Used Porsche Cayenne (1st-gen) review

Exterior:

• Rust is generally not a significant issue, but signs of bubbling or peeling paint, often found in used Cayennes, could indicate accident damage and substandard repair work due to owners cutting corners on maintenance.
• Clogged drainage holes throughout the Cayenne can lead to water leaks into the vehicle, potentially causing electronic havoc, as overflow onto crucial components like the ECU or ABS controller can result in expensive repairs or catastrophic electronic failures.
• Rear hatch shocks or struts are common wear items but are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace.
• Cayennes equipped with panoramic sunroofs may incur costly repairs, with issues such as binding, creaking, and cracked glass, with some repair jobs exceeding $6000.
• Various electronic glitches have been reported, ranging from minor lighting issues to major failures like malfunctioning Keyless entry systems, affecting components like door handles, power windows, and mirrors, with deteriorating wiring adding to the mix.
• Replacement parts and electronics often require re-coding by Porsche, leading to significant expenses.
• Due to its weight (well over two tonnes), Cayennes can put considerable strain on suspension bushes, brakes, and tires, necessitating high-quality components for optimal performance, especially considering its capabilities as a performance SUV.
• While extremely capable off-road, buyers should be cautious of modified Cayennes sold as stock, ensuring thorough inspection for signs of abuse.

Interior:

• Many owners have complained of soft-touch plastics becoming sticky and wearing prematurely, exacerbated by harsh cleaning products or oily hands.
• Electronic issues such as “key not found” warnings are common, with some complaints being challenging to diagnose and resolve.
• Other electronic complaints range from minor switchgear malfunctions to major air conditioning issues, some of which may require costly dashboard removal for repair.
• Adhesive failure in hot weather can lead to components like seat backs falling off.
• Door sagging and malfunctioning door handles are reported issues, though some owners have found DIY solutions to these problems.
• The aging infotainment systems often require replacement with aftermarket systems, as they may no longer function optimally.

Mechanical:

It’s important to recognise, all engines available in the first-ten Porsche Cayenne have the potential to be a massive money pit if not cared for fastidiously. 

V6 Diesels:

• Check engine lights are a common occurrence across all engine variants, often indicative of underlying issues.
• V6 diesel engines are prone to coolant and oil leaks from components situated in the engine valley, such as the oil filter housing, EGR cooler, and oil cooler.
• Injector seal leaks and EGR coolant leaks are common, with the latter often misdiagnosed as head gasket issues.
• Clogging of the EGR valve and variable intake manifold actuator failure can occur due to debris accumulation.

V6 Petrol:

• The VR6 engine is known for its reliability, despite being a V6 with only one cylinder head.
• Timing chain issues may arise in higher mileage or poorly serviced examples, located at the rear of the engine.
• Common issues include valve cover gasket leaks, plastic coolant pipes, thermostat housings, and PCV complications leading to vacuum leaks and rough idling.
• Intake manifold rattling from the variable intake manifold system can be addressed with bush kits.

V8 Petrol (Naturally Aspirated and Turbo Models):

• Ignition coil issues and valve cover gasket leaks are common.
• Coolant leaks from pipes under the intake manifold may occur, with recommendations to replace the starter motor simultaneously if possible.
• The infamous bore scoring issue affects earlier 4.5-liter versions, potentially leading to oil consumption and piston compression issues, necessitating engine replacement.
• The 4.8-liter model may experience issues with the high-pressure fuel pump and vacuum pump, along with PVC complications causing vacuum leaks and lean engine codes.
• Turbo models may encounter complications with turbochargers, although proper servicing can enhance reliability.
• Cooling systems in turbo models should be thoroughly inspected to prevent major issues.

Transmissions:

• Manual transmissions are typically reliable, with the dual mass flywheel as a potential weak point.
• Automatic transmissions require regular servicing, with recommendations for intervals shorter than the comical 300k or 16 years suggested by the manufacturer.
• Transfer case actuator seizure may occur from lack of use.
• Harsh shifting reported in earlier 955 models can be addressed with software updates.
• Common issues include tail shaft center bearing, CV joint, and rubber flex coupling, often requiring full replacement.
• Suspension components like control arm bushes and ball joints may require more frequent replacement than in other vehicles.
• Air suspension, while praised by some, is prone to leaks, pump and sensor failures, and various electronic issues, prompting many owners to convert to traditional springs and struts.
• Brake wear is pronounced, especially in V8 models, with expensive replacement parts.
• All engine options are susceptible to age-related issues, including fatigue of plastics and perished rubbers.
• Genuine Porsche parts are generally very costly. Aftermarket parts may offer savings but require thorough research to ensure quality.