2008-2010 Cayenne GTS

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Discussion

MarkGolf

Original Poster:

48 posts

205 months

Monday 12th November 2018
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Hi All,

I am currently doing some research into a 957 Cayenne GTS for my wife.

I know the MPG is bad and I'm not worried about that and the road tax is £550.

I want to know if they are reliable really. I know the earlier Cayenne 4.5 V8's had bore score issues, I assume the later 4.8's are solid?

Carden shaft and coolant pipes seem to be the common issues on these, what about the auto boxes, I have had hugely bad luck with auto's in my family, so I am fearful of them.

I'm not decided on air suspension, I feel like I want to avoid it to avoid possible issues as it only gets older but I will try out both versions to see if it is a must have or not.

I am a handy DIYer so minor things like the carden and coolant pipes don't worry me but auto box and engine failures do. I have seen the occasional manual GTS pop up, I imagine that could be an interesting option, not sure the wife would agree although she is partial to a manual and has a boxster already.

Sorry for the blabbing, just want to know if the GTS is a reliable option really and what to look for.

Thanks,
Mark

_Superleggera_

2,004 posts

197 months

Monday 12th November 2018
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They are pretty solid. The 4.8 is a solid engine unlike the non turbo 4.5's that seems to be prone to bore scoring.

Cardon shaft is generally better on the 4.8. Coolant pipes don't have the same issues as the 4.5 but there is a joint that can fail if I remember correctly.

You have 3 suspensions choices.

• Standard Suspension.
• Air Suspension
• Air Suspension with PDCC.

Now even though it may not appeal to you personally the air with pdcc is the desirably option for most people. Also makes the cayenne handle incredibly well.

The air suspension is actually much more reliable than the equivalent land rover etc etc so don't discount it.

They can cost a fair bit to run with usual maintenance stuff but mine have all been pretty good.

Auto box is pretty solid much listen for any knocks or bangs on test drive. Sometimes just changing the transfer case oil is all a car needs if the changes aren't smooth.

Edited by _Superleggera_ on Tuesday 13th November 09:41


Edited by _Superleggera_ on Tuesday 13th November 09:45

h_____

684 posts

224 months

Tuesday 13th November 2018
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I have 2008 GTS tip.
I've had it for 5 years, and done about 140, 000km with it (its on 240,000km now) . they are pretty reliable but dont think its going to be cheap to maintain.

My car gets an awful lot of abuse, so I hit nearly all the issues there are!

Cardan shafts seem to go every 50 - 60kmiles. My car has had 3 that I know of, I've done 2.
I've replaced front and rear air suspension. Aftermarket items are available and they are much cheaper.
Gearbox, transfer case and engine have all been fine. Although I do my fluids religiously. One a year all fluids and oil every 10,000km at least.
Coolant pipes have to be done (probably will be on the car you buy), as they will go, and there is fair chance they will take something else with them.
Suspension bushes go, front and back (for me every 3years but hot country)
Steering lock has failed, leaving car stranded - cheap fix, but need to send parts to the US.
Various electrical things fail over time, but often can be cheaply fixed.
coil packs need doing every 60-70k, but are cheap and easy.
Engine mounts need dowing, but again cheap and easy

There is a great wealth of knowledge on forums and facebook groups, that has saved me thousands over the years.

I love the air suspension, its really great, enabling good road manners and ability to raise clearance. The car is a real mix of road warrior, family wagon and offroader. For me its a great compromise car.

The newer 958s are way more refined and nicer to drive, but I love my 957, like I didnt know I would.

Go in with your eyes open though - you may be lucky and it will be trouble free, or it may demand a fair bit of attention.

Like I said my car gets a hardlife, so I probably see more issues than most will on a single car.
you can check out what we get up to at www.facebook.com/CayenneGTSOffroad

regards

h

MarkGolf

Original Poster:

48 posts

205 months

Thursday 15th November 2018
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Thank you guys, invaluable info there.

Really looking forward to actually trying one out!

H, I checked out the facebook page, I certainly didn't expect you to be doing that with it!!! HAHA, I thought you were just doing some high miles, not dune bashing, what a test for it and certainly a different choice to the landcruisers etc that you typically see!


I've seen a manual one for not a lot of money, I am tempted to try that although I do think a car like this, for how it will be used should be an auto but lets see.

I'm looking for one with the Bi-plane rear wing (seen some without), Bose, PCM 2 but not essential, Heated seats all round, rear climate control, electric tailgate and rear blinds would be nice but they seem to be rare.

Silver, grey or carmine red.

Under 80k miles.

They are out there, not rushed just yet, wife has until June so I think Jan/Feb is probably a good time to buy as the market is typically slow then which will help the haggle.

Thanks again for the great information, will help with my checks and search and glad to see these aren't like a range rover in terms of everything going wrong!



h_____

684 posts

224 months

Monday 19th November 2018
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Sounds like a sensible approach. the cars are out there, and the UK market is fairly big. I am sure the right car will come along. The 958 is a much more refined car, if that fits your needs, it might be worth driving both and seeing.

I have no plans to change mine, going to invest in the maintenance.

alscar

4,096 posts

213 months

Sunday 25th November 2018
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My wife has had her's since new in 2009 - still only done just under 30k.
Very reliable -from memory issues so far 2 new acceleration sensors , thermostat ,new oil cooler and that's about it.
Averages 19 mpg apart from when pushing on in which case much lower possible with effort.
Have always continued with the Porsche Warranty.
Hers has Air with PDCC - handles like it shouldn't.
With sports exhaust mode on sounds fabulous and why she bought it in the first place.
Good luck with finding a manual though although tbh the auto / tip box suits it perfectly anyway.

Brother D

3,719 posts

176 months

Saturday 1st December 2018
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Stick with the 4.8, I think the coolant pipes should be replaced if you get a later year. Just as long as you realize they can come with chunky bills if you are not handy with a spanner. In 18 months with a 2010 (putting about 8k on it) I had steering pump replaced, water pump replaced, rear air shock replaced, oil cooler, steering column motor, there was a mid block oil leak, but lived with it as it's a 5/6k engine out job. Traded it in once the gearbox/transfer case was starting to go.

Budget about 500 a month for maintenance, and that should cover servicing.

They look a load better than base models, and the sound is awesome (along with the air suspension). I miss all that, but dont miss the 'what expensive item is going to break this time' everytime I went to use it...


Als911

331 posts

198 months

Sunday 2nd December 2018
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Had an early Cayenne Turbo for 3.5 years and really enjoyed it.
Moved away from them for a couple of years ( BMW M5)
But have missed having the big jeep so happy to say I’ve just jumped into
A lovely late (59 plate) 957 GTS........ just tripped over 30k miles.
Well pleased with my purchase.

Als911

331 posts

198 months

Sunday 2nd December 2018
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Let’s see if I can live without the turbos. 😁