Everything you need to know before buying a first generation Porsche Cayenne.

[@buckkylem]

I’m so ashamed of myself. I bought a cayenne project over 4 years ago and I still haven’t done it. I have all of the parts, lift, rack, lights, tires… everything. I even got it completely running and code free then just lost motivation. Just sits on the side of the house. I’ve gotta get back to it.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

You can do it! On the plus side at least you haven’t added any mileage to it! Haha

[@snapseven2323]

You can do it...its worth it.

[@basedgod3941]

Rebuilding one right now just a v6 tho, it’s beat to hell but still driving 200k miles really reliable vehicles and best option for the snow very underrated cars for harsh weather conditions

[@buckkylem]

@@basedgod3941 hell yeah. Mines at 220K

[@michaelfreund]

dude i hear you! same here - got it to be overlanded but just been enjoying the (in my case) pristineness of the car, inside out and the performance. it's almost in too good of a condition to modify. i am wimping out. i am also not 25 or 35 anymore -- i think things change at some point - but who cares. do what feels right!

[@1janik]

Thank you!! This summary is absolute gold. I am currently looking into a cayenne build and have been browsing your content as well as other videos and blogs for information but nothing comes close to this in terms of information density and quality 👌

[@cyclemoto8744]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Still in my early days of researching and considering a Cayenne. Cheers from OZ

[@Massimo_Media]

33:45 that sound is your starter that is bad. Your starter solenoid is not pulling the starter gear back into the starter soon enough, so it is grinding against the flyhweel when the motor is running. Exact sound happened on my '04 Cayenne S and my '03 996 C4S.

[@tonyliao106]

I had the same issue on my 955 couple years back with the grinding noise on startup. replaced the starter and good to go again

[@shr00m7]

Whether its the 911 or Cayenne, Porsche dudes are nerdy AF and I'm here for it.

[@thedevhow]

The noise when starting your 4.5 turbo is starter shaft failing to retract in time and starter getting force spun by the engine. You probably know that yourself, just dropping the comment for others. Superb video, much appreciated.

[@Teamrocketmember7777]

the pink pig wrap is cool👍🏻i always loved the Porsche Cayenne ever since i was a kid i wanted a 957 gts saved up for awhile and made my dream come true! its the best suv in the world🙏🏻

[@micujus1]

That black ones exhaust is a NUTS!😮

[@NabilMunyendo-rs4fh]

Found myself here and I can't be more happier. There is a striking resemblance in delivery and depth of knowledge to Daniel Kistler of DK off-road, one of my favorite channels( Nissan patrol)......Harrison, keep up the good job.

[@oczuk32]

Great video and well explained. I was about to purchase a 2008 Turbo but glad I saw this video. I will start looking for a Cayenne S. I don't tinker with vacuum lines.

[@JChurchua]

Epic Video. That starter sounds identical to the MK4 VW sticking starter. 100% non issue, it's just annoying sometimes, but doesn't indicate a dying starter.

[@Mexicanfab]

Yeah. I get that in my Turbo randomly now and again. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@miguelmarques7331]

As allways, on the top of the world on Cayenne matters & incredible individual allways helping each and every other . Thanks bro 💪💪

[@stellatusd.o.o5884]

Well put together video, a lot of information for the trained ear. Thanks for your time and knowledge.

[@jc6495]

great video! Im starting my journey and cant wait to pick up my first one

[@MegaShinobi3]

Awesome Video. Finally, someone knowledgeable about my 2006 Porsche Cayenne S. I am using it for getting where I want to go in inclement weather, so I don't have to subject my other Porsche to these other drivers out there. Will definitely partake the info,

[@scottblack1591]

I thought it was super organized actually. Great job Harrison! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight. Your videos are awesome.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Thank you!

[@rallyartman621]

This was very informative for me as I'm starting to look for my first porsche ever thank you for this

[@sheaXsoapX]

Cayenne Bible

[@IWC6533]

Fantastic briefing! Thank you very much. You truly practically bought all types old Cayenne to play with them. Plan to have 1, may need to have your advise for ON ROAD daily purpose and weekend light mud road purpose (light off road). I have followed you since 3 years back with your 1st Cayenne, cool man!

