2004 V8 Cayenne

[1990C4S]

I'm looking at a very cheap '04 V8 Cayenne. No rust, 120,000 miles, nice interior.

Two issues: it does not idle, all signs, fault codes, and rough diagnosis point to a failed fuel primary pump. Also, the oil pan plug is 'stuck'. Probably stripped the plug hex drive, worst case it's an 'oil pan off' full day job.

I think there's a coolant issue with these, I do not know if that repair has been done.

I need a long distance winter car, I drive from Michigan to Toronto and back every other week. I was thinking Range Rover, but the experts here talked me out of that (very quickly).


It isn't free, but it's dirt cheap. Worth a shot, or I'm asking for trouble?

[fastfredracing]

Worth a shot, ! I don't work on a ton of these, but so far, the ones I have , have been fairly reliable, and predictable .
The oil pan is a pain in the ass. I've done one cayenne, and one touareg. Not only a full day, but frame out, or frame lowered enough. Plan on needing a pan. They should make some sort of repair for this issue.
I think their other issues are pretty well documented. seem to be pretty bullet proof except for the driveshaft, coolant pipes, air pumps, and diverters , and of course a few german niggly little problems .
I like them !

[aigel]

subscribed... I may shop for one of these. I thought the VR6 was preferred. Looking forward to hear more!

G

[1990C4S]

My preference, after doing a wee bit of research would be a V6, the V8's appear to have a tendency to knock.

But at the price range I'm looking at it's a disposable vehicle.

[porsche tech]

Be prepared for horrendous gas mileage. I have been retired for several years but have worked on a boatload of Cayennes. The early one's had a lot of software gremlins as well as all the stuff Fast Fred mentioned. Everything will be expensive and with 120K miles anything is possible. That being said, they always were pretty dependable to drive down the road (not a lot of tow ins). BTW the V6 motors had problems with the timing chain stretching as I recollect.--Dave

[McLovin]

I can't even imagine why, for a vehicle whose purpose is going to be droning on the highway very long distances every 2 weeks, a 14 year old, 120,000 mile V8 Cayenne would even be on the list to consider.

[MRM]

For a cheap, reliable, comfortable winter highway cruiser, I would strongly recommend a 2007 or later Mercedes E-350 4Matic or a 2011 or later BMW 535 xDrive.

My wife has a 2008 and a 2012 E350. Both are unstoppable with snow tires. They are better in the snow and ice than our 2007 Explorer with the big V8 and fancy real 4WD setup. They are far more comfortable than an SUV and drive much easier. Both have been bulletproof. Lots of comfortable miles on them. The 08 can be had for $10,000 or less all day long.

I have a 2011 535. It's the same as the E350. Comfortable, solid as a tank, unstoppable with snow tires, and very comfortable. I'm over 100,000 miles without a single issue. My car can be had for $12-15,000. It eats miles on the freeway like a cheetah chasing an antelope. Fast and effortless.

I've looked into an SUV for the exact same purpose, and I always come back to the Merc or BMW.

[IROC]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I can't even imagine why, for a vehicle whose purpose is going to be droning on the highway very long distances every 2 weeks, a 14 year old, 120,000 mile V8 Cayenne would even be on the list to consider.

I'd get a 100-series Land Cruiser. 120k miles would be like brand new.

[Craig T]

I put 183,000 miles on my 04 Cayenne S (V8). It was almost bullet proof. They all had issues with the plastic coolant tubes leaking, but that issue should be long repaired by now. It turned into a class action lawsuit and most people got something back or a free fix. The hotter the area the faster they cracked. Phoenix owners had the issue after just a couple years. Mine failed at 60K miles around year 4.

Carden shafts were also a problem in 100% of the 04s, but I don't think anybody saw 100k before replacement.

As much as I loved my "Beta" (04's), like a previous reply said, it wouldnt be my choice for your application. They get HORRIBLE gas mileage and eat front tires like a blue whale eats shrimp.

[Dan J]

I see a bunch of these with scored cylinders around 140K. It junks the truck
(I actually have 2 here now) They drive great but I think I'd avoid them
I have an 09 S that I love am hoping it doesn't suffer the same fate

[onewhippedpuppy]

Anything German with 120k and for damn near free will be a crapshoot. I say what the hell, give it a shot! Buy a Motive suction tool to drain the oil, get the Durametric software to fully diagnose the fuel pump issue, and enjoy. Personally I’d take a cheap Porsche over a cheap MB or BMW any day. I had a 2009 Cayenne GTS for a while, if it were a little bigger my wife would probably have one. With good tires it was unstoppable in the snow.

[1990C4S]

^^^ That's my thinking.

Worst case I part it out.

I know it's an old truck. It would also be my newest and lowest mileage vehicle.

[HardDrive]

I honestly can't fathom the thinking here. I would get a Ford Explorer for the task described.

[MRM]

I have a Ford Explorer too. I can't stand driving it long distances. That's why I have the E-350 and 535. Quite frankly, both are better in winter than the Explorer and both are infinitely more comfortable and easy to drive.

[sc_rufctr]

If it's cheap why not? ... Porsche V8!

I just bought a really cheap W140 400SE and the more I drive it the better it performs. I'm pretty sure it had sat on and off for years and now that it's been fully serviced & being driven regularly things are starting to work as they should. (After the oil & filter changes the trans shifts butter smooth and the engine runs like a top. Even the power steering is smooth now. AND I've just fixed all of the electrical issues.)

But if it has one major issue I could part it out and double the money I paid for it.

Just think. I could have bought a second hand Honda SUV for double the money and joined the ranks of the boring majority.

[island911]

It has a primary and a secondary fuel pump. When the primary stops working the motor will start and run on the secondary for a few seconds... and then die. Unless, you floor the gas pedal, prompting the secondary to remain running. It will not have full power.

I'm looking for a second Cayenne. My 04 has been great over the last 8 years.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by island911

I'm looking for a second Cayenne. My 04 has been great over the last 8 years.

Would you describe it as a terrible highway driver or 'droning' on the road?

[island911]

That sounds like crap tires. Mine has been the best road-trip car I've experienced. --Quiet and comfortable. On par with an S-class Mercedes, but with more comfortable seats.

I suppose I should note that mine has the PASM option. (Air active suspension)

[CurtEgerer]

I had an 2003 V8 purchased 6 months old and put 75,000 miles on it in a little over a year. To this day, the best snow car I've owned/driven. Something about the PSM that is better than even Audi's system. Unbeatable vehicle for slogging it out in comfort and safety on crappy snow-ice-slop covered highways. Also did some 'ice racing' in an '04 Turbo and it seemed to defy the laws of physics for such a heavy vehicle- lots of fun!

Yes, MPG will be worse than you can imagine.

[island911]

Also, Mine is Currently on Continental DWS06 275/45R19

Toyos prior to that, and with Pirelli Scorpions on 18"s for some winters and mountain driving.