Unlike many later editions that share engines with VWs and Audis, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Cayenne carries true Porsche power under its hood. Let’s find out what such brand purity might be worth.
While its origins may be disputed and its usage has fallen from common parlance, the curse “May you live in interesting times” has special resonance in our modern era. The 2004 Volvo V70 R we looked at yesterday certainly falls in the interesting category, but at $22,000, its price came across as too high and hence cursed. We were all safeguarded from any ramifications by the 86 percent No Dice loss the price suffered.
When it comes to Porsches, there are fans, and then there are fanatics. Some aver that the demands of being a true Porsche are to be air-cooled and rear-engined. Others allow water-jacketing but still require the motor be in the back. The bloodlines—and hence the fandom—get cloudy when talk turns to models with engines elsewhere and even more so when those engines come from makes other than Porsche. Over the years, Porsche has, on occasion, enlisted engines from Volkswagen to power its cars. From the 411-based flat-four in the 914 to the EA-888 turbo four that serves as the entry-level engine in the modern Macan, Porsche hasn’t been shy about such brand-diluting borrowing.
I’m happy to report that this 2004 Porsche Cayenne S is powered by a V8 mill that was fully designed and built by Porsche. Much of the rest of the car is shared with various Volkswagens and Audis, but that engine—“chef’s kiss.”
Upon its introduction, that 4.5-liter V8 was the only engine option in the Cayenne, offered in naturally aspirated and hairier twin-turbo forms. Later cars would be made available with various VW gas and diesel motors, but at the outset, it was Porsche’s show under the hood.
That’s a pretty good show too, as the quad-cam mill offers a stout 335 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque across a fairly flat rev band. It’s not too finicky, either, when properly maintained. The only major downside of the mill is that it drinks premium fuel like it’s at an open bar.
According to the ad, this one has been running for 167,000 miles. Despite those miles and fully two decades of age, it looks in pretty good shape and is claimed to still pass its smog test. The title is also clean. It’s being offered in Southern California but as the license plate indicates, it previously called Minnesota home, dontcha know. That factor will demand a good look up the Cayenne’s skirts to see if any road rot has taken hold after however many winters it has spent in the Upper Midwest.
The bodywork has nothing obvious, although the paint shows some scratches on the bumper caps. There’s also some curbing on one of the wheels, although the rest appear to be in decent shape and they all wear what look to be newish tires. Also on the plus side, the headlamps are un-yellowed and the car comes with the brightwork-matching roof racks.
More age and use-related wear is evident in the cabin, especially on steering wheel buttons and seating surfaces. It’s nothing, however, that can’t be overlooked or fixed relatively easily. The carpets are kind of grungy, too, requiring a thorough cleaning on both the mains and the mats.
As far as the mechanicals are concerned, well, the seller says it “Runs great.” That’s all we get so prospective buyers should plan on a comprehensive inspection and OBDII diagnostic before throwing cash at the unforthcoming current owner.
Or should they? Given this Cayenne’s $4,000 asking price, might it be less effort and more fun to roll the dice and see what you get? What do you think, is this Cayenne a hot deal at that $4,000 purchase price? Or, do the unknowns and the age outweigh the fun?
You decide!
Los Angeles, California, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to Don R. for the hookup!
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