USED Porsche Cayenne (1st-gen) - Absolute BARGAIN or complete MONEY PIT?

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Given the Porsche Cayenne has plummeted in price, many after a luxury SUV that can also tackle the off-road stuff, might be looking at the Cayenne. But are they seriously worth looking at or is there a good reason why the price has dropped so far.
In this video, we do a deep dive into what they're like to own and drive, as well as what goes wrong with them.
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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:14 - Exterior
06:00 - Interior
08:23 - Safety
08:45 - Design & practicality
12:29 - What's it like to drive?
14:37 - Mechanical issues
20:02 - Should you buy it?
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Used car buyer's guide here 👉 • ULTIMATE used car buye...
Cheat Sheet here 👉 redriven.com/cheat-sheets/use...
#porsche #cayenne #porschecayenne #luxury #suv #offroad #offroading #4x4ing #carexpert #carreview #cars #carenthusiast
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[@KKEXPERIMENTALS]

Bro just started with what Goes Wrong 😂😂😂

[@dalesmith4985]

Yeah....better off with a boring corolla, it will save you a crap ton of money

[@thomaswilliamson4883]

​@@dalesmith4985 How can you compare a luxury german suv to an affordable Japanese saloon 🤣

[@paulwang5213]

this has got to be one of the top 3 longest videos featuring Jim. the list of things that can go wrong just dosn't stop

[@dougswamprat5275]

As a mechanic, air suspension shouldn't scare people as much as it does. The modules are expensive but they aren't usually what goes wrong, it's struts and compressors. Both those can be picked up for comparably prices to springs and shocks. Arnott for example are a OEM supplier and their prices are usually good. Never buy replacement parts from the dealer.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

100% agree with you as another mechanic myself. I never buy parts from the dealership. & I can usually fix most euros at about 1/3 the price of dealers. They are not that difficult to work on. It’s usually a lack of maintenance that causes more problems. Treat them well & service them on time & they will reward you.

[@battlewolf578]

The problem is, catching the issue before more damage occurs, on mercedes models, the shocks leak into the airbag, flow through the air lines and destroy the valve body and compressor... If not picked up early enough

[@dougswamprat5275]

@@battlewolf578 can't say I've done a lot of mercs. I do love the hydromatic models when you put them in 'rodeo' mode after repair 🤣

[@maxmackinlay618]

Almost convinced... until I read a post below... $18,000 (New Zealand) to fix air suspension and 2 months off the road.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@maxmackinlay618 I’m in Australia & I have no idea who is charging $18,000 NZ To fix air suspension. Is it made of gold? I have fixed about 15 or so over the last few years the most I have ever charged was $4500. That took me about a week. Someone is pulling a fast one.

[@williamfan1985]

we had a 2012 cayenne turbo as a company car, the old girl has done around 200k kms. In its own defense, it was used and abused every single day. it's still going, but only due to countless money spent on service and maintain. annual service costs around 4-5k NZD, last year we replaced the air suspension and its compressor, which costed 18k NZD. the car was locked away at the dealer for 2 months waiting for parts from Germany. Everyone except the company accountant loved the car. It's still mind bending how something this big is so light on its feet, handles so well, the torque rush once the turbos wake up puts a smile on every time. what's the fastest car in the world? a rental (in our case, a shared company car :)

[@georgepappas4628]

You just confirmed my fears. If you're spending $4 to 5k on yearly servicing, you really need to send it to the knackery 😂

[@williamfan1985]

@@georgepappas4628 agreed, if it's my own car, I would have pulled the plug and sold it years ago, when it was still worth some money. even the service rep at porsche dealer had to triple check that we want to spend 18k to fix the air suspension.

[@filopride619]

Not surprising that the company accountant doesn't like the car 😂

[@cds5067]

Had a right laugh good luck chip in for counselling for your accountant to be fair!

