• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    The Panamera is a a classic Marmite car. You either love it or hate it. I love it. It is distinctive and says I have unique tastes. It turns heads too as it is pretty rare.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    There's an intrigue when they see the badge. Everyone wants a drive in it. The interior is probably the most glamorous people have seen and its rarity promotes discussion. Everyone is amazed. At its looks, power and economy.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No I wouldn't because I'm keeping this one forever!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    If I wasn't so bothered about fuel economy I'd look to move up the Panamera range to maybe a GTS.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £62,000

    When did you buy the car?

    August 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    The deal here was good for me because I got the best of not just one or two worlds but of three! A discount off the car is normally followed by a reduction in your PX value. But no. The PX price was very fair. In fact it was very close to the figure I was hoping for privately anyway. So I got a discount and a great PX price. Thirdly, was the finance. They were able to get me quoted and approved there and then. Rather than feeling mugged in the process I felt I was the winner. In reality there must have been plenty of margin in the car or they had targets to hit.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    It's the best car on earth for my needs.

    What was the dealer like?

    For a premium brand dealer, they were extraordinarily warm and down to earth. The usual german efficiency prevailed around the fittings and fixtures and all the paperwork processes well oiled and reassuring.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Think of a 911 and the way it turns into a corner with a real sharpness that's devoid of understeer, then add in Loads of mid range grunt and a pretty meaty soundtrack. Finally imagine a Bentley like wafting silence. It's like three cars in one.

    What's it like to park?

    You do sit quite low, but with parking sensors front and back it's never an issue. You have to be careful of the diamond cut alloys though. One small kerb scrape makes them look untidy and costly to re-furb.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    A small piece of trim on the inside broke but this was replaced under warrantee without fuss.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Where do I start! It's a sleek coupe shape but with 4 doors. Each seat is the same with loads of legroom. The boot is cavernous and the fuel economy astounding.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Has to be the PASM air suspension.