Don't Get Left Behind: Here's How To Make Your First-Gen Porsche Cayenne Relevant Again In 2024

Inexpensive Amazon finds no first-gen Cayenne owner can ignore

Now unless you want to turn your Gen-1 Cayenne into an off-roading rig, here are some upgrades (mostly from Amazon) that will bring your old Cayenne up to speed with the modern world. One easy upgrade is to get LED headlights. In case your Cayenne features regular Halogen H7 bulbs instead of the projectors, you can swap them out for LED bulbs. As you’ll see in the video above, it’s pretty much a plug-and-play D.I.Y. job and you’re good to go. You should find plenty of options between $20 and $40 and this will vastly improve the lighting of your Cayenne on those night time drives.

Next, let’s talk tech. If you’re used to the latest bells and whistles in modern cars, you’ll find the first-gen Cayenne’s stereo system ancient. However, don’t despair! There are several ways to upgrade your on-board tech experience. If you wish to swap out the stock head unit, there are plenty of upgradable infotainment displays available online, and you can get a decent aftermarket radio for around $100. Remember, this isn’t simply a plug-in-play option. You need to replace the entire head unit for a modern-looking digital display, and you’ve to select the right size for the display. It’s a more involved process, but the results can be well worth the effort.

Alternatively, a cheaper hack would be to get this inexpensive gadget that plugs into your Cayenne’s cigarette lighter, gets you a Bluetooth transmitter and a USB hub for just $17, to which you can connect your phone directly, and voila, just like that, you can now stream Apple Music, Spotify, and even voice navigation from either Google or Apple, directly to your Phone on any early model Cayenne. By adding the necessary modern touches, you can create a unique experience that blends classic Porsche style with modern convenience.

Performance and visual upgrades worth considering

Let’s talk about keeping your first-gen Cayenne feeling fresh and performing at its best. Since these SUVs have been around for a while (for over two decades), it’s crucial to address potential wear and tear on key components. Suspension bushings, shock absorbers, and control arms are common areas that might need attention. Replacing these often worn-out parts with fresh ones can significantly improve the ride quality, handling, and overall driving experience. Expect to spend around $850.00

For the more enthusiastic drivers, there’s always room for a little extra oomph. Upgrading the brakes to a high-performance system, such as larger and lighter rotors with larger calipers, can provide greater stopping power and fade resistance, which is crucial for spirited driving. Similarly, a cold air intake system can improve airflow to the engine, potentially boosting horsepower and torque, and will also cost up to $800. However, it would be unwise to abuse your 20-year-old Cayenne’s engine with unnecessary redlining and slapping on engine mods. Always look for low-mileage models. Visually, you can throw on a set of new wheels to spice things up, but do note that decent rims don’t come cheap and prices start from just over $1,000 (BBS LM Wheels). Additionally, it’s important to research and choose reputable third-party parts makers for these upgrades to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Reliability and maintenance

Let’s be real: German cars aren’t exactly known for their reliability. And the first-gen Cayenne is no exception. Repairpal, a reputable source of car reliability ratings, gave the OG Cayenne a rather dismal score of 1.5 out of 5.0. Engine troubles, in particular, seem to be a common complaint among owners.

However, don’t let that scare you away entirely. Like any machine, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Cayenne running smoothly for years to come. Think of it like taking care of a thoroughbred racehorse - it needs proper attention and care to perform at its peak. So, what kind of maintenance should you expect? Well, regular oil changes are a must, along with replacing filters, spark plugs, and other wear-and-tear items. It’s also crucial to address any leaks or warning lights promptly, as ignoring them can lead to more serious and expensive issues down the line.

I’ll reiterate that if you’re considering the first-gen models, try to hunt for lower-mileage examples. Considering the age of the vehicle, that may be a tall order. These older Cayennes have most likely had two or three owners. But on the flip side, they are dirt cheap and you can snag one for $6,999. To give you some context, when the Cayenne launched, the range started around $90,000. Here’s a list of used first-gen Cayenne models you can check out. In case you’re wondering what the ownership experience is, here’s Todd from Everyday Driver, who got a chance to put some serious miles on his used 2010 Cayenne and it was mostly smooth sailing, for the most part.