2013 Porsche Cayenne Review Over 4 years of Ownership!

Instagram ► / kevins_european_garage
Here is my review on my 2013 Porsche Cayenne 958 92A. I have owned it for the last 4.5 years. Watch my video and find out what it has been like. The good the bad and some ugly. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

[@justmedotcom]

I have a 2011 Cayenne S I bought with 4500 mi on it. Now has 98k mi and have had to perform very few repairs. What an amazing SUV! Key is to find a good mechanic so the dealership doesn't drain you on regular maintenance and repairs. Still drives like a new SUV to me. Hoping to keep this for another 100k miles.

[@cyclonus01]

what maintenance have you had to do? TIA

[@angelovalencia3892]

how much do you pay for maintenance on it yearly?

[@nelsonss3200]

I see some people complain about these cars not holdng up compared to a Toyota, common just the pleasure of driving this joy and having a smile in your face it's worth every penny

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I agree. A Cayenne is fun to drive I don’t think I could say that about a 4Runner.

[@taylorhickman84]

That's an odd comparison for people to make, as toyota doesn't make an equivalent to the cayenne.

[@jodyfarina1147]

I love my Cayenne! It’s towed cars from deep Florida and Tennessee to Indianapolis... Now I have a first generation still, an 2006, S, I’ve had this for 9 years. I’ve had to work out a few serious bugs, like most others have had to.... And it’s been crazy reliable. Mine has about 170,000 on it and still runs great.. I have recently changed the transmission fluid, this year. It seems to have something once a year that will need to have attention, it’s been easy to take care of for the most part. I will definitely buy another, and will keep my old one til it drops..... If it will...

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I hoping mine will be relatively trouble free. I would like to keep it to 150k or longer if it stays in this shape.

[@scottjohnson8316]

Porsche would tell you that these aforementioned problems would all be addressed with regular maintenance visits. Idk man I like this car but it sounds like you’ve got and had quite a bit of problems for a car with less than 100k. I hear that the 15’ and up is greatly improved.

[@JonnyQ408]

I love the interior I looked a 2014 base model yesterday, with 72,000 miles on it, I also test drove a few different 2011-2013 Panamera different trims rwd / awd v6 and v8 turbo, when I first saw the interior pictures with all the buttons, I felt overwhelmed, but in person all the buttons were lay out, with pictures Porsche did a great job with the button layout.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I agree I have over 100k on my mine now and the interior still looks a great. They definitely use better materials than most

[@Dezz005]

I have a 2013 Cayenne S. I purchased it new in 2013. Its my daily driver and I currently I have 120k miles on it. I keep up with all maintenance schedules and it has treated me well. I have had stupid problems along the way such as the second hand falling off the clock, and the front passenger drain backing up causing water intrusion in the car, and yes the transfer box was replaced by Porsche and other Porsche recalls. But overall to this very day I enjoy driving her. She is fun, confident under any conditions, has plenty of power, and still looks great inside and outside. More than likely I will be getting another one in 3 or 4 years. :)

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I’m in the same boat I’ll probably get another one in a few years. They do have their little issues but they are great cars. I enjoy driving mine.

[@Dezz005]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage One of the things I really enjoy about her is the air suspension, it makes those long (and short) trips enjoyable. Its great on these rough NC roads. :)

[@WenboCanadaImmigration]

hi ,the transfer box was replaced by Porsche for free?

[@Dezz005]

@@WenboCanadaImmigration Yes, they replaced the transfer box for free. I still remember the discussion. My Porsche rep said good news bad news. I said bad news first. He said your transfer box is having issues and it will cost about $4500. I said hell, what's the good news. He said since we know you and your car, and you keep all maintenance appointments we called the corporate office and asked them for a freebie on this. They said sure without question. The only thing I paid was $200, which was optional, for the 5 year warranty on the parts and labor. :)

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Not a bad deal

[@ieshagreen2430]

It’s the honesty of the video, beautiful car

[@tommejames1095]

I'm shopping a 2011 cayenne. Thank you guys so much for the REAL WORLD advice on living with the SUV as a daily and expectation for long term service and repairs! This really helps

[@nothingtoseehere5760]

I am very happy with the 957s, the base would probably not cut it though, absolutely 100% agree with the v8 > v6 assessment... Still probably beautiful in the corners especially if you have the PASM/PSM options

[@tonicreal4853]

Good honest review.good to know

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for watching.

