Used car buying guide: Porsche Panamera

Transmissions were a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK (standard on the 4, 4S and Turbo). The hybrid and diesel had an eight-speed Tiptronic ’box. Standard features included leather, a sat-nav and Porsche Active Suspension Management. S versions gained additional toys, while Turbo and Turbo S versions had air suspension (optional on the 4.8 S).

In 2013, the range was facelifted. New lights and front and rear bumpers are the most obvious external changes, while under the bonnet of S and 4S versions, a new 408bhp 3.0 V6 twin-turbo petrol motor appeared. At the same time, the existing 3.6, 4.8 GTS and 4.8 Turbo petrols and 3.0 diesel were uprated, the latter to 259bhp.

A Mk1 Panamera may seem a little frumpy alongside today’s sleeker-looking Mk2 model but a sporty 4.8 GTS or economical 3.0 diesel in a bright colour with alloy wheels still commands attention – and because it isn’t a 911, you should be able to haggle a decent discount too.

How to get one in your garage:

An expert’s view: STEVE McPHERSON, PANAMERA REGISTER, PORSCHE CLUB GB - “I’d owned 10 Porsche 911s before I bought my first Panamera, eight years ago. I’ve not regretted it. A Panamera is more practical and, in everyday driving, just as much fun. I’ve had four of them (two new and two used) and am about to buy my fifth – a six-month-old 4S Diesel.

I do around 15,000 miles a year, the cars are new or nearly new and I have them serviced by a main agent, so there have been few issues. Those that spring to mind are wheel judder on full lock when the tyres are cold, a wonky sat-nav that needed reprogramming and a boot that kept opening when the doors were unlocked. Because the car is so big, it’s very colour and wheel sensitive, so choose wisely.”

Buyer beware...

ENGINE - Early V8s and more especially V8 Turbos can suffer bore wear from around 80,000 miles. Check for wet plugs and the condition and level of the engine oil. The engine can require a litre of oil every 600 miles. Listen for timing chain ticking, check the condition of ignition coils and look for oil and coolant leaks.

GEARBOX - On PDK cars, check for oil leaks on the underside of the car, suggesting the gearbox sump cover needs replacing. Check the transmission fluid has been changed every 36,000 miles. Feel for smooth, fast changes.

BRAKES AND SUSPENSION - Expect accelerated tyre and brake wear. Where fitted, check expensive carbon-ceramic brake discs for chips and flaking. The car should ride quietly, so listen for clonks and rattles from loose suspension joints. On cars with optional air suspension, ensure the vehicle rises to the correct height on start-up. Check the height sensor and air compressor.

BODYWORK - Aluminium bonnet, doors and bootlid mean corrosion is rare. Where there is any, suspect poor accident repair.

Interior: 

Expect some wear on the driver’s side bolster. Otherwise, the interior should be as new and rattle-free. A coffee spillage can wreck the central switch console so check every function works.

Also worth knowing: 

For around £220, a Porsche dealer will give the Panamera you’re considering buying a 111-point mechanical check. It takes about 90min and you’ll get a full report with any work required priced up.

How much to spend: 

£24,500-£27,999 - Early 3.6, 4.8 and 3.0 diesel cars with up to 130k miles, but many around 70k. 

£28,000-£29,999 - Mileages closer to 50k, plus 12-reg cars. 

£30,000-£34,999 - Lots of low-mileage 2012/13-reg diesels and higher-miles 2014-reg cars.

£35,000-£39,999 - More 2013/14-reg 3.0 V6s but mainly low-mileage 2013/14-reg diesels. Early Hybrids from £38k, plus early Turbos and 2015-reg cars from £39,500.