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What to do you think of this T build?

3084 Views 33 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  gatorfast
Hi everyone! Just joined the forum and am considering ordering a Macan T. I have always been a one car guy, mostly driving BMW M cars for years as they offered a great combination of performance and practicality. A few years back though I decided to try out the "weekend car" concept and picked up a 718 cayman along with a Kia for daily duties. While both cars serve their purpose perfectly, naturally I dont drive the 718 that often and sometimes feel it is a waste to have. I have 2 kids so the 718 is relegated to solo weekend errands and the occasional trip to the office. While the Kia is great at what it is meant for, its hardly fun to drive and obviously less refined than a Porsche. At this point in my life, I think moving back to one "do it all" vehicle is the move which brings me to the T!

I was originally set on black but I saw a beautiful chalk example the other night while out to dinner and it immediately swayed my mind. What do you think of this build?


The build code is PPBM7455 (how do I post a link directly to it?)
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I ordered a Macan T (on the boat right now) for 77k. Because it’s the ideal compromise between performance and price. You can get all the cosmetic bits that make a car worth driving and looking at and you will see every minute. You will use the extra S power rarely if you use it for daily driving and commuting. And the T is plenty fast at 5 plus seconds from car and driver. It also handles better at lower speeds than the S because of suspension tuning and it is 130 pounds lighter over the front wheels. It sits lower than the base as well. It also gets better gas mileage and is cheaper to insure which will pay for the cosmetic bits.

If you wanted a true racing suv and money was no object then get the GTS but for everyday purposes the Macan T is an awesome car and with unique styling not found on the other trims.

Don’t listen to those who say don’t spend a few k extra on options because you won’t get that back. It’s a Porsche. If you want to get your money back you would go buy a Honda CRV. You will make up most of that money in lower cost to operate.

That being said. I think the T is the best value at under 80k. But don’t listen to the upsellers here. This forum is massively biased against the base and the T. It’s all about bragging rights and power you will rarely use. Get what you want.
Don’t forget OP coming from 718 😂. I agree T trim finds its good cost and value here, lighter weighted front also got into play but OP is looking for SUV practicality with fun dynamic driving. He still get S under $80k at least option negotiated.
I like the build. I too was sold on chalk but after really thinking about it, it wasn’t worth it for the cost which led me to making other concessions and eventually ending up with a CPO car. It’s going to be hard to get many here that will tell you to get the base or T.

For me personally I can understand the spec with the visual mods, I have actually been toying with ordering another Macan with a similar spec. I have had 3 Macans, started with a base 2020 dealer car loaded but not with the sporty upgrades I wanted which led me to quickly trading it in. Traded it in for a 2021 GTS, not in my chosen color, not in my chosen spec and eventually sold since I barely drove it and it was just sitting losing money.

Fast forward to now, I have a 2018 Sport Edition.This is similar to what a T is today but I think with even more of the sporty mods. I do somewhat miss some of the things from the newer model and find myself on the Porsche site building both a T and S contemplating building a car to my spec.

After having the 3 Macans I am sure I could be fine with a T but I’m pretty sure I would give up the chalk color to split the difference and get the S. Regardless of being fine with the T, coming from a sport cars car background you would be very happy with the S and have no regrets. With the T, there is a chance you will have regrets.

