Wife and I are buying a car; the only (I **** you not) option that we both like is a Panamera. So yeah, we'll be getting that. (I love the new Jag F-Pace, but SUVs are per her right out. Plus admittedly not a fan a day one new car depreciation.) Significantly more $$$ than I'd expected to pay - we don't need an every day driver - but carpe diem. And doing CPO, and assuming prices will drop a bit when the new model comes out, which is good. Leaning 4S (need AWD because occasionally will need to be driving it in snow in the country) and thinking the S is worth a little extra coin. A couple questions I figured y'all could readily answer:

Are there significant differences in recent model years of which I should be mindful? I'm thinking a 2014, maybe 2013, but that's based purely on bang for the buck.

What options should I be looking for? I already know I want heated/ventilated seats (nothing worse than sweaty back), looks like backup camera and blind spot warning system not standard and supposedly worthwhile because rear visibility not great). Your thoughts/advice?

Subcategory of Q2 - should I require the upgraded radio system, vs the base Bose? (I like the tunes while driving.) Or is that something if need be I could easily replace aftermarket (with something with newer tech)?

Thanks in advance all.

 

Not too many differences in years - but a light face-lift on the 2014s. (headlights, bumpers, tail lights)

Backup camera a must. Rear visibility is limited especially in winter months during heavy snow. I have it on my PTT and it's great. You will thank me. I also love the adaptive cruise contol. Very helpful if you do a lot of highway driving.

At least go for the BOSE. I love my music and have Burmester - it is a FANTASTIC audio machine!

Good luck with your purchase - you will love the car.It is a superb driving vehicle and my favorite car that Ive owned. (PTT)

 

Instead of the S4 you should consider the GTS (they came out in 13 and are thus still on warranty).
More options than the 4S at a better price - and undoubtedly less depreciation ( besides a bit more oompfh).

Options I would recommend:
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Adaptive Cruise control
- Sport Chrono/Air Suspension/camera/Bose (standard on GTS)

 

[QUOTE="Subcategory of Q2 - should I require the upgraded radio system, vs the base Bose? (I like the tunes while driving.) Or is that something if need be I could easily replace aftermarket (with something with newer tech)? Thanks in advance all.[/QUOTE]

Don't think there is any chance to retrofit a sound system.
Burmester is sensational , Bose very good.
If you buy a used one, just look for one with the option you like

 

Thanks for this info. Frankly, even the 4 is probably more car than I need, much less the 4S (although that did seem like a steep horsepower increase), much less the GTS. So hadn't even thought about the GTS because figured wasn't getting that much more bang for the buck. But the point about all the included options is a good one.

Is there anywhere I can look to compare what options are, well, optional on the 4/4S vs standard/options on the GTS, and what they actually mean? E.g., edmunds.com seems to list options, but without much in the way of description - and I'm not sure I trust the accuracy thereof.

From the above, it sounds like y'all think the GTS is clearly worth the extra coin - and plus that I'd want at least heated/ventilated seats (agreed) and rear camera (agreed) and Bose stereo (agreed). Jafetica - are you sure the latter two things are standard on GTS? Edmunds still lists both as options (you can see why I'm looking for actual info).

 

If you get the Alcantara seats in the GTS you do not need (nor can you get) ventilation. You wouldn't need it. You can get them heated.

 

Bose and Camera are standard on GTS, heated/ventilated seats require optional leather seats