[@Jdsofar]

Ive had a 957 3.6 for the past 2.5 years. Black on black with 21' GTS rims. Love it and it's a great daily. Never left me stranded once. Only had to fix the front wheel bearings, blower motor, replace the aftermarket Kenwood headhunt that came with the car with the same Kenwood headunit to keep the install simple plug and play, wiper motor went bad, and just regular stuff like spark plugs/coils, trans fluid, diff fluid, brakes, tires etc. Nothing crazy. Im looking to buy a 06 955 turbo/turbo s or a 957 turbo or turbo s black with beige interior. Just trying to find the right one for me with lower miles and thats been looked after. There's also a lot of higher mile ones for sale but I don't want one over 85k miles. Ideally lower or around that number. On the right one I would go higher but generally the lower the more life it has left so thats what im going for. Just cant wait to get a turbo. The first gen Cayennes are the best looking imo especially the interior is just so nice.

[@bekabeka71]

Still no better off-roading than First gen W163 body on frame ML 💪🏼

[@Layingloww]

Thanks for this video I forgot to comment but when this video went out I was actually already looking at yennes and ended up getting a gts 2 months ago copart special but clean title and been working on it hopefully soon will be doing upgrades rather than maintenance done some slight oem upgrades like roof rails and oem tow hitch

[@michaelgreenup4777]

Thanks for the information, really helpful.

[@futureprogress]

Thanks bro, this video is gold

[@TheKingship]

You did a great job thanks for the video

[@6ixthstage845]

Thanks for the info!!! 2009-2010 Cayman base or S is my current dream car.

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

They should call you the Cayenne king

[@Overland958]

good stuff Harry... wanted to build a video for the 958s like this!

[@williamcho7780]

Great stuff! Thank you for sharing your journey and knowledge.

[@chrislaymon5739]

I've been following your content from afar for the last year or so and it's always been inspiring and engaging to watch. From what you've shown here, and from what I've seen in your other videos, is seems like there is a lot of experience with 955/957 generation of trucks. I'm getting to a point where I'm thinking about picking up a Cayenne for myself, but I have been leaning more towards 958.2 Turbos or 958 diesels. The rig would be a daily driver, but I would like to be able to do light/moderate overlanding. Turbos are attractive to me because of all the options they tend to offer which make for a better DD, and Diesels have been attractive because they sound basically bulletproof and get great range/fuel economy. I've been feeling more inclined to buy a 958 over 957/955 because 1) they generally get better MPG, and 2) some reading in the forums seem to suggest 958's have a better reputation for reliability. I love doing my own work, but because I rent, I don't always have a place to do my own "emergency maintenance." Do you know anything about the 958 trucks, or can you refer me to someone "in the know" like who who knows what I should be looking for as I shop around? Would you think I could get into a cayenne that would meet my dependability requirements, or do you think I would be better off getting into something more regular-traffic? (also welcoming input from anyone else reading this comment) Thanks!

[@cr4zyw3ld3r]

Golden info here!

[@johnmcgurran2084]

I have 2003 Japanese market left hand drive 955 S: no parking sensors; no rear a/c; no air suspension. I think it ticks many boxes as a build candidate. Not sure if these are available stateside.

[@trytolookbusy]

Great video! Thank you so much.

[@bmiller9456]

This is really helpful! Looking to pick up a good road/trip off-roading Cayenne. This helps me know what to look for! I'm in Utah - I'd love to tour your storage shed/garage some day.

[@pogidonut5613]

Just saw you at Flying J, Lake Park Utah

[@dachannel513]

This might be a dumb question, but would all of this insightful advice be applicable to the 7L VW Touareg? Thank you in advance for the response

[@Mexicanfab]

Great video. Very thorough. Although my turbo is a city truck, I super enjoy the off road builds. This was very insightful. Now the question is, is the exhaust noise on the pink pig too loud for city use? 🤔. Asking for a friend. 😂

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Nope, it’s perfect still!

