I am smack dab in the middle of deciding whether to move to a Pan S or stay with my 09 C2S PDK. For a variety of reasons (family, ongoing issues with my car), I've been looking at the Panamera. Well, I finally have an acceptable deal, so now the difficult decision to go/no-go.

The bottom line is that I originally purchased my C2S as my 'keeper', and after paying off I would find another reasonable DD (Used Pan/Cayenne). After going through so many of these issues, I'm not as confident of keeping my C2S long-term, but the only way my wife and I can agree on changing cars is to move to the Panamera (so no trading for another 911).

I'm looking for any experiences out there from those that have made the move to the Panamera from a Carrera (any versions). What have you enjoyed the most? What do you miss? Would you do it over?

For a synopsis of the issues with my C2S, check out my thread:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...2-quality.html

Let me know what you think!

 

I am kind of in the same situation. I will be moving (once my Panamera 4s arrives) from a 997 911 TT to a P4s.

 

I was satisfied with my '09 C2S-PDK and had no intention of trading. Then my salesman called and asked me to come test drive a Panamera Turbo. I was impressed, and yes, it is much faster than the 911. I didn't want that particular example because of color and options, but I couldn't get it out of my mind. It was ridiculously more expensive the way I wanted to design it, but boy was it practical. It seemed like a cross between a 911 and a Cayenne.

I asked the salesman to find me an example with the options I wanted since I didn't want to wait 3 months for a special order. They found one, had it shipped in and I bought it. It is an amazing car in so many ways. And don't let the prevailing opinion on the net convince you it's ugly. It gets more compliments, admiring questions, cell phone pics and conversations than my Ferrari ever did.

Is it everything I thought it would be? Yes, it is, but the 911 remains in the back of my mind. The Panamera is big in parking lots and sharp turns. It can be gotten used to but these adjustments feel like work-arounds, unlike the 911 which fit everywhere. And the 4-wheel drive system is not as "transparent" as it is in 911's and Cayennes (I've had several of both with 4-wheel drive). However, on the highway, it is without equal.

 

Thanks, that does help. I'm trying to balance my urge for a sports car with the need of a daily driver that is more practical for the family. Obviously the Panamera is at the top of the list when it comes to compromising between the two sides.

For me, the cost of the Panamera is stretching my budget. From another thread I have going in the 997 Forum:

"I have a $110K car that I paid $85K for, and I'm looking to switch to a $110K car that I'll still be paying over $100K for.

Since there isn't an established market for the Panamera, I'm having a difficult time gauging the future value of the car. That's one of the reason's why the lease rates aren't exactly all that fantastic. Having said that, I'd almost prefer to lease the car (even if the lease payment isn't much better than purchase) because I could return the car if the value falls out of it, or I would have option to purchase if it's held it's value."

At the end of the day, is the Panamera actually WORTH that extra $15k-20k for a similar MSRP? Maybe only time will tell.

 

Went from an '06 C2S to a PTT. Always thought the 911 was the "keeper", and the car I always thought I wanted. Panamera was going to replace an '02 S6 wagon as the daily hauler, bad weather car with the C2S as the fair weather, pleasure toy. Made the mistake of driving the Turbo and changed the whole plan.

As far as missing the 911 goes, the PTT is faster, grips better (for the roads I drive), more comfortable for my 6'3" frame, gets better gas milage (don't really care about that one), and lets me carry more than one friend (which actually does matter). Absolutely no regrets - the Panamera does everything I ever wanted the 911 to do better; and I actually like the way it looks (admitted hatchback fan).

The PTT is my third Porsche (first was a '98 Boxster); and I do eventually see the S6 being replaced by a set of winter wheels and possibly another Boxster or 911 joining the family. For now however, more than happy with the current stable and can easily say the PTT is the best car I have ever owned - it is my new "keeper". if I was "forced" to only have one car, it would be the "one" (fingers crossed that never actually happens).

 

Well said. I am not forced to only own one car but I only want to deal with one car at a time. This is the main reason I never had a Porsche before. Dont like SUVs and all thier other cars are too small for daily use. We all have friends and need to carry things around from time to time, like going to the airport or golf course. I love my car and guarantee it has all the performance a sedan can dish out. The car is certainly not as nimble as a carrera or other more dedicated sports cars but it doesnt mean it cant get around a track in quick order. I think if i were to get a second car it would be something extra fun, like an Ariel Atom.

 

Jmmk says "don't let the prevailing opinion on the net convince you it's ugly".... I was convinced. "the 911 remains in the back of my mind"...now the Panamera is in mine as I went against my wife and two daughters wishes who really wanted to Panamera. Never even test drove one as I wanted a nimble sports car. Getting my entire 911 clear bra'd as it will gbe a keeper. So I better not test drive the Panamera. Nice to hear the other side of the story from those who went with the Panamera.

 

Funny, the Panamera would also be my 3rd P-Car, after a Boxster S and C2S as well. I have a couple of specific asks of the dealer. If we can make them happen, I think I've made up my mind to make the move. It just makes too much sense as it relates to my daily and family needs.

 

The Pana S is my 9th Porsche; '81 911 SC; '83 911 Carrera Cab.; '87 911 Turbo; '01 Boxster S (a BIG mistake); '03 Cayenne S; '05 911 C2S; '05 Cayenne TT, '07 911 C2S Cab.
I decided I don't need 2 cars any longer so I sold the '05 CTT to another PCA member and traded the '07 C2S Cab. in on the Pana S.
First blush UNBELIEVEABLE. I don't want to bore you with my rational, but this is the epitome of Porsche engineering; a 4 dr sedan that IS a sports car.
If you decide to take the leap of faith ; you will be pleased!!

 

You probably make one of the best points: It's hard to go wrong with any Porsche. Outside of the Cayenne V6, every model finds a way to put a smile on my face when I turn the ignition and get going. This is no wrong decision.

 

No matter what anyone advises --you must both be ready and convinced that this change comes with no doubts or uncertainty.

Your wife has watched you run back and forth to the shop with a used 997S and in some way the stress effects both of you. However --if you are not over all the feelings of what you hoped a 997S was supposed to be -- talk to her and listen to her feelings .

When you are both on the same page .. you will know the right car and be ready.

Good luck.

 

New poster here..

Just sold the M5 (08) and we own a 135i (6spd) right now. I really wish Porsche would bring the 6spd. Panamera to North America and I would pick one up in a minute. I have called 2 dealers to try and convince them to put pressure on Porsche North America and even call the Porsche hotline - nothing yet!

 

Well, the deal is done...the Panamera is now sitting where the C2S used to. Part of me misses her already, but that Panamera is just frickin fantastic. I took delivery tonight, but have some work to be done by the dealer next week:

* Change to Turbo II wheels
* Tint
* 7mm Spacer on rear wheel
* Remove Model Designation
* Replace Walnut interior with standard black interior

You might ask why I would change wheels from the painted Spyders? While this setup looks sharp, it's just not for me. I also like the 5-spoke look, it just looks faster.

Here are a couple of pics from the dealer. Will post more when I get her 'updated'. Now it's time to come up with her name and update my Profile/Avatar!

OH!!! I can't forget to thank the Kelly, Neil, Jon and Patrick at Park Place. They were fantastic in guiding me through the process and helping 'build' the exact car I wanted.

 

Very nice!

 

congrats,

"Change to Turbo II wheels"

good choice, they look awesome and much better than those black multi spoke wheels.