I am looking to purchase 2011 Porsche Panamera S with 24k miles and curious as to reliability and recommendations. This is my first Porsche, is there anything I should look out for? The owner told me that all the recalls was done at a dealership late last year. Thank you in advance.

 

I've owned/own a few Porsche's and they're relatively reliable. But they are not Japanese cars and can get expensive in repairs if you don't have it sorted out. Here is the usual items to check.

- I'm assuming this is private party, - if so have a Porsche mechanic check the car thoroughly. It's the best few hundred you will spend.
- Run the vin# through carfax but also go to the dealer and have them run the vin. They should verify what the seller says. Remember, trust but verify.
- Make sure you have service records or have access to them. Since it's an 9 year old car make sure the regular items have been checked or replaced. i.e) engine mounts, intercooler lines, sub frame mounts. There may be more but others can chime in or you can do some research.
- Unless your DIY guy, get an extended warranty. My 2010 TT had all the above replaced after I bought the car all under warranty and at the dealer. Total cost $7800. Out of pocket - $220.

In the end, it's a car, if it breaks you get it fixed. But there is nothing like a Porsche...2 door or 4, it's all smiles!

 

Do look at UTube for any and all films about similar Panameras.

 

thank you guys. I been looking at various YouTube videos and they are helpful. Can anyone tell me a reasonable PPI price? I called couple places and they range from $450 (dealership) to $250 (independent shop). Thank you.

 

If he has all of the service records, it's a great sign. You will know what has been fixed or replaced on the vehicle.
If he doesn't have service records, I would definitely pay a few hundred bucks for an inspection.
If he has owned it for less than a year, be very careful. Ask why.
If it has the air suspension, be very careful. Check for leaks.
The inside of the vehicle should be very clean. If it is not, I would be very careful. The condition of a vehicle is a reflection of the person.

 

A few specific things to make sure are checked in addition to the general ones people have mentioned. Even if you don't check them, ask the PPI to include them or specific check.

- If it has air suspension ensure there are no leaks and it doesn't snag. This is very easy to "mask" on a short test drive/inspection if you don't look specifically for it.
- Check the radiator pipe - the older Panamera's used glue that can break down over time. If this isn't done, doesn't mean it is an immediate problem but it could be. If it's been done it's both a sign of a potentially well maintained car but also means you likely won't have to deal with it.
- Check transmission shifting well and all of the gears work as expected. Put it in the different modes to ensure the experience is different.

Overall these cars are not difficult to work on, just a lot of steps. Can be a little pricey to maintain through the dealership. The early 970 make good owner/mechanic or owners who have a trusted indie. If you take it to the dealer for everything kind of person it's probably going to be very expensive to own.

 

Those prices are spot on for a PPI. Dealer may be a little high (but no surprise)