[@lincolnmarklt]

Costed 😂

[@Watcherw1]

9:50 adam's expression after the ash tray is hilarious

[@abcbcd1834]

Always appreciate the anti-smoking messaging on this channel. Smoking is fucking disgusting. That goes for vapes too

[@SamKuul]

14:43 Jim, VAG products come from factory with a check engine light on as standard. You have to pay extra for the check engine light to be off. Always double check the options sheet.

[@spdaltid]

The check engine light is generally installed in lieu of the turn indicators.

[@RichieRouge206]

Absolute money pits… end of. It’s a Q7 yet costs even more to run than the financially ruining Audi. Great video dude

[@haydenb364]

Love the Netflix analogy! I've been using this philosophy for years now, buying old cars and putting money into them to keep them on the road instead of wearing big depreciation of a new car

[@lancegraham7722]

The double sun visors are the best design ever. Why more cars don't have them is beyond me

[@zigadiboom982]

Jim's 'what goes wrong spiel' for this vehicle is longer than the totality of all his Lexus spiels combined. 😂

[@davidgoliath5901]

As a keen driver I'm happy to pay for the upkeep of my 2009 Diesel. The sheer breadth of its ability puts a smile on my face every time I use it. Importantly these are the last with a low range T'fer case. This coupled with the air suspensions ability to give LandCruiser ground clearance and the aggressive traction control all combine to provide a truly remarkable off-road ability. On road dynamics are on another level compared to pretty much any other large SUV. Not for everyone but I love mine!

[@Nissannx2000svg]

I own a 14 Cayenne GTS and it now has 135K miles on it and the only issues I’ve had with it was a replacement thermostat housing and a year later the high pressure fuel pump went out and that controls the brake booster. All the work done at Porsche. As for the Air suspension I’ve never had any problems with it leaking or going bad.

[@AlphonsoTimmins]

First comment seemed to go bye-bye, so here I am again. I own 3 Cayennes, 2 957s (one V6 TDI and one V8) and a 958 V6 TDI, because I am a massive idiot that can't make his mind up. Mine have some of the issues Jim covered in his section! You buy these not because they're a rational choice that you'd take to the dealer to service and fix, but because they offer a set of attributes that only apply to this particular car (as Adam alluded to). Dollar for dollar, if you compare this to what you'd get from a Toyota for the same money, you are streets ahead with the old Porsche. They're not near as simple though, so there is a tax to pay... 1. Buy parts from overseas, they're really quite cheap. Find the factory part numbers and hop on the net, you're likely to find substantially cheaper parts than local. I just replaced all 8 coil packs and plugs for less than $400 with OEM gear. OEM UCAs are under $100, and there are tons of options if you don't want to get OEM parts. I also just put a new O ring on my compressor for $30, and most air suspension parts are affordable and the struts are generally reliable. 2. None of the issues you're likely to encounter will strand you, and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, most jobs can be tackled at home if you're keen. Treat it as a rolling project. Most problems are very well documented. 3. Join the VAG/Porsche offroad page on FB. Great guys, plenty of support, and they use their cars offroad also. They really are a great package, but go in with your eyes open and you'll have a ball

[@johnphaceas7434]

Love your approach. As they say, life's too short to drive boring cars. I'm also an enthusiastic (but fairly unskilled) amateur and have come to quite enjoy leaning how to fix buggered trim, defective instruments and so on on my various Alfas (all have been at least 20 years old...) Also do the occasional mechanical fix that doesn't look too terrifying. How satisfying is it to fix stuff yourself? For the other jobs, I've got a terrific indie Alfa mechanic I go to who has saved me thousands over the years, and am absolutely religious about getting him to service my cars every 6 months.

[@clonexradio]

probably most sensible reply in the comments yet...

