is the road holding index 300 foot skid pad? The bet is I say its lower than .9 my buddy is betting its higher than .9 maybe even .93. I think he is dreaming.

highender

I think that with stock 18" wheels the road holding is less than .9 I forget where I read that; I try to read all the articles and Porsche publications. I don't know how much improvement 20" rims with sticky rubbers like Scorpions.or Yoko AVS. or Toyo Proxes , would do but they should improve. I guess you are also suggesting the test be done with air suspention on the lowest setting, and firmness at maximum. Let me know if you guys find out, and please provide ref. to your sources. thanks.

tcams76

I think you stated you purchased the S model. Did you get the air suspension?