OT considering a used Cayenne, share your input Options

[iamchappy]

I am considering a used Cayenne, I have done a few searches, but the forums I've read dont involve much do it yourself information.

I have come across piston ring breakage and water pump failures in some engines
but haven't seen any high mileage cars out there to see how they hold up.

My wife had a hard time keeping her Lexus on the road this winter, and my autistic son's favorite car is the Cayenne. I would like to get one and get a personalized plate with his name on it, if I can find the right car for the right price and there not considered piles of crap.

I would use it to tow the 914 around to events and she can drive it the rest of the time.

Any input and advise would be appreciated.

[Marv's3.6six]

My daily driver is an '04 CTT that was a lease return car, I have had it a year and have had zero warranty problems. The only maintenance item so far have been new front brake rotors, not cheap! Its been a great vehicle, very very fast but quite thirsty and BTW it handles amazingly for a machine of its size.

[Brew]

My daily driver is an '04 CTT that was a lease return car, I have had it a year and have had zero warranty problems. The only maintenance item so far have been new front brake rotors, not cheap! Its been a great vehicle, very very fast but quite thirsty and BTW it handles amazingly for a machine of its size.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) A good freind of mine has the S, and would agree wholeheartedly with the above statement. Especially the amazing handling part.

[orthobiz]

Hey, I may not have a 914 right now or even a Cayenne, but I do have a 2004 Touareg! I have the V8 with just about everything you can get it with: suspension upgrade, stereo, heated seats/mirrors/nozzles, GPS.

The engine idles kinda rough, supposedly waiting for some software upgrade.
The dash is peeling. The black on the radio buttons is coming off and revealing white underneath. Same on the door panel and dash. I have never, ever seen a car molt from the inside out!
The electronic warning system hates the cold, sometimes it just hates me. I will get intermittent messages about defective wheels (when they're fine), low tire pressures (when they're not), lights not working (when they are), transmission "clinics" that need to be completed (when they don't) and so on.
Two years ago the battery would mysteriously drain down to zero, they had to tow it to the dealership and did some kind of software upgrade. That fixed it.
The automatic-"you're holding the key and it opens when you touch the door" feature didn't work when I got the vehicle, is now fixed.
CD player sometimes won't go on when you start the vehicle.
I think the stereo sucks even though it's their monster mondogigawattjobbie but I'm picky in that regard, stereo/music is my other passion.
Has had other even more minor problems like an ill-fitted driver's door, defective seat belt retractor.
All in all, these are a lot of small, petty problems.

However, when it is running (and it only had me stranded once), it drives well, can easily get out of its own way, is comfortable and is a world class vehicle. Is the Porsche worth 20 or 30 or 40 thousand more? I haven't driven one but I will agree that it is the Touareg's prettier sister, up to the individual to decide. Not worth the price premium to me.

These glitches do have me thinking of selling it when the 4 year warranty is up at the end of the year. Part of my problem is that the nearest dealer is 40 miles away so I gather these frustrations, allow them to simmer and bother me for months at a time. That's what I get for living in a small town and driving a "fancy" vehicle. We do get a lot of snow in the winter and the 4-wheel drive is a lifesaver.

Paul