Talk me into/out of buying a used Panamera
Discussion
I'm researching used Panamera's for a potential purchase in 2yrs time when I retire. I'm the kind of person who does lots of research into purchases and don't like to buy a car without knowing its potential faults etc.
I'm aware of their PCCB ceramic brakes and the high cost to replace (£16k for the fronts?), do they all have these?
Am I right in saying there was a facelift model mid 2010's?
I'll probably have a budget of around £30k, whatever that will buy me in 2025? It will be a big purchase for me and I certainly won't have the funds to pay for replacement PCCB's.
I'm aware of their PCCB ceramic brakes and the high cost to replace (£16k for the fronts?), do they all have these?
Am I right in saying there was a facelift model mid 2010's?
I'll probably have a budget of around £30k, whatever that will buy me in 2025? It will be a big purchase for me and I certainly won't have the funds to pay for replacement PCCB's.
Edited by The Gauge on Friday 25th August 10:46
If it is a burning ambition to own a Panamera then don’t let anyone put you off.- but buy carefully. Remember though that even if you are paying £30k you are still buying a circa £100 k car and that means that spares and servicing costs will be commensurate with that price point - obviously you can minimise costs by using independent garages rather than OPC - but go into this with your eyes open ! Enjoy the whole experience though
The majority don’t have PCCBs.
Superb value if you buy well. I have a Turbo S. looked for a while for the spec I wanted, but if you are patient you will find what you want. I think the looks are very colour/wheel style dependent. Wrong colour & wheel style they are not great. Get that right they are a very classy looking car. Performance wise the higher end stuff is a real hoot.
Superb value if you buy well. I have a Turbo S. looked for a while for the spec I wanted, but if you are patient you will find what you want. I think the looks are very colour/wheel style dependent. Wrong colour & wheel style they are not great. Get that right they are a very classy looking car. Performance wise the higher end stuff is a real hoot.
Did PCCBs come as standard on certain models, or were they always optional extras?
What are peoples thoughts on buying one privately? If spending £30k I'd prefer a Porsche approved car rather than buying private, but they will come at a higher price compared to buying private, and considering I wouldn't ever be trading it in against a higher priced car I'd have to sell private, suffering the loss, but that's life.
What are peoples thoughts on buying one privately? If spending £30k I'd prefer a Porsche approved car rather than buying private, but they will come at a higher price compared to buying private, and considering I wouldn't ever be trading it in against a higher priced car I'd have to sell private, suffering the loss, but that's life.
nw942 said:
Something to check/bear in mind: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Interesting and frightening reading, shame the OP never updated the thread with the final outcome.PCCBs were / are an optional extra on all models below the Turbo S and having had them once, I’d have them again without a thought, provided the mileage wasn’t stratospheric (100k miles plus). They have a lot of benefits in terms of reducing unsprung mass, more braking power, no brake dust etc.
I’m on my third Panamera having had a 2012 GTS, a 2014 Turbo S and now a 2019 Turbo.
This is crystal ball stuff but I can’t see the 2016 models reaching £30k in two years time, unless it’s for a low spec entry model, which won’t be a particularly exciting ownership prospect, in my opinion at least.
I would suspect you could get a late 970 GTS for your budget, which has an incredible engine and feels pretty special. I doubt they will be covered by a Porsche warranty by the time you’re getting round to looking at one, unless you’re lucky enough to find a fastidious owner who’s kept up service history and warranty renewals.
Personally, I’d be worried about running one without a decent warranty given the car will be 9-10 years old in 2025 and they do experience the odd, expensive problem. The two issues I faced on my earlier Panameras were failing PDCC pumps and the A/C condensers. They also chew through front suspension components, particularly bushes. You’ll know if you have those if the car squeaks / creaks over speed bumps, particularly when cold.
As others have said, there are more exciting saloons out there (M5, E63 etc) but they’re not really rivals for the Panamera. The Porsche is more of a 4 door GT, so much better at distance work and in terms of build quality, feels a league or two above the two I’ve mentioned.
I’m on my third Panamera having had a 2012 GTS, a 2014 Turbo S and now a 2019 Turbo.
This is crystal ball stuff but I can’t see the 2016 models reaching £30k in two years time, unless it’s for a low spec entry model, which won’t be a particularly exciting ownership prospect, in my opinion at least.
