Thanks for the help all, with all the mixed reviews he has decided to go with a Ford Escape. We will hope that pans out.
Again thanks to all.

I'd recommend the Cayenne, for sure! While they might not be the most worry-free SUV out there, their merits far outweigh their well-known and discussed quirks. Absolutely the most fun SUV on the market, bar none. Mine is a 2005 Turbo and couldn't be more impressed with it's handling, speed, and ability to handle whatever weather gets thrown at it. I bought mine with 88k miles and, other than general wear and tear maintenance items, have not had any problems with it. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment. The picture is of the Cayenne and me at the Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs during a recent road trip!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1457577599.jpg

I brought my 06 Cayenne turbo S last September with 105k on the clock. Did a few jobs myself like cleaning up the break disc edges and replacing the serpentine belt and water pump. It's fantastic value for money meeting in my opinion. That is apart from the petrol bill! But it is a lovely car.

Thanks for posting your experiences. I will be looking for a Turbo S in about a year or so. I need more space. My boys will be too big to fit in the back seat of a 944 S2 Cab for the road trip to the next RennSport Reunion.

The Turbo S is a massive machine.
Keep in mind it was VERY spendy when new... and maintenance items can be pricey in extreme. Not everything. But the front brake rotors are $1k... each side. Makes sense when you understand this was a $120K+ new car.

Make sure that is something (along with the coolant pipes and T) that has been done recently. I had a fuel pump go on mine. That by contrast was reasonable.

Some inspiration for your search, this is mine in snow mode.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1481554121.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1481554121.jpg

Everyday Driver and Reliable in NY
 

Recommend it.

Picked up my 2006 Blue Cayenne S Ti in July with 180k Miles and Love it. Everyday Driver and doing upgrades as needed. Done all work so far myself on days off thanks to Pelican Tech Service on line. With new Tires, Brakes Cardan Support Bearing, Plugs, AEM Air Filters, Bosch Battery, AMSOIL Oil Lubricants, Interior Heater Fan, etc. Its Running Strong for 5000KLbs. Best investment in Years...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1483401137.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1483401155.jpg

Great thread - thanks to the OP for starting.

Thinking it is time to trade off my Audi S6 and had a chance earlier this week to ride in an 05 Cayenne Turbo. Very impressed with the responsiveness, noise level and ride comfort - not to mention it has a rear gate for hauling things!

I just picked up a 2006 V6 in Titanium Metallic with Black Grained Leather interior. 145K miles, but feels like new. Great car so far. The S has a bit more oomph to it, from the test drives. But this was in such great condition.

If you're considering getting one, go out and try as many of them as you can. There were a few out there that I tried that was in very rough condition, even though they had the same or lower mileage. Even one owner cars.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485732318.jpg

I am considering a used one to replace an explorer. How is the ride comfort on long trips? How do they hold up to that salt spray they use in the northeast?

The ride is stiffer than other SUVs. Well...compared to the XTerra that mine replaced. The suspension is more sport, and less soccer mom. I've had my '09 S for about six weeks and I'm absolutely glad I got it. I don't usually drive more than an hour away from home in my own car, but the seats are super comfy and I would have no problem doing six or eight hours. I do that in lesser rentals all the time for work.

We're just now getting into salt season, and I just washed off the first layer of winter today. The previous owner was also from the upper Midwest, and it shows none of the usual salt related wear that we expect here. In fact, it's the cleanest car I've ever owned. Some Weathertech floor mats should keep it that way!

I haven't test driven one yet but I was somewhat surprised at the listed curb weight of a 2010 Cayenne almost 1200-lb heavier than my 98 explorer. The cayenne must be really built...

unless curb weight is determined differently these days...

05 CTT, 130K miles, motor just crapped out, love the vehicle, money pit, but the in price was good, for me, only 30K miles for my 'investment", but I went out a bought another one, '17, CPO for 6 years and unlimited miles(its the wife's ride.) Planing to pull the dead motor and rebuild it.......we'll see how far I get.

https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/51755-2005-ctt-dead-8/?tab=comments#comment-292848

https://928motorsports.com/services/cayenne_block_repair.php