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Is your Macan your only car? Could it be?

14K views 42 replies 23 participants last post by  panzer  
#1 ·
I am looking to replace my 2003 Toyota 4Runner, and was wondering if the Macan can be my only car. My kids are grown, so it is just my wife and I, but after the last 2 weeks, where we have gotten over 5 feet of snow, I am having some doubts. My 4Runner can go through mud, snow, sand and has never had an issues. I know that the Macan is extremely versatile, but can I rely on it to be my only vehicle?
 
#3 ·
Since you have a 4Runner, then I would say it depends on the extent of your off-roading.
I have AS and the RS Spyder wheels.

I would not take my Macan to the same places I went in my Rav4 6cyl with differential lock.
Even with AS a washboarded gravel road is pretty uncomfortable.

However I don't go that often so I get by. If I had regular use for medium level offloading, I would have a truck on the side.
 
#8 ·
Of course it can be. The Macan is the best "only car" out there, imo. It's your luxury sedan/sports car/work horse/garage queen/SUV/off roader/hauler/track weapon/fun driver all in one.

Only thing it isn't is an economy car. Though city mileage is quite decent to good.

For your concerns and needs especially, I'd recommend AS as a must imo.
 
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#19 ·
It's your luxury sedan/sports car/work horse/garage queen/SUV/off roader/hauler/track weapon/fun driver all in one.
If you have to have only one car, then yes, it fulfill any of those roles. But you can easily find better cars in each category for the same or less money.

If you plan on driving in it snow, I would get air suspension, PTV, and a set of winter wheels/tires as options.
 
#9 ·
I am looking to replace my 2003 Toyota 4Runner, and was wondering if the Macan can be my only car. My kids are grown, so it is just my wife and I, but after the last 2 weeks, where we have gotten over 5 feet of snow, I am having some doubts.
Put on a fire, stock some groceries, put on Netflix, snuggle up as its Valentines Day coming up, and you're good to go.

OK, to be serious. I believe a 4 runner is a true 4 x 4. Are you going rock climbing? NO? OK, you are good to go.
 
#13 ·
My Macan S will be my DD.If it rains or lightly snows with salted roads and I just detailed the Porsche then I would take my Daughter's Civic to work on her off day from school or work...lol.
 
#14 ·
Macan is my wife's car. Hers and hers alone. GT3 is a track and entertainment car. Tow vehicle is DD and takes the GT3 to the tracks. Not much chance of only car in this scenario.
 
#15 ·
I am coming from a MB ML and yes, the Macan will be my daily driver and only car for now. Thinking i may pop for a slightly used Boxter later in the year but that will be for a completely different use.
 
#22 ·
Compared to the Macan; If you need cargo and utility more than anything. But it sorely lacks in the fun/spirited/track capable essence that makes the Macan such a good "only car" for those who demand a plethora of capabilities including engaging drives. Imo unless passenger roominess is of utmost virtue, then the Cayenne has been topped in that respect. They're both Swiss Army knives but the Cayenne is more of an SUV (the most capable SUV) while the Macan walks more lines.
 
#23 ·
I'd get a Macan first before the Cayenne (oh I did, duh)... but the Cayenne has the GTS, the Turbo, and the Turbo S. So engaging high performance is not an issue... and since both models are Porsches, power and handling is in the pedigree. Plus it's obvious it trumps the Macan in utility and space too.

Point is, like I implied... I'd bet the Cayenne would suit ordinary folks or families more than the Macan would due to increased utility and room/space which is key for single-vehicle households. The laymen's world doesn't revolve around 'more-fun-to-drive' which I agree the Macan is better engaging in that arena but as stated the Cayenne is more of the superwoman/man all-in-1-type. For now the Macan is like... superboy!
:laugh:
 
#25 ·
Third problem is it is too big.
 
#27 ·
I disagree that Cayenne trumps it in superman power. Cayenne is indeed better for non enthusiast folk looking for more utility. But Macan is a more practical size. It's not a family car but that's a benefit to enthusiasts looking for more fun. It's a Porsche of course, so dynamic driving is at the forefront I think.

The Cayenne has more variations, but none are sportier and more engaging than any Macan. Powerful, great handling, capable, etc. But they don't feel it engage like "sports cars on stilts" like the Macan does. They're more luxurious, but bigger, more plain (in styling as well) and don't have PDK.

I think the Macan walks a finer line of singles/enthusiasts/selfish AND functional family capable. The Cayenne indeed swings it in the other direction. But going by my original descriptions I think the Macan is the dominating "all in one". But that's cause utility is low on my list and engagement is higher.
 
#28 ·
Since we wanted a Macan Turbo, we did the following: WE~
Traded-in our 2011 4Runner Limited for a 2015 Macan Turbo (my preferred driver) &
traded-in our 2013 Cadillac ATS for a 2015 Subaru Forester XT Turbo

Our (S-L-O-W) 4Runner was a gas-hog (19mpg all-the-time) compared to the Macan (unless you insist on putting your foot into it in Sport mode 24/7). Macan Turbo has plenty of traction, and with PTV+ and AS added to PASM it handles great and rides very comfortably. We have taken it off-road numerous times (which the "expert" car mag reviewers promised in their articles that we'd never do) with fine result. But don't buy it with the expectation that it will conquer the Rubicon trail. We get mild snow where we are in central AZ, and the Macan has handled it with aplomb. The more you drive MAcan with the above setup, the more confidence that it inspires. AS is a must for us.

Macan certainly COULD be our only car but wife has many interests and responsibilities so we need separate vehicles. We agreed to a 50-50 split in Macan driving time and she takes up her share.:)
 

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#29 ·
You downgraded to 19" wheels?
 
#30 ·
I'm sorry but there is nothing "down graded " on a Porsche Macan regardless of Model, trim or option. When I read when people write down grade on this forum it puzzles me on the choice of that word.

Downgrading would be going from a Macan to a Kia , Hyuandai or a Tata two cylinder car. No disrespect to those that may own those brands but it would be in essence, a down grade.

Or maybe this is just common car forum lingo but I tend to think that people that use the downgrade word on Macan vs Macan are upgrading from the aforementioned other brands.

Don't take it personal jzwu just ranting a little on my part on something that always bothers me. There I said it . Done and over with. :)
 
#31 ·
Macans are my only vehicles. However, I do not off road and Southern California does not get snow or much rain even, so I can't comment on that part. Also, I do not have kids, if your kids are over 6 feet tall, they are probably not as comfortable as some other SUVs.