So my budget is around 25k-30k for a porsche panamera. Should I get a turbo model with high mileage or 4s with lower mileage? Also are there any other cars in this price point that you guys think will be better than the panamera. Audi S8? There is a panamera turbo with 90k miles selling for 30k. I am just not sure if that will last me at least 5 years and I drive about 15k miles per year. I can also get 4s with 60-80k miles for the same price and I think they might be more reliable because no turbochargers. I would really appreciate some advice.

 

I don't think there's a 4-door car on the market that's better than the Panamera, having bought two now.
My first one was a 2015 Panamera 4 that I bought CPO used, and my focus was on whether it had air suspension or not (a must for me) and whether it had ACC or not (a must for me also).
The air suspension for me is to be able to raise the car to go over speed bumps, driveway dips, etc., that are part of my daily life. ACC is for long road trips, the main reason for my buying a Panamera, as it's a fabulous cross-country touring vehicle. Everybody has different options that are important to them; just figure those out and go from there. A "Panamera Turbo" isn't that much different from a "Panamera 4S" in terms of acceleration, to be quite frank. In my experience of looking, cheap Panamera V8 models ("Turbo", GTS) in your price range tend to be in crappier condition, inside and out.

 

From reading your circumstances it sounds like the 90K turbo would be too much of a stretch for you. Of course a lot depends on the particulars of the two cars, but I would go with the 4S. My wife's Panamera is the first Porsche I have ever owned and I'm learning they are not far off from my Ferraris.

There's an expression I tell people when they ask me about which Ferrari they should buy. I tell them it's not whether you can afford to buy a Ferrari, it's whether you can afford to maintain a Ferrari.

 

I bought a completely loaded (literally every option) 2012 S, one owner, with 51k for $28k. Keep shopping. The S has been the best car I've ever owned.

 

I am shopping for a Panamera as well and found that the turbo and the GTS made my insurance jump about $100 a month. I have a clean record and no accidents and still saw this increase. The S and 4S had minimal jump in rates.

 

That should tell you which ones are the most fun!

 

Random question but is porsche enter and drive standard on all turbo models?

 

I just purchased a loaded 2017 4S, coming from a gorgeous 911 S. I have to say, I'm so incredibly happy with the Pan. I think there are lot of great deals for used Panamera's so look for the lowest mileage and best options that suit your needs. I opted out of turbo model because it's quite hard to have an open highway near me where I might enjoy the acceleration. The 4S with Sport Chrono is a thrill to drive.

 

Why the switch btw? I have a fully loaded 2017 4S and am considering a 911 cab; Always wanted a convertible, but am worried that the 911 might be too track focused (it would just be my DD, I don't track my cars).

 

The 911 (mine was a 2008, significantly enhanced with performance and comfort mods) was a wonderful ride. After 4 years of banging gears, eye popping acceleration and wanting looks from other drivers and people on the street... I decided to grow up.

Really, my wife and I moved from the suburbs into Center City Philadelphia in the middle of the crisis and found that commuting on 95 3 days a week was not fun. nearing retirement, Iwe will mostly be running errands and cruises north to the Berkshires and Westchester, NY to see family. It was the right thing for me to do right now. I haven't looked back.

 

Got it, makes sense!

 

If you are cash constrained then it is always better to buy a lower mileage car. Less likely to have major repairs. Personally if I was spending $30k I would buy a lightly used KIA Stinger. If you haven't driven one of those you should try it and then compare it to a Panamera of the same price.

 

The 911 is a very comfortable day to day driving car. The ride quality is excellent. The only drawback vs the Panamera is seating space and trunk space if those things are important to you.

The only reason I switched from a 911 to a Panamera is because we have a baby. There are times when your wife is out doing stuff and you want to go take the baby for a car ride. It's useful to have two four door cars, and the Panamera was a nice switch from the 911 for me. I'll probably switch back once he is old enough to ride in the back seat of a 911.

 

I purchased a 2018 ST Turbo CPO a few months ago. That replaced an Audi S8, which I had purchased CPO and drove for 4 years. Both great cars, but different. More value in purchasing the S8 (new or used). Not as quick off the line as the Pana, but acceleration on the highway at speed was similar, both cars are really fast. Steering feel on the S8 was not as sharp and somewhat loose, whereas the Pana is very connected. Not sport car sharp, but very close. The Pana suspension is more comfortable than the S8, my wife definitely noticed the difference, even in Sport +. S8 trunk space was small, Pana has much larger capacity. Both cars were very comfortable for 4 passengers, and could sit a 5th for local drives. Seats are more comfortable and supportive in the Pana. 5 year difference in dashboard , Audi easier to navigate, Panamera nicer graphics and obviously more modern.
Coming from the S8, Pana base was too big a drop off in engines for me, I would have been ok with the 4S, found a deal on a Turbo and it was more in line with the S8. Love both cars, both fun to drive, Pana definitely a step up, but you pay for that. Good luck with your search.

 

Amen to that! haha