Hi Guys just joined the forum and would appreciate some input on buying a used Panamera. I've been driving 911's for the last 30 years so I'm fairly familiar with the Porsche brand, my daily car is 2011 E550 with a little work done to it (it's a great driver but thinking about a change).

I'm considering a 2010/2011 Panamera or Panamera S as a daily driver (only drive about 12000 a year). I would welcome any input on a daily driver as to what to avoid or what to look for (ie: year, features, etc), what expectations should I have from a reliability /service standpoint.

Appreciate your input, Rich

PS I read a lot of the forum threads but would still appreciate the thoughts.

 

Rich, I can relate as I've been in a 911 for over 10 years and drive an S 600.
I'm about to switch to a Panamera S as well. From what I gather, they run like 911's with back seats and the Porsche quality lives on. The Mercedes as nice as it is, seems to be a bit boring and I have a feeling that after driving a "911 sedan", the Mercedes wil become redundant.
As one other thread indicated, after driving a standard for 14 years, I probably won't miss it either.
What's the worst that can happen?....you miss the small 911, sell the Panny, go back to a 911 and take a financial hit. (Which we all do when we buy a car anyway).
Go for it!

 

The Panny is the best DD I have had, I getsportscarfeeling, yet comfort. Don't expect 911 quality, these are very complicated cars with a lot of electronics. Get a warranty. For a DD I like servotronic, sound and heat proof windows, lane change assist and adaptive cruise control.. Adaptive sport seats are among bestI have had. Good luck.

 

Hello Rich
I drive a 4S and came from a 911. Yes, you'll miss the intimacy of a 911 and some of the lightfootedness of a 911 - particularly if you end up with the V6 which is adequately powered but could do with more oomph if you desire occasional spirited driving.
A 2010/2011 puts the GTS out of reach which would be most likely the closest you could get to a 911 in the panamera body without a turbo. In your place I would swing for an S if you do not need the all-wheel drive option and preferably a 2011 to avoid some 2010 teething problems. Personally, I do not have the sport chrono option I had on my 911. It would when activated bring more forceful, snappy gear changes and change the engine mapping but I find "sport" good enough for the occasional time I wish to be aggressive or the rare day I had on track. PASM would keep your ride more taught and closer to the 911 - the panamera is a big, heavy car. In Sport plus, the car would be lower and more aggressive looking as well. In comfort though, you'll be in for a nice plush ride. Back up camera if available would certainly not hurt.
It's a great DD. Have had one significant mechanical issue but it was promptly addressed. IF you do not need 5 seats daily but need comfort and a sporty drive time and again, panny is an excellent choice.
Do I miss the 911? Yes, but rarely. On occasion, I hear a flat six wail and I turn around saying "oh, isn't that sweet". Then I turn on the sport exhaust and throttle the V8 and I am instantly cured by the roar.

 

Well said Neuneleven;
Just curious, was it a cabriolet?
In fact, I wonder if any Panamera owners left a previous cabrio and miss that...Seems that's the only thing from keeping me from pulling the trigger on a Panny.

 

Panamera GTS is next!! 911 and panamera have both. Somtimes the girlfriend wants to bring 2 other girlfriends so 4 seats are nice!!

 

I traded my '07 C2S for a '10 Panny S. Then moved up to a 2012 PTT. The Turbo is the best car I have I have ever owned.
I REALLY miss the cabrio and am thinking about adding a 2014 C2S in white with red interior and red top to the garage.

 

No Carsnob, was a coupe. I certainly have considered tanning my bald head before but my wife is not so much into it and I am not overly so myself either, hence no cabs this far. The few times I have driven a cab though have been great.

 

I have an S and notice plenty of wheel slip when accelerating from stop. I presume that a 4S slips far less and would get it to 60 just that much quicker. If other AWD owners can back up that theory, I'd suggest getting a 4S over an S even if you didn't need AWD.

Personally, I wouldn't spring for the V6. I came from an M3, and the V8 in the S just barely suffices.

 

Never experienced any wheel slip on my turbo on a dry weather. It just launched like a rocket.

 

If you get the v6, def get Sport Chrono Plus and PASM. The Sport Plus mode really makes the car "feel" like it has more power.