[@chrisdavies3128]

I have a 2004 manual gearbox S V8. Its done 230k kms and has been quite reliable. In 20 years have had standard servicing annually and replaced the drive shaft coupling ($1500 at local mechanic) and the stereo with an Alpine unit with carplay etc. ( $2500). Also the coolant tank for $700 fitted. Otherwise just tyres and brakes . A fantastic touring car , it goes to Sydney return from Melbourne twice a year . Not as economical as our 21 Macan GTS but great for snow or dirt with its low range and diff locking . We love her

[@irreversiblyhuman]

Ok, the house techno safety features clip really sent me. Brilliant ❤

[@stevenloynds3691]

One of the first vehicles you reviewed ive seen that most of it was Jim....we love jim no complaints just was video of mechanical issues....ill never buy one now...😂

[@Big.kilogram]

You know it’s a good episode ‘when the what goes wrong’ starts at the beginning of the video lol

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

Jim just made a good reason to purchase a 1982 Sigma wagon!

[@mrnicktoyou]

The trick is to do your own repairs and buy genuine parts online, not directly from dealers. I called BMW for Vanos Solenoids and they quoted me $1100 each. I got both for $600 instead (genuine BMW too). And whatever the issue is, it's usually a sensor or gasket, it's not the engine itself.

[@ddsgardening7437]

Always look forward to Friday afternoon, thanks guy's 😎✌️

[@matty74123]

I had a 955 Turbo and it was pretty quick for a big car, the air suspension was pretty good, had to fix coolant leak and transfer case other than that it was super comfortable

[@Destroyah32]

These are fantastic, have lookled at owning one many a time but just can't face the fuel costs

[@davidfournier222]

Thanks for another great video! You guys are so refreshing compared to the usual motor press fare. I'd love to see one on the Volvo XC90 2002-2014 if you think it'd get an audience?

[@Averagemanfitness]

Friday and a new ReDriven. Yes !

[@tomnewham1269]

Hi Adam. I understand that you need to keep your channel fresh but I have to say that I much prefer your old video review format. In my opinion that format worked well especially having "what is it" at the start of the video and the "what goes wrong" should be towards the end of the video.

[@ReDriven]

Really appreciate the feedback. The format thing is a real challenge. I’m sure you’d understand we’re in a constant battle of not being able to please everybody. Nothing is set in stone, so we might look to return the ‘what is it’ back to the start. In any case, we really appreciate the input, it does help a lot. Cheers for watching!

[@kristoffer3000]

@@ReDriven 'What goes wrong' is a really fitting thing to start with for this car though

[@danmccarthy4700]

I agree with Tom. I also think it flowed much better having all the 'stuff that goes wrong' together at the end rather than broken up in 2 different sections in the video.

[@M4MK]

I was literally looking to see if you guys had done a video on this yesterday haha. Informative as always, I would love to take my chances with the VR6 at one point. 😂

[@bozugarage]

Had a 2004 955 turbo; PROS: The air suspension is absolutely amazing - did several interstate trips and felt like first class travel. Huge, huge power. Interior comfort was great, despite being a little dated. Heated seats great in winter snow trips. Exhaust note is great with a sneaky muffler bypass. CONS: Erm.... some issues yes. Did almost all the fixes DIY, including replacing rear hatch struts (twice), AOS diaphragm, footbrake switch & gas strut, tracing leaks in the air-assisted brake system and engine vacuum lines , cracks in the headlight washer waterlines, "jimi fix" the driveshaft support while in the middle of Victoria countryside (luckily had premade the fix and brought it with me), headlights would shake themselves loose and lose electrical connection, replaced coolant expansion tank, engine torque arm, faulty airbag connection under drivers seat etc etc etc... I did pay a workshop to do the aluminium coolant pipes and coolant lines to turbos only because was super busy at the time. Big fuel bills, 20-21L/100km in city traffic. Sold it (luckily) for what I initial paid for it after doing 50,000km. Would I buy one again? If I could get one dirt cheap, and having the experience fixing what I've already fixed DIY, then yes. Wouldn't recommend buying one if you're not a DIYer.

[@manyord7089]

Omg they finally did it!!! THANK YOUUU

[@Project40Cars]

Great video! I’ve got a 2006 Turbo S that is great fun (let’s ignore the maintenance costs…😅). 0-60 in 4.9, proper off road capability and decent handling (for a suv). Such a compelling package.

