The absolute most reliable early Cayennes are the V6s. They are not sexy like a turbo, but have far fewer expensive systems that can break.

The big horror with all but the V6s is bore scoring which means total engine failure. Buying a V8 without researching its VIN against a database of good and bad engine case runs is asking for trouble since there are far more bad runs than good. Not knowing is like playing Russian roulette.

You REALLY need to read this thread before you pull the trigger. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-955-957-2003-2010/1002135-if-you-re-thinking-of-buying-a-955-957-2003-2010-read-this-first.html

I own this 08 S that has a good case. One year maintenance was $2000 for tuneup, replace fuel pump, change diff fluids. These things are not cheap to maintain even for DIYers

Read the rennlist thread.

I have " heard " that to remove a Cayenne engine you have to remove the engine/transmission/front suspension as a unit is that true ? VERY labor intensive is what I heard . It sounded like it is a sub-assembly that gets taken apart after it is removed from the vehicle .

I love my 08S, 228,000 miles, but now it is time for a front diff. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1585484420.jpg

Yes - - that's essentially true. The factory drops the whole front subframe, engine, and trans out the bottom as one piece using a special cradle. As you can imagine that's not a light group of parts and requires a lift.

There is a DIY way of doing an engine removal but it's no walk in the park: You basically remove the whole front clip of the car and pull the subframe/drivetrain out the front on a heavy duty lift table. It avoids having to have a lift, at the expense of several extra hours disassembling the front. Still not easy, as the engine/trans is big and heavy. Few have done it.