Around 15 to 20 years ago, you could still buy a big, luxurious SUV with a manual gearbox. Today, the only SUVs with a manual are the rugged Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler—manuals are otherwise extinct in the SUV segment. Fortunately, there’s always the used market to turn to, and an immaculate example of a first-generation Porsche Cayenne GTS with a manual is currently up for sale in Pennsylvania. With low miles, no modifications, and the rarity of a six-speed stick-shift, it’s already attracted a lot of attention online.
A Stunner in GTS Red
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
This 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS is a facelifted version of the first-generation Cayenne—it looks far more attractive than the pre-facelift model that drew much criticism. According to the listing on Cars & Bids, it has 21-inch Cayenne Sport wheels, a rear spoiler, and bi-xenon headlights that further add to the sporty appearance of this example.
It’s motivated by a 4.8-liter V8 with 405 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with output going to all four wheels via the six-speed manual. With a 0-60 time of just under six seconds, it’s not insanely quick by today’s standards, but there’s something deeply alluring about driving a large SUV with a throaty, naturally-aspirated V8 and a manual. The throws are quite long, though, so it’s not as sporty of a transmission as the manual in a Cayman, but this SUV’s sense of occasion is undiluted after all these years. What can’t be faulted are the immense grip levels of this SUV, which set new standards when it was launched.
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
Cars & Bids
The exact number of manual Cayenne GTS models in the USA isn’t known, but it’s estimated to be a fraction of the total number of first-gen Cayennes—possibly under 350 units. That’s why this example is so special, especially since it’s covered a mere 34,200 miles. Leather and Alcantara upholstery, a power sunroof, and a Bose sound system further sweeten the deal.
How Much Should You Pay?
Cars & Bids
This Cayenne GTS has a current high bid of $57,500, not too far off its base price of $71,600 when new. However, this GTS Red model actually sold for $91,800, as expensive options like the leather/Alcantara upholstery and navigation system significantly pushed up the price.
On Cars & Bids, 14 other Cayenne GTS manuals between the 2008 and 2009 model years have been sold, with the priciest one going for $51,750 in 2022. Most sold for under $30,000, but these lacked the low mileage of this 2009 model. We also checked Bring A Trailer, where a 2009 GTS manual with 58,000 miles sold for $64,000 last year.
For under $60k, you can no longer purchase a new Porsche SUV. The base Macan with a four-cylinder engine starts at over $65k, and wouldn’t you rather have a larger V8-powered Cayenne with a manual? If the high bid stays below $60k, you have the opportunity to drive off in one of the rarest Porsche Cayennes.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog