Panamara?
 

The wife & I like driving vacations but…
She doesn't like the way I drive the Boxster; you know, like a sports car. And the ride is too rough for her comfort on long rides. Also I'm 68 so I may become old in the next decade sometime and want a grown-up's car. So I'm starting to think about a Panamara S. Anybody have one? Is there a site like this for Panamaras?

I have a friend who has one. He drove them all and settled on the 6 cyl (I think the 4S). He could have afforded any of them but liked the 6 best. I had a chance to ride with him on a few laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (road course). I was very impressed. Car appeared to go and handle extremely well. I din't get to drive it, so I can't give you an impression vs the Box, but it seemed a very nice car indeed.

Being close to your age I also get the gears about the Boxster. I am fighting it all the way. My argument is that is why we have the Camry to go on longer trips(wife's car). So in the meantime I keep the Boxster as the fun car.......

I hear you!

You guys have two choices - You need to do a trade. The question, is which trade. You need something comfortable , yet something sporty. For comfort, I'd be looking for something in the early 50 range. For sporty, late 30's , early 40's . Accessories are also very important. A boat is nice , university aged kids isn't such a good idea. You also don't want one that can drive a standard. That would mean you'd be driving the ford fiesta. Yeah, it's a good car, but really .... Not for you. Whatever you decide - I can help you out. I know a guy who's brother is a divorce lawyer. He'll take every cent you have, but will leave you your car.

:confused: What is all that about?

They posed a question. I offered an opinion and a solution.

Panamara?
 

We have a Panamera 4, 997, and 986 in our family.
While the Panamera's looks are controversial (I'm personally not a fan), it's very comfortable on long trips. The v6 is under powered for such a big car, so I'd recommend the S if you're coming from a Boxster. And DEFINITELY get the paddle sport steering wheel (no cost option) as the push/pull buttons on the 'convenience' wheel take all the fun out of driving.
Good deals can be found on used S models if you're patient.

The Pan S is a pretty sweet ride from the inside but I do have to avert my eyesight when looking at the rear. It just looks wrong back there.

I get to drive my mate's Pan regularly. It is VERY comfy , i'd say perfect for you and the wifey, however it is VERY heavy and large. Petrol price will be killing the wallet if travelling is your thing mate. Other than not wanting to get out of the car because it is so comfy, it does have great power and handling.

Another thing I dislike is, it's ultra quiet. You barely can hear the engine. I personally find this annoying.

It does look like a huge "shoe" however. The car outer shape/design is my major dislike

I've always been a fan of the Panamera...


Then I had the opportunity to drive a few. The S absolutely has more power but it's shocking how torquey they made the 6. If $ is a factor and I were in the market for a Panamera, I'd snap up a 6 without hesitation.

Don't even get me started on how impeccably the interior wraps around you... It's an absolutely fantastic car.

You need to drive the 991 S... Anyone who complains about harshness in that car probably needs a hovercraft. I don't think a more comfortable grand touring car has ever been made. The wider front plant eats every bump in the road. I'm sure you can get a good deal on a 2012 CPO and not eat so much of the Porsche tax.

Also, the Panamera is pointless as a people mover. Unless you only have two friends for the back seat.
And they are UGLY. There's a silver one parked outside my door here every day, still has not grown on me.
I'd sooner spend that kind of money on a Jag or Aston. Those are beautiful grand tourings.
The Vantage Roadster may be the best looking of the bunch.