I would suspect you could get a late 970 GTS for your budget, which has an incredible engine and feels pretty special. I doubt they will be covered by a Porsche warranty by the time you’re getting round to looking at one, unless you’re lucky enough to find a fastidious owner who’s kept up service history and warranty renewals.
Personally, I’d be worried about running one without a decent warranty given the car will be 9-10 years old in 2025 and they do experience the odd, expensive problem. The two issues I faced on my earlier Panameras were failing PDCC pumps and the A/C condensers. They also chew through front suspension components, particularly bushes. You’ll know if you have those if the car squeaks / creaks over speed bumps, particularly when cold.
As others have said, there are more exciting saloons out there (M5, E63 etc) but they’re not really rivals for the Panamera. The Porsche is more of a 4 door GT, so much better at distance work and in terms of build quality, feels a league or two above the two I’ve mentioned.
Edited by Mosdef on Monday 28th August 08:49
Edited by Mosdef on Monday 28th August 09:00
Mosdef said:
PCCBs were / are an optional extra on all models below the Turbo S and having had them once, I’d have them again without a thought, provided the mileage wasn’t stratospheric (100k miles plus). They have a lot of benefits in terms of reducing unsprung mass, more braking power, no brake dust etc.
I’m on my third Panamera having had a 2012 GTS, a 2014 Turbo S and now a 2019 Turbo.
This is crystal ball stuff but I can’t see the 2016 models reaching £30k in two years time, unless it’s for a low spec entry model, which won’t be a particularly exciting ownership prospect, in my opinion at least.
I would suspect you could get a late 970 GTS for your budget, which has an incredible engine and feels pretty special. I doubt they will be covered by a Porsche warranty by the time you’re getting round to looking at one, unless you’re lucky enough to find a fastidious owner who’s kept up service history and warranty renewals.
Personally, I’d be worried about running one without a decent warranty given the car will be 9-10 years old in 2025 and they do experience the odd, expensive problem. The two issues I faced on my earlier Panameras were failing PDCC pumps and the A/C condensers. They also chew through front suspension components, particularly bushes. You’ll know if you have those if the car squeaks / creaks over speed bumps, particularly when cold.
As others have said, there are more exciting saloons out there (M5, E63 etc) but they’re not really rivals for the Panamera. The Porsche is more of a 4 door GT, so much better at distance work and in terms of build quality, feels a league or two above the two I’ve mentioned.
Thanks for the info, useful to know. I'll keep an eye on the prices, and keep up the research, much appreciated.I’m on my third Panamera having had a 2012 GTS, a 2014 Turbo S and now a 2019 Turbo.
This is crystal ball stuff but I can’t see the 2016 models reaching £30k in two years time, unless it’s for a low spec entry model, which won’t be a particularly exciting ownership prospect, in my opinion at least.
I would suspect you could get a late 970 GTS for your budget, which has an incredible engine and feels pretty special. I doubt they will be covered by a Porsche warranty by the time you’re getting round to looking at one, unless you’re lucky enough to find a fastidious owner who’s kept up service history and warranty renewals.
Personally, I’d be worried about running one without a decent warranty given the car will be 9-10 years old in 2025 and they do experience the odd, expensive problem. The two issues I faced on my earlier Panameras were failing PDCC pumps and the A/C condensers. They also chew through front suspension components, particularly bushes. You’ll know if you have those if the car squeaks / creaks over speed bumps, particularly when cold.
As others have said, there are more exciting saloons out there (M5, E63 etc) but they’re not really rivals for the Panamera. The Porsche is more of a 4 door GT, so much better at distance work and in terms of build quality, feels a league or two above the two I’ve mentioned.
The Gauge said:
Thanks for the info, useful to know. I'll keep an eye on the prices, and keep up the research, much appreciated.
You’re welcome. If I were in your position, my money would go on a GTS, but that depends on your petrol budget (I got late 20s mpg on mine on longer runs, low 30s on a long run through France at 80mph, so the range was huge). The diesels are also good but they’re not 4wd and won’t be as much fun. As others have said, spec, colour and wheels make a huge difference to looks and the ownership experience. The GTS comes with a lot of kit as standard but not some of the ones I’d want, like 4 zone AC, adapative cruise etc.
