Porsche Cayenne GTS | Spotted
We'd all love a naturally aspirated Porsche classic for less than £20k, right? Time to think differently...
The GTS models are understandably very popular Porsches. From the T-Hybrid 911s to the Taycans, Macan to Panamera, the combination of desirable options with extra goodies not available elsewhere make the GTS a strong seller in all the Stuttgart sports car ranges. Little wonder, then, that almost two decades of the badge being used in the 21st century has flown by so fast…
It’s easy to think of the 997 GTS being the start, revered as it was as one of the best modern 911 packages. But in fact it wasn’t, with that honour actually falling to the Cayenne in 2008. Bet that was a quiet day on PH, the moniker famous from mid-engined racing Porsche slapped onto an SUV. But as these things go the GTS was a good 'un, with another 20hp from the 4.8-litre V8 (enhanced further by a rowdy exhaust), its own sports chassis setup and some cosmetic bits from the Turbo.
There was even a manual option, if you really wanted - although the chances of finding one of those now are roughly the same as seeing a Blockbuster Video on your local high street. ‘Begrudging respect’ concluded one review back in the '00s, appreciating what had been achieved without falling head over heels for it.
A few things have changed since then. First being that the naturally aspirated unit was replaced by a 3.6 turbo V6 for the next GTS, and that wasn’t liked as much as the old ripsnorting V8. Now as a used purchase, eight-cylinder swagger without turbo complexity is appealing. The second being that the original Cayenne is now being appreciated a little more, both for its significance in the Porsche story and its credentials both on- and off-road. See here for proof…
The result is cars like this one, demand for good V8 GTSes such that they’re being imported from Japan. The usual notes around JDM cars seem to apply: the condition here appears to be impeccable, and the spec - with dark brown leather under white paint - far more courageous than would have been optioned here. With just one UK MOT to its name earlier this year, this GTS probably hasn’t been here long.
And while £17,995 isn’t bargain basement Cayenne territory (they’re still down there if you’re brave enough), it’s comparable with a lot of UK market cars and indicative of the favour in which these V8s are held. The facelift is the more desirable E1 Cayenne, the 80k mileage is below average, and everything - even Porsche SUVs - will look better with JDM square plates. If the family needs a new V8 bus, there must surely be many worse options…
SPECIFICATION | PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS
Engine: 4,806cc, V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 405@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 369@3,500rpm
MPG: 20.3
CO2: 332g/km
First registered: 2013
Recorded mileage: 80,000
Price new: £54,350
Yours for: £17,995
That steering wheel was one of Porche’s worst designs due to how easy it was to inadvertently change gear when turning the wheel. That and the 997 key which would open the frunk from your trouser pocket.
That steering wheel was one of Porche s worst designs due to how easy it was to inadvertently change gear when turning the wheel. That and the 997 key which would open the frunk from your trouser pocket.
GTS starts at £114k
t but that looks ace.Completely counter to the desirable attributes of an SUV.
I took a job in March 2016 that turned out to be a disaster in every sense. The worst part was the company car.... Chrysler Town and country. A tarted up Dodge minivan. I hate that thing. I got out of the job in a few months and found myself, for the first time, without a company car.
I was looking at VWs when a Grey Cayenne GTS popped up on auto trader. I still remember turning my phone so my wife could not see what I was doing.
A couple of days later I sent her a text "I bought a Porsche".
Back then 420hp felt powerful. I remember driving through a tunnel and thinking "have they pumped fake noise into the cabin?" I opened the window and hear is roar. No, it really is that loud. I have since set off car alarms in under ground car parks and play the Lincoln tunnel into NYC like a church organ.
Practicality....
Amazingly good in the snow on the right tyres. Drives like a toboggan on the wrong ones. When I bought it I told my wife it was a "Practical SUV" only to quickly slide down the hill outside my house. I run Continental DSW 06 and rate them highly. I had Michelin PS all seasons for a while and thought they were garbage. They also lasted half of what the continentals do.
Running costs...
Well, it has a drinking problem. I get about 20mpg around town and 24 on a long run. That is not terrible. Consumption goes up when you are driving it like an ass.
Brakes cost $5k from a dealer or $900 on your driveway. Oil change is $900 at a dealer or $150 locally. It takes a ton of oil.
Carplay upgrade transformed the media experience.
I have had the car forever. Due to depreciation it is now worth nothing. It feels like it is made of stone and can still get going. I have a Taycan Turbo S as a daily now so the Cayenne sits in the garage waiting to be called into action. The Cayenne feels like it will be around a lot longer than the taycan.
The cayenne continues to be a great car.
I took a job in March 2016 that turned out to be a disaster in every sense. The worst part was the company car.... Chrysler Town and country. A tarted up Dodge minivan. I hate that thing. I got out of the job in a few months and found myself, for the first time, without a company car.
I was looking at VWs when a Grey Cayenne GTS popped up on auto trader. I still remember turning my phone so my wife could not see what I was doing.
A couple of days later I sent her a text "I bought a Porsche".
Back then 420hp felt powerful. I remember driving through a tunnel and thinking "have they pumped fake noise into the cabin?" I opened the window and hear is roar. No, it really is that loud. I have since set off car alarms in under ground car parks and play the Lincoln tunnel into NYC like a church organ.
Practicality....
Amazingly good in the snow on the right tyres. Drives like a toboggan on the wrong ones. When I bought it I told my wife it was a "Practical SUV" only to quickly slide down the hill outside my house. I run Continental DSW 06 and rate them highly. I had Michelin PS all seasons for a while and thought they were garbage. They also lasted half of what the continentals do.
Running costs...
Well, it has a drinking problem. I get about 20mpg around town and 24 on a long run. That is not terrible. Consumption goes up when you are driving it like an ass.
Brakes cost $5k from a dealer or $900 on your driveway. Oil change is $900 at a dealer or $150 locally. It takes a ton of oil.
Carplay upgrade transformed the media experience.
I have had the car forever. Due to depreciation it is now worth nothing. It feels like it is made of stone and can still get going. I have a Taycan Turbo S as a daily now so the Cayenne sits in the garage waiting to be called into action. The Cayenne feels like it will be around a lot longer than the taycan.
The cayenne continues to be a great car.
Completely counter to the desirable attributes of an SUV.
I'd still want mine with a turbo, or two.
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