[@lerymiza]

GREAT REVIEW!!!!

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@breathtimebreath4934]

Thank you kindly!!!!

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

You’re welcome

[@ributhomas]

I really wish I could give this video a SUPER LIKE 👍👍 thanks for sharing this no nonsense info. In the market rn for a 2013/2014 cayenne base rn and I had inspected one with 100k kms on the clock and they overlooked the PCV AND Water pump . I had my suspicion since the cooler was leaking a little but thanks for the confirmation. It isn't that expensive but I get to negotiate along with the other list of mechanical usuals(rotors, leaking valve cover gasket, upper arm bushing,PCV,water pump) Hoping this comes through. Thanks again Cheers

[@Jay-tc9on]

Hey Kevin, i found your video extremely helpful! I am looking into a cayenne as i need something with more room than my bmw 135i. I am looking at both the base and s model model in the 50-80k mile range. It seems the v6 is quite reliable engine wise and the water pump cost doesn't seem to be terribly expensive and the transfer case issue is a good one to be aware of. In terms of the S with the v8 do you know of any issues with those or how is the reliability compared to the v6? And another places to look for information in terms of reliability on the S? How is the 8 speed transmission in terms of shift speed? i get it wont be quite like a dual clutch but just hoping for something better than tiptronic.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for watching. The S is pretty reliable the early ones had issues with the cam bolts that held on the gears. They would shear. I think that got fixed in later models. Most S models come with air suspension, they can leak and are not cheap replace. I've heard of people converting to a standard coil and shock. The transmission doesn't feel like a dual clutch in sport mode it shifts quick but not that fast. I never found the transmission lacking. I like how it feels and shifts through all those gears pretty seamlessly. The Cayenne is going to feel like a bus after driving a 1 series. Those are great cars fun to drive. Good luck on your search!

[@Gomepez]

Appreciate the info

[@Marc_Da_God]

I have a 14 cayenne it’s a beautiful ride, It rides like a new car, & I get a good feeling every time I sit in it lol

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I still enjoy mine after 6 years with her but the Maserati Levante is starting to catch my eye and also more reasonably priced used.

[@Marc_Da_God]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage IMa have to check out the Maserati. I heard they have a lot of issues under the hood tho

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Every car has its problems unless you buy a Toyota but they aren’t too fun to drive nor do they look as good either. Next year i should be in the market to replace this cayenne. I know one thing i do want more power 300hp is not enough.

[@michaeldobson8859]

The 2013 does not have a transfer case. That was eliminated in 2010. Everything is contained in the transmission.

[@elitorres-realtor]

Thank you, very helpful video. I got offered a 2013 S and looking for info on it. I am a Toyota guy and have never driven a Porsche. The maintenance and repairs costs worries me.

[@christschool]

I recently test drove a Cayenne. I needed to trade in my GX 460. I think its a stretch really to call the Cayenne an SUV, its more akin to a crossover vehicle. The interior space is very small in the back and its the only reason I didn't buy it. I have a big dog and there was no way he'd fit in that space in the rear of the of the vehicle. I do think if you're in the market for one of these, you should go with the S model. The 300hp base is not impressive at all. It also doesn't downshift smoothly, which really surprised me. I really wish there was some sort of hybrid type of vehicle that had the cornering performance of the Porsche with the full size of a proper SUV. I ended up buy an LX 570. It was the only full size luxury type of SUV that was large enough for my dog, but it accelerates and corners like a truck. I wish I didn't have to compromise, but alas....However, when the dog passes away, I'll be back for the Cayenne S. The base is out of the question, just not enough power.

[@Itsellasky]

Great Video !!! trying to decide between this and the panamera… which one do you think is better on maintenance and reliability?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I think that both will have similar reliability while the base models don’t share the same engine. That is until this latest redesign. The other models do. Find one with good maintenance records if buying used, if buying new enjoy the new ride!

[@512TXSDIY]

So what’s the rotor size? 330mm? Lol PCV job was pretty involved for me too. I personally prefer base models of everything... Cayenne, Cayman...

