Hello!
I've been the unfortunate owner of 2005 BMW (4th generation 7 series) for many years, and those cars car have been notorious for their unreliability and design flaws that cost 5-$8k each time the car goes to the shop. No need to delve into the details of all this, but a Master BMW Mechanic once told me Kias and Hyundais put better gaskets and seals in their cars than BMWs.
Anyway, I really like the Panamera and would like an honest opinion from owners about their experience with their cars in terms of reliability and quality for a person who drives normal without abusing his car. I probably will not buy a brand new car. I'm considering something '12 or earlier. Any feedback?
Thank you.

 

Get a CPO'd one. PTT or GTS.

BMW = BMTROUBLEYOU.

Have too many friends have issues with BM's. Wouldn't get one unless its a weekend play around type car but nothing I would depend on driving if its my only car.

 

I came out of 2007 750 li. I had good luck with it. HP wise 4s trim will have the same Feel. I got the turbo after test driving one and fell in Love. 7 series is much more comfortable car. More like a limo. Panamera is more of a sports car with 4 doors. I made a switch and I like it. If you want a panamera, DO get one with CPO warrantt otherwise you will be spending a lot more than $8K if it breaks. They are more reliable than 7 series. But warranty is a must. Btw it is my only car and I drive it often. Car gets a ton of looks. I was in the same shoes as you and I didnt want the F02.

 

You won't know until you drive a Panamera. Then you will know.

The biggest negative on the Panamera to me only comes if you need something for 5 passengers. Otherwise, there is no contest.

BMW = Break My Wallet

 

I went from a 2011 750i xDrive MSport to a pre-owned (1025 miles) 2011 P4S and never looked back. My 7Series gave me zero problems, but the P4S suits me better...it's part executive sedan part sports car. No problems with the P4S so far after 2 1/2 years of ownership and 20K miles of driving.

 

I gotta use that next time.

 

I just picked up my P4S and I came out of a 2012 6 series... My 650 didn't give me any problems but I prefer the Porsche so far... It just drives better to me. The front end feels tight and planted.. It gives you confidence on the road.. I would test drive one before I make a decision though.

 

I have a pretty decent amount of experience with both brands (have owned 40 Porsches and 38 BMW's including a couple 7's) and I have had some issues with both over the years. No brand is perfect these days and I would agree that there is an issue if you need to seat 5 (I have two SUV's one seats 5 the other 7-8 for that) and that you should make sure to buy a CPO'd car. These cars can be expensive and the stuff that makes them handle well is also the stuff that costs a lot to fix. There are plenty of good deals on these cars at dealers and for most people the 4S is probably all the power you will need. Porsche is a bit behind in the tech stuff (they always have been) though coming from a 05 car you might not care. If I were you I'd find a well equipped car (adding stuff afterwards can be very expensive) since you are probably not going to pay much (if any) more for a car with a 127K sticker vs one that had a 106K sticker in the used market. You live in my area so call Main Line Porsche and ask for Frank Tucci tell him the guy who writes novels sent you. They are good people over there. Good luck.

 

Live in MD. Bought the ptt from Porsche of the main line. They are outstanding as MrPrice noted. However I did go from a 4s to ptt . Loved the 4s but ptt is a knockout, besides the ptt had pccb and a bunch of other p*** acronyms. I do like the pccb. Dont know if its gonna be more expensive overall or not to have the pccbs but so far so good. The only time I hate my ptt is when I cannot take it out. Got snowed in for a few days and I am getting the cabin fever. p4s or ptt they both need to be thrashed. lol.

 

I find panamera 14 way seats to be very uncomfortable/stiff, compared to the e65 seats. That is because they are sport seats. Cayenne has seats 3 times more comfortable than panamera. Make sure you test drive it and have some seat time in it. You will knoe if that is a car for you.