Hi,

owner of a 76 air cooled targa here and looking to get into panamera.

Im coming from Mercedes family of cars and while I do like the e class I decided to check the panamera.
I went to see 2012 4s with full intentions not to like it but I absolutely love it.
interior is spectacular and that is the first ten second is even better.

my budget allows for first gen and was wondering if I can get some guidance on the models and engines.

I am set on v8 but lots of good deals on v6.
interior desires are endless and was wondering what are the must haves, audio, sport exhaust etc.

any particular year to avoid for the diet gen?

ive read about common problems especially the coolant lines and laugh at it as try to fix broken exhaust studs and oil leaks on air cooled, this looks easy for me to fix.

I appreciate your feedback.
Thank you.

 

if it is a reasonably well maintained car, all of the know faults should have been taken care of. but yeah the coolant housing is a fairly easy fix (if not just time consuming)
must haves, Sport Exhaust - a bit more aggressive without being over powering , especially when paired with a V8!
Burmester stereo- absolutely incredible!
Sport chrono with Sport +, brings the beast out
if it doesn't have a backup camera you need the parking sensors - not sure if they were standard or not.
I highly recommend the Adaptive Cruise Control - works reasonably well and makes those long hauls a bit eaiser
vented seat, keeps the bum cool on those long drives.
if in a cool climate, heated steering wheel and seats.
since I got mine to haul the family, 4 zone AC as well as the heated/vented seats front and rear were a must have.
If you want a better handling car, PDCC (side benefit of smoother ride as well)

 

Get the V8 you'll always regret not getting it.