2003 Porsche Cayenne S V8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great V8, poor electrics and too many minor faults for £50k

Faults:

Airbag fault.

Front tyre camber wear.

Faulty headlamps, poor connection in damp.

Gearbox selector problem.

Drivetrain vibration at 60mph.

General Comments:

Cayenne handles and performs well in V8 form, but seems plagued with lots of annoying faults that always require a visit to dealership, who seem to enjoy treating you like you're a pain in the ass. I have to say I've owned a few Porsches and the Cayenne seems to have had the most problems by a big margin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2008

2003 Porsche Cayenne S V8 N/A from North America

Summary:

If I knew this car would have these problems, I wouldn't have bought it, even though its a lot offun

Faults:

-One front high beam didn't work (probably 3 or 4 times)

-Turn signals stopped working (probably twice)

-Steering headlights stopped working (twice)

-Software had to be reloaded (lost some software functionability because of it)

-Glove compartment button was crooked when I bought it

-Horn broke and sounded like a donkey

-A piston was misfiring

-Drivers window switch plate peeled

-slight shaking at idle

-creaking noise when brakes are applied and released

-Camber problems on the front wheels

-Radio stopped working

-Aluminum trim changed color

-Poor reception on car key.

General Comments:

This car has been an absolute disaster. It's been in the shop more times than any car should ever go to the shop. MY headlight assemblies have been a nightmare.

While none of these problems have ever left me stranded on the road, it is incredibly inconvenient to take it into the shop on a regular basis. A car of this category should not have problems like this. Maybe I got a lemon. Maybe it's because it was one of the first cars rolled off the assembly line. Either way, I am very unhappy with the build quality of this vehicle.

Now, to be fair, this car is so much fun to drive! It's faster than a car this size should be, and it's not even the turbo model. It's handling still astounds me. I can't believe a car of this size manages to perform so well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2006

8th Jan 2006, 11:33

Unfortunately it's sad, but true. When it comes to first year models, especially those chock full of electronics and new designs, buyers are essentially beta testers. And given you probably paid somewhere north of $70K for your Porsche, that is unacceptable.

Word to the wise is to never buy a car until it's been out a few years, no matter how tempting. And certainly don't pay a premium for it.

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2003 Porsche Cayenne 340 HP from North America

Summary:

High performance... highest maintenance of all time!

Faults:

The car is a maintenance nightmare. Door locks, windshield wipers, radio, rattles, engine light on frequently, paint problems, front end alignment, headlight alignment, and on and on... a continual problem and more service than any car I have ever owned.

General Comments:

The car handles well, the dealer has been professional, but the car can't stay out of service -- two months of ownership and 18 days in service for many different problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th December, 2003

4th Dec 2005, 19:33

Just to be clear here. You bought a $50K+ luxury SUV only to have chickens take it over?

Wish there was a lie detector one had to submit to before posting.

5th Dec 2005, 23:51

Chickens DON`T smell- as long as you clean up their droppings regularly- which, after all, is only common sense.

8th Apr 2010, 06:31

I just took one home on apro today, but now like you I am a bit chicken, so will give it back tomorrow.

2003 Porsche Cayenne S Flat 6 from North America

Summary:

Carrera SUV with a few faults

Faults:

First of all; this is not my car, it belongs to a member of my immediate family (parent):

- Had a bad experience with the dealer; they did not get me the car I originally ordered. When they said they could get us a Turbo, it never showed up.

- No instruction manual (car came w/o it, though 100% of other Cayenne S's did) for the PCM/Navigation.

- Car lurches from a halt.

- No head support in the seats.

General Comments:

Those couple of things don't make me believe this is not a great car. It is very fun to drive and handles superbly.

One thing I am not fond of is the way to use the heated seats. In our Carrera 4, you see a light come on signaling they are working. In our Cayenne, it's just a roller. No indication whatsoever they work right till you feel them. Annoying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

16th Feb 2004, 05:34

I believe the engine is V8, not flat 6.

19th Jul 2004, 21:17

Wish I had rich folks too.

22nd Jul 2004, 11:21

You don't need rich parents. Just get a Hyundai Santa Fe, it looks like the Cayenne.

10th Aug 2004, 19:30

Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Cayenne? "Because they look the same." Oh brother. If they'll let you into a Porsche dealership, go drive the two and you'll see the difference. Or perhaps try a Yugo vs. Mercedes for simiar comparison.

29th Sep 2005, 16:48

Just get a Touareg, it's the same thing from the front to the half way back.

12th Jan 2008, 18:05

I bought a 2003 Cayenne just off the boat. I have loved it these last 4 years and now it is out of warranty and guess what, it now has a $2600 problem.

Water pipes must be replaced. I have never heard of this, and with only 37,000 miles on the car, it sounds strange. The dealer now has 2 Cayenne's with the same problem. Is anyone else having this issue?

21st Jan 2008, 16:33

"Just get a Touareg, it's the same thing from the front to the half way back."

Go do your homework; they have very little in common. The only thing the VW and the Porsche have in common is the chassis. The suspension, power plant and hand stitched leather interior are all different.

In reply to 21st Jan 2008, 16:33

29th Jul 2012, 15:03

Errr, no you're wrong --- look under the fenders and elsewhere, and you will see PL7... part numbers they are VW part numbers. The V6 is ALL VW. Pull the trim and... PL7 everywhere.

In reply to 12th Jan 2008, 18:05

29th Jul 2012, 15:16

On early cars it's common. Metal pipes are available to replace the plastic ones. Don't leave it, as it will take out the alternator and gearbox cont, which are underneath!!