Models · Porsche
Porsche Panamera 971 buying guide
The second Panamera, built from 2016 to 2023, offered as a fastback and a Sport Turismo estate, with twin-turbo V6 and V8 petrol engines, a V8 diesel until 2018 and an eight-speed PDK gearbox. Hybrid versions exist but aren't covered here.
The versions
- Panamera and Panamera 4: V6 turbo petrol, 330PS
- 4S: 2.9 twin-turbo V6, 440PS; 4S Diesel: 4.0 twin-turbo V8, 422PS (2016 to 2018)
- GTS: 4.0 twin-turbo V8, 460PS, then 480PS; Turbo: 4.0 twin-turbo V8, 550PS; Turbo S (from 2020): 630PS
- 8-speed PDK dual-clutch; rear or all-wheel drive
- Fastback, Sport Turismo estate and long-wheelbase Executive bodies
What to check on a 971 Panamera
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Air suspension, if fitted
What to look for: Look at the car when you arrive: it should sit level, with no corner lower than the others. Cycle through the ride height settings and watch the instruments for a suspension warning. Listen for the compressor running for a long time.
Why it matters: Air struts can leak with age and a compressor that works too hard eventually fails. One sagging corner after standing overnight is the classic sign. Steel-sprung cars don't have this check.
Rear spoiler
What to look for: With the engine running, use the spoiler button to raise and lower it. It should move smoothly and evenly to the correct angle, with no dashboard warning.
Why it matters: The rear spoiler can malfunction, sticking or deploying at an odd angle. A spoiler that moves cleanly every time is what you want to see.
Noises from the rear suspension
What to look for: Drive slowly over speed bumps and broken surfaces with the windows down, and listen for knocks or odd noises from the back of the car. Ask for evidence of the anti-roll bar link recall.
Why it matters: Porsche ran a recall over possible premature failure of the rear anti-roll bar links. If the rear end makes odd noises, check the recall paperwork first. A Porsche Centre can confirm it from the VIN.
Also in the full guide
- Recall campaigns
- PDK behaviour
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 971 Panamera
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.