Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010) Review

Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010) At A Glance

4/5

+Plush 4x4 that's quick and rewarding on the road and fairly accomplished off it. Originally held its value well.

-Inconsistent build quality. Uneven front tyre wear. Seen as anti-social. Falling used values by 2008.

Insurance Groups are between 44–50
On average it achieves 89% of the official MPG figure

 

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

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Real MPG average for a Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

89%

Real MPG

12–36 mpg

MPGs submitted

106

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

How reliable is an old Porsche likely to be?

"I’m thinking of buying a 2005 Porsche Cayenne with 90,000 miles on the clock. I’ll do barely 1500 miles per year in it. How mechanically reliable is it likely to be?"
It's a risky choice. You don't mention which engine you're considering, but you could face anything from electrical gremlins to catastrophic engine failure (particularly on V8 models). They're quite hard on consumable items like the tyres and brakes, too. Basically, a 15-year-old Cayenne is a complex and expensive SUV that's reaching the end of its serviceable life. Even covering only 1500 miles a year, you'll have to fork out for some hefty maintenance bills - or be prepared to send it to the scrapyard if it goes expensively wrong. This is one of the few times we'd recommend an old Range Rover as a more sensible option...
Answered by Andrew Brady

Buying a used car for £8k - what should I get?

"I have £8000 to spend on a used car and have been toying with a 2005 Volkswagen Touareg, with 92,000 miles on the clock. However, my friends say this will be a bad idea as the running and repair costs will be huge. I also like the Porsche Cayenne, but again my friends say I’d be better off buying something cheaper and newer. What do you think? "
A car you buy for £10,000 that originally cost £50,000 comes with repair bills based on a £50,000 car, not a £10,000 car. And there will be bills. Your friends are simply being sensible.
Answered by Honest John

Should we buy a Porsche Cayenne and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK from our neighbour?

"Our neighbours are moving abroad and are offering us their 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (4.5-litre V8) with 104,000 miles plus their 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor with 78,000 miles for £8000 (for both). Both drive well and, we are assured, are in good condition and have been well looked after. The two cars would fit our requirements of runabout and long distance load carrier quite well, replacing our 52,000 miles 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor. Is this a not-to-be-missed bargain or are we possibly storing up much trouble?"
The SLK is down to about £2000. A 2004 Cayenne Turbo S with 81,000 miles trade books at £9430, and the miles pulls that back to £8380, so even at Glass's guide trade prices you are quids in on the Cayenne and get a free SLK. Obviously, the Cayenne is high maintenance.
Answered by Honest John

Bought a car with outstanding finance from a dealer

"I have bought a car online from a motor dealer in London and two days later carried out an odometer check to realise the car has finance outstanding and the finance company (Blackhorse) are currently refusing to give me "goog title" of the car despite the fact I am an innocent purchaser. Where do I stand?"
Back it on the dealer for a full refund. For him to have sold it to you with outstanding finance is criminal fraud. He is legally compelled to show "due diligence" in checking the car out.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Porsche Cayenne (2003 – 2010) cost?