[@Intangiblewealth]

This is a sweet project. But I don’t have the tools and experience for all these modifications 😅 any company sell them ready to go?

[@DerekGarner-km4fj]

Fantastic information! Thank you for sharing your Cayenne knowledge and experience with us! Any chance you are planning to share more info about your Unimog/Expedition rig soon? I hope it turned out to be less of a hassle than it seemed in your last video with it...

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Yes absolutely! I’m preparing the truck for a trip to South America so tons of maintenance and modifications to make it comfortable and reliable for the trip! I’ve put almost 8,000 miles on the truck since purchase!

[@DerekGarner-km4fj]

@@HarrisonSchoen That's great! I was hoping you wouldn't just give up on it, with the frustrations right off the bat. I'm sure you can make it into a dependable overlander-rig, and that trip to S. America should be epic! Can't wait to watch those videos... Kudos to you, for choosing a different kind of life, and truly living it.

[@ajshipitofsky9230]

So for the Turbo S, around 4:40 you started talking about fitting 18” wheels on Turbo S stock brakes with lower offset. What wheel brands and sizes did you have luck with? I’m thinking about returning the 20’s I got after hearing this.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

I’ve had luck with Braid winrace wheels, mantra 18” wheels, and rotiform STL’s

[@michaelfreund]

hey brother - met you in flagstaff at the expo. super detailed video, thanks. so i finally got a fabspeed secondary cat delete for my 2013 GTS. lost power in the low rpms, shifting is rougher and takes longer. i dont race or anything but sometimes it's nice to go from 60 to 110 on a piece of empty freeway in sport mode. or stay at that speed in the middle of nowhere in AZ or wherever. before mod, easy effortless. now, insanely loud i feel like a teenager idiot with a challenger except without the movement. on non sport mode, everything requires more throttle. i remember a akrapovic on my 1290 super duke ktm, that also took away low end oomph so much so that i ended up changing it back. i'd rather be fast and gone than loud and not gone. what am i doing wrong? ECU tune? is that just part of the deal, the less back pressure the more air/gas needs to flow through to get the same performance? i thought these things actually add power. is that only at red line? i only once floored it on the freeway in LA to overtake some idiot and it was insanely loud and not only not faster than with stock, but i think considerably slower. yes i get that perhaps it being so loud and vibrating more makes me THINK it's not faster but i have triple quintuple checked this many times. my NA doesnt seem to like this mod. the ONLY fun thing - and that is VERY fun and my ego loves it, is driving around town with open valves making people wonder what car this growl comes from, echoing between buildings. sounds a bit like the 800hp Urus i rented some months ago. but having no speed/acceleration fucking sucks. i came from a RAV4 that i had for 175K miles and have been revelling in the effortless V8-ness of this car, aside from the fact that it's flawless inside out (it was $26K), perfectly preserved from a california owner that clearly had it in a garage at home AND at work for all its 11 years. any feedback welcome! thanks - see you out there...

[@Mondo888]

Thank you great video a lot of great info

[@ghostdriver9206]

Hey Harrison I need some help with my Cayenne 957 Turbo. I've been experiencing a frustrating issue: When I put the car in D and accelerate while the engine is warm, it shuts down. Additionally, when it’s still cold and accelerate to 3000 RPM, it starts to misfire and makes pops and bangs. I've already changed the spark plugs and ignition coils, but the problem persists. Does you have any idea what could be causing this or where I should look next? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[@ChileVuela]

Nice video. I had a local shop here in Chile fab up a roof rack for mine - Equipers 4x4 Chile, if there's anyone in the South America area that's interested in a roof rack for their Cayenne.

[@porscherca]

Thoughts on a 2006 Turbo S ? I thought only the 911, Boxster and Caymans from 2004 to 2009 were at risk of suffering from bore score ?