The other side of it is if you decided to save some money, I would say the T would be an amazing car…but I would really look closely at the upgrades and see if you could give up color and some other things to get the S.
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Last week I bought a 2023 black GTS. The dealer said Macans are sold out for ordering. Whatever you find or is en route/in production will be the last of the gas powered Macans. I took the bait, whether true or not. I looked thru all the options then picked out what I really wanted and performed a search of available inventory in the US. There are not many new/CPO GTS with Burmester, which was one option I really wanted, (I have C63S Ocean Blue edition with Burmester) I love the sound of the Burmester radio. I'd say search the inventory on Porsche website with any options you really, really want. It's very easy to see what is available at dealers, options on the vehicle then go from there. The Macan is fun to drive. Good luck with your search.
I like this build overall. My $0.02:
  • Add wheels locks and colored crest wheel centers. Keep your wheels safe, and the crest stands out.
  • Add pano roof. I really like it for making the cabin feel more spacious, especially in black
  • CF is a personal choice, but I went with $0 brushed aluminum. Again, to brighten an otherwise dark cabin
  • Rear sunshades are cheap and help the kids see their iPad screen better on road trips
The rest of your options are mostly cosmetic and purely personal preference. I like the T-specific Agate Gray side blades personally. I read somewhere that the Macan has those in a contrasting color as an optical trick to reduce its visual height.
Hi everyone! Just joined the forum and am considering ordering a Macan T. I have always been a one car guy, mostly driving BMW M cars for years as they offered a great combination of performance and practicality. A few years back though I decided to try out the "weekend car" concept and picked up a 718 cayman along with a Kia for daily duties. While both cars serve their purpose perfectly, naturally I dont drive the 718 that often and sometimes feel it is a waste to have. I have 2 kids so the 718 is relegated to solo weekend errands and the occasional trip to the office. While the Kia is great at what it is meant for, its hardly fun to drive and obviously less refined than a Porsche. At this point in my life, I think moving back to one "do it all" vehicle is the move which brings me to the T!

I was originally set on black but I saw a beautiful chalk example the other night while out to dinner and it immediately swayed my mind. What do you think of this build?

The build code is PPBM7455 (how do I post a link directly to it?)
Let me be the lone voice to say you’re doing the right thing going pano-less. You’ll have less weight in the worst place for that 4 cylinder to move. I didn’t get the pano on my S even with its extra power. You will have more headroom, less chance of clogged drains and leaks down the road, a cooler interior (a Chalk roof will absorb less heat) and you’ll have more Chalk paint you’re paying a premium to get.
Get the wheel locks. Going out in the morning to find your ride without “shoes” is VERY disconcerting. Most here report being disappointed with the wireless phone charger.
Get all the options you want. Buy once, cry once. Trading in a car you’re not happy with for another will cost more in the long run.
My only regret was waiting too long to buy my first Porsche. I may come to regret getting the S, but I doubt it. That said, my SA said he’d love to buy the S back if I find I “need” that GTS down the road 😁
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Thanks all! Yes, the pano roof was a deliberate omission. I have never used a sunroof in any car I have owned and being in South Florida its far too hot to open it 95% of the year.

For the wheel locks - do you all live in some bad neighborhoods lol? My car would be always garaged at home and is safe at my office, no fear of having my wheels stolen.
I've also driven sporty BMW's and crave sport and practicality. I find my recently purchased 2020 CPO Base Macan fits the bill. I actually preferred it to the S I drove, which was a better buy. Sporty enough for me and barely practical enough with a tow hitch for my bike rack. I had the dealer replace the worn Summer tires with all seasons for better ride. The cell phone charger is one of the few disappointments. It charges slowly and overheats my iphone. My wife's larger phone does not fit.
Hi everyone! Just joined the forum and am considering ordering a Macan T. I have always been a one car guy, mostly driving BMW M cars for years as they offered a great combination of performance and practicality. A few years back though I decided to try out the "weekend car" concept and picked up a 718 cayman along with a Kia for daily duties. While both cars serve their purpose perfectly, naturally I dont drive the 718 that often and sometimes feel it is a waste to have. I have 2 kids so the 718 is relegated to solo weekend errands and the occasional trip to the office. While the Kia is great at what it is meant for, its hardly fun to drive and obviously less refined than a Porsche. At this point in my life, I think moving back to one "do it all" vehicle is the move which brings me to the T!

I was originally set on black but I saw a beautiful chalk example the other night while out to dinner and it immediately swayed my mind. What do you think of this build?


The build code is PPBM7455 (how do I post a link directly to it?)
Thanks for sharing your dilemma. I was in the same situation a few years back trading out a Audi Q5 for the 981 Boxter and then getting a commuter car. I wound up getting something different for while but missed the Porsche. So I picked up a pre-owned Macan S which was a nice compromise. The Macan handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV which is nice but still isn't a sports car. I was having service done this week and had a brand new 2023 Macan T. The new digital dash and leather, pano sunroof, AC seats and Bose sound was awesome. However coming from the 3.0 to the 2.0 nerfed down version was very disappointing (acceleration even in sport & sport plus, etc). That car is $75K w/ for a 4 cyclinder. I'd probably opt for another Audi Q5 Premium Plus and save the money. If you want more performance I'd go Macan S or Macan GTS but the price seems silly high for a smaller SUV (if you have smaller kids this will be perfect, if your kids are older it's too small in the back). The only car

