Hi Rennlisters,

Hope you all are doing well.

I'm back on the market (albeit slowly) on the search for a Panamera. For starters, I'm looking for a Panamera with a trim package that offers great value and reasonable cost of ownership. We have a daily driver for the city, so the Panamera would be used more for longer distance trips outside of the city and some touring in Canada and in the US. For what it's worth, we previously owned a 996 (since sold) and currently a 986.1 Boxster. We tried to do some travelling with the Boxster and it was not the most comfortable car for longer distances. The dealership once loaned me a 2014 Panamera S e-hybrid and I really liked it.

I saw a few examples online for a 2016 Panamera GTS and learned that the 2016 models are the final model year of the 970 chassis. What are the biggest differences between the 970 and 971? I am okay with a base model V6 given its reliability, but curious about V8 ownership and maintenance costs. Also, for mechanical, electronics and suspension, do they all end up having the same issues across the board? Welcoming any feedback. Thank you in advance!

 

As with most Porsches they seemed to have workout the quirks in the first 3 to 5 years of the model. There really isn't across the board issue with Panamera's in 16 or the newer 971's. I'd stay away from the hybrid's as your approaching 6 to 7 years on battery.

Personally, I'd shoot for a 17/18 Panamera. Better looks to most people and more updated technology. 4S is kind of sweet spot on 17/18's for price vs performance. It's quick enough for most and MPG are solid for what it is. But if you can swing for a GTS or Turbo do it. V8 maintenance really isn't much different than the V6. The gas mileage in the GTS and Turbo isn't that bad to be honest. City a good 18MPG and HWY mid 20's to about 28MPG, combined around 20-22MPG is what to expect out of most tanks of gas with some spirited driving mixed in. Compared to the V6 turbo's it isn't much different, you run them hard which is easier to do than V8 and they suck gas down quickly. All in all cost of ownership between V6 and V8 isn't going to be enough to sway anyone one way or the other. Just depends on what the initial budget can swing.

 

Agree. If you can afford it go for a 971. Tech and interior is on par with most other Porsche models through 2022/2023 as the Panamera was the first model in the Porsche lineup to get their current interior. That will change with 2025 971.3 Panamera which will be like the new Cayenne inside.

 

Thanks, gents.

Using only my general area (Greater Toronto Area) as a reference point, it seems the 971s are floating in and around the $70 - $85K CAD range where as there is a variable discrepancy on late-model 970s depending on the trim, of course. I'll do some more research on this and figure out a timeline on when to buy.

Are there any major differences between 970 vs. 971 engines and the PDK transmissions?

 

Not completely sure , but I think the 971 is a turbo 4.0 vs the 970 is a natural 4.8 . The 970 is more raw / analog . As always newer is a bit more refined , I never wish my 16 GTS was a !7 ! In fact the sound got chopped back .

 

Can the 970 be upgraded with a newer Porsche factory entertainment system, similar to the ones they offer for the older Porsches?

 

The turbos really affect the exhaust sound. At idle, you really hear the difference and at heavy throttle. If that is important, skip the turbos, my 2 cents. That said, the torque from the turbos is addictive. Brakes on the later product are quicker to respond.

 

The infotainment screen is far too different to retro into a 970. I had both and the 970 is quite dated when you compare the 2.

 

Slightly off topic but is the air suspension a must have or is it best to pass on it?

How do you identify if a vehicle has air suspension or not?

 

Since you are looking for a used car, I would stay away from air suspension unless it has been recently replaced.

 

Air suspension is a must have. Drive cars back to back with and without air suspension and you will be amazed.

Run the VIN in vinanalytics.com to see the option content including air suspension (or not).

 

Canadian Thanksgiving weekend update.

We went to the local Porsche dealer to check out at 2016 GTS vs. a 2020 GTS. Sadly, the 2016 GTS sold, so the sales person showed us the 2020 GTS. Really enjoyed the test drive and the comfort of the car. Someone will shoot me for saying this, but the GTS is way more power than we need. I'm a pretty civil driver and will take the chance to do a spirited drive only when I know the coast is clear, which is rarely the case in Toronto.

There seems to be some value to be had on the 970 models, and the 4 and 4S seem to yield the most value, but they are also older and may start to require some repairs. I have a bias towards the 971 but obviously, they come with a higher cost. I think it would be pointless to cross shop other marques at this point. I love this car!

 

I'm driving a 2016 970.2 Turbo with mods. One of the mods is an aftermarket Apple Car Play unit that is installed in the Porsche PCM head unit, which eliminates some of the yearning for the instrument panel upgrade that came in 2017 with the 971.

Because these cars to tend to depreciate, there can be real value in the 970's.

I spare no expense on maintenance, with thorough annuals and doing all recommenced services. A few months ago, I finally had one of the front air springs leak, and replaced both the front units at that time. It was not that big a deal, and these new ones should give 5-10 years of service.

My car has had performance mods, which make it more powerful than any other Panamera model. I use this when passing on the highway, otherwise rarely. It's great to have that capability.

For your purpose of comfortable road trips, it's a dream car.

 

Thank you for the feedback! Would you be able to share the details of your Apple Car Play unit? Thank you in advance!

I have been coming across a few 970.2 Panamera GTS with very low mileage (< 80,000KM - not miles) floating in at around $58,000 - $60,000 CAD. Where as a 971.1 (2017/2018) will come in at around $65,000 to $75,000 CAD) but these are the 4S, not a GTS. This is making the decision difficult but with their obvious differences. The greatest value are the 970.2 4S models that come in at around $36,000 CAD I've had a taste of a V8 turbo, so it makes me wonder if I will be satisfied with the V6.

 

Here's the link to the unit for a 970 series Panamera. It says for professional or "Expert" DIY installation only. I am not an expert, but managed to get it installed on my own in one morning. The proprietor, Nick Marquis, is very good with help. The key step when installing is to fully seat the ribbon cables in their fittings. If they are even slightly askew, it doesn't work. This isn't hard, you just have to make sure you did it correctly. I have since installed 2 more of these without making that initial mistake again. The hardest step is removing the AC vents on either side of the head unit so you can get to the set screws and remove it. I bought special tool for that.

https://www.nmautomotive.co.uk/produ...droid-auto-kit