Hi everyone,
I’m looking to purchase a CPO Macan (once the stop sale ends for the airbag sensors). I currently have a 2017 BMW 340i, which I like, but need something a bit more spacious. My wife’s vehicle (Audi A7) is the main family hauler so I don’t need quite as much space, and really liked the drive of the Macan after testing a few. I’ve driven both the base and the S trim, and honestly both are are plenty quick for me. I’m more curious about reliability; I understand these might not be a Toyota, but does the 4cyl or 6cyl have any known issues I should be aware of? Is one generally better regarded than the other in terms of having fewer issues?
Thanks for any information. I’m still exploring the site and reading up as much as I can before pulling the trigger.

 

Have had a 2019 Macan base (albeit loaded with extras) for nearly a year that I got as a CPO that had been used as a loaner and hence had a great extended warranty (the purchase date counted as 6 months instead of a year since it was a loaner and had a different registration date associated with it for reasons I do not understand, but totally appreciate, and had 9,800 miles on the odometer). Everything works great, it has plenty of power and space for our purposes, and good gas mileage (around 23/30). Comfort is good. Came from a '14 X3, which I think has slightly more comfortable seats, but the 14-ways in the Macan are still quite nice. The ventilation system could use a bit more fan power, but that's about the only real complaint, plus I had to get a replacement air compressor with battery terminal clips since the original blew the 12V fuse (but that was all covered under warranty and the dealer ship got me the part delivered to the door within 48 hours after I called the Porsche support line). Have taken on multiple ~400 mile trips and have been happy with all aspects. If you really want more power, consider an S, but have not been in any situation where it felt like more power was absolutely needed. The CPO warranty is IMO one of the best in the business. You could get as long as 5 years or so coverage, depending on the age and mileage you start with and how much you drive. No regrets on this end whatsoever. The X3 has a number of issues, even when still covered under its CPU warranty. I really do not get the impression that the quality is as good any more in BMWs, sadly.
Need even more convincing about the quality and engineering that goes into the Macan? Spend 49 minutes and watch this video end-to-end:

 

Thanks! That is very helpful. I’ve driven both the base and the S, and didn’t feel like I’m missing anything with the base. I’ll still have my weekend car when I need something a bit more peppy, this is mostly for daily driving duty.

I know with BMW, particularly the 3-series, there are some known issues with the various models that made the 4cyl less reliable. Wasn’t sure if that was the case with the Macan, as in, one engine was considered more reliable than the other. The model I looked at was a 2018 with 30k miles but the stop sale, well, stopped that sale until the recall can be completed. I’m wanting to keep my next vehicle around 4-5 years or so and don’t want to deal with a bunch of issues.

I looked at the newer X3 and it overall feels a bit sloppier and dull, so the Macan is at the top of my list at the moment, unless there are any issues with the models that I find. I’m trying to research as much as possible in the coming weeks, so this input is appreciated.

 

There was seal issue if I recall with some earlier Macans (2018 and earlier?). I was initially looking at an '18 with the active suspension but for little extra, found the '19 with under 10k miles and what could be as long as 5.5 years' of warranty coverage. Note that after the 4 years and/or 50k miles are exceeded, you get 2 full years with essentially unlimited mileage, which is a great deal for an older vehicle. Still will have to pay of course for things like brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, etc. but that peace of mind of being covered for major tickets is indeed reassuring. And, yes, I drove a newer model X3 as well as a 530 and was disappointed in how much more plastic there was and the overall quality wasn't super impressive. Finding a good technician you can trust and is reliable is a big part of any vehicle purchase. I have an indie in town I can always go to if needed, who drives a Cayenne himself, and is originally from Europe and well-trained. Otherwise, it's around 120 - 150 miles t the nearest dealership.
I agree that the base is adequate and being able to go over 500 miles on one tank is really nice (19 gals vs around 17 in the X3).

 

Totally agree with TK - I picked up a 2019 CPO Base May of 2020 - had 4,500 miles on it - looked at the S as well - for me, there wasn't a huge power difference, I drive a lot in Sport mode and for the $$$ I saved was worth getting the base - only issue was to replace the passenger door Bose speaker which was covered under warranty - I have owned BMW's, Mercedes and Audi's, this is by far the best I have owned! You can't go wrong with the S or Base!

 

base uses a VW engine, worth checking on their forums for reliability info.

In terms of interior space, dare I say you'll find it's not much different in the Macan vs your 3 series. Your trunk is probably even a bit larger in terms of usable space due to the steeply sloping rear window in the Macan which really cuts into effective trunk storage volume - at least with the rear seats up.

 

The X3 definitely has more truck space volume, as you said, because of the steeper rake of the roof line. With the rear seats folded down, the overall length is similar. It's I believe a tad less tall and wide than the X3, but pretty close.