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

The rotor size ended up being 350mm which is what PowerStop now has as the size on their web page. The base model are better cause there is less stuff to break. All that electronics is going to break someday and it won’t be easy to fix .

[@512TXSDIY]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage Agreed. My brake pads I just purchased for the front said 330MM. Maybe it’s different for my 2010? Good content on your channel btw.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks! I think the 2010 is the 330 and I think the first year or two of the 958 they started with the 330 and then went to the 350. It’s a good idea to measure to make sure.

[@512TXSDIY]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage Good point. Maybe on the next brake change. I already replaced my pads with Brembos a few days ago.

[@a.j.manville7042]

I have a 2011 Cayenne base v6 my radio sound has stopped and I've sent the radio out for diagnostics and they told me nothing is wrong with the radio. would you happen to know where the amplifier location is in the base model. I'm assuming that it's not in the radio. I do not have a Bose system I just have the stock radio. I did find one video on the web that described an ASK amplifier located in the trunk rear passenger panel. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Yes there is a separate amplifier it is located in the rear of the car. It is located behind the rear most panel on the passenger side just below the the window.

[@ChrisFu7]

Lol we have had the same adventure. Outside the TC fluid swap I mentioned on your other video, I also had leaking flexpipes (replaced both on-car at a performance muffler shop for ~$800) and issues with rotor sizing. Powerstop didn't even offer the 360mm kit for over a year until I had to pull their teeth to convince them with tons of pictures that some random base model black caliper vehicles have 360mm instead of 350mm fronts. It took 16 months until they manufactured the proper set. Sorry you had the same issue another year later.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Looks like these are the typical things to go wrong with the Cayennes. The rotors sucked I had to scramble to find a solution for that. Soon I’ll put on the matching front set. I’ve heard of a couple other people having issues with the flex pipes like us. I’ll probably have to take it someone where to get it fixed. I don’t have a welder and a lift would make that job much easier. I think a lift might be a future purchase.

[@mikebarcikoski2234]

Nice video, I appreciate. I have a 2016 base with 25000 miles on it, like new in and out. I love this vehicle however my wife is driving same model year, 3.6l engine.. same engine same model and feels like she sitting o 100hp more. Porsche could not figure out why.. Only they suggested was that adoptive transmission could get better power after 30 thousand miles.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Well I wouldn’t say the transmission has anything to do with the lack power in a way that it would get better after 30k. Is could only see it getting worse as mileage goes up. Maybe slipping clutches but that would never get better. I would take it to a different Porsche dealer. Lots of things can cause a car to be down on power. Clogged cat converters, bad gas, engine timing being pulled back. Over active knock sensor. If you usually get gas from the same place try another. Make sure you always use premium gas. Bring it for a second opinion.

[@bryannguyen9548]

If I don’t change fuel pomp pressures send my stop run one day thanks

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

no it shouldn't stop running

[@bryannguyen9548]

Thanks Mr Kevin very helpful

[@aes_ka]

Kevin: So Im driving on highway at 60mph and all of a sudden my water temp needle slides up to the red zone and returns back to its normal position, and when at the red I get this “coolant level low” red warning, which goes away as soon as the needle goes back down. This keeps happening every couple minutes until I get home. Checked the coolant reservoir looked ok. What do you think it might be? This never happened before. Its real hot today here, dash shows 95 outside. (2013 cayenne base V6, 65k miles)

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Usually around 60k the water pump will go bad and your right at that mileage. They will leak a little at first then they will completely fail. Mine did that where the needle would go up and then go down again. Most likely due to a small air pocket in the cooling system at the thermostat. Look at the front of the engine right above the crank pulley, below the water pump for coolant stains. Without seeing the car it’s hard to give a accurate diagnosis but i would start there. Good luck!

[@Oleg-iz1pi]

Hi Kevin! Do you have any idea about the block heater for cayenne? Thx!

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Sorry I don't as far as I know no one makes one..

[@_Ashii89_]

Hi bro, how is it after 3 years Is it reliable still now bro i. Planning to get a cayyene base model 2013....do u recommend bro❤❤❤

[@victorbaquero900]

Hello did you put those 22inch wheels or comes with the car?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

These are aftermarket, the factory ones in this design are 21’s. I found these on Craigslist.