[@claudiadavies5110]

Hahaha about taking it on a gravel road when you pick up the kids from school as a good maintenance tip, loved it! The whole video was thoroughly enjoyable, as always, and genuinely don't care about this car in any way 😊😊😊. Oh and the top tip about thinking of it as subscription fees like Netflix, bloody brilliant 😂

[@bafg182]

A 957 GTS is my used dream car. It does so many things very well; it’s practical, it’s comfortable, it can go a lot of places, tow stuff, the interior is beautifully finished, great build quality, characterful engines with a lovely V8 sound, drives well, one of the very best badges in the business etc etc, but even as someone who dailies an old BMW, they scare me quite a bit. Look, if I knew it was going to only be $20k in maintenance/repairs over 5 years like you say, I wouldn’t be scared. I just feel it could be $20k in a single visit to the mechanic. Still doesn’t stop me from looking at ones for sale. There was a stunning brown GTS for sale in QLD recently and I wanted it badly. I’ve been looking forward to a video from you guys on my used dream car and tbh, it felt a little rushed. What’s with the lack of intro?

[@t.k.tyrantic1192]

Well this was the first video ive ever seen from your channel. I have to say, im instantly hooked. Great video, +1 sub :)

[@ReDriven]

Welcome aboard!

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

I worked at Porsche when they were new.. always one in the corner with tragic electric problems

[@kadiocalc]

There are quite a few comments of the changes in format and i understand trying to keep things fresh. My gripe is the flash points in the first 15 seconds when Jim seems to always start with doom and gloom....... Not really watching after that cos you expect it to be shit. Keep all the mechanical information later on and at least ill be happy. Still love your work.

[@ReDriven]

Appreciate the feedback. The mechanical informational is in the same place as usual though?

[@mrgarrison3516]

A car i would like to drive but would never want to own one🤔

[@TwistedDonners]

To be honest if I'm to treat it like a Netflix account then I wouldn't have a Cayenne as I don't have Netflix lol Doesn't surprise me that the air suspension on these are trouble magnets as have heard others say that about air suspension before. Was expecting the safety features overview to he done in the style of Rammstein when you said you'd do it as German as possible lol Overall good video guys and I honestly think it'll take a couple of videos to get use to the new video format. Keep up the good work guys and look forward to Sunday's video as per usual 👍.

[@dxbmick]

4:20. I recall the shell and mechanicals were built in Slovakia, then finished in Leipzig (Old East) Germany.

[@winstonwithay1980]

any chance you can review a lexus rc 350? love ur guys' work

[@karlfarrugia1204]

BTY I still have the XF Jaguar and still love it. now fifteen years old.

[@MrRicardo361]

Why do Euro manufacturers insist on putting timing chains at the rear of the engine? I get there may be a performance benefit, but do they not consider ongoing maintenance and serviceability?

[@ChrisN06999]

Jim should be hydrating when his segments in the video is a long one. 🥤

[@calicookstunes6530]

One of the longest times I've seen Jim talk about potential issues lol. Nice.

[@ryancheng473]

thats just 5mins, it was 11 mins for the range rover LOL

[@rob327c]

Range Rover and x5 was lengthy from memory.. Made longer by them having 6 engine variants each.

[@Pretzil43]

My favourite cool feature of this car is that the ones with airbag suspension have a hose fitting under the drivers seat you can use to pump up your tires. (Which is good because the spare is stored uninflated)

[@1maico1]

You can buy an early V6 petrol in the UK for £2000. The bodies are hot dip galvanized so structural rust shouldn't be an issue. Buying parts from independent factors or breakers keeps running costs down. I ran one without air suspension for year and the only cost was changing the filters when I got it. The V6 is just another VAG product at the end of the day, with a cheaper feeling interior compared to the Audi, and all of the same issues.

[@hughedwards4511]

Great filming location. Is that Mosman/parrawi Road?

[@ReDriven]

Sure is

[@danmccarthy4700]

Are Wipertech blades available in the US? I want to buy a set just because of how you advertise them especially in this video.

