[Boxer33]

Hi all

Having carried out a comprehensive review of intermediate SUVs I have narrowed my list to the Q5 TFSI 45 and the Macan. The Macan seems to be the more desirable choice but the Q5 is notably cheaper in initial cost. However, one factor in favour of the Macan seems to be favourable depreciation - I know the Q5 is quite good in this respect too but at least from what I can gather the Macan seems to be better. That in turn narrows the gap in the overall cost between the two vehicles. I would be grateful for any thoughts or challenges to this thinking. I would be looking to sell/replace in around three years, maximum of five years.

Additionally, as between the Macan and Macan S, I have come across some material that suggests the Macan S may be more favourable for depreciation as compared with the Macan. That in turn would narrow the gap in overall cost between the Macan and the Macan S, making the Macan S a more attractive prospect (noting of course the fact that it is is a better car in other respects). I would be grateful for any views on this thinking as well.

As you can see, I am trying every measure to make the purchase of a Macan seem more financially prudent (appreciating of course that it is relative and that buying a Porsche is not on any objective view the most financially prudent decision...)!

 

[yrralis1]

Hi all

Having carried out a comprehensive review of intermediate SUVs I have narrowed my list to the Q5 TFSI 45 and the Macan. The Macan seems to be the more desirable choice but the Q5 is notably cheaper in initial cost. However, one factor in favour of the Macan seems to be favourable depreciation - I know the Q5 is quite good in this respect too but at least from what I can gather the Macan seems to be better. That in turn narrows the gap in the overall cost between the two vehicles. I would be grateful for any thoughts or challenges to this thinking. I would be looking to sell/replace in around three years, maximum of five years.

Additionally, as between the Macan and Macan S, I have come across some material that suggests the Macan S may be more favourable for depreciation as compared with the Macan. That in turn would narrow the gap in overall cost between the Macan and the Macan S, making the Macan S a more attractive prospect (noting of course the fact that it is is a better car in other respects). I would be grateful for any views on this thinking as well.

As you can see, I am trying every measure to make the purchase of a Macan seem more financially prudent (appreciating of course that it is relative and that buying a Porsche is not on any objective view the most financially prudent decision...)!

There is no Macan that will ever appreciate in value other than a temporary setback sue ro supply/virus issues . Depreciation hinges very much on the options selected for any car . A zero option Turbo will depreciate less than a high spec Base. My anecdotal observations come from sitting on this forum for 7 years as well as owning 5 of them.

Right now your best play is a new car with modest options . The mower the trim the more lean it has to be as the prices are staggered . A stripped base car will be there best value overall but the truth is most who dip toes in Porsche want more than saving money out of a car ,

 

[Davin]

IMO, there a few car owner types out there. You seem to be a good example of a rational and calculative person.
However, what is your heart's deepest desire? An appliance or unmistakable vehicle. Buy the car and trim that you want.
Go for the Macan S.

 

[Beardy]

It is kind of a moot point really as you are already indulging unnecessary coin on a vehicle
You lose most of your resale on options according to my SA and personal experience
In a normal market I think a highly spec base would fair the worst on the second hand market
I think the worst scenario is to not be satisfied with which vehicle you choose which would make it the worst financial decision in my view, there is no value for money with buyers remorse

 

[wwahl]

Hi all

Having carried out a comprehensive review of intermediate SUVs I have narrowed my list to the Q5 TFSI 45 and the Macan. The Macan seems to be the more desirable choice but the Q5 is notably cheaper in initial cost. However, one factor in favour of the Macan seems to be favourable depreciation - I know the Q5 is quite good in this respect too but at least from what I can gather the Macan seems to be better. That in turn narrows the gap in the overall cost between the two vehicles. I would be grateful for any thoughts or challenges to this thinking. I would be looking to sell/replace in around three years, maximum of five years.

Additionally, as between the Macan and Macan S, I have come across some material that suggests the Macan S may be more favourable for depreciation as compared with the Macan. That in turn would narrow the gap in overall cost between the Macan and the Macan S, making the Macan S a more attractive prospect (noting of course the fact that it is is a better car in other respects). I would be grateful for any views on this thinking as well.

As you can see, I am trying every measure to make the purchase of a Macan seem more financially prudent (appreciating of course that it is relative and that buying a Porsche is not on any objective view the most financially prudent decision...)!

Buying a car for the intent of selling it? That is not a friendly place you have to wake up in. When I buy a car I anticipate using it, not selling it. There is no happiness in your thinking. Better if you woke up with a dream of hooning that car instead.

 

[CourtneyNYC]

We invest to make money.

We buy cars for fun.

If you are buying an SUV based on depreciation….. the Subaru Outback is the car for you

We all lie to ourselves to justify Porsche purchases in some way …. Or at least play mental games.

Decide what your budget is ….. and buy something than makes you grin every time you open the door.

