I hear they go thru brakes and rotors like water....

Got 60k on the first set.

Sounds like a horrible POS to me!

It's a lot of fun on the on-ramps though.

Oh and I forgot something, make sure the Cayenne your considering; make sure you can hear the blinkers working inside the car. Otherwise, just pass on that one.

turbos are even more fun. those also depreciate like a rock in a cave.

Yes, was just South of 100k when new, now it's like 20k.

they arent bad cars, but a good one is going to cost you.

I bought a 2002 S8 for hauling kids 2, 5, and 8. Full sized car so a big backseat and trunk. You should consider just stepping up in car as an option. The S8/A8, 7-series, and S-class would all offer more room than a Cayanne along with better mpg.

The only Cayenne specific thing not already mentioned is air suspension issues. It was optional on the S so they won't all have it. I'm yet to see anything with a long term reliable air suspension, and they're a nightmare once they start getting old.

What he said. A Cayenne isn't very large; for example the rear seats fold don't flat and require that you take off the headrests. Check the trunk volume with the rear seats up- it's 19 cubic feat. A 745i has 18 cubic feet. And while the Cayenne handles great for an SUV it's still an SUV.

The wife had SUVs for years and I convinced her to give a car a try (hence the 530). She wants to go back to an SUV.

My logical side says "4Runner", but I can actually get the Cayenne for less $$ (and it has less miles than the 4Runner we're considering). Cosmetically, the Cayenne is spotless, but it was snowing yesterday and I didn't feel like crawling around and giving it a good going-over. This one was bought and serviced right here in Knoxville and has all the records, etc.

Hmmm...need to go drive it tomorrow.

Thanks for all the responses!

Totally understand. My only complaint with the car is having to bend way over to buckle in the 2-year old, sometimes the SUV height is nice with kids. If you want a fun SUV with better reliability have you considered the Infiniti FX, Acura MDX, Mazda CX7 or 9? If you like the FJ80, ever consider a UZJ100? It's a much better driving SUV for on road use than the FJ80, but with the same reliability and most of the off road ability.

Good suggestions (and you definitely understand the buckling in the 3-year old activity). We've looked briefly at the Mazdas (didn't drive them, though) and the wife didn't like them. The Acuras are nice, but surprisingly pricey (and very few seem to come up for sale locally). Haven't looked at the Infiniti.

We owe it to ourselves to go check out a 100 series LC. There are a few for sale locally. That's a good idea.

100 series will be significantly bigger than the Cayenne, and has the added benefit of a 3rd row seat. If you want more luxury don't forget the LX470.

There are a bunch of fantastic American SUVs that no one has mentioned.

What's the mileage on the S8? Our turbo is pretty darn good, gets about 22 around the town.

Darn it, the thing just cost me more money this morning! This was in my inbox:

Your Cayenne Turbo gets 22 mpg around town?! Consider me a skeptic, your EPA rating is more like 12. When I did a little research on the Cayenne S models it seems like the best HIGHWAY mpg to be expected was 18. That's the non-turbo model. I think you're falling victim to a super optimistic OBC.

My S8 gets about 21 highway and 16 city based on simple miles / gallon checks, which vibes with the EPA ratings and the OBC. It's not great, but I'll take it for a full size AWD car with a 360 HP V8.

My thoughts:

First, look at a 2008+ - they have a lot fewer issues than the originals (coolant pipes, cardan shafts, etc.).

Second, if you are looking at a 2008+, take a look at a base. They do not have gobs of power, but I find it is more than sufficient around town, and you can always kick on the Sport mode, which makes it a zippy and fun car. Gas mileage between the two is not much different, but up-front cost is. I just bought my 2009 back in August, and for a similarly equipped S, it was $6K - $7K more expensive. Having owned and driven mine for the past few months, including in the snow (which is where they really shine), I would not go back and pay the premium for the extra HP.

Finally, look for an optioned-up one - mine has almost everything but air suspension, and I love the heated seats, heated steering wheel, PCM (I hardly use it for nav, but the iPod navigation and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity have made it well worth it), and interior lighting options.

Just my $.02.

No, you're right. I just did the reverse math and if we're getting around 300 miles on a tank and we put in 19 gallons, that's only around 16 MPG. I'm not sure what it get's on the highway as I don't believe we've ever taken it on one.

16 mpg from a Cayenne turbo would be phenomenal gas mileage. They usually average around 10 mpg city in the real world.

There is no question that people in higher elevations, like Denver, get better fuel mileage than the rest of us. I've seen it on my own vehicles when visiting or passing through. Why? I don't understand. But could it be that significant? Not doubting, just asking.

Someone at sea level will not match that mpg. Plan on 12 mpg on premium for any V-8 Cayenne in stop-and-go driving.

Maybe so, but the title of this thread isn't "can someone recommend a bunch of fantastic American SUVs". :rolleyes:

I'm specifically looking for information on Cayennes.