[@wsk-clown]

955 04 turbo a good buy for first Porsche? I'm going to need it for 4wd and towing. I just bought property 30 miles out from cell phone tower range and need a good 4wd towing car to haul a 5,000 lbs trailer

[@gdish3445]

Great video, very informative. I have a 2006 S that had the coolant pipes blow on me in the sand dunes. Luckily the car didn't sustain any major damage, I replaced the pipes with the metal ones and I've put about 15k miles since but I've noticed my temps like to climb to almost 220 when off roading or going up a mountain pass. Some people say its normal, others say it isn't, what is your experience when pushing the car hard? Its pretty nerve wrecking seeing it get that high, I just don't remember seeing the temps go past 180 before the coolant pipes blew but maybe i just wasn't paying as much attention at the time. any insight is apricated.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Your car is fine until it starts climbing over 220! Then you should be worried

[@bh_media22]

Great video man definitely really a good insigt into the platform. Side note, you know anyone that needs some 957 gts headlights with everything on them and clean lenses?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

How much are you asking?

[@bh_media22]

@@HarrisonSchoen They are sitting in a box in my garage after I got upgraded ones. Anything is better than them collecting dust. Shoot an offer

[@kacperzabczyk4559]

Awesome video brother! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a top spec cayenne Turbo S with offroad package, oem tire carrier and no sunroof. This car is a beast, but the amount of stuff I’m not used to is overwhelming. Water cooled alternators, turbos and all of that

[@HarrisonSchoen]

No way! Are you in the U.S.? Does your car also have the Webasto pre-heater?

[@kacperzabczyk4559]

@@HarrisonSchoenI’m in Iceland! Yes it does 😂 I’m telling you it’s a crazy spec

[@kacperzabczyk4559]

@@HarrisonSchoenI have a one more question to you about the video, you said 17” rims will fit on 18z calipers. I’m not sure if you made a mistake or if it’s true. Because Brembo says 18z stands for 18” rim

[@alexmattie]

Thoughts on the v6 naturally aspirated version? Worth it? Avoid? Feel like it would be good for reliability and not dealing with turbos.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

They’re certainly best for longevity because the V6 doesn’t bore score but just very low on power

[@mapanma8533]

great vid Harrison!

[@Brandon-v7j]

This was great thank you! Wondering do you have any insight on towing and which are best? I'm planning on using mine for overland mainly but I also need it to tow my miata to the race track now and then

[@navyfan87]

Only some of the 955s are subject to bore scoring. It an easy thing to check for in a ppi and any high mileage 955 that's been properly maintained is good to go. My 06 S is over 113k miles and going strong.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Wrong. Any V8 cayenne can develop it, and while yes you can check it when you buy, it will happen at some point in the car’s life. Usually around 130k-200k

[@zkombainful]

Tell about cases on roof, and how the fixed

[@nautn]

Thanks for all your knowledge on the Cayennes. Do you any thoughts on Cayennes with TDI?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Honestly no experience with them, but I do think it would be great for the MPG! No low range is the main downside

[@LEMONSTERPLAYSPUBG]

@@HarrisonSchoenso for simple over landing TDIs would be a good choice right? And long distance driving on pavement?

[@CyberBrutus]

Hey Harrison, link to the steering column guy please.

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Yes, here’s a link! www.speedosolutions.com/2004--2010-Porsche-Cayenne-955957_c_91.html I’ll add it to the description also.

[@Mexicanfab]

@@HarrisonSchoen one of the forums mentions buying a Chinese version. That doesn’t need coding out? Just wondering just to have as back up.

[@robertirving7764]

so if you were goin to start with a cayenne now which would You start with?

[@joshfu4686]

Great video! Do you recommend using the Eurowise sway bar end links if you have spring suspension instead of air when off roading?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

If you lift it with spring suspension, I prefer removing sway bars.

[@joyrathod2082]

Great video. Just bought myself a turbo s. Plans to do a mild off road build. Will the x bravo bread lock rims fit the larger turbo s brakes?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

I haven’t personally fit them over Turbo s brakes but I do own a set of the wheels and believe they will fit! If you plan on off-roading hard and fast I’d avoid the alpha’s though because they are just cast

[@Massimo_Media]

Awesome video. Do you know the process of calibrating the speedometer and odometer after changing tire size?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Nope, I’ve always just dealt with it. I believe there is a GPS controlled unit you can place in the left climate control vent that will tell you your proper speed. I don’t remember the name but Eurowise sells it!

