I want to (I must) go Porsche - Panamera or Cayenne?
Discussion
Hello helpful people - I hope you might spare some of your time and expertise.
I would really appreciate your thoughts on either car - what to look out for and what models and spec would represent good value when considering buying one second hand.
I’m thinking of something from around 2014 onwards (I do like the updates to the models since then) with relatively low mileage and a budget somewhere in between £20 - £30,000 depending on what makes the most sense for the long term.
Certainly with the Panamera which I personally really like, I am aware there are particular colours and wheels which bring out its best side.
Both cars are practical (which I require) but also will allow me to experience the engaging Porsche drive - I am in love with the 911 but can’t justify it (or probably afford running it).
I would be looking for a diesel or E-Hybrid - any thoughts? Would love to hear from any of you who have or have had one...
I do appreciate there are much more important things concerning us all at the moment but I thought this might provide a little interesting distraction for some other owners and the knowledgable ones out there in lockdown. I know I need to think about something for a while so I’m going to invest some thought and time into this.
Many thanks for your time and help - do continue to stay safe and stay indoors!
I would really appreciate your thoughts on either car - what to look out for and what models and spec would represent good value when considering buying one second hand.
I’m thinking of something from around 2014 onwards (I do like the updates to the models since then) with relatively low mileage and a budget somewhere in between £20 - £30,000 depending on what makes the most sense for the long term.
Certainly with the Panamera which I personally really like, I am aware there are particular colours and wheels which bring out its best side.
Both cars are practical (which I require) but also will allow me to experience the engaging Porsche drive - I am in love with the 911 but can’t justify it (or probably afford running it).
I would be looking for a diesel or E-Hybrid - any thoughts? Would love to hear from any of you who have or have had one...
I do appreciate there are much more important things concerning us all at the moment but I thought this might provide a little interesting distraction for some other owners and the knowledgable ones out there in lockdown. I know I need to think about something for a while so I’m going to invest some thought and time into this.
Many thanks for your time and help - do continue to stay safe and stay indoors!
Edited by Dr Ing on Thursday 16th April 18:25
Hi Dr Ing,
If you’re considering a diesel then, just be aware that Porsche have started to recall them, to apply a so called emissions fix.
Which in my opinion will be bad news, considering all the problems that VW owners have encountered after theses so called fixes have been applied.
We had 2 VW cars in the family both had problems after the fixes where applied, from injector failures to EGR problems, drop in performance etc.
Just do a search for “VW emissions fix problems”, if want find out more.
I currently have a Cayenne S, for which I have just received a letter for the recall, I certainly won’t be having that applied.
So if you considering a diesel avoid any that have had the emissions fix applied.
If you’re considering a diesel then, just be aware that Porsche have started to recall them, to apply a so called emissions fix.
Which in my opinion will be bad news, considering all the problems that VW owners have encountered after theses so called fixes have been applied.
We had 2 VW cars in the family both had problems after the fixes where applied, from injector failures to EGR problems, drop in performance etc.
Just do a search for “VW emissions fix problems”, if want find out more.
I currently have a Cayenne S, for which I have just received a letter for the recall, I certainly won’t be having that applied.
So if you considering a diesel avoid any that have had the emissions fix applied.
Avoid diesel for many reasons.
Some engines need or will have had a “fix” which I’m led to believe is all ECU and affects performance also.
Pre 2015 diesels are likely to have to pay a city charge. In London that is ULEZ which is currently the size of the congestion zone but next year is the north to south circular. This is rolling out to all major towns and cities. It’s 24 hours a day all year.
Resale will be huge issue the longer you own.
Which car is going to be down to preference. I don’t like either for various reasons.
Some engines need or will have had a “fix” which I’m led to believe is all ECU and affects performance also.
Pre 2015 diesels are likely to have to pay a city charge. In London that is ULEZ which is currently the size of the congestion zone but next year is the north to south circular. This is rolling out to all major towns and cities. It’s 24 hours a day all year.
Resale will be huge issue the longer you own.
Which car is going to be down to preference. I don’t like either for various reasons.
I have one of each- very different vehicles.
I will not deal with performance specifically as it really depends on the model.
My old Cayenne is definitely roomier and has better rear seat room. Despite being a four seater the Panamera is not all that big in the back. Luggage capacity is much better in the Cayenne, and if you have a big dog for example then the Cayenne is a better choice. Cayenne also has better headroom and is easier to enter and exit. It is basically a big cube.
You can do this easily in a Cayenne but not in a Panamera:

The higher ground clearance of the Cayenne makes it far better for rough roads or deep snow. great for towing.
As a driver, the Panamera is superb for a long fast drive...can be driven like a limo or you can drive it hard and it changes character when you put it in sports mode. In general it will be faster than the equivalent Cayenne model and of course is a car, so much lower. Roadholding is exceptional. In general it feels much less roomy than the Cayenne