[@AutoRestore1]

Got a 957 turbo a month ago. 170.000kms on the odometer. So far, thermostat is the only issue, i spent more on the usual stuff when buying a used car (all the oils)

[@alvinprasad2051]

Seiko 5, Adam? 😊 love it… Very nice.

[@Robin87091]

Take for what it's worth, but I've daily driven an 2011 Turbo for the last six years and found it to be very reliable if maintained as instructed. I drive it as intended and have most all of the options available. Ceramic brake still have 50% left on the pads as of this date.

[@SeandeDios]

You guys are the Carwow of 2nd hand cars 👏🏼

[@samartz]

Nothing beats a rainy Friday night watching Rediven😅

[@m.cooper1854]

My 2009 Cayenne S V8 has 126,000 miles in Florida (200000 km). Still looks and drives great. Perfect interior and exterior. And has experienced most of the failures listed. Driveshaft bearing, thermostat, steering column lock, vacuum pump, leaking plastic emission hoses and plumbing, HVAC blower motor. And the results of adhesive failures in a car in a hot climate like Australia like falling headliner and back of drivers seat. Why do I keep it and throw money at it? Because it has a resale value of about USD$5000, so why not? And it is a pleasure to drive. Older Porsches are never practical or sensible. Just emotionally satisfying.

[@theporschewhisperer8801]

So far mine is 21 years old and only has done centre bearing and valve cover gaskets. Regularly taken off road!

[@froilanarzadon3863]

I would like to see Redriven review Honda Jade 2015. Thank you.

[@mabagaltunay51]

🤣 nice video before the week ends, thank you

[@kamranhaqq]

Can you do the a review on the polo 1.0 TSI

[@villemus]

these are getting really popular, they Kessy issue is a bit of problem, but plenty of aftermarket solutions.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

There not bad for the price ignore the "not a real porsche crowd" and they make fun offroaders with heated seats or dailys just have a little more set aside for parts its german sometimes a part is not cheap

[@jameskirk6550]

If you planning to get one for an offroad build, just know all the accessories are 10x the price. And they're much harder to work on and run hot

[@marksymes2274]

This review explains the lyrics of Tim Minchin’s “Airport Piano”

[@Dickusification]

These are based on the first gen Touareg. Ive had 2, complete money pits. The second one i sold to a wreck er as it just had too many issues. Id hoped the first one i bought was just bad luck, but nah, lightning does strike twice for these cars, which are great to drive, but you need to be loaded or very competent DIY to keep them running

[@MarkSmith455]

The mechanical issues was longer than entire redriven episodes for other cars😂

[@stevenfeavearyear7567]

Think I’ll keep my 100 series land Crusier for now.

[@MasterYoshiCamps]

The last time I saw Jim for so long was the Holden Craptiva review🤣

[@hypnosismeditation7518]

By the 3rd minute I was convinced that I'll be hanging on to my 2007 Ford Territory.

[@Jazzmaster71]

My neighbour has one of these. Sounds good, but I must imagine when they starts breaking down the cost for new parts must be high.

[@olly1oo6]

A $60k Land Cruiser at 2k a year "subscription", a $30k Cayenne/Touareg/Q7 at 4k a year, or a $60k Land Rover at 6k a year. If only the Land Cruiser actually drove well on-road where they spend 98% of their time.

[@Indecisive7337]

I’ve never heard Jim talk so much, the car must be a right Sod!

[@officialFUKU]

3rd gen cayenne please :) Especially the hybrids

[@ProductofNZ]

I really like the Cayenne but the reliability scares me off. I'd get a P3 gen XC60. Similar price. Has the luxury touches, and the 3L inline 6 Turbo T6 handles the performance. Plus they seem a lot more reliable.

[@psmail007]

Been with you since the early days and love your work. But I'm keen to set you a challenge ... is there *any* European car you think is good, reliable, buying? I can't recall one but maybe I missed it. Perhaps a special episode video where you run through every European car you've reviewed and put them on the RedDriven equivalent of the Cool Wall :)

[@johnphaceas7434]

See their Alfa Giulia review.