 

[dsockel]

In addition to trim options, I would also pay close consideration to color combinations. The majority of macans are white, black and gray. The supply/demand equilibrium should be fairly fluid. Lots of buyers but lots of competing vehicles to buy. I wanted a CPO with a more unique color combination, so had to wait to find the right one so I was willing to pay more for a comparable trim option. Again the market demand for those cars is smaller and it may take longer to sell it, but the depreciation loss MAY be less. Just a thought.

 

[Boxer33]

Thanks all for the thoughts, particularly those that engaged with the substantive issues - those comments were very helpful.

I must confess that I do not see the decision as being binary in the sense that (a) one buys a car for fun and (b) one invests for money, with the two being mutually exclusive. To the contrary, I would think that (a) one may own a car for fun but (b) one may also take prudent steps so as to diminish the overall cost of owning that car. That does not seem to me to diminish the "fun" of the car nor does it involve not waking up in a "friendly place". If anything, it would mean that I am placed in a better position to buy my next "fun" car.

Additionally, of course a matter such as depreciation should not be the sole determinative factor that dictates one's choice in a car, but equally, it would seem to me to be a bit odd to neglect to place any weight whatsoever upon that matter. If there are two relatively comparable cars on paper and one will depreciate by 80% in three years and one will depreciate by 20%, I would think that should properly be a relevant consideration.

Again, I thank you for your time and comments.

 

[canonken]

I think your depreciation question is valid. Even if you don't plan to sell it (for a long time), it is a factor to consider even if slightly. I have purchased some very expensive things, not planning to sell ever (watches, audio gear), but knowing if I wanted to upgrade or change it up, I would generally not lose money. Cars are different (they wear out and age unlike a good watch or power amplifier), but if you lose less on the Macan, it can help you make the jump.

 

[Boxer33]

Thanks Canonken, that more or less captures my thinking. For me this is about making the initial jump (as opposed to buying a Q5 or X3) and so I need to approach it prudently.

 

[eightblack]

I've owned 4 Porsches and I will admit, I've always bought them with my heart and not my head. I'm a car guy. I love the brand and I like the quality. I'll let the accountant worry about the depreciation. If I based my car buying on logic, then I'd buy a Tesla (which I have) but driving them is like having sex with your clothes on. They have zero emotion, zero character and their software can be scary. My simple advice is buy the best Porsche you can

 

[Rdub]

A lot goes into total cost of ownership, though if keeping it only a few years it’s easier to make projections. IMO digest information until you are comfortable, but make the decision with your gut/heart, since it’s about want not need.

 

[Dkayak]

Lots of valid advice here. Depreciation dwarfs other ownership costs, so it warrants more scrutiny. At the same time, it’s wise to buy what you really want. Sometimes those two goals align nicely.

I’d add two points though. First, the initial price means less than it used to since the opportunity cost for cash is minimal these days. Second, be sure to look at depreciation in terms of dollars, not percentages. A 40% depreciation hit on a $100k car costs you more than 50% on a $60k car. Spending more for a lower percent depreciation can be false economy (but maybe a useful rationalization).

 

[ilumo]

Also it depends where you want to sell to and when. For example I just tried to price my new 2022 S with 150 miles. And 84k msrp would only net me 65k from vroom. That’s a pretty far cry from how people are saying their 2-3 old macans are fetching msrp. Granted these people could be getting these prices from Porsche dealers who likely value the macan a bit more than the generic 3rd parties.

 

[CourtneyNYC]

If your financial universe is materially impacted by an amount on the order of the depreciation of an SUV ….. you need a serious overhaul or soul searching.

Buy cars, guitars and airplanes for fun. Stocks and art for investments.

 

[Boxer33]

I ultimately satisfied myself that the depreciation on a Macan is very good, and getting a modest amount of options (in my case, about 10% of the total cost, and including sunroof/bose/adaptive cruise control etc) strikes a good balance.

 

[RidgeRunner0207]

I buy cars with options I want in them, My 2022 Macan GTS that I ordered and is built and on its way here at this moment for a PEC Atlanta delivery is loaded, it tipped $112k all in.

I could care less about resale, or buying a car that is more bland for resale in the future.

Life is very short, and at some point you realize the future you want may never be there for any reason, so I do not dwell on resale costs. depreciation, etc.

I cannot take it with me, so I am doing my best to spend my money while I am here.

Good Luck

 

[snipe]

We invest to make money.

We buy cars for fun.

If you are buying an SUV based on depreciation….. the Subaru Outback is the car for you

We all lie to ourselves to justify Porsche purchases in some way …. Or at least play mental games.

Decide what your budget is ….. and buy something than makes you grin every time you open the door.

^ Tis is Da Way .

Any money that goes into a car in my point of view is dead money , what ever you can get back goes into the next one .

 

[Felixy1018]

macan definitely holds its values better than other similar SUV
looks at similar BMW ... worth nothing by now, look at Q5 or even SQ5 .... worth pennys