[@zm3471]

Awesome video as always. By any chance have you experienced the car taking one or two go’s to get it started? Dash lights up and standard beeping, the engine turns but stops then when I try it again it works almost 100% of the time. I got a new battery from Porsche and seems like no one on the forums has solved for this either as there are folks who have replaced the starter as with a new one and still experience the same thing after a few weeks. Any help would be appreciated!

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Hmm, I’ve never experienced anything like that! Does it ever take more than two cranks to start?

[@zm3471]

@@HarrisonSchoen thanks for the response. Very rarely 3 and not sure how I should troubleshoot it as it’s random. I’ve tried to test long drives vs after short drives. Hot weather vs cool weather. It’s frustrating not knowing.

[@johnlopez3781]

I’m looking at a 2010 GTS with 189k miles one of my neighbors has the 4.8 v8 his wife crashed into their garage and blew the airbag and messed up front bumper and crash support it seems like for $2.5k would it be worth it before he posts it on facebook market ? Would be my first off road build if so

[@cs2294]

Would love to hear about 958's. Not sure if you've messed with those. Curious about common problems and reliability

[@HarrisonSchoen]

I have not personally so I wouldn’t be able to talk about them!

[@auxpr]

Awesome!

[@grantwilsterman]

Is that currently stock 957 Turbo S Macadamia Metallic? Do you see many 957 Turbo's or Turbo S's in Macadamia?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

I have not seen many turbos or turbo S’s in macadamia! I believe it’s a fairly rare color and I’ll be looking to sell it in the future!

[@ianwatson3315]

My 955 turbo plastic t have just gone after fitting my new csk radiator..do you have a link on how to get metal t pieces?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

Yes! You’ll purchase them from Jagsthatrun.com You can call and say you’re looking for metal coolant T’s for your cayenne and they’ll know exactly what you need.

[@xEmerzon]

Do you change the transmission fluid, transfer case etc. On high mileage cayennes or do you just drive them as is till they go?

[@HarrisonSchoen]

You should change diff fluids, but only change trans or transfer case if you have some issues or something!

[@nicholaswicks3077]

I’d definitely recommend changing all the fluids porsche claims they are lifetime fluid 😂

[@snicklets2143]

My 2008 S very occasionally no starts and I’ve noticed that the steering won’t unlock during those times. I usually just disconnect the battery and wait 30 seconds, upon reconnecting it’s fine and unlocks. Does this sound like I need to get the steering fix you mentioned?

[@bobtomb4419]

My 2008 Turbo has done this (3) times in less than a year. My local Porsche mechanic couldn’t figure the root cause, but says to disconnect the ground wire and reconnect to get everything back online. The ground wire is located under a small plastic cover on the floor board (right side) on the driver’s side. Not a permanent fix, but…

[@snicklets2143]

@@bobtomb4419 That's what I've been doing when it acts up. Seems to work fine after that for a while. Would love to find a more permanent solution though.

[@tannersword1]

Replace your steering lock relays

[@zendubai]

Turbo!!!!!

[@TiagoTestarossa]

Not much about the diesel.... Bulletproof 3.0L VW/Audi engine.. easy 450lbs of torque and 30MPG+ with tunezilla and DPF delete. Plus a massive 27Gallons fuel tank.. = 700+ miles range and no need for Jerry cans... Overlanding fuel range and idling hours is a big challenge the diesel solves all that. Plus you have diesel on board for external heaters. I have 200k miles on my 2014.. Minimal issues.

[@kmathers101]

Not sure I want to take advice from someone that doesnt know how to shut a aluminum hood properly on a Porsche Cayenne just keeps droping them at a higher level to force slam them shut. 😂❤

[@SamSung-ge6nv]

Shut up

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Yeah you need a rear locker period

[@HarrisonSchoen]

You think you need a locker.

[@godgoo7861]

Давай оффроуд

[@scottsneed4287]

get to the point, too much fluff

[@HarrisonSchoen]

😂😂😂