It very much depends what you want to use it for,
I will not deal with performance specifically as it really depends on the model.
My old Cayenne is definitely roomier and has better rear seat room. Despite being a four seater the Panamera is not all that big in the back. Luggage capacity is much better in the Cayenne, and if you have a big dog for example then the Cayenne is a better choice. Cayenne also has better headroom and is easier to enter and exit. It is basically a big cube.
You can do this easily in a Cayenne but not in a Panamera:

The higher ground clearance of the Cayenne makes it far better for rough roads or deep snow. great for towing.
As a driver, the Panamera is superb for a long fast drive...can be driven like a limo or you can drive it hard and it changes character when you put it in sports mode. In general it will be faster than the equivalent Cayenne model and of course is a car, so much lower. Roadholding is exceptional. In general it feels much less roomy than the Cayenne

It very much depends what you want to use it for,
RDMcG said:
tr7v8 said:
I love the Pannys registration.
Personally the Cayenne is much more versatile. Ours is a 2005 & I love it to bits.
I drove it at SpaPersonally the Cayenne is much more versatile. Ours is a 2005 & I love it to bits.

Thanks for sharing the pics and the info so far - much appreciated
Your lifestyle suggests an SUV.
Driven several Panameras and Cayennes, but my choice would be the Macan.
Colours are personal - obviously there is the ‘all black’ look - popular with certain SUV owners, but not my taste.
Wheels need to be not too small - can make the car look underwhelming. Or, not too big, as can ruin the ride and handling. 20” about right.
Air suspension with pasm definitely worthwhile on Cayenne or Macan as it allows various comfort and handling permutations, depending on driving conditions.
Driven several Panameras and Cayennes, but my choice would be the Macan.
Colours are personal - obviously there is the ‘all black’ look - popular with certain SUV owners, but not my taste.
Wheels need to be not too small - can make the car look underwhelming. Or, not too big, as can ruin the ride and handling. 20” about right.
Air suspension with pasm definitely worthwhile on Cayenne or Macan as it allows various comfort and handling permutations, depending on driving conditions.
I've had several Cayennes, V8s and Diesels. IMO great workhorses and I've never had any issues with any of them. Several 100k miles in total. If you go near the top of your budget something like this would be a good spec. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Colour wise, the darker ones tend to work best - grey, black, dark blue. If you can find one with pano roof and air suspension, so much the better. Rides fine on 20 or 21 inch wheels.
Colour wise, the darker ones tend to work best - grey, black, dark blue. If you can find one with pano roof and air suspension, so much the better. Rides fine on 20 or 21 inch wheels.
I would like something at least a good bit quicker than my 320d.
Does getting a faster Cayenne (like an S) affect the MPG considerably?
I know the updated diesel is quicker - think my 320d is 7.2 secs or so from 0 - 60mph
I like the idea of the Cayenne but am aware that perhaps some of the older ones are not that punchy...
Please tell me I'm wrong and I will be delighted...
Does getting a faster Cayenne (like an S) affect the MPG considerably?
I know the updated diesel is quicker - think my 320d is 7.2 secs or so from 0 - 60mph
I like the idea of the Cayenne but am aware that perhaps some of the older ones are not that punchy...
Please tell me I'm wrong and I will be delighted...
Edited by Dr Ing on Friday 17th April 22:57
Koln-RS said:
Your lifestyle suggests an SUV.
Driven several Panameras and Cayennes, but my choice would be the Macan.
I'm also not against the Macan - would you mind explaining why personally you actually favour it?Driven several Panameras and Cayennes, but my choice would be the Macan.
It's more of my neighbours has just got one and I don't want it to look like I'm trying to spoil her joy - it's a lovely car (all black) and I've told her so!
Both the Diesel Cayenne and Macan offer a pretty good blend of power and economy.
The mid-range turbo delivery is perfectly suited for real world performance, the V8 being exceptional, but the V6s still excellent.
Typical fuel economy should be 30-40mpg.
Personally, I prefer the styling, sportier character, and slightly smaller dimensions of the Macan. And, from my experience, I think it handles better.
Spent some time with one that had the air, PASM, 20” wheels, Porsche sports exhaust, etc and it was fun and agile to drive, with plenty of performance and even sounded good under hard acceleration.
Of course it is a bit smaller inside with more rake on the rear screen, so you would need to check the practicality is suitable for your needs.
The mid-range turbo delivery is perfectly suited for real world performance, the V8 being exceptional, but the V6s still excellent.
Typical fuel economy should be 30-40mpg.
Personally, I prefer the styling, sportier character, and slightly smaller dimensions of the Macan. And, from my experience, I think it handles better.
Spent some time with one that had the air, PASM, 20” wheels, Porsche sports exhaust, etc and it was fun and agile to drive, with plenty of performance and even sounded good under hard acceleration.