[@amirkazemi2517]

what is the flushing?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I talking about the transfer case. They have issues. One of the remedies is to flush the fluid to get rid of the contaminants. I have a couple videos about the issue

[@1ce2berg]

Hey there! I needed your advice on a related matter. So I live in Toronto, Canada and have an option of buying out my 2018 platinum edition cayenne in March 2021. It will cost $54 CAD ($41 USD) and the car currently has 14.5k km's on it and will have under 20k mileage (in km not miles) by the end of the lease (which was paid for by my company in its entirety luckily). Would you recommend I buy it out and keep it for 5 years as it's more reliable than other variations of the same generation as well as all the new gen ones due to it having a turbo-less engine and a static suspension. But like you said, I crave more power as I had test driven the GTS, which was amazing but too much. I think the S is a good balance. Or would you recommend to buy it out and sell it within a year and replace it with the 2019 Cayenne S/Hybrid S, or a 2018 gts/turbo?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for watching. I would definitely buy it out for only $54 cad. It would hard to walk away from all equity especially since it was company paid and it’s a great car. In your situation time is on your side and you don’t have to make a decision right away. The vr6 engine has been around for a long time now and is well documented. The turbo charged 6cyl is relatively new in comparison. If you want more power but don’t want to step up to an GTS, an S is a good upgrade. In another year the new model will have been out long enough to determine its reliability. Good luck and buy out that Cayenne.

[@1ce2berg]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage thanks for the reply! Will defitnely buy it out and possibly sell immediately to upgrade (or might keep it). Subscribed!

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for the sub! Let me know what you end up doing, hope you find yourself in an S or maybe GTS in the future.

[@prabeeshsidhu]

What did you end up choosing!

[@gerardkho981]

What's the name of the mount for the mobile again?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

It’s from Rennline

[@paladin3116]

whats your opinion on the diesel version of this car?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I like the diesel version especially if have any plans of towing anything. The engine is known to be reliable some have issues with sensors. I would look for one that you can see the history there are some common failures. But nothing too serious. One with history records would be best.

[@tylertran93nsx]

Where did you get that phone mount?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I got it through pelican parts its a rennline mount or rennline.com

[@DMagic-ib4ok]

This video is hard to hear because you're in the car with all that noise and I can barely hear what you're saying

[@chrispederson4157]

So I just bought a 19 Cayenne s with 18000km on it used. Absolutely love this suv so far. We usually only put 15000-20000km on are vehicle a year. We have factory warranty for 2 more years. So are Cayenne will have 50000-60000km on it. Should we extend the warranty that cost $1700.00 a years to do. Really enjoy your channel. Totally agree with what you said about more power this 2.9 we got in are S is crazy fast and can see wanting anymore. Thanks.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

That's a tough one. I remember when I purchased mine and they asked do you want an extended warranty. I said no, it was $3500 for 2 more years. I'm glad I didn't. For me it would have been a waste of money. My car hasn't been perfect but any issues I had, happened after after that warranty would have been over. I think these cars are pretty well engineered. But with all that new tech they have with the dash controls I can see that being very expensive to fix down the line. I might be worth it in case the tech would cost more than for sure if it needs to be replaced. Assuming that warranty covers those items.

[@piotrpeksa]

Hi,did U have that problem with vibrations at 1100-1300 rpm on this 3.6 engine?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I haven't had any issues with engine vibration. A little more info would help.

[@BlowInKushCloudsNOW]

Massachusetts man

[@josegregoriomaldonadoramir9502]

Buenas tardes estimado, quisiera contactarlo por interno y hacerle algunas consultas

[@douglastaylor8039]

The government should step in. ,which is a consumer affairs issue. Known issues should be repaired by the manufacturer. And the consumer should be reimburse for their time spent at the dealer and for their time without a car being most of most the manufacturers their new cars are back for repairs.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

There is a recall for what I understand about the transfer case. I have yet to receive my paperwork for it but others have. This address most of the issues people have been having

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

Go get your TC replaced under warranty.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

That is definitely what I recommend for everyone now that they have the warranty. Which unfortunately didn’t exist when I made this video.

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage I just got mine done. I'm at 34k miles. It was getting noticeable at 30k miles.

