- Model year matters
- Meet the community
- Porsche Macan oil leak
- Macan Turbo mid-pipe brackets
- Air suspension checkup
The Porsche Macan has been on Canadian roads since 2014. Taking a place beneath the larger Cayenne, the Porsche Macan model range grew to offer a number of models, configurations, and updates in subsequent years to give shoppers plenty of selection.
Whether you’re after an athletic and efficient SUV, or a rocket-propelled driving experience designed for thrilling feats of speed, the Macan lineup has you covered.
Look for Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS, Macan Turbo, and other model variants, in increasing order of performance and output.
All models shipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a dual-clutch automatic for maximum efficiency and high-speed gear shifting. With a set of quality winter tires mounted, the Porsche Macan is a spectacular machine to drive in the winter, too.
Feature content in this 5-seater sport luxury SUV included a power tailgate, multi-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, heated steering wheel, climate-controlled seats, premium stereo systems, and the full array of Porsche’s performance-enhancing hardware — including an active suspension system, drive mode selector, Sport Chrono package, and Surface Coated Brakes identifiable by their white brake calipers.
These brakes use a special rotor coating and pad material to help deