pfbz

Yes, I know Turbo vs. GTS has been discussed quite a bit, but typically in the context of ordering a new Macan. I was hoping for some discussion from a used purchase perspective...

Target:
Used Macan GTS or Turbo
$60K-$70K.
CPO or at least a year of factory warranty.
Will be modded with Cobb tune, likely an exhaust if doesn't have sport exhaust already.

Great deals on low mileage Turbos seem to be easier to find than GTSs. At similar price points with similar years and mileage, seems like the better choice is the Turbo?

Power/Performance: It also looks like that while Cobb brings the GTS power to near stock Turbo level, if you also Cobb tune the Turbo you spread that gap out quite a bit again.

Options: What are your favorite or must have options? Definitely want Sport Chrono for the PDK mapping, Thoughts on air suspension?

CarGuyNVA

The GTS vs Turbo dilemma also exists in the Cayenne world where I came from about 5 months ago. For whatever reason, it always seems the GTS models maintain a slight advantage in terms of retaining value and resale.

When I decided to move to a Macan I looked at (and drove) multiple Turbos and GTSs (and some S models for that matter). In the end it came down to finding a rather unique build with some rather unique options that the typical build doesn't have. I also preferred the overall look of the GTS model, inside and out. The only real advantage with the Turbo model from my perspective was the additional power/larger displacement. But the GTS had the preferred overall driving dynamics, again from my perspective. So as is often the case with such things, the answer is "it depends"......it depends on where you place the most emphasis of what you want to get out of this vehicle. Make a list of your priorities and go from there.

As for key options, well that's going to be a matter of opinion too for the most part, but some of the things I wanted and valued were PSE, sport chrono pkg, air suspension w/ PASM, PCM w/ connect Plus, tinted tail lights, blacked out window trim, some of the Exclusive options (colored gauges/seatbelts), carbon fiber interior trim and steering wheel. So the nicely optioned GTS that my salesman brought to my attention clicked all the boxes (he had been on the lookout knowing what I was seeking).

Best of luck in your quest! Please keep us updated.

Van Larson

PSEE

Turbo - as noted above...

KM1959

I have a loaded Turbo. You asked about the air suspension - I love it! It rides magnificently. The GTS may have a more sporty-tuned suspension but face it, it is still a 4200-pound SUV. It is not a 911. For sure, it has a Porsche feel and is more 911 than a Cayenne but I have never thought about taking it for a weekend mountain road cruise. That's what my GT3 is for. I use it whenever I need to haul a few passengers or whenever I want to cruise in luxury but without totally adjusting my driving style like I did with my lumbering Yukon. As others said, torque is king on the street - even more so on a heavy vehicle - and the best way to get that is with larger engine displacement.

Obviously your opinion is what matters here so decide what is truly important to you and don't cheap out on price. Sure, initially an $8K or so difference may seem like a lot but you'll forget all about that in a few months. What won't go away however, is that nagging voice in your head wondering what it would be like to have the extra power of the Turbo (it can be tuned too) or those super comfortable 18-ways with ventilation or whatever else makes you happy. Nobody needs a Macan while there's Chevy Traverses available. If you're going to get one, get one that will make you smile every time you get in it. That is money well spent.

worf928

k3v7n

pfbz

I think I'm sold on the Turbo.

If used GTSs where available at the same price reduction from original sticker, I'd consider one, but the prices are too similar to give up the extra power potential for a few bits of alcantara and trim.

Thoughts on target price for a well equipped, low mileage 2017 Turbo? I'm looking at a few...

Example 1:

2017 Macan Turbo, $72K
9K miles
Fresh CPO
$91K sticker
Gray over black full leather
Air Susp w/ PASM
Sport Chrono
PTV
20" wheels
LED PDLS
Burmester
Premium plus
14 way seats
etc.

No PSE, no PCCB's

CarGuyNVA

promocop

All great and valuable comments...consider this though. Everything else being equal, the Turbo has the worse resale value in the entire Macan line. There must be a reason.

worf928

pfbz

Agree to both of these statements...

If buying new, I might choose the Macan GTS for reduced first-few-years depreciation (do lease residuals back this up?) as well as lower cost.

If buying CPO, 1-3 model years old, I'll take advantage of all that Macan Turbo depreciation.

I'm much more familiar with Porsche pricing in the 911 model and you see some similarities... GTS versions hold value very well for a while. 991.1, 997.2 GTSs all hold value (resale as percentage of original sticker) better than Carrera and Carrera S models, and far better than the 911 Turbo plummets in the first few years.

But then an interesting thing seems to happen... The (911) Turbos tend to flatten out and even begin to appreciate much sooner than other trim levels. 997.1 Turbos are flat to up. 996 Turbos are definitely up. Now Macan haven't been around long enough to see how they will do when they approach ten years, and will almost certainly not hold their value like some 911s, but it is possible that a 2-year-old Macan Turbo will hold it's value over the next 6 years or so as well or better than a 2-year-old Macan GTS and have less net $ depreciation.

All just a thought exercise, I should buy what excites me and I'll love driving and owning, but I really hate massive depreciation. And while I tend to flip or upgrade my sports cars every couple of years trying something new, I tend to buy/drive/hold my daily drivers much, much longer.

Thanks for all the advice!

equ

I have no idea about the future depreciation.... Long time Porsche (sports car) owner here. Was about to get a Cayenne diesel when I finally decided to give up space to get some handling, maneuverability and feel with the Macan. The base was peppy around town but 4-cyl sounds were a no go for me. The S sounded ok but was no faster around town, felt low on torque, made up for it with revs and on the hwy. But it was the rare SUV/CUV that required working the paddles. The Turbo torque wave felt juuusst right, so I got that one. I do see the attraction of the GTS as a "one car" solution. But it's hard to argue with the turbo drive. I tried both air and steel suspension, prefer the steel with PASM (likely a minority on this one), but I prefer the connected feel and it's not harsh. That's it, the turbo doesn't need to many options, it is just the great version of a very good car.

go.illini

I opened this thread expecting to read about the decision process of buying a Macan Turbo used as an Uber. Alas I was disappointed...

CarGuyNVA