[@Jonbarfour]

Would you buy one without warranty?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I would buy one if it was a good deal and I knew the history. No history I would think twice. Also depends if the transfer case was under the factory warranty or not. I haven’t had a warranty on mine for almost 5 years except now the transfer case was extended. But I did also get mine with 40k miles. There are a lot of factors going into if I would or would not buy one.

[@Jonbarfour]

Hmm, very insightful. Thanks

[@davidd7175]

Could be wrong but believe the TC is now covered by Porsche 10year/unlimited miles

[@MrPuciek]

Have you done any towing with it?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Unfortunately the only thing I have ever towed with it was a hydraulic auger.

[@jodyfarina1147]

I have! And it rocks! I’m in Indianapolis Indiana and towed a Formula 3 car back from Ft Meyers, FL and went and towed and old Audi wagon from Nashville, TN.. I would buy another Cayenne for sure! Once you work out the bug issues, my Cayenne has been super reliable, not a constant chasing of fixing something else.

[@dongmingzhu666]

It's a petrol car. If you wanna tow you'd better get a diesel one.

[@margaretripken4450]

Just bought my 2013 Cayenne. Have a 4 month warranty and see a few issues. I’m wondering if you have or can do a video to outline every detail of the car. The manual is the size of the Bible and I’m a single working mom. Can you help?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Thanks for watching. I don’t have any plans for doing an in depth video on all the features. One reason why is because my Cayenne is a base and doesn’t have a lot of the options. Maybe if got my hands onto a fully loaded car I would. But at this I don’t, sorry.

[@smartdoctorphysicist3095]

Hi thank you I just need the fund to get one like you have.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

The 958 models are becoming more reasonably price

[@tko1573]

The phone mount looks cool, which one is it?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

It’s the Rennline phone mount. I have a review and install video on it. Thanks for watching

[@tko1573]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage awesome, thank you!

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

No problem

[@nygroupconstruction8975]

@@KevinsEuropeanGarage Are you located in Boston? Because I am, and I have an issue with my 3.6 Cayenne, have a noise in the engine, wanted your thoughts in it. Don’t know how I can send the video to you, or meet you . Love your work and your skills.

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Replied to your other post.

[@shujayethossain6554]

Will it be relaible if bought used with 80k miles?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Well that's not an easy question. I would say they are pretty reliable but you will have to put aside money for some repairs . I had to do repairs, not a lot but some. I'm going to have a video coming out soon on how much its cost me to own my Cayenne. It should give you some idea what to look for.

[@Jonbarfour]

Hey every vehicle part does break sometime, but you wouldnt want to to be soo frequent and often that you become first name buddies with your local dealer. Isuppose my point and advice is factory extended warranty

[@user-xk5so7wb2t]

Bro. You bought a Porsche! (a street legal Race Car/SUV) Knowing that, you must understand that, when buying Porsche. Porsche=$

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I know all about the Porsche tax I also have a 911. This is more for others on what it’s like to own one and what it costs to run one. All in all I think it wasn’t too bad. Compare to other high end vehicles

[@stephenmcdowell9210]

To run this vehicle will bankrupt you unless you're William mc shell or Bobby BP, or you have a fuel line straight to the oil rigs in the Pacific Ocean, my mate got one the turbo and he took it to Porsche to check for a leaking petrol tank,,they told him it was dry as a bone no leaks anywhere, hoho it was drinking the petrol 13 mpg he thought the petrol tank was leaking, so it's not a vehicle for anyone counting the Penny's and you need to be flush with cash or you will go bankrupt

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

No this isn’t a vehicle for someone on a tight budget. But it’s really fun to drive as far as SUV’s go.

[@Mr.Atlanta850]

🙄 Autozone. I stop listening after that.

[@brosjay8070]

I’m about to get a 2016 cayenne s please any problem with this model?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

Hi James. I am more familiar with the vr6 engine vehicles. The transfer case is the main issue. There are ways to mitigate the problem. I have two videos discussing this problem. Other than that I am not aware of anything major with the S model.

[@brosjay8070]

Kevin’s European Garage okay thanks mate

[@virdeo9152]

0:09 car looks very small in front of you.... Are you a giant or its because of the camera lens?

[@KevinsEuropeanGarage]

I’m a giant haha

[@stringer-ik1pc]

I bet that car knows its way to McDonalds. 😀