Monday 3rd April 2017

Porsche Panamera (970) | PH Used Buying Guide

Pace, space, and a model for (nearly) every taste - here's how to buy a first-gen Panamera

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The idea of a four-door 911 goes all the way back to the 1960s, but it took Porsche until 2009 to launch something in this vein. It was the Panamera, or 970 to give the car its internal product code. Of course, it bore only a passing resemblance to its sports coupe sibling as the Panamera was a front-engined, five-door hatch.

While some might have wrung their hands at this broadening of the Stuttgart firm's range, the model did make strong business sense. It allowed Porsche to take on Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Maserati and Mercedes in the large, fast saloon sector. With 164,503 Panameras made during the 970's production run to 2016, there's no arguing with its contribution to the company's bottom line.

The first 100,000 of those cars were 970.1 first generation models, which was then replaced by the Gen 2 car in 2013. We've listed the engines below, but the significant change with the facelift was swapping the S models' V8 motors for turbocharged V6s.

Also, the introduction of the Panamera S Hybrid in early 2011 was another clear sign that Porsche was well aware of the need to offer as diverse a range as it could.

For us, the real interest lies in the petrol-only models and, in particular, those with a V8 motor. Go for the full-house Turbo S with 550hp and you have a luxury four-seater that reaches 62mph in 3.8 seconds and tops out at 191mph yet can still offer 24.6mpg combined economy.

If the Panamera sounds like your kind of Porsche, prices now start from £26,000 for an early 3.6-litre V6 with average miles. Upgrade to the V8 S and you'll need to spend another couple of thousand for an early example. Diesels start at £29,000, while the petrol-powered Turbo will require a further £10,000 on top of that. An E-Hybrid will set you back from £45,000, but for the same money we'd rather have the GTS.

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Panamera 970.1 models
4.8 S - 400hp; 0-62mph 5.4sec; top speed 176mph; 6-spd man/7-spd PDK
4.8 4S - 400hp; 0-62mph 4.8sec; top speed 175mph; 7-spd PDK
Turbo - 500hp; 0-62mph 4.0sec; top speed 188mph; 7-spd PDK
Turbo with Powerkit - 540hp; 0-62mph 3.9sec; top speed 190mph; 7-spd PDK
Turbo S - 550hp; 0-62mph 3.8sec; top speed 191mph; 7-spd PDK
GTS - 440hp; 0-62mph 4.3sec; top speed 179mph; 7-spd PDK
3.6 V6 - 300hp; 0-62mph 6.3sec; top speed 161mph; 6-spd man/7-spd PDK
3.6 V6 4 - 300hp; 0-62mph 5.9sec; top speed 160mph; 7-spd PDK
Hybrid-S - 3.0 V6 s/c - 380hp; 0-62mph 5.8sec; top speed 168mph; 8-spd Tiptronic
Diesel - 250hp; 0-62mph 6.8sec; top speed 150mph; 8-spd Tiptronic

Panamera 970.2 models
3.0 S - 420hp; 0-62mph 5.1sec; top speed 178mph; 7-spd PDK
3.0 4S - 420hp; 0-62mph 4.8sec; top speed 178mph; 7-spd PDK
Turbo - 520hp; 0-62mph 4.1sec; top speed 190mph; 7-spd PDK
Turbo S - 570hp; 0-62mph 3.8sec; top speed 193mph; 7-spd PDK
GTS - 440hp; 0-62mph 4.4sec; top speed 179mph; 7-spd PDK
3.6 V6 - 310hp; 0-62mph 6.3sec; top speed 161mph; 7-spd PDK
3.6 V6 4 - 310hp; 0-62mph 6.1sec; top speed 160mph; 7-spd PDK
S E-Hybrid - 416hhp; 0-62mph 5.5sec; top speed 168mph; 8-spd Tiptronic
Diesel - 250hp; 0-62mph 6.8sec; top speed 152mph; 8-spd Tiptronic
Diesel - 300hp; 0-62mph 5.7ec; top speed 161mph; 8-spd Tiptronic

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ENGINE & GEARBOX

The good news for Panamera buyers is the 4.8-litre V8 engine is far more reliable than it was when it started out in the Cayenne. The bore scoring that plagued the SUV is extremely rare in the Panamera, so you'd be very unlucky to have this happen. The turbocharged version of this motor is also long-lived, so don't expect any trouble. However, there was a recall for some Turbos that could potentially catch fire due to a faulty batch of turbochargers. If the car doesn't run perfectly smoothly or seems to lack power, this could be the cause. Check with a Porsche dealer to make sure the recall has been carried out on any car you're thinking of buying.

Other recalls for the 970 generation of Panamera are for fuel leaks either because of an improperly attached fuel pressure sensor or a seeping injector rail. Any hint of petrol vapour should have you checking with Porsche the remedial work was carried out.

