Need some input from experienced Macan owners

[ixez]

Hi dear Macan owners,

 

Currently, I'm looking to buy a 2016 (or newer) Macan S and wanted to kindly ask for some input from experienced Macan owners.

I apologize if such questions were asked many times before, but I swear I did my fair share or searching and found some basic information or answered my own questions. 

 

Below is what I'd like to know before I buy my Macan S:

 

1. I owned an Audi S4 for 2 years and did all the diagnostics via VAG-COM cable and VCDS myself.
When I'll be test driving and choosing my future Macan, I'd like to run diagnostics myself using a semi-professional tool. As far as I understand VSG-COM/Ross-tech cable won't work for a Macan. What would you recommend to scan for codes? I found people use either Autel MD808, Durametric, PIWIS, or Schwaben Pro Scan Tool on this forum. I don't really need anything crazy... Just a good scanner for codes. Thoughts?

 

2. As far as I understand Macans had a minor facelift in 2016 - is that correct? Is there a huge difference between 2015 and 2016 or between 2016 and 2017 model years? Which model year would you recommend?

 

3. I'm mostly looking into Macan S models since GTS/Turbo in the US come with air suspension by default and it must be very expensive to fix (if, let's say, outside warranty). Am I correct? I don't really want to tack on huge repair bills and would be pretty happy with the regular sport suspension of Macan S.

 

4. From what I read the most common issue with Macans is the transfer case failure. Is there anything else I should be concerned about or pay close attention while inspecting/test driving? (I'm not talking about oil/coolant/brake fluid leaks)

 

5. Is there a tool/website to decode trims/options for Macans based off of a VIN number? I'd love to find one with the sport exhaust (for example) or with some other [insert option name here] but aside from looking for specific buttons inside the car I'm not sure how else to figure out options purchased by the original owner.

 

Thank you! Your answers and input are much appreciated!

 

Alex

Edited March 19, 2019 by ixez
tags

[Loren]

 

1. Durametric.

2. Minor body changes 2015-2016, 2016 GTS model, 2017 Macan 4 cylinder.

3. I do not think there have been many air suspension failures or faults since 2016. Air is more expensive than steel but also has many handling advantages.

4. No, transfer cases are pretty much it for large items and most of those are replaced under warranty.

5. The VIN will not tell you anything about the options without a report from a dealer (we can also get reports for our Contributing Members).

Download the option codes list here:

https://www.renntech.org/files/category/140-macan/

[ixez]

On 3/22/2019 at 4:18 PM, Loren said:

 

1. Durametric.

2. Minor body changes 2015-2016, 2016 GTS model, 2017 Macan 4 cylinder.

3. I do not think there have been many air suspension failures or faults since 2016. Air is more expensive than steel but also has many handling advantages.

4. No, transfer cases are pretty much it for large items and most of those are replaced under warranty.

5. The VIN will not tell you anything about the options without a report from a dealer (we can also get reports for our Contributing Members).

Download the option codes list here:

https://www.renntech.org/files/category/140-macan/

Thank you, Loren! Appreciate your detailed answers!

 

I think I will be looking for a 2017 CPO car as they got a few more features standard plus updated infotainment ? 

[ixez]

So I finally researched a few options and here's what I found in my city and within 250 miles:

 

1. 2017 white Macan S in Cincinnati with 36k miles and CPO:
https://www.porscheofthevillage.com/inventory/used-2017-porsche-macan-s-awd-sport-utility-wp1ab2a53hlb14667

Pros: like both interior and exterior colors, no tow hitch, no roof rails (it's a plus for me, I like clean looks), nice RS wheels and other options
Cons: seems to be overpriced for what it is

 

2. 2017 black Macan GTS in Indianapolis with 41k miles and CPO:
https://www.tomwoodporsche.com/certified/Porsche/2017-Porsche-Macan-For+Sale+in+Indianapolis+IN-2ded1fdc0a0e0a173d36db4057a0f021.htm

Pros: only $3k more expensive than S above (but also 5k more miles...), also nice interior, no tow hitch, no roof rails, nice Turbo wheels and other options
Cons: black color hides all the beauty of Macan's body styling, wheel size might be too big for our awful roads, and white interior may not hold up well over time (although I don't have pets or kids and in general I'm OCD clean).

 

3. And a few options in Cleveland, OH:
- https://www.porschebeachwood.com/detail-2016-porsche-macan-awd_4dr_s-used-certified-18327897.html (my favorite color, low price, but 45k miles and 2016)
- https://www.porschebeachwood.com/detail-2016-porsche-macan-awd_4dr_s-used-certified-18386292.html (reasonable price, pretty low miles, but also 2016)
- https://www.porschebeachwood.com/detail-2016-porsche-macan-awd_4dr_s-used-certified-18520995.html (favorite color, good price and low miles, but 2016)
- https://www.porschebeachwood.com/detail-2016-porsche-macan-awd_4dr_s-used-certified-18521515.html (same as the second line in this section) 

 

4. And lastly, there is one Turbo priced as GTS above: https://www.porschebeachwood.com/detail-2016-porsche-macan-awd_4dr_turbo-used-certified-18570620.html

 

From the future value perspective, i'm leaning towards 1. and 2. The GTS might be even better, but I don't know if there will be a line of people to get a black Macan moving forward.
I drove the GTS last night and it was more fun with the adjustable suspension and sport exhaust!
The CPO Turbo from 4. sounds interesting despite its color, but I'm a bit suspicious given its price (although it is CPO, had 1 owner, and clean title). Probably low priced due to almost no options.

 

What do you all think about options in those cars in general? 
Which cars from the above would you consider and why?

 

All of the cars above are located at the official Porsche dealers and are CPO'd.

 

Thanks a lot for you help!
Alex

Edited March 29, 2019 by ixez
link updates

[Loren]

I would not trade my GTS for a Turbo unless the Turbo had the GTS's lower ride height. Too me, greater handling is worth a few less horses - but then an aftermarket tune can fix that too.

[ixez]

So yesterday I pulled the trigger on a blacked out 2017 Macan GTS which I'm falling in love with more and more as I look at it / drive it. Happy with the car! Any CPO'd Turbo was either 2015, or empty inside, or way over my budget so I will save this toy for the next time if I won't go electric in 3-4 years. Loren, thank you for your advice and answers to my questions :) 

Edited April 2, 2019 by ixez

[Loren]