test drove '06 cayenne s and '09 q5

[gschotland]

Haven't driven them so I can't comment on either, although my Dad's considering the '10 Q7 diesel, mostly for its towing capacity. Seems like the Q7 is more comparable to the '06 Cayenne S in terms of size/capabilities, but not in terms of purchase price, which starts at ~$55k.

According to fueleconomy.com, the '06 Cayenne S gets 14mpg avg. and the '09 Q5 20mpg avg. Based on 15k mi/yr, 45% hwy/55% city, and gas @ $2.91/gal, the Cayenne's going to cost about $1,000/yr more to gas up than the Q5.

With 50k miles on the Cayenne and no more warranty, I'd be a lot more concerned about the repairs & maintenance cost than the gas. If the Boxster's r&m costs are any indication, I bet you'll average $2k/yr min. With the Q5 you have the balance of the warranty and I think all Audis have free scheduled maintenance for the first 50k mi. Combine that with the lower mileage and the Cayenne's going to be $3k more to run.

Of course a Q5 isn't a Cayenne S. If this were a decision purely about numbers you'd be shopping for another Honda or a Toyota. Maybe you should visit some Cayenne forums to get a better idea what you're going to be in for in terms of r&m.

[husker boxster]

Pardon me for asking, but if the vehicle's for your wife and daughter why do you need an SUV? Would a sports sedan, say an Audi A6 or Acura TL-S, fit the bill? Way better gas mileage and can save you a bunch of $$$, depending on what you buy.

I rarely see SUVs loaded up with people and I live close to a soccer field. If you're not hauling a bunch of people, why do you need one? Think outside the box and break away from the herd.

[lizBox]

good comments, thanks. I have been lurking in both audi and cayenne forums to hear their problems and praises. Your opinions are worth more than non boxster owning strangers!

Since both vehicles are certified pre-owned (cpo), those warranty numbers I gave were remaining (or additional). The Cayenne has 2yrs and 50K of warranty left. The Q5 has 100K and 5yr warranty left.

I agree about your suv comment. She had a Durango prior to the Odyssey and has her mind set on a Cayenne. I was trying to get her to consider others such as the Q5 which is less truck like and is built on a car frame.