Of course it is a bit smaller inside with more rake on the rear screen, so you would need to check the practicality is suitable for your needs.
We’ve got a 2017 Cayenne S Diesel and a 2018 Macan Turbo Perf Pack. I’ve driven a few variations of both and have toyed with getting a Panamera.
Before getting the S Diesel I drove a 3.0 Diesel. Engine in the latter is perfectly adequate but not in the same league as the V8 diesel which is a fantastic engine. It’s incredibly smooth for a diesel and actually sounds good too especially the slightly earlier cars pre Ad Blue. We’ve had a couple of niggles with ours...nothing major but I wouldn’t run one without warranty. As has been said Air PASM is great and a must have with bigger wheels.
Macan - Cabin and boot space is a fair bit smaller than the Cayenne. The Cayenne is a great car to drive but the Macan for a two tonne 4x4 is ridiculously good. Great fun to throw down a country lane and with the Air PASM and 21” wheels rides really well too...I would actually say better than the Cayenne. the S Diesel Macan is a lovely drive.
We’ve done 70k miles combined in the two cars....I think we’ll be keeping them for a while. I would probably have traded the Cayenne in for a new one if they still made the S Diesel but they don’t. OPC actually told me to keep it...said they have a queue of people looking for them. Which I didn’t believe but then look at the AUC site....there are only 15 for sale and they sold literally 000’s of them.
Never driven an older Panny so can’t comment ! `Love the new one.
Before getting the S Diesel I drove a 3.0 Diesel. Engine in the latter is perfectly adequate but not in the same league as the V8 diesel which is a fantastic engine. It’s incredibly smooth for a diesel and actually sounds good too especially the slightly earlier cars pre Ad Blue. We’ve had a couple of niggles with ours...nothing major but I wouldn’t run one without warranty. As has been said Air PASM is great and a must have with bigger wheels.
Macan - Cabin and boot space is a fair bit smaller than the Cayenne. The Cayenne is a great car to drive but the Macan for a two tonne 4x4 is ridiculously good. Great fun to throw down a country lane and with the Air PASM and 21” wheels rides really well too...I would actually say better than the Cayenne. the S Diesel Macan is a lovely drive.
We’ve done 70k miles combined in the two cars....I think we’ll be keeping them for a while. I would probably have traded the Cayenne in for a new one if they still made the S Diesel but they don’t. OPC actually told me to keep it...said they have a queue of people looking for them. Which I didn’t believe but then look at the AUC site....there are only 15 for sale and they sold literally 000’s of them.
Never driven an older Panny so can’t comment ! `Love the new one.
Agree with Cheib.
I have an ad blue S diesel having had 4.8 S v8.
The SD is never lacking for speed, makes a lovely noise and does twice the mpg of the older petrol car. 600 miles on a tank full on a tour is easily achievable.
I bought mine with low milage from an OPC as they had stopped making them and wanted a good choice of spec before it was to late.
I have 21” wheels on steel and it rides v well. Old car had air which was a little smoother but expensive when it went wrong!
Expecting to keep this car 10 years. Who knows what we’ll have to drive then.
I have an ad blue S diesel having had 4.8 S v8.
The SD is never lacking for speed, makes a lovely noise and does twice the mpg of the older petrol car. 600 miles on a tank full on a tour is easily achievable.
I bought mine with low milage from an OPC as they had stopped making them and wanted a good choice of spec before it was to late.
I have 21” wheels on steel and it rides v well. Old car had air which was a little smoother but expensive when it went wrong!
Expecting to keep this car 10 years. Who knows what we’ll have to drive then.
I have had my Cayenne for 13 years from new. It has had a hard life. Parked on the street 260,000 km including 50,000 towing a trailer with another cat on it. Only one major repair (camshaft lifters) . Incredibly tough and reliable. Paint is scraped everywhere but I will keep it till it is uneconomical yo fix.
Guys this is brilliant and so much appreciated - thank you so much. I think you have helped me admit that the Cayenne will be the much better all rounder that will suit a lot of my many purposes!
So could we zone in on the spec and year for a Cayenne Diesel S...as I have seen a few 2014 - 2016 that look well...
Were there any important or preferred styling or engine changes that happened around those years?
I've learnt so much already...thank you for all advice so far
I know that I like the tail lights that are getting closer to the new look...(have the same feeling with Panamera lights - for me it made a big difference)
So could we zone in on the spec and year for a Cayenne Diesel S...as I have seen a few 2014 - 2016 that look well...
Were there any important or preferred styling or engine changes that happened around those years?
I've learnt so much already...thank you for all advice so far
I know that I like the tail lights that are getting closer to the new look...(have the same feeling with Panamera lights - for me it made a big difference)
Edited by Dr Ing on Saturday 18th April 17:41
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