You may be in the market for a used Porsche Cayenne but not really know the context of what you may end up buying. It's in a buyer's best interest to learn a little about the history of this German vehicle before signing on a deal.

1. The Porsche Cayenne is an SUV, not a sedan. That's right: the maker classifies the Cayenne as a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle. Though it may not share the shape of an American SUV, the Cayenne falls into the same category.
2. The Porsche Cayenne is produced in concert with Volkswagen. Some of the body parts and panels come directly from the VW Touareg, a mid-sized crossover SUV on the market since 2003.
3. You're buying power under the hood. The engine size of the Cayenne varies: older models come with a V6 engine starting at 3.2L, with a base model rated for 290HP. On the high side, though, the 4.5L V8 for the Turbo S model rates at 521HP, with 0-to-60 acceleration at 5 seconds.
4. The Porsche Cayenne, in typical Volkswagen style, comes in both diesel and regular varieties. It's worth noting that the Cayenne includes models shipped with a diesel engine, as the popularity of diesel comes and goes according to gas prices and other factors. New work by global auto makers on a "cleaner diesel" is getting more attention for the alternate fuel model, which generally allows for better MPG than regular gasoline.
5. The Porsche Cayenne was engineered for racing. A small number of Cayennes were built for the TransSyberia Rally 2007, where drivers raced 7,100 kilometers from Moscow, Russia to Ulan Bataar, Mongolia. A Cayenne driver won the race, and the "TransSyberia S" model won acclaim, with a street model commemorating the victory.
6. The Cayenne is expected to last. New plans for future Cayenne models are in the making. New features are planned, including the following high-tech options for some models: air conditioning with dual-zone climate controls, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, 12-way power front seats, heated front seats, outside-temperature indicator, power liftgate, tri-zone climate controls, heated steering wheel, remote engine start, keyless access and start, and memory system. Knowing about the future of the Porsche Cayenne could affect a used purchase.

With a little more knowledge about the details of the Porsche Cayenne, a driver can be confident that he or she is selecting a prime vehicle that has a good market value and a lasting presence in the American market, which is important for finding auto maintenance mechanics, getting resale deals and helping the vehicle hold its value as an investment. The driver of a Porsche Cayenne can help spread the message that there is a lot to offer from the Porsche brand.