Please help with buying decision!
 

Hi,

I am looking at Cayennes, and I have some questions which are "zen" oriented. So I need real driver experiences.

When comparing the different engines and the different Cayennes, is there any consensus on what the best model and year to buy?

Are the smaller engines still pretty fast, and a better value? Or is 450+ hp the only way to go?

What about handling? Are there any models which just feel sweet to drive, like maybe the GTS? Or are they all similiar?

I hate turbo lag, I have that already with my 930. Is this a problem with the turbos?

I am looking for real world "zen" feedback more than cut and dry numbers. I am wondering if these all feel similiar or if the different packages really alter the experience.

This car is for my wife but also me, and I am a driving enthusiast.

Thank you!!

Quad-D

I don't know much about Zen, but I can share my experiences, my neighbour had an S as a loaner, and he said it drove like a typical SUV, and found the X5 a much nicer rider. I haven't driven other ones but my turbo and I can tell you it drives like a car; with the air suspension and electronic shock settings it's an amazing ride. I wish it had beefier sway bars to counter body roll, but for the comfort and hauling capacity it's the best 4x4 I've ever driven.

If money was no object, I would be looking at a new GTS as I really like them, but I am very satisfied with my 05 Turbo.

Drive them all then choose.

+1

They each have differences which will come down to your personal preference. If I had my choice I'd agree with Bob and go for the GTS.

my opinion
 

I have a 2006 S that I use everyday and I have driven a new manual GTS - actually I've driven both on the track. There is no way I'd agree to any SUV being anywhere near as capable as the Cayenne on twisty bits - they are extremely competent vehicles and let be honest here we don't get the opportunity to test them that much - unless you get them on a track.

What I will say it took me a while but I now use tiptronic quite a bit as I find the gear selection process goes into la la land especially when coming of interstates on the long curvy exit road, and I now also leave PSM off for some lets say more spirited driving.

The GTS is bloody marvelous and most definitely the one I'd go for now. The brakes were out of this world and the grunt - I used 3rd and 4th on Thunderbolt in NJ and we were flying and very stable - it did have dynamic chassis control plus a whole raft of goodies.

Do the GTS. Air suspension, sport suspension, sport mode, sport exaust, sport appearance package, and the list goes on. We took one out to the track last week. The exhaust system sounded better than any of the 911's, caymans, or boxsters we had. Let me know if you need any help putting one together. Not too many used one's out there. Everytime we get a good pre-owned GTS, the Germans snatch em up. I can get you a great deal on a new one. I will even take care of the shipping for you!

John Alvi
Leith Porsche
John.Alvi@leithimports.com

Hey you guys all agree with me!

I do like the GTS with a manual tranny from what I have researched.

I will do a search, but I am curious, are any of you guys doing any weight savings projects on these cayennes, or modding them much?

I would probably take out the rear seats as an easy weight savings trick to get a little more 'zen'. lol.