Any reliability issues?
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Racer
Joined: May 2007
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From: Northern Virginia
Any reliability issues?
Apologies but I didn't find much by searching. My father-in-law is looking to buy a 2018 Panamera, and is asking me about reliability. I haven't been able to find much info. Are there any weak points or known issues on these cars? What are maintenance costs like?
I have a 2015 Macan Turbo and it's been great, but that's a totally different vehicle. I also do most work myself, but my FIL doesn't know anything about cars. Probably doesn't even know what a piston is. He's at the mercy of the dealership. He's in the Toronto area if that makes any difference. Everything seems to be expensive up there and they don't offer CPO warranty like they do in the USA.
Any resources, advice, or other info would be greatly appreciated.
I have a 2015 Macan Turbo and it's been great, but that's a totally different vehicle. I also do most work myself, but my FIL doesn't know anything about cars. Probably doesn't even know what a piston is. He's at the mercy of the dealership. He's in the Toronto area if that makes any difference. Everything seems to be expensive up there and they don't offer CPO warranty like they do in the USA.
Any resources, advice, or other info would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by ozziegt; Jun 14, 2023 at 02:00 PM.
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Hey @ozziegt reach out for extended warranty information accepted at all Canadian Porsche dealerships / licensed independents Canada/US. Coverage similar to Porsche CPO here in the US. I'd be happy to give you and your father some piece of mind with his possible next purchase. tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333.
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They are quite reliable but when they do break it's expensive most of the time. I would not own one without some sort of warranty. My CPO warranty expires 3/2024 and I plan on buying a Fidelity extended warranty from @Highline-Autos.com above.
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They are quite reliable but when they do break it's expensive most of the time. I would not own one without some sort of warranty. My CPO warranty expires 3/2024 and I plan on buying a Fidelity extended warranty from @Highline-Autos.com above.
Racer
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I sold mine when warranty ran out. I had a stack of service and repair receipts which I can't even imagine what the out of pocket would have looked like. It's a supercar and it has the maintenance/ repair costs that come with the territory. In many ways it was best car I ever owned but definitely a costly mistress.
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In the context of similarly priced German cars, Porsche is generally considered more reliable than its peers. The Panamera is no exception. There are no known high-dollar commonly (common being relative) occurring issues with this gen Panamera / no specific issue that seems to happen to "everybody".
That said, they're expensive german cars - something will eventually go wrong, and it may be expensive to fix it (and if not, at some point in any 7-10 year window of the car's life, there is likely to be a fix or some fixes that costs low to high four figures).
Short version: for a fancy german car, they're reliable; but, it's a fancy german car, so don't be surprised if something happens that costs some money; but also, that may not happen under your FIL's care.
That said, they're expensive german cars - something will eventually go wrong, and it may be expensive to fix it (and if not, at some point in any 7-10 year window of the car's life, there is likely to be a fix or some fixes that costs low to high four figures).
Short version: for a fancy german car, they're reliable; but, it's a fancy german car, so don't be surprised if something happens that costs some money; but also, that may not happen under your FIL's care.
Racer
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From: Queens, NY
In the context of similarly priced German cars, Porsche is generally considered more reliable than its peers. The Panamera is no exception. There are no known high-dollar commonly (common being relative) occurring issues with this gen Panamera / no specific issue that seems to happen to "everybody".
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From: linker Fahrbahn
I sold mine when warranty ran out. I had a stack of service and repair receipts which I can't even imagine what the out of pocket would have looked like. It's a supercar and it has the maintenance/ repair costs that come with the territory. In many ways it was best car I ever owned but definitely a costly mistress.
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I can only speak to older Panameras. Mines a 2010 Turbo. Purchased it with only 19k miles three years ago. It has 71k miles now. I've had to replace both front air shocks, the suspension compressor, the AC compressor and condenser. Other than typical tires and brakes that's been it so far. Some of the issues like the suspension can render the car unable to be driven because some codes throw the car into limp mode so something to consider. The repairs I've had to make weren't cheap repairs but I have an indy mechanic that is waaaay cheaper than the dealer. If it weren't for that, I don't know that I would have bought or kept the car. That being said, I love this car and all it's quirks. It's amazing to drive. As others have said, it's a supercar so there's a lot of precision that can malfunction that is inherent in owning a car like this. If your FIL doesn't want a car that may spend some time in the shop, it's probably not the car for him.
Last edited by Atlas_Shrugz; Jun 15, 2023 at 01:12 PM.
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Racer
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From: Northern Virginia
He had a 911 for about a year. He barely drove it and ended up trading it in. Personally I think a more luxurious car like a Benz is a better fit for him. He loves the idea of owning a Porsche, but he's not a car enthusiast and the reality is he would be happier with more comfort features and cushy ride. Thanks for the info everyone.
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Take him out for a test drive and see if he really likes it - if he can afford it he won't find a better car to enjoy driving!
If he doesn't enjoy a test drive in a Turbo S w/ all of the handling goodies, have his pulse checked.
Good luck w/ the hunt
If he doesn't enjoy a test drive in a Turbo S w/ all of the handling goodies, have his pulse checked.
Good luck w/ the hunt
Last edited by skiracer; Jun 15, 2023 at 06:39 PM.
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From: linker Fahrbahn
He had a 911 for about a year. He barely drove it and ended up trading it in. Personally I think a more luxurious car like a Benz is a better fit for him. He loves the idea of owning a Porsche, but he's not a car enthusiast and the reality is he would be happier with more comfort features and cushy ride. Thanks for the info everyone.
Last edited by chassis; Jun 17, 2023 at 06:19 AM.
Instructor
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From: NE PA
There is a harmonic vibration that plagues some of the 2017+ models. There are discussions about it here. As far as I can tell it doesn't affect the older models. I have a 2015 Turbo and it's smooth as a sewing machine.
I have a Fidelity warranty. It paid for my broken condenser last month. Would've been about 1600 for parts and labor.
On the older models like pre 2014 I think there is a poorly designed coolant pipe on the back of the engine. Very difficult to get to to repair. All of the YMs have plastic coolant pipes and breathers that will need to be replaced around the 7-10 year mark or they will crack and leave you stranded.
I have a Fidelity warranty. It paid for my broken condenser last month. Would've been about 1600 for parts and labor.
On the older models like pre 2014 I think there is a poorly designed coolant pipe on the back of the engine. Very difficult to get to to repair. All of the YMs have plastic coolant pipes and breathers that will need to be replaced around the 7-10 year mark or they will crack and leave you stranded.
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Just remember the pricing increase expected for January 1st, 2024, you're going to want to purchase your coverage before then. We saw and approx. $700 increase across the board on policies at the start of 2023, I will have accurate numbers on the pricing increase expected for 2024 November/December of this year.
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