Porsche Macan S or Macan GTS – one of the most affordable ways to drive a Porsche every day. Sounds brilliant, doesn't it? A sporty car with room for the family and luggage, but still plenty of fun behind the wheel. There's just one detail that used car adverts rarely mention. A cheap Macan can become very expensive once it reaches the workshop. I'm talking about the first-generation Porsche Macan (95B), built from 2014 to 2024, and I'll show you exactly what I look for before telling a friend whether one is worth buying.
Who is the Porsche Macan S for?
If you want a sports car but have a family and don't want to give up practicality, the Macan is a very interesting choice. You get that Porsche driving experience without sacrificing space for passengers and luggage. You can drive it every day, and when you fancy having a bit more fun behind the wheel, it's more than happy to oblige. That's exactly what makes the Macan S so appealing. You don't have to choose between a family car and one that puts a smile on your face.
What's under the bonnet and underneath the car?
The first-generation Macan comes with several different engines, but not all versions are the same. And that matters when you're buying used. Here's what you need to know before you start comparing adverts.
- 2.0 turbo – a petrol engine from the wider VW Group family. The more affordable option if you're not set on having a V6.
- V6 – the engine you'll find in the Macan S, GTS and Turbo. These versions are for drivers who want more of the car's sporty character.
- 7-speed PDK – a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Together with the permanent four-wheel drive, it's a big part of what makes the Macan feel the way it does on the road.
- Air suspension – fitted to some cars. It's another reason to inspect the particular Macan you're considering very carefully before buying.
There's also the Macan S Diesel, which was available until 2018. So you've got a choice, but don't focus only on the engine and equipment. With a used Macan, the condition of the actual car matters at least as much as the badge on the boot.
What problems do we see with the Porsche Macan?
When we're talking about a used Macan, there are a few areas I always pay special attention to. Not because every car will necessarily develop these faults, but because they can tell you a lot about how well the previous owner looked after it. A beautiful interior and shiny paintwork tell me nothing about whether the gearbox has been serviced properly. And that gearbox won't forgive being neglected.
PDK – when the gearbox starts jerking
The PDK is one gearbox I would inspect very carefully. Its oil needs changing every 60,000 km using genuine oil, and an adaptation must always be carried out afterwards. This isn't something I'd leave until it starts causing trouble. If the seller can't show you when the gearbox was last serviced, that's a good reason to be cautious. I've explained more in Porsche Cayenne and Macan: gearboxes and fluids.
2.0 turbo – why check the water pump and thermostat?
On the 2.0 turbo, I pay particular attention to the water pump and thermostat. That's because leaks can develop around them. Just looking underneath the car, seeing no puddle and deciding everything is fine isn't enough. The cooling system itself needs checking. If you'd like to understand more, have a read about water pump and thermostat leaks.
Brakes – why do they wear out faster?
The Macan is a heavy, fast car, and that means its brakes have a lot of work to do. The discs and pads can wear out faster than you might expect. So when a seller tells me the brakes are fine, that's not enough. I want to see their actual condition. I've also explained when to replace brake discs and pads together.
Air suspension – why does the car sink overnight?
If a Macan has air suspension, checking it is non-negotiable for me. I'm particularly interested in whether the car sits level after being parked overnight. If one side is lower in the morning, don't accept that as normal. You need to find out why before buying the car. You can also read about why air suspension sinks overnight.
What should I check before buying a used Porsche Macan S?
I wouldn't buy a Macan after just one quick drive around the dealership. This car needs to be driven in different conditions and inspected properly. Here's what I'd want to know before giving you my opinion on whether a particular car is worth buying.
- PDK – test how the car pulls away, how it behaves when parking and how the gearbox changes gears under full throttle. Watch for harsh shifts, jolts or jerking.
- Suspension – check whether the car sits level in the morning, especially if it has air suspension.
- Service history – find out what work has been done and what's recorded at the Porsche Centre.
- Brakes and tyres – inspect their condition rather than simply taking the seller's word for it.
For me, that's the bare minimum, not a complete inspection. If you've found a Macan you really like, the sensible thing is to book a pre-purchase inspection. It's much better to know what you're buying than to discover the problems after you've handed over the money. By then, the repair bill is yours.
How should I service my Porsche Macan S?
I'm not going to tell you to wait until the car asks for a service. For cars driven in Bulgaria, I recommend changing the engine oil and all filters every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. That includes the oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and cabin filter. The engine oil must meet the correct Porsche approval. Whatever type of oil you use, don't stretch that interval.
- PDK – genuine oil every 60,000 km, followed by a mandatory adaptation.
- Transfer case – change its oil at the same time as the gearbox oil.
Don't forget the rest of the maintenance either. Brake fluid needs changing every 2 years, coolant every third heating season, and I recommend a workshop inspection every 6 months. I've put together a Porsche Macan 95B service schedulecovering the specific jobs. Looking after a car like this needs to be an ongoing habit, not something you only think about when a warning light comes on.
IMPORTANT! A cheap Porsche Macan can often turn out to be expensive. Before you pay, take the condition of the brakes, tyres and suspension into account. Don't let an attractive asking price tempt you into skipping the inspection.
What's my verdict on the Porsche Macan S?
Yes, the Porsche Macan S is an excellent choice when it has a clear service history and has been properly maintained. You get a sporty car you can enjoy every day without giving up family trips. I'd recommend the GTS to someone who genuinely loves driving and wants an even sportier experience. But given the choice between a well-maintained S and a questionable GTS, I'd take the one with the proper history every time. A Porsche badge is lovely, but it won't pay your repair bills.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: Test the Macan in a car park, not just on an open road. At low speeds, when pulling away and manoeuvring, the PDK can reveal jerking or harsh engagement much more clearly. Don't rush into buying until you've checked the gearbox and its service history.
I hope you've found this article useful! If you have, I'd really appreciate you sharing it with a friend who's looking for a Porsche Macan S or GTS. My mission is simple – when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. Because having the right information before buying a car can save you a lot of headaches afterwards.
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- Pre-purchase inspection
- Routine servicing
- Porsche Macan 95B service schedule
- Porsche Cayenne and Macan: Gearboxes and Servicing
- EA888 Gen3 Water Pump Leak: Causes and Fix
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the Porsche Macan?
The areas I pay most attention to are the PDK gearbox, water pump and thermostat leaks on the 2.0 turbo, the brakes and the air suspension. Not every Macan will have these problems, which is why inspecting the actual car you're buying matters most.
Should I choose a Porsche Macan S or GTS?
The Macan S is an excellent everyday car if it's been properly maintained. The GTS is for someone who wants a sportier driving experience, but I'd always put condition and service history ahead of the version.
Is the Porsche Macan 2.0 worth buying?
Yes, if you want a practical Macan and aren't set on having a V6. Just make sure you carefully check the water pump, thermostat, PDK gearbox and service history before buying.
How often should the PDK oil be changed on a Macan?
I recommend changing it every 60,000 km using genuine oil, with the transfer case serviced at the same time as the gearbox. An adaptation must always be carried out after servicing the PDK.