New member to this forum. I have just purchased a 2012 Panamera Turbo S that was a trade-in at a Mercedes dealer. It's up at 66,000 miles but on the surface is in superb condition. It has obviously been well looked after, interior and exterior are in extremely good condition and after two test drives I was hooked. It has only had one owner, (known to the dealer) a clean Carfax report with no red flags, and has had all the regular past services. It just been newly serviced, inspected and test driven by the local Porsche dealer, the recalls like AH08 have been taken of and it has brand new Michelin tires and brake pads. I also have an independent Porsche mechanic in my small town who has worked on Panamera's I can go to for future servicing and repairs at lower cost. I think I am in as good a place as I can be for a car at this mileage.

I am realistic that cars of this complexity can have their issues. I have previously owned AMG and Mercedes V12's and they certainly had their problems! ...so I am not unprepared psychologically (or financially). What I am pondering is what to do about a warranty or if I need one. Are quotes below in range of what people are paying now or can anyone point me to other sources? (I am in the San Francisco Bay Area)

- $5,182 for a 12 month/12,000 mile Gold Plus warranty that covers everything including the air suspension.
- $6,909 for a 24 month/24,000 mile Gold warranty that covers most things but NOT the air suspension.
- $7,672 for a 48 month/48 ,000 mile Power Train only.

On the other hand I could bank the above or put aside $10,000 on the assumption I may need to spend that amount, but I may not. I only intend to drive the car for 1-2 years before purchasing a newer model so my risk window at say 15,000 miles a year is really between 66,000 and 96,000 miles.

Any suggestions on currently available price proportionate warranties?

 

If it were me I would skip the warranty, especially since you have a local guy who can do repairs and you can skip the dealer prices.


If you are really risk adverse and want a warranty, I have read on other forums that people have found good warranty companies buying through their credit union.

 

Thanks! I don't belong to any Credit Union's currently but it is a good suggestion. I am inclined to skip a warranty as you suggest.

It is a magnificent car. The more I drive it the more I appreciate it!

 

Well congrats on the new car, and I wish you good luck with it!

 

Sounds like the cash and carry option would be the best for you with those prices and such short terms. Doubt you will have any problems with it based on your description of it past history and current condition.


Check out my post on my own warranty. Give these guys a call.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4645519

 

I would skip the extended warranty since you know the independent guy. I am also in bay area - Los Alto. I have 2016 PAN4, I used my Porsche technician at dealer but he worked on my car at his house during the weekend for maintenance. Since the car is is Great condition, you should not worry about it. I am looking at 2014/15 Pan Turbo CPO car as well. Enjoy your super car.

 

I wish I was skipping it all the time, as I look after my car precisely myself and when I'm not in possession I do have local mechanic maniac on his job, and to go to dealer is about 7 hours drive, so ....

 

hi aquatone,
I’m in east bay and considering 62k PTTS, and going thru same decision as you.

What did you decide and do you have reco on svc- local P dealers want $3k for the 60k Svc!

Patrick

 

Dude, you live int he bay area, there are literately tons of very good independent shops who will do better work for less, one of the few things I miss about living there.. Join the PCA and talk to some members (you don't need to own a Porsche yet to join)

 

Hi Patrick,

In the end I decided not to purchase a warranty. Meaningful coverage came out in the $6K to $8K range and weighing the odds and my risk tolerance, I was not convinced I would need it for another 1-2 years when I am only doing 6,000 to 8,000 miles a year. (Significantly less than stated in my original post) There are always a few horror stories on forums like this (as for any car) but I am seeing more higher milage Panamera's out there now and no one posts when they are running fine. My Turbo-S has an excellent service history and is now at 71,000 miles without any issues besides replacement of the sway bars to eliminate a creaking in the suspension. I tend to be rigorous in getting my cars serviced regularly, always checking oil and brakes etc and generally highly aware of anything unusual. Even I have the misfortune to get an expensive repair, ultimately I purchased a $190,000 MSRP car when new for around $50,000. I would still think I got a great deal as 71,000 miles is not really that high for a modern car of Porsche's calibre that is properly maintained. Also any new parts are that, brand new and not something I would likely need to deal with for a while. I can afford it if anything bad happens but if not, that is $8K I did not have to spend.

Autohaus in Moraga is my local specialist. I have used them for routine service and the suspension parts replacement. Pricing was very good. Having said that, a few weeks ago I had the full major 60,000 mile service done at Porsche Walnut Creek as a one off. (Their drop off vehicle was a 170,000+ mile Panamera!) It was a bit delayed, but included replacement of the transmission and clutch fluids, new spark plugs, new brake fluid, and everything else in that service interval. The cost was $2,200 and I expected it, but I won't need that level of service again until 120,000 miles. However the more routine services and replacement parts I will get done locally.

Chris

 

 

Sounds like you know Xiao! I have been quite happy with his services. He knew exactly where to get the original Porsche suspension parts from Germany and had them installed in a day or so. He also went through the various components I could replace from simplest to most expensive and suggested the most cost effective path to testing and replacement, rather than spending $$$ I did not need to. One reason I decided to have the 60K service done at Porsche WC was in case there were any expensive diagnostic items needed, they would be sure to have them. I did have the PDK serviced (I told the SA it was the aspect of the car of most concern to me) though I was/am not aware of any extra service beyond the fluids replacement and testing as part of the service interval. I (And I had nothing to report that might indicate anything needed looking at)

Chris

 

 

You may need to look up some postings from CIAKA. He is Great DIY and has PTTS. If you know any real Porsche techs who work for dealers and can do the works at home during the weekend. They are the BEST. Fremont Porsche is very competitive pricing with any local reputable INDY, they will match the price. Talk with GUNTER Service manager. I will go FJ Porsche.
If you want to DIY maintenance you may save $$$. Ciaka did many postings ...
Have fun with your new PTS