[@psmail007]

@@johnphaceas7434 fair call. I just watched it and yes the lads were ... Yeah I think it is fair to say ... positive about it. Though the electronic gremlins freaked me out! But I asked a question and I think your suggestion fulfills those parameters - thanks.

[@waterbourne9282]

A work colleague and her husband bought one as a last car present to themselves. It turned into a nightmare and cost them a fortune before they finally jettisoned it.

[@henryviiifake8244]

07:44 No phone connectivity in a car _that_ expensive is actually insane (not the model on test, but certain versions) . Not even an aux port. 💀

[@charliecasey550]

Can you please do the Land Rover Discovery 3.

[@matthewlok3020]

I guess I heard Jim for the longest time since watching videos from this channel

[@neotsaagane1397]

Please do a redriven on the alfa 159

[@dougkibbe6951]

I’d rather spend the money to buy a similar year Boxster. Much more reliable!

[@bruceknirs9987]

I don't know I have a soft spot for that thing I think I might give it a shot one day I know I'm kind of crazy for it but I just like the big Porsche

[@paulwalton7820]

I had one, I convinced myself the fuel consumption was not an issue IT IS !! The coolant pipes needed replacing. Forget it, don’t get one.

[@jamiebeckf]

I dreamt of buying one of these, but then realised my dream would actually be a nightmare. So i bought a Lexus RX350 instead. Love the Lexus.

[@josephkelly4893]

Great timing, I’m looking at a 4.8 twin turbo one of these at the right price from the auctions to turn into an overlander. Probably not my smartest life decision, but you only live once 😅

[@martinavery3979]

The road from my place to town is terrible. I don't know how many of these things I've overtaken in my Jimny. I guess that tells you everything you need to know about Porche parts prices

@11:46 thumbs up for saying that smoking is disgusting.

[@YippingFox]

Actual 10/10 to Porsche for making a retrofit item for their cars.

[@bongumusasokhulu260]

Just realised that Australian specs on cars is similar to south African ones 😢😢😢 great channel

[@mrjingles77]

Next video what it's like to own a Holden Camira please.

[@kallekas8551]

Sooo…. In other words do not buy…😂

[@edstraker8451]

I have to admit, I was expecting Jim to unleash a bog roll worth of 'what goes wrong'. He pretty much did.

[@stuartarneaud218]

I love them review wasn’t that bad guys compare to a ford ranger 😅😅

[@DaddyBandit]

I skipped straight to what goes wrong . It didn’t disappoint 😂

[@colseverns9848]

Great review Adam and Jim … getting the rear seat to a flat position should come with gym membership….

[@TwoDollarGararge]

This and the 986 boxster are the current cheap starter porsches the transaxle cars and 914's are either nice or no title junk that hasnt run in 15+ years for $2,500

[@2stronk.]

The only version of this I would buy is the 4.8 V8 manual gear. They'll all bankrupt you but at least it's a rare collectible now

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

yeah good luck finding one. Also the 4.8 is a direct injection piece of shit.

[@scottcarter2362]

Jim's got a Mini Cooper in the shop...a fair guess the whole front end has been apart, or is about to be... Nothing is easy on those things.

[@seanpjkennedy]

It shares a lot with the Touareg, which was described as a “Toe rag” on a previous Redriven episode. Enough said. So it’s unreliable but not as bad as a Range Rover.

[@geneharrogate6911]

You _really_ gotta want a Porsche to buy one of these I reckon.

[@MrSlowAZZ]

W164 ML63 next please

[@spdaltid]

I've owned a few [real!] used Porsches, mainly aircooled. Lovely cars, but I don't think I'd buy a Cayenne of this vintage. There's always been a subscription fee with German cars [excluding some older E/S classes]. If I was in the market for an old SUV, I'd probably risk a BMW Motorsport X5 4.6i.. Cheaper entry [?] and much easier on the eyes.

[@tezza8717]

jim was on for a long time must be reliable,your kiddin

[@i_384]

A Seiko connoisseur I see 🍷🧀