Just done a 500 mile trip to the north west of Scotland in mine . Has PDCC/ PCCBs, tuning bits , had an elderly passenger so no heroics on the way up. 25 mpg, half a tank there. On the way back able to exercise it a wee bit . The handling belies their size, the ceramics are incredible , as others have said , front suspension benefits a refresh , I always price parts from opc / autodoc if you aren’t in a hurry , Been surprised by opc prices too, sometimes are the cheapest . The rear spoilers play up , mine has ceased to function yet again, the drive units are open to the elements, get rather clogged , especially if the drain plugs in the tailgate are blocked. I’m having strip down number 2 on mine before throwing the parts cannon at it . Only certain parts are currently available , some have no expectation which is quite common.
Drive a few , some prefer the GTS over the turbo and vice versa. Personally think less common colours really suit them, mines jet green with later 21” wheels with a nice bronze finish. Interiors really suit lighter shades too.
Drive a few , some prefer the GTS over the turbo and vice versa. Personally think less common colours really suit them, mines jet green with later 21” wheels with a nice bronze finish. Interiors really suit lighter shades too.
I'll start off by saying I like my cars, but I'm not the biggest piston head in the world.
I bought a 2010 Turbo about 8 months ago. First Porsche I've owned, long story short I wanted to buy something stupid things made me realise life is short.
No ceramic brakes - yellow callipers are a sign a car has them.
I wanted a family car, I wanted to try a Porsche and I've always liked the Panamera, some say it's ugly but I think its aged well. I agree some of them look dull as with smaller wheels, poverty spec etc. Personally I like in the right spec / colour they turn heads.
I head said buy a diesel... but my heart (and my wife) said... it's a Porsche... go big or go home
Some thoughts / experiences:
For peace of mind I bought one from a dealer, and I took a (Porsche) warranty. it had 50k on it when I got it. I didn't got for a cheap one. In fact I might of slightly over paid. But I liked how it looked... and I'm shallow.
So far I have spent: £1200 on 4 tyres and £320 on a gear box oil change just to make sure it was done. And it's quite keen on oil - so factor in a few liters of that.
Only thing that's gone wrong was a an ignition coil that cost £130 (covered under warranty) and I get the odd 'spoiler failure' messaged now and again and the key wasn't being recognised at times so I put a piece of folded paper behind the battery to make it a tighter fit and that never happened again.
I choose to use an independent - Nine Excellence in Horley who have been great - fair prices and also at putting my mind at ease being a first time Porshce owner and my first time owning an 'expensive car to run'. https://www.nineexcellence.com/ From what I read a Porsche warranty is good - but you have to use these tyres, these brake pads etc. And while I would never scrimp on such things I didn't want to pay for the Porsche logo.
here's 9E's price list > https://www.nineexcellence.com/service/porsche-ser...
I don't do massive miles, only around 3k in the time I've had it so bear that in mind when I'm giving my opinion - longest trip so far way 1200 mile trip to Scotland (got around 29mpg). It was faultless on that trip, I would say that it's built for motor ways. It's very easy to go fast in the Turbo. That's all I'll say
I average around 18mpg in normal use.
I like the sport mode, make it feel a bit more fun.
I will say It took me a while to get used to the size - I was driving a E39 before. Width restrictors are still avoided! But it's no bigger than a range rover.
It's a very nice place to be, it turns heads, people (who don't frequent Piston Heads) always comment on it. I don't think they realise it's a 2010 car.
As for 'horror' stories - I think all cars can have problems, I wouldn't own one with out a warranty for peace of mind. At the end of the day you can get one for £15k... but it was a £100k plus car so it's never going to be as cheap to run as a £15k fiesta. I chatted to the guys at Nine Excellence and they said they don't get many major things going wrong - of course they do go wrong... so dose my old E39.
Do check that the cam shaft bolts have been changed as some early ones did sheer. Make sure that it's got a good service history. Because they have got cheap - I think there are going to be a few out there that are not that well looked after.
My 8 year old love being driven around in it
this is an America perspective - but worth a watch if you haven't
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEjd63oubcQ&t=...
I think if you try one, like it, buy a good one in the right spec you'll enjoy it.
Anyhow here's a pic of mine in GT silver.
Hope that helps and happy to answer any questions if I can.
Enjoy your search
Mark
I bought a 2010 Turbo about 8 months ago. First Porsche I've owned, long story short I wanted to buy something stupid things made me realise life is short.
No ceramic brakes - yellow callipers are a sign a car has them.
I wanted a family car, I wanted to try a Porsche and I've always liked the Panamera, some say it's ugly but I think its aged well. I agree some of them look dull as with smaller wheels, poverty spec etc. Personally I like in the right spec / colour they turn heads.