Pre-Owned Macan S or GTS
Audi Q5 Premium Plus
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Thanks for sharing your dilemma. I was in the same situation a few years back trading out a Audi Q5 for the 981 Boxter and then getting a commuter car. I wound up getting something different for while but missed the Porsche. So I picked up a pre-owned Macan S which was a nice compromise. The Macan handles more like a sports sedan than an SUV which is nice but still isn't a sports car. I was having service done this week and had a brand new 2023 Macan T. The new digital dash and leather, pano sunroof, AC seats and Bose sound was awesome. However coming from the 3.0 to the 2.0 nerfed down version was very disappointing (acceleration even in sport & sport plus, etc). That car is $75K w/ for a 4 cyclinder. I'd probably opt for another Audi Q5 Premium Plus and save the money. If you want more performance I'd go Macan S or Macan GTS but the price seems silly high for a smaller SUV (if you have smaller kids this will be perfect, if your kids are older it's too small in the back). The only car

Pre-Owned Macan S or GTS
Audi Q5 Premium Plus
Appreciate the insight. I plan to test drive the T and an S back to back this weekend just to confirm I am making the right choice. Good news I suppose is that the 718 is definitely quick but at 300hp its not like it throws you in the back of your seat. And my Kia, well, its a Kia lol. So I have been driving lower/average hp cars for the past 3 years and the numerous base Macans I have driven felt adequate in terms of power and what I am used to. I think the PDK being so amazing makes up for some of the lack of power as it is quick to downshift and get you in the heart of the powerband. The slushbox in my Kia for example feels ancient in comparison.
Hi everyone! Just joined the forum and am considering ordering a Macan T. I have always been a one car guy, mostly driving BMW M cars for years as they offered a great combination of performance and practicality. A few years back though I decided to try out the "weekend car" concept and picked up a 718 cayman along with a Kia for daily duties. While both cars serve their purpose perfectly, naturally I dont drive the 718 that often and sometimes feel it is a waste to have. I have 2 kids so the 718 is relegated to solo weekend errands and the occasional trip to the office. While the Kia is great at what it is meant for, its hardly fun to drive and obviously less refined than a Porsche. At this point in my life, I think moving back to one "do it all" vehicle is the move which brings me to the T!

I was originally set on black but I saw a beautiful chalk example the other night while out to dinner and it immediately swayed my mind. What do you think of this build?


The build code is PPBM7455 (how do I post a link directly to it?)
Hi, I just canceled my order for a new GTS, I currently on a Macan T which I was going to trade and the difference in cost was $60K. I have a similar need for cars as you described so I looked around for other options. What I discovered was that the new BMW M2 will be released in 60-90 days. I have owned two M cars, the last two models. The 2008 I had for 13 years before I traded for the Macan T. My timing was good and I am first on the list at my local BMW dealer and I built out a M2 and added every option offered and the build out price was $65,400. Based on this I could almost buy two M2s for slightly more then the GTS specked out like I would have liked if cost wasn’t a consideration. The Macan T is a fine car in every way but it is not really a sports car and the 4 cyl engine is lacking in power. I drove the GTS over a weekend and I loved much about that model but it still is a SUV probably the best of all available but I think for the money the BMW M2 coupe is a much better choice for my needs and wants and with the savings in money I will keep the Macan T too. I love all Porsche models and have owned 911s and 718 models. They are my favorite manufacturer but the 2023 BMW M2 is an exciting car and has a back seat and a trunk. Since you mentioned you have owned M cars I suggest you take a look at the sport sedan coupe, you my find that it checks all the boxes for you and they offer it in a chalk color that you said you liked. Best of luck with you search and your final choice.
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Hi, I just canceled my order for a new GTS, I currently on a Macan T which I was going to trade and the difference in cost was $60K. I have a similar need for cars as you described so I looked around for other options. What I discovered was that the new BMW M2 will be released in 60-90 days. I have owned two M cars, the last two models. The 2008 I had for 13 years before I traded for the Macan T. My timing was good and I am first on the list at my local BMW dealer and I built out a M2 and added every option offered and the build out price was $65,400. Based on this I could almost buy two M2s for slightly more then the GTS specked out like I would have liked if cost wasn’t a consideration. The Macan T is a fine car in every way but it is not really a sports car and the 4 cyl engine is lacking in power. I drove the GTS over a weekend and I loved much about that model but it still is a SUV probably the best of all available but I think for the money the BMW M2 coupe is a much better choice for my needs and wants and with the savings in money I will keep the Macan T too. I love all Porsche models and have owned 911s and 718 models. They are my favorite manufacturer but the 2023 BMW M2 is an exciting car and has a back seat and a trunk. Since you mentioned you have owned M cars I suggest you take a look at the sport sedan coupe, you my find that it checks all the boxes for you and they offer it in a chalk color that you said you liked. Best of luck with you search and your final choice.
PS. This isn’t strictly about Macan but it does affect the pricing. I am on the wait list for a 911 with a 22 month deliver date from now. When I requested my build specs. and when I submitted my order I new the price and agreed fully. 4 months later I went to the web site build section and rebuilt my order making two minor additions. To my surprise due to a price the base price of all 911s went up 16% on my build. Some weeks later I spoke with my dealer and found out that it is a certainty that there will be at least 2 more price increases before my delivery in 2025. This potentially puts my build up to approximately $180,000 , $40,000 up from the original build, if the increases are in the 15% range. I am having second thoughts about paying that much for a car that is very impractical for me 5 days a week. I haven’t decided to cancel, I guess I will wait and see what transpires and decide in a year. I don’t know if all models would be affected like the 911 but the dealer said he can sell all he can get and the price is rarely discussed. I probably will shop for a used 911 and keep my sanity. I do not like buying a car and waiting 2 years especially when you don’t have any 911 cars to see and touch and drive. My joy has turned to sadness regarding 911s. but I still love them….
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I do not like buying a car and waiting 2 years especially when you don’t have any 911 cars to see and touch and drive. My joy has turned to sadness regarding 911s. but I still love them….
Might be the specific 911 trim you're looking at, e.g. GTS with PTS? I got a Carrera T allocation around Christmas 2022 for a July 2023 delivery with no ADM.
Might be the specific 911 trim you're looking at, e.g. GTS with PTS? I got a Carrera T allocation around Christmas 2022 for a July 2023 delivery with no ADM.
The delay is due to my dealer and their allocations for 911s. Dealers are restricted to ordering 911s based on their predetermined allocation. My car on order is a standard 911 S. The dealer will only get a certain number of 911 per year. The wait list at my dealer is over 20 911s on preorder and there are 14 people ahead of my order. I have attempted to order from other dealers but every one says the same thing about allocation. Several dealers will discuss putting you on their wait list but they insist on adding on a 10% profit surcharge up front as a deposit. My dealer to his credit prices 911s on order at list price, no surcharge. I like my dealer and have purchased several cars from them. My long wait is caused because the market for used Porches was so high for the last two years that 14 people traded in their used 911s at the elevated market price and ordered new cars at list price. I waited too long to place my order, bad timing on my part. Because of the shortages the dealers gave preferential consideration for customers with like trade ins like 911 for 911 because they needed inventory.

Other Porsche models have far less wait time like you mentioned ,6-10 months is about right. World wide demand for 911 models is overwhelming to Porsche production which is limited at the 911 plant, thus the need for dealer allocation. Also supply chain problems still hinder production. If you can find one, used 911s are 30% higher than two years ago. Supply and demand! I am ok with the wait but it is the price increases which concern me. You pay the price at the time of delivery which is an unknown number. These are strange times In the automotive industry.

I ordered a BMW M2 which is scheduled for delivery in May or June to tied me over until the 911 is available. Thanks for your thoughts and best of luck to you on your new Porsche.
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Just to update everyone - I officially placed my order! I dropped the headlights in black as well as the wireless phone charging at the advice of you fine folks. My Macan is scheduled to arrive stateside in mid-May. I said goodbye to my 718 which was otherwise a sad moment, but I am looking forward to getting the T!
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