Rational = Toyota

There is nothing rational about Porsche of any kind (wisdom of my wife)

 

Lots of good replys here. I've driven the V6, V8 and own a turbo. They're all great and only you can decide how much power is enough. If price is keeping you from something different then I would recommend a CPO vehicle. There are a ton of them out there and most are very well equipped. To me this is the 'rational' way to go as you will wind up with more car with more warranty for same or less money.

Also, to answer the question of regrets: drove a new M5 today with all the options and it really doesn't compare in regards to fit and finish and overall driving refinement. I'd also add that the car needs to be AWD - too much power for RWD.

My .02.

 

My decision is between two very different cars. A C63 sedan fully loaded for $73K and a V6 panamera with the options I want for around $98K. These prices are in the US. In Bahrain it's a totally different story

 

Apples and oranges for sure. Muscle vs refinement. For me there wouldn't even be a choice. I'm not a big MB fan. Even though you put a big AMG motor in the C class it is still a C class. I'm also not sure you need to pay $98K for a V6 panny. Mine was fairly loaded at $90k. I paid closer to $80k for it. Best prices around are from Walter's Porsche in Riverside CA. I traveled 150 miles to get mine when I have a Porsche dealer 2 miles away that I have done business with for 15 years. One thing you have to be careful of on options is that you will not get the value of them when you sell/trade in the car down the road. Just a word of caution. Get what you want but realize the panamera stands alone in terms of looks on the road. Very hard to tell the visual difference between an $80K and $150K panny. From the distance a C63 will look like any other C class entry level benz. Food for thought.

 

I know it's personal preference, and I've said it before...

But Mercedes does a whole lotta nothin' for me.

BORING.......zzzzzzzzzzz

 

Kind of have to agree...I've had an 07 S 600 and it's starting to get boring. Have been thinking of selling it plus the 06 911 C4S cab and getting a Panamera 4S. (plus maybe a used ragtop later)
Just hope I don't miss the 911 though after 14 year of driving standard, I think the novelty's worn off.
From reading these threads, it seems like the Panny won't be a disappointment.

 

Just leased the base v6 platinum panny 2 weeks ago and it's the nicest car i've ever had. Was gonna get a tesla but just too much of a hassle at this point. Porsche dealer told me there was no heated steering wheel but thanks to this forum i found the button today. I think porsche's approach to options is coming close to insuring that nobody is sure what options are actually on the car.

 

Everyone here is loyal to Porsche I love it. The options I want with the car turn out around $98K so I'm guessing your options are different. Still haven't decided, I'll test drive both and see how it goes.

 

Only regret was not getting the PCCB since I purchased off a dealer inventory but overall am satisfied with mine.