Open Road

Common Porsche Cayenne vs. Lexus RX repair problems

The Porsche Cayenne and Lexus RX are two of the most coveted SUVs on the market. Few vehicles today match these machines when it comes to performance and sophistication. What happens when we compare common breakdowns between these two luxury sport utilities? Let's find out and also learn about how to pay for car repairs.

Brake Job

Sometimes they squeal or grind. They might even shudder. For both the Cayenne and the RX, the brake pads should be checked and changed when they begin to wear down. If you wait until you have to replace brake rotors, the cost will go up significantly.

A rear or front brake pad change for the Porsche Cayenne will cost you around $279 - $640. If you need new rotors, expect to pay from $560 to $2800.

For the Lexus RX, rear or front brake pad replacement costs are around $140 -$240. Add in the rotors and your total charge goes up to $325 - $530.

Cooling Down

If you notice your Cayenne leaking coolant, get it fixed promptly. Engine overheating and failure can costs thousands of dollars to repair. In comparison, a failed Cayenne radiator hose will cost you only $120 – $160, parts and labor. Tell the repair shop to use molded, original parts, since off-brand hoses typically fail faster. Make sure they install new hose clamps too.

In the Lexus RX, you might see the AC light come on, or the digital display showing a "Check Air Conditioning" message. In some instances, this is due to a failed AC amplifier. You might also notice only hot air blowing or that the AC works intermittently. This failure is more common in RX models with over 68,000 miles. Repair costs can add up to $1,000 or more.

Technology Failure

All cars today carry onboard computers. These two models may include advanced features such as GPS, Internet, and Bluetooth as well as a wide range of other tech goodies. When these components break down, the repairs can be complex and costly. For example, radio malfunction may indicate a more general computer problem which will likely be an expensive fix.

Make sure you ask if your vehicle requires a software upgrade before any repairs are completed. This may be covered under your original factory warranty, or it may even be provided free of charge for repairs made at an authorized dealer. If not, tech service typically starts at around $300 and can go up to $1000 or more.

How To Pay For Car Repairs

Extended vehicle protection plans are especially attractive for this class of vehicles. Some car owners look to save money on luxury SUVs by buying them used, but in such cases there may not be many miles left on the factory warranty. Many choose to protect their Porsche Cayenne or Lexus RX investment with an extended auto warranty plan when their factory warranty expires. Extended vehicle protection pays for unexpected repairs and may save you money and unnecessary headaches in the long run.


Joe CampanellaJoe Campanella is the Executive Vice President, Business Development for CARCHEX, a leading provider of vehicle protection and vehicle inspection services. Joe received his B.S. in Engineering from the University of Maryland. He is an Advisory Board Member for Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Maryland, and is a licensed property & casualty insurance producer in the states of California and Maryland.

Share This Photo X