I remember when the Panemera first came out, I took a look at a few of them. At the time, the rear wiper was $1048 USD. I was looking for the absolute base model 2wd, but not one dealer had one.
Out of curiosity, what did you end up getting? I found that not many are ordered without 5-10k in options at the very minimum, not surprising considering how a 'base' model is genuinely stripped (at least compared to comparable luxury vehicles).
I still don't know what to do. my current daily driver is a Scion tC, because I was in need of a car and was in the right place at the right time, and got it for about 6k below Blue Book (remember, it's only a 20k car). I drive around 90 miles a day, and the Scion has been extremely reliable, nothing but oil changes. I bought it certified used with 34k miles, and it now has 85.
The problem is, for the tC's replacement I'm stuck between a full size car, wagon, or another smaller car like my Scion. I've looked at cars like the Panamera, Acura ZDX, and the wagon versions of the 3 and 5 series BMWs. I'm also stuck between a small car like the BMW 1 series, or maybe even the Scion FR-S. Yesterday, I even looked at the Ford Focus ST.
I'm worried about long term reliability, because I've always owned Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus and now Scion. The main problem is, I seem to want a car that doesn't exist, but I haven't given up quite yet.
I still don't know what to do. my current daily driver is a Scion tC, because I was in need of a car and was in the right place at the right time, and got it for about 6k below Blue Book (remember, it's only a 20k car). I drive around 90 miles a day, and the Scion has been extremely reliable, nothing but oil changes. I bought it certified used with 34k miles, and it now has 85.
The problem is, for the tC's replacement I'm stuck between a full size car, wagon, or another smaller car like my Scion. I've looked at cars like the Panamera, Acura ZDX, and the wagon versions of the 3 and 5 series BMWs. I'm also stuck between a small car like the BMW 1 series, or maybe even the Scion FR-S. Yesterday, I even looked at the Ford Focus ST.
I'm worried about long term reliability, because I've always owned Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus and now Scion. The main problem is, I seem to want a car that doesn't exist, but I haven't given up quite yet.
Reliability is still iffy on German vehicles... most of mine have been okay but when issues came up they were big issues. Japanese cars may not be as exciting but there's no questioning their dependability.
Look into a CPO'd 2010/2011 Panamera- they started coming off leases earlier this year and seem to be fairly reliable from what I'm reading on 6speed etc. and you can get well optioned 'S' units for way less than even a new V6.
Or for the 'poor man's' alternative (...though not poor at all), an Audi A7/S7? Certainly not small but like the P there's a decent sized hatch with fold-down rear seats so it's kinda like a full size car - wagon hybrid.
As for small car- new Cayman? It's a hatchback too, albeit a tiny one Plus there's the frunk for more things!
What type of gas mileage do you manage in your Porsche? The gearing on my tC is more about torque, so highway RPM at 85 is nearly four thousand, resulting in around 26mpg. I'd love to find something that gets closer to 28. I know the Panamera has the start-stop system and a few fuel saving features, but I do mainly highway driving, and I don't trust the EPA figures. (My car is rated at 32mpg, but at 55mph the computer claims 41) I've been watching for some lease turn ins on the Panamera, but they sell pretty quick. I've also been looking at a few 2006 or so 911 4s's, just because they are literally half the price of a new one.
MaxMike, I did look into the TSX Sport Wagon, but it was a bit underpowered for my liking. The wagon is 0-60 in 8 seconds, and even my tC with its 2.4L 179hp inline 4 does 0-60 in about 6.6 seconds. I had a TL-S before that was in the low 5's, and even the tC was a downgrade I wasn't sure I could make. I'm looking for either a sports car, or sport oriented grand touring car this time around.
A further energy saving can be made by coasting during driving. That means running without the combustion engine in operation – it switches off automatically. You can see this from the rev counter, which will be on READY and not displaying any revs. Through this, the hybrid shows its advantages away from city traffic – at speeds of up to 165 km/h.
I still don't know what to do.
2012 Honda Civic, Got over $2,000 off at dealer for year end clearance!
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How is the 335d? I've been looking in to them a bit. Reliable?
Loving my diesel. I haven't had much issue with reliability. There was a few recalls and twice it had a stuck EGR valve that needed to be reset. Otherwise it is mechanically sound and the low end torque makes it a hoot to drive.
The combination of fuel efficiency, power, and range is one of the best aspects of the car. Where I live, Diesel is cheaper than premium gas. Not having to refuel as often and increased efficiency over its gasoline counterpart is an added bonus.
Bought this westfield in october. Here's a vid my mate took the day after I trailered it back!
http://vimeo.com/30610313
Roll on spring!
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