I head said buy a diesel... but my heart (and my wife) said... it's a Porsche... go big or go home
Some thoughts / experiences:
For peace of mind I bought one from a dealer, and I took a (Porsche) warranty. it had 50k on it when I got it. I didn't got for a cheap one. In fact I might of slightly over paid. But I liked how it looked... and I'm shallow.
So far I have spent: £1200 on 4 tyres and £320 on a gear box oil change just to make sure it was done. And it's quite keen on oil - so factor in a few liters of that.
Only thing that's gone wrong was a an ignition coil that cost £130 (covered under warranty) and I get the odd 'spoiler failure' messaged now and again and the key wasn't being recognised at times so I put a piece of folded paper behind the battery to make it a tighter fit and that never happened again.
I choose to use an independent - Nine Excellence in Horley who have been great - fair prices and also at putting my mind at ease being a first time Porshce owner and my first time owning an 'expensive car to run'. https://www.nineexcellence.com/ From what I read a Porsche warranty is good - but you have to use these tyres, these brake pads etc. And while I would never scrimp on such things I didn't want to pay for the Porsche logo.
here's 9E's price list > https://www.nineexcellence.com/service/porsche-ser...
I don't do massive miles, only around 3k in the time I've had it so bear that in mind when I'm giving my opinion - longest trip so far way 1200 mile trip to Scotland (got around 29mpg). It was faultless on that trip, I would say that it's built for motor ways. It's very easy to go fast in the Turbo. That's all I'll say
I average around 18mpg in normal use.
I like the sport mode, make it feel a bit more fun.
I will say It took me a while to get used to the size - I was driving a E39 before. Width restrictors are still avoided! But it's no bigger than a range rover.
It's a very nice place to be, it turns heads, people (who don't frequent Piston Heads) always comment on it. I don't think they realise it's a 2010 car.
As for 'horror' stories - I think all cars can have problems, I wouldn't own one with out a warranty for peace of mind. At the end of the day you can get one for £15k... but it was a £100k plus car so it's never going to be as cheap to run as a £15k fiesta. I chatted to the guys at Nine Excellence and they said they don't get many major things going wrong - of course they do go wrong... so dose my old E39.
Do check that the cam shaft bolts have been changed as some early ones did sheer. Make sure that it's got a good service history. Because they have got cheap - I think there are going to be a few out there that are not that well looked after.
My 8 year old love being driven around in it
this is an America perspective - but worth a watch if you haven't
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEjd63oubcQ&t=...
I think if you try one, like it, buy a good one in the right spec you'll enjoy it.
Anyhow here's a pic of mine in GT silver.
Hope that helps and happy to answer any questions if I can.
Enjoy your search
Mark
Edited by markblack on Wednesday 6th September 23:10
Edited by markblack on Wednesday 6th September 23:15
Bought my 2018 ST Turbo new, Have done some long trips in it. I even tracked the thing. By and large has been very reliable, some electrical gremlins on delivery which were sorted by the dealer and nothing since. It is a big long distance cruiser, very quick and very comfortable with much better roadholding than I would expect on a big car and 550hp is more than enough. The ST has more rear headroom than the saloon if you are using it a lot for rear seat passengers. I did not bother with ceramics but did put in the PDCC and a fairly full spec. No regrets about the car; it is great in winter also, though I do fit proper winter rims and tires.
I have a 2017 971 4S Panamera.
I bought it three years old, with mainly aesthetic options: 21" Turbo wheels, metallic GT Silver, smoked lights, quad exhausts, etc - so inside it's pretty basic apart from PASM.
I don't regret buying it at all - it's like a longer 911 and I feel it gives me enough grunt on the road with no practicality trade offs (in fact I have a Porsche roof transport system attached and carry bikes/box).
My car is probably worth £40/43K now, so in two years I'm sure you'll have a 4S/GTS within your range.
I bought it three years old, with mainly aesthetic options: 21" Turbo wheels, metallic GT Silver, smoked lights, quad exhausts, etc - so inside it's pretty basic apart from PASM.
I don't regret buying it at all - it's like a longer 911 and I feel it gives me enough grunt on the road with no practicality trade offs (in fact I have a Porsche roof transport system attached and carry bikes/box).
My car is probably worth £40/43K now, so in two years I'm sure you'll have a 4S/GTS within your range.
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