The other engines in the range are just as tough and long-lasting, so which one is best is down to your needs for performance versus economy. A 100-litre fuel tank gives decent range in petrols despite thirst. At a steady 70mph, the V8s can return 32mpg, so longer trips are possible without stopping too often to fill up.

Oil changes are needed every 10,000 miles, while a service comes at 20,000 miles and is around £650 at an independent specialist. However, most specialists reckon an annual service is a better bet as preventative maintenance if you don't rack up enough miles in the year.

For anyone who wants a louder exhaust note, owners recommend the Milltek system for a subtle improvement without impacting on refinement when cruising. A DMS remap is common among Turbo models and takes power up to around 640hp...

The PDK gearbox is robust but can feel a little slow-witted when changing gear in auto mode. To use the manual setting, the standard set-up used push-pull buttons on the steering wheel itself which are not the most intuitive or enjoyable to use. A Sport steering wheel upgrade brought paddle shifters that are much better.

One area where the Panamera is very similar to its 911 brother is the need to check and clear the front radiators of any leaves or much that accumulates there. If left, it can corrode the radiators and pipework, leading to expensive failure and replacement.

All three gearbox types offered in the Panamera are strong and trouble-free. Most cars have the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and the only thing to look for here are oil leaks underneath the middle of the car. If there's any sign of this, the gearbox sump probably needs a new cover, which is around £350.

Now, a word about options, of which there are many for the Panamera. The Turbo was offered with a Powerkit upgrade that boosted power from 500 to 540hp, taking the 0-62mph time down to 3.9 seconds and top speed up to 190mph. This was a £11,118 option when new and several owners have told us they don't really notice the difference in performance.

CHASSIS

Air suspension on the Turbo is standard and was an option for the V8 S models. The V6s sit on steel springs normally, but an optional upgrade added adaptive air suspension. All models have Porsche Active Suspension Management. The suspension is the one area that you could say is the Panamera's weak spot. A lot of faults arise from cars that have been left standing for prolonged periods and cause the car to sag on its suspension. If the system doesn't bring the car back to the correct ride as soon as the engine is started, it's likely to have a leaking air spring. It's most common at the front of the car due the weight of the engine in the nose. These have to be replaced in pairs front and rear, which means a bill of at least £2,000 from a specialist.

Listen for suspension creaks and rattles as the Panamera is a heavy car that takes its toll on moving parts such as the drop links and lower arm joints. Any car with the balance of its original or extended Porsche warranty should be easy to have sorted.

An option was Porsche Torque Vectoring, referred to as PTV Plus in Porsche jargon. It brakes the inner rear wheel during cornering to improve turn-in and works with the limited-slip rear differential to give better traction out of corners.

Tyres are around £250 a corner and the Panamera is no different to many high performance cars in being sensitive to which ones are fitted. Owners we've spoken to rate Yokohamas for feel and all-weather grip, and they are cheaper than most rivals at around £900 for a full set.

A full set of brakes discs and pads is £1,400 fitted. If the car you're considering has the Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brake option, they will give sensational stopping power, but replacing them at a Porsche dealer is going to set you back around £10,000 for a full set plus pads. Fortunately, aftermarket replacements are available from the likes of Design 911 for around half that price.

BODYWORK

There really isn't a lot to be worried about where the Panamera's body is concerned beyond the usual warnings to check for signs of damage or poor repairs. Any car bought from a Porsche dealer or independent specialist is very unlikely to have any problems.

The Panamera's electrics are much more reliable than earlier Cayenne's, so the pop-up rear spoiler is not going to cause any trouble. The GTS has a three-piece rear spoiler that rises out and folds into position as a party piece.

An option for the Panamera was the Sport Design Package that brought black air intakes for the front, side skirts and a body-coloured rear diffuser-style apron. It could be retro-fitted or applied at the factory and came with 20-inch Panamera Sport alloy wheels. The S models sit on 18-inch rims as standard, while the Turbo came with 19-inch wheels.

INTERIOR

The appeal of the Panamera over the 911 lies in its ability to carry four adults in comfort compared to the smaller coupe's cramped back seats. While not as generous as a Mercedes S-Class, the Porsche is still very able in this department and also comes with a boot that can extend from 445 litres to 1,263 litres when you fold down the rear seats.

Full leather upholstery was standard on every version and there was a choice of 13 colours of hide and various two-tone finishes, plus buyers could opt for individual combinations at extra cost. You also get satellite navigation with touchscreen, Bluetooth connection and heated front seats with electric adjustment. Adaptive sports seats were an option, while the Turbo gained a memory function for the front chairs and heated rear seats. More goodies for the Turbo included an electrically moveable steering column and Bose Surround Sound stereo.

The only point to watch for inside the Panamera's cabin is to check the air conditioning blows cold when set for a chilled blast. The air compressor can fail so the system delivers only delivers tepid air.

Find a used Porsche Panamera for sale here

[bouvier]

Rubbish article. The S E-Hybrid is brilliant and Porsche called me last week to tell me that because residuals were so strong and a new interest rate my monthly repayments have gone down by £250. Poor journalism and advice. It is a marmite car but the E-Hybrid is a lot quicker than 5.5 to 60 when you combine both power trains.

[gigglebug]

bouvier said:

Rubbish article. The S E-Hybrid is brilliant and Porsche called me last week to tell me that because residuals were so strong and a new interest rate my monthly repayments have gone down by £250. Poor journalism and advice. It is a marmite car but the E-Hybrid is a lot quicker than 5.5 to 60 when you combine both power trains.

So just because the person writing the piece would prefer a different model in the range to yourself that confines it to being a rubbish article and constitutes poor journalism and advice even though you yourself have described your preference as a "marmite" car suggesting that you already acknowledge yourself that it might not be everyone's first choice? How does that work?

[Armitage.Shanks]

Tiptronic box would put me off some of the models. why didn't they do PDK across the whole range?

[novus]

bouvier said:

Rubbish article. The S E-Hybrid is brilliant and Porsche called me last week to tell me that because residuals were so strong and a new interest rate my monthly repayments have gone down by £250. Poor journalism and advice. It is a marmite car but the E-Hybrid is a lot quicker than 5.5 to 60 when you combine both power trains.

Well that's a first.

Finance company noticed car is realising strong values and thinks customer is going to pay them too much money

Contacts customer and passes on saving to them mid term

Sounds legit

[great_kahn]

£10k for the carbon ceramic discs and pads... wow...

How long does a set last given moderate use?!?!?

[BFleming]

bouvier said:

The S E-Hybrid is brilliant and Porsche called me last week to tell me that because residuals were so strong and a new interest rate my monthly repayments have gone down by £250

Did you buy yours with a tracker mortgage?

[gizlaroc]

bouvier said:

Porsche called me last week to tell me that because residuals were so strong and a new interest rate my monthly repayments have gone down by £250.

Custard?

[jakesmith]

Stupid car for stupid people

[PGM]

jakesmith said:

Stupid car for stupid people

Could say the same about Maserati or Evoque?

[sjabrown]

I wonder if these will get much cheaper. Always thought they look much better in the flesh than they do in photos.

[jakesmith]

PGM said:

Could say the same about Maserati or Evoque?

No no I don't agree with that, not at all.

[gumsie]

sjabrown said:

I wonder if these will get much cheaper. Always thought they look much better in the flesh than they do in photos.

So that's extremely ugly in the flesh versus unbelievably ugly in photos? Very capable car no doubt and good interior.

Saving grace - they ain't in the same league as that Muntayga

[spreadsheet monkey]

sjabrown said:

I wonder if these will get much cheaper. Always thought they look much better in the flesh than they do in photos.

Yes they will definitely get cheaper, just like the Cayenne did. They'll hold their value better than a big-engined A8 or 7-series, but I expect the early six cylinder models will drop below £10k, given another 8-10 years.

[J4CKO]

spreadsheet monkey said:

sjabrown said:

I wonder if these will get much cheaper. Always thought they look much better in the flesh than they do in photos.

Yes they will definitely get cheaper, just like the Cayenne did. They'll hold their value better than a big-engined A8 or 7-series, but I imagine they will still drop below £10k, given another 8-10 years.

I think relative rarity keeps values up a bit, see very few compared to Cayennes, even allowing for the Cayenne being around a lot longer, entry level is about 25 grand, for a seven year old one, not bad going really, but like you say, they will eventually drop, will be 15 years old by then. They aren't that good looking, but what a fantastic piece of kit.

[Aeroresh]

jakesmith said:

Stupid car for stupid people

Theres a health dose of irony in that statement!

[Kawasicki]

great_kahn said:

£10k for the carbon ceramic discs and pads... wow...

How long does a set last given moderate use?!?!?

Discs should last bloody ages!

[DKL]

Are there actually any manual cars? None for sale - maybe a white 4.8 in the classifieds but not entirely sure. I don't imagine they were that popular.

[dvs_dave]

spreadsheet monkey said:

sjabrown said:

I wonder if these will get much cheaper. Always thought they look much better in the flesh than they do in photos.

Yes they will definitely get cheaper, just like the Cayenne did. They'll hold their value better than a big-engined A8 or 7-series, but I expect the early six cylinder models will drop below £10k, given another 8-10 years.

The D4 Audi S8 or W221 Merc S63 offer better looks, luxury and performance for less money.

[037]

3years ago the cheapest ones were around £35k so pretty good residuals.
I like them best in silver with black wheels. Think I'd go for a gen 2 one as they look just a little better!

[gadgetJunky72]

I bought a new S e-hybrid in 2015. it's the worst car i've ever owned from a driving experience point of view. the technology just wasn't ready. it's lost too much for me to consider upgrading to the new one. it's lovely inside, but i just hate driving it and bought a 640 to use as a daily driver instead.