2003 Porsche Cayenne S from North America - Comments

-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.

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.

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.

I want to ask why you bought it?

Surely performance would be better with a sports car right? Why buy it?

Just bought a 2006 Cayenne about 6 weeks ago. Like most drivers of this SUV I was amazed by the handling, braking and even the speed is there for a vehicle of this size. It's a lot of fun to drive and it gets the attention it deserves. I bought this SUV because I have been driving trucks for the better part of 12 years. So what could be more appealing than having the an SUV that preforms like a PORSCHE and the Cayenne certainly does both! No problems to date. Dealer in Miami is THE COLLECTION and are very easy to work with... never been so spoiled at a car dealer in my life!

If you want an SUV that is by design unique in performance, handling and safety with a very respected name.. this is your truck!

Hi I just bought a 04 Cayenne V6 3.2 fully equipped.

I can't believe the car it is everything I expected and more. Big, powerful, really sure on the road, a delight to drive.

I live in southern Ireland, there are not too many about. It has a black exterior, with striking good looks and big rear haunches, which make it a real head turner.

As for the sound it makes, it's just fantastic.

I have one small problem, a relay has gone wacko, and I get an intermittent warning light on the air suspension.

But I really don't care, I just love it.

My last SUV was a Merc ML, which was a slow cumbersome truck compared to my new " Porky"

Thinking of getting a V6. But I'm told I should hold out for a V8. I have a 911 - so don't really need the speed. The KN is to cart the kids about. I think a V6 could do the job without going to the bigger V8. Also insurance and fuel is a lot more for the V8!!! Any thoughts.

Nooooooooo. Road test the V6 and V8 back to back. Unless you cannot afford the extra running costs the V8 is definitely the one to go for. The air suspension also makes a massive difference.

When it comes to a heavy vehicle such as this, an engine with more power, the v-8, would be the better choice. mostly because of the weight to power ratio is much better in an 8, making the strain much less than a v-6, wheras the v-6 probably strain a bit more toting a heavy vehicle around. generally in these cases, this is where the gas mileage is almost evened out. I would not know the performance of the v-6 cayenne first hand becasue I have not driven or own one, but the cayenne s with the v-8 seems as if its just idling at highway speeds. that's just my 2 cents and I hope this helps you make your decision, if you haven't already.

I'm thinking about buying a 2nd hand 03 Porsche cayenne, but I need some advice.

Is it true that the tires don't last? Is the 3.2 v6 heavy on gas?

Should I look at a 03 or and 04. Thanks in advance