Used Vehicle Review: Porsche Cayenne, 2003 2009 luxury cars
2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS; photo by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge

There are some minor engine cooling system issues to watch for, mostly involving the plumbing that routes coolant from the radiator to the engine and back again. Some of the original cooling lines are plastic, and eventually crack, causing leaks. It’s a sneaky problem, though, as most leaks are small and in many cases, the coolant leaks onto the engine, and not on the ground. Often, the only clue that something is wrong is the appearance of a coolant level warning. See this thread at RennList.com and this post in particular for more information.

Used Vehicle Review: Porsche Cayenne, 2003 2009 luxury cars
2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS; photo by Chris Chase. Click image to enlarge

While Internet forums are hardly a scientific way to find out if a vehicle is reliable or not, I’d recommend spending some time in the Cayenne forums listed at the end of this article in order to get a good idea of what things to look out for. These threads – one at Roadfly.org and another at Rennlist.com are good places to start. Also, have a look at this thread at RennList.com, in which Cayenne owners post what repairs they’ve had to make to their trucks.

Here’s a handy do-it-yourself brake replacement how-to, from RennList.com.

One thing that’s certain is that a Cayenne – like many high-end vehicles – will be expensive to maintain, and out-of-warranty repairs could come with frightening price-tags as well.

Used Vehicle Review: Porsche Cayenne, 2003 2009 luxury cars
2004 Porsche Cayenne S; photo by Grant Yoxon. Click image to enlarge

Safety-wise, all Cayennes came with anti-lock brakes, side airbags and traction/stability control; however, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have crash-tested a Cayenne.

The least-expensive used Cayenne, according to Canadian Black Book, is a 2004 V6 model, which comes in at just under $25,000, while the 2003 S model is worth $28,475. The priciest is a 2009 Turbo S, which should go for something like $125,000, a $25,000 discount off its $150,000 MSRP. A 2006 Cayenne S is worth about $47,000, while a 2004 S comes in at around $32,000.

Asking prices will depend, of course, on what options the vehicle in question has, and few of Porsche’s options are inexpensive, so a Cayenne with a pile of extras will naturally command more money.

The Cayenne is a capable vehicle and no doubt an attractive proposition for drivers looking for Porsche performance in an SUV. Purchasing one through Porsche’s certified pre-owned program would be wise; also, look for a Cayenne with some of the original factory warranty left and that comes with maintenance records. Certainly, as with any Porsche, the Cayenne is a pay-to-play proposition. The driving experience is a satisfying one, but be prepared for very expensive maintenance and repair costs.

Pricing

Black Book Pricing (avg. retail) xxx:

Year
Model
Price today
Price new
2008
Cayenne S
$60,175
$78,500
2007
Cayenne S
No pricing available
No pricing available
2006
Cayenne S
$47,400
$80,100
2005
Cayenne S
$40,725
$78,800
2004
Cayenne S
$31,700
$78,250
2003
Cayenne S
$28,475
$78,250

Online resources
  • I’d recommend spending time in Cayenne forums at both Roadfly.com and Rennlist.com before buying a used one. These are both busy forums and have lots of information to offer. The Cayenne forum at TheAutobahn.com looks like it might have something to offer too, but it’s not as busy as the other two forums.

    Recalls
  • Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004193; Units affected: 1,447

    2004: Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114. The steering wheel does not lock when the key is removed from the ignition switch using the optionally provided override device that permits key removal in the event of electrical system failure or when the transmission is not in the PARK position. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004063; Units affected: 151

    2004: On certain vehicles, the transfer case could, due to changes in the housing casting, allow the oil pump to rotate. Should this occur, oil starvation of the internal gears could result. If this happens and the vehicle continues to be operated, fracture of the transfer case housing can occur. Correction: Dealer will inspect the housing casting number, and replace the transfer case if required.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004168; Units affected: 1,023

    2004: On certain vehicles, the rear seat safety belt latch attachment bolt may be insufficiently riveted, which could result in a reduced capability of the belt latch to withstand the applied loads. During a crash, the occupant may not be restrained as intended, which could result in injuries. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat belt buckle.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004065; Units affected: 289

    2004: On certain vehicles, the driver’s seat frame may have inadequate welds and could break in a crash. If this were to happen, the driver could be injured. Correction: Dealer will replace the driver’s seat frame.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004062; Units affected: 10

    2003: On certain vehicles, the ground connection between the spiral ring of the fuel tank filler neck and the connecting pipe to the tank is not sound. If this ground connection is inadequate, the flow of fuel when refuelling can create and electrostatic charge and a spark which could ignite fuel vapours. Correction: Dealer will inspect the ground connection and, if necessary, correct it.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003231; Units affected: 33

    2003-2004: On certain vehicles, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were omitted from the certification label. Correction: Dealer will install a corrected compliance label.

    Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004064; Units affected: 715

    2003: On certain vehicles, the springs of the foot-operated parking brake mechanism can rub against the main wiring harness. Damage to the wiring harness can lead to the failure of various electrical systems and, in extreme cases, to a fire beneath the instrument panel. Correction: Dealer will reroute the main wiring harness.

    Crash test results
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

    Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

    For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

    For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

    • Related posts:

    1. Used Vehicle Review: Porsche Cayenne, 2003-2006
    2. What’s New: 2009 Porsche Cayenne
    3. Preview: 2003 Porsche Cayenne
    4. Porsche unveils new Cayenne Turbo S in China
    5. First Drive: 2003 Porsche Cayenne
    Pages: 1 2