This 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS listed here in Los Angeles got my attention at a price point of only $24,998, and with 57,000 miles it fits nicely in my made up unicorn world ($35,000/60,000 miles or less).
Thinking not bad for a 10 year old SUV (former Porsche CPO), and with a 400hp naturally aspirated V-8, 4WD, a tow hitch, front and rear seat heaters, Bluetooth and Bose, it has the minimum I would need in a work “truck”. Throw in the MaxCare warranty and tax and probably out the door for $30,000. Not bad for a Porsche Cayenne GTS that once sold for over $70,000.
But this Motor Trend review clocked it as a six-second 0-60mph, and while I’m sure it handles well, it’s kind of…slow. It’s a three owner one accident SUV and also lacking a number of features – third row seat, rear view camera, air conditioned seats – so I kept looking.
What I found was this 2012 BMW X5 XDrive50i for $2,000 less and about the same mileage, and also with a 400hp (twin-turbo V-8), 4WD, and a tow hitch (pictured, but not listed as a feature!). But it also has the Cold Weather Package (front and rear seat heaters AND heated steering wheel), Premium Package, Technology Package, rear view camera,
third row seats, and air conditioned seats. Does everything the Cayenne does and more, for less money, and per this Auto Guide review was faster than the Cayenne GTS. And no accidents. Unclear to me how the BMW X5 compares handling-wise, and if it matters, it’s a little less panache than the Porsche. But that’s all. Find it here in Fresno. It’s a bargain.
While we’re at it, check out these other high horsepower 4WD unicorns. The 402hp 2014 Mercedes ML550 might be the most refined and reasonable at $32,998 and only 42,000 miles, while the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 has 63 more horsepower than the Mercedes and auto cruise control – but costs more and has higher mileage. (It’s the only American made SUV with more than 400hp – the rest are all European.) Maybe 400 horsepower isn’t enough? Then you might enjoy the supercharged, 510hp, 2013 Range Rover Sport for $32,998, or the monstrous 555hp 2013 BMW X5M for $34,998! Here are all the ads:
