Help me Choose...

[joefig44]

Been considering a Taycan, Model S and 911 Carerra to replace my 10 yr old Audi S4 sedan.

Lots of research over last while, down to a few choices of Taycans - have largely ruled out the Model S (but provide it's cost details anyways for comparison) - and while I haven't ruled out a 911 Carerra or Carerra 4 yet, in my mind I'm thinking the only thing that makes me want to get that is that it's value wont' drop like a rock. I provide it's cost details too for comparison.

Which seems best (all prices in CAD and include tax - dealer quotes)?

CPO 22 Taycan 4S - 36K kms - Dolomite Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 21" Taycan Exclusive Design (painted black)
Key Option Details: PDCC, PTV+, rear-axle steering, no HUD, 14-way seats, no acoustic glass, surface coated brakes, power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $127K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $116K)
Monthly Lease - $1896
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $72K
Monthly Finance - $2117
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $152K

CPO 24 Taycan 4S - 10K kms - Volcano Grey Metallic/Leather Black Interior - 21" Mission E
Key Option Details: no PDCC, no PTV+, no rear-axle steering, HUD, 14-way seats, acoustic glass, surface coated brakes, no power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $157.7K (but Carfax Canada says only pay $151K)
Monthly Lease - $2468
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $94K
Monthly Finance - $2655
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $191K

non-CPO 22 Taycan GTS - 19K kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)
Key Option Details: PDCC, PTV+, rear-axle steering, no HUD, 14-way seats, acoustic glass, no surface coated brakes, power steering plus, no passenger display
Cash Price - $148K (but Carfax Canada says only pay $141K)
Monthly Finance - $2545
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $183K
Off-brand dealership, so no leasing and not CPO - so would have to buy Porsche warranty starting Aug/26

CPO 24 Taycan GTS - 0 kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)
Key Option Details: no PDCC, no PTV+, no rear-axle steering, HUD, 18-way seats, acoustic glass, no surface coated brakes, power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $190K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $181K)
Monthly Lease - $3500
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $134K
Monthly Finance - TBD
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - TBD

CPO 21 911 Carerra 4 - 27K kms - GT Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 20/21" Carerra Classic
Key Option Details: 14 way seats, sunroof, premium pkg, sport pkg
Cash Price - $170K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $137K)
Monthly Lease - $3000
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $114K
Monthly Finance - $2900
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $209K

NEW 25 Tesla Model S (LR) - 0 kms - Black/Leather Cream Interior - 21" Athracite
-no FSD
Cash Price - $146K
Monthly Lease - $2411
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $116K
Monthly Finance - $2365
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $170K


Background/use-case:
-daily driver with <13,000 kms/yr
-after something sportier and fun to drive than my S4 (but likely wouldn't track the vehicle)
-wife has SUV, so we'd likely use that for any long road trips
-longest trip I drive where I wouldn't want to stop and charge is 220km both ways
-can charge every night and would almost never charge on the road
-no real need for back seat room, but wife would prefer to have option to carry 4 more comfortably than a 911 can from time to time

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[Mr.Smith]

911 is the smart way to go

 

[joefig44]

911 is the smart way to go

Why is that?
I mean, people say because it doesn't depreciate as much - but while that's true, the reality is over a long term period (I usually keep my cars up to 10 years), the total cost of ownership of the vehicle all factors considered doesn't end up being all that far apart.

Or, is it other factors like fun to drive, handling, etc?

I've test driven the 22 4S but none of the other vehicles yet, and no dealership near me will allow me to test drive a 911 until the spring due to winter conditions and they're all on summer tires, so I'd appreciate the insight on the why the 911 would be better in this way.

 

[Mr.Smith]

Why is that?
I mean, people say because it doesn't depreciate as much - but while that's true, the reality is over a long term period (I usually keep my cars up to 10 years), the total cost of ownership of the vehicle all factors considered doesn't end up being all that far apart.

Or, is it other factors like fun to drive, handling, etc?

I've test driven the 22 4S but none of the other vehicles yet, and no dealership near me will allow me to test drive a 911 until the spring due to winter conditions and they're all on summer tires, so I'd appreciate the insight on the why the 911 would be better in this way.

With EVs there are less moving parts and repairs are less, but when they happen, it's very expensive.
You can find many shops to repair a 911, but only a franchise dealer can repair an EV, specially when it comes to the expensive parts like the high voltage battery and transmission.

Depreciation and repair costs

I prefer electric propulsion over ICE, but financially the 911 makes more sense.

 

[joefig44]

With EVs there are less moving parts and repairs are less, but when they happen, it's very expensive.
You can find many shops to repair a 911, but only a franchise dealer can repair an EV, specially when it comes to the expensive parts like the high voltage battery and transmission.

Depreciation and repair costs

I prefer electric propulsion over ICE, but financially the 911 makes more sense.

Great points.

Regarding the repair, I would never drive a car outside of warranty coverage (it's one of the main reasons I'm looking to deal my Audi right now), so the repair costs aren't a factor for me - I'd always have or pay for warranty coverage. All of the above (except the one Taycan) are CPO and covered for first 2-5 years at least, and then I'd just spend the ~$6K on the 3yr extended warranty - likely deal it by then.

Re: depreciation, as I mentioned, could be a factor if I dealt the vehicle in 4 years but the longer I keep it the less the depreciation matters due to the increased relative initial cost of the 911.

I actually did an computation to see total cost of ownership on similar to the above vehicles over say a 10 yr span. TCO of a 22 4S vs. a 24 Carerra (base) is about the same when you factor in resale value in 10 years, etc.

 

[4thPcar]

Been considering a Taycan, Model S and 911 Carerra to replace my 10 yr old Audi S4 sedan.

Lots of research over last while, down to a few choices of Taycans - have largely ruled out the Model S (but provide it's cost details anyways for comparison) - and while I haven't ruled out a 911 Carerra or Carerra 4 yet, in my mind I'm thinking the only thing that makes me want to get that is that it's value wont' drop like a rock. I provide it's cost details too for comparison.

Which seems best (all prices in CAD and include tax - dealer quotes)?

CPO 22 Taycan 4S - 36K kms - Dolomite Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 21" Taycan Exclusive Design (painted black)
Key Option Details: PDCC, PTV+, rear-axle steering, no HUD, 14-way seats, no acoustic glass, surface coated brakes, power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $127K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $116K)
Monthly Lease - $1896
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $72K
Monthly Finance - $2117
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $152K

CPO 24 Taycan 4S - 10K kms - Volcano Grey Metallic/Leather Black Interior - 21" Mission E
Key Option Details: no PDCC, no PTV+, no rear-axle steering, HUD, 14-way seats, acoustic glass, surface coated brakes, no power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $157.7K (but Carfax Canada says only pay $151K)
Monthly Lease - $2468
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $94K
Monthly Finance - $2655
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $191K

non-CPO 22 Taycan GTS - 19K kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)
Key Option Details: PDCC, PTV+, rear-axle steering, no HUD, 14-way seats, acoustic glass, no surface coated brakes, power steering plus, no passenger display
Cash Price - $148K (but Carfax Canada says only pay $141K)
Monthly Finance - $2545
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $183K
Off-brand dealership, so no leasing and not CPO - so would have to buy Porsche warranty starting Aug/26

CPO 24 Taycan GTS - 0 kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)
Key Option Details: no PDCC, no PTV+, no rear-axle steering, HUD, 18-way seats, acoustic glass, no surface coated brakes, power steering plus, passenger display
Cash Price - $190K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $181K)
Monthly Lease - $3500
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $134K
Monthly Finance - TBD
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - TBD

CPO 21 911 Carerra 4 - 27K kms - GT Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 20/21" Carerra Classic
Key Option Details: 14 way seats, sunroof, premium pkg, sport pkg
Cash Price - $170K (but CarFax Canada says only pay $137K)
Monthly Lease - $3000
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $114K
Monthly Finance - $2900
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $209K

NEW 25 Tesla Model S (LR) - 0 kms - Black/Leather Cream Interior - 21" Athracite
-no FSD
Cash Price - $146K
Monthly Lease - $2411
Cost of Lease (39 mo) - $116K
Monthly Finance - $2365
Cost to Finance (72 mo) - $170K


Background/use-case:
-daily driver with <13,000 kms/yr
-after something sportier and fun to drive than my S4 (but likely wouldn't track the vehicle)
-wife has SUV, so we'd likely use that for any long road trips
-longest trip I drive where I wouldn't want to stop and charge is 220km both ways
-can charge every night and would almost never charge on the road
-no real need for back seat room, but wife would prefer to have option to carry 4 more comfortably than a 911 can from time to time

If you are keeping the car 10 years (as you say) then you need to prioritize the use case above all other considerations because these are vastly different vehicles (I know b/c I've owned both). I owned a 911S Cab for 12 years. I was young, with small kids, and my priority was a fun performance vehicle. I'm older now, my kids are bigger, and there's no way a 911 would suit my needs. And yes, my wife also drives a larger vehicle as well, but we wouldn't want a situation where we have to decide WHICH car to drive based on our planned activities. Its irrelevant to us with the Taycan now in our garage.

The Taycan is not the same experience as a 911 but it is still a fun car to drive.

 

[McgR]

Wow you’re are keeping us busy. First I thought ze we were narrowing down to 4s and a GTS but now you are adding 911 and Model S. didn’t you like the test drive in the Taycan ?

 

[Travis]

I have had a 911, Taycan, and R8. The ICE cars were more exhilarating to drive and that was nice 5% of the time I wanted raw power, noise, and less of a polished ride. The Taycan is so smooth and relaxing to drive. If I could afford both I would, but I suspect I would choose the Taycan for 95% of my daily driving because it’s just so easy and refined to drive. It’s great in all weather, plenty of space for me, and very comfortable. My wife drives a 2024 GLE63 and when I drive it I can’t wait to get out of it and it shows me I have come to love the power delivery of an electric car vs ICE and a traditional transmission. When you step on the gas there is no downshifting, jolting, etc.

 

[trycan]

but only a franchise dealer can repair an EV, specially when it comes to the expensive parts like the high voltage battery and transmission.

All new EVs sold in the USA have an 8-yr/100k mile warranty on the battery and drivetrain. This warranty is transferable to owners who bought a used model. (This is a federal law)

My understanding of the independent shops is that they can choose to invest in the diagnostic hardware/subscription through Porsche to work on the Taycan. This would be primarily software updates because any mechanical repair that requires disconnecting the HV Battery would be even more special training/equipment. So it's possible, but you may not be able to find an independent shop who is setup to do it.

 

[Tighlines]

Have you driven both cars?
They are very different and I would suspect a test drive would answer all your questions for you.
Sounds to me like all of the negatives that are associated with EV ownership are not going to be issues for you. If that's the case, I'd take the Taycan with all of the performance upgrades.

 

[Mr.Smith]

All new EVs sold in the USA have an 8-yr/100k mile warranty on the battery and drivetrain. This warranty is transferable to owners who bought a used model. (This is a federal law)

My understanding of the independent shops is that they can choose to invest in the diagnostic hardware/subscription through Porsche to work on the Taycan. This would be primarily software updates because any mechanical repair that requires disconnecting the HV Battery would be even more special training/equipment. So it's possible, but you may not be able to find an independent shop who is setup to do it.

He's talking about 10 years on an already used car.
It's possible, not probable there is a shop that will work on a Taycan. I haven't seen any, ever.
It's not a mechanical technician, but a battery focused one. That's a whole different animal

 

[joefig44]

Wow you’re are keeping us busy. First I thought ze we were narrowing down to 4s and a GTS but now you are adding 911 and Model S. didn’t you like the test drive in the Taycan ?

The Model S was there initially before the Taycan - but that's pretty much scratched off the list.

The 911 is there because one dealer and countless enthusiasts (including some here) have told me the 911 is the logical choice - but I'm pondering that.

I liked the Taycan 4S test drives I've done - going to take a GTS out today, but won't be able to drive a 911 until the spring.

 

[joefig44]

I have had a 911, Taycan, and R8. The ICE cars were more exhilarating to drive and that was nice 5% of the time I wanted raw power, noise, and less of a polished ride. The Taycan is so smooth and relaxing to drive. If I could afford both I would, but I suspect I would choose the Taycan for 95% of my daily driving because it’s just so easy and refined to drive. It’s great in all weather, plenty of space for me, and very comfortable. My wife drives a 2024 GLE63 and when I drive it I can’t wait to get out of it and it shows me I have come to love the power delivery of an electric car vs ICE and a traditional transmission. When you step on the gas there is no downshifting, jolting, etc.

This is great to know and great advice thanks - it echoes most of my sentiments.
I can sense how I've become accustomed to the EV a bit even after getting back into my S4 after test drives.

Which Taycan would you target in the list above? My thoughts are that the 22 GTS with 19K kms isn't that much more than the 22 4S with 36K kms.
I don't think that 24 GTS with 0 kms is priced right as it has no performance options.

I also just found out I can get a lease on that non-CPO 22 GTS from the dealership selling it.

OR, should I target a newer 24 4S with less kms? I don't think on a lease it would matter to get a newer year with less kms right?

 

[joefig44]

Have you driven both cars?
They are very different and I would suspect a test drive would answer all your questions for you.
Sounds to me like all of the negatives that are associated with EV ownership are not going to be issues for you. If that's the case, I'd take the Taycan with all of the performance upgrades.

Great - which Taycan do you think I should target or is the best deal?

 

[joefig44]

Thanks everyone for the great advice so far.

Which of the Taycans would you choose to target, based on the quotes I've provided?
Also, I'm going to think based on the costs provided the generally more expensive monthly of the lease is the better way to go?

Finally - while I keep my cars 10 years usually, I don't necessarily need to stick to that in the future as I think the evolving changes in the car industry necessitate that I modify my past approach to ownership.
However, I did do a 10 year analysis on most of the vehicles above (some alternates) comparing them on total cost of ownership that takes into account expected resale value and expected repair costs and also loss of opportunity of investing the funds (e.g. cash purchase) over the 10 year span.
I've summarized the results below and some are surprising:

CPO 22 Taycan 4S - 36K kms - Dolomite Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 21" Taycan Exclusive Design (painted black)

10 yr revenue post-tax (cash purchase)	$146,649​
10 yr lease cost (w buyout)	$158,748​
10 yr finance cost	$151,256​

non-CPO 22 Taycan GTS - 19K kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)

10 yr revenue post-tax (cash purchase)	$178,753​
10 yr lease cost (w buyout)	not available yet
10 yr finance cost	$189,659​

CPO 24 Taycan GTS - 0 kms - Chalk/Leather Black Interior - 21" RS Spyder (painted black)

10 yr revenue post-tax (cash purchase)	$208,778​
10 yr lease cost (w buyout)	$207,260​
10 yr finance cost	not available yet​

CPO 21 911 Carerra 4 - 27K kms - GT Silver Metallic/Standard Black Interior - 20/21" Carerra Classic

10 yr revenue post-tax (cash purchase)	$195,530​
10 yr lease cost (w buyout)	n/a​
10 yr finance cost	$213,383​

NEW 25 Tesla Model S (LR) - 0 kms - Black/Leather Cream Interior - 21" Athracite

10 yr revenue post-tax (cash purchase)	$160,783​
10 yr lease cost (can't buyout so need to lease for 10 years)	$294,696​
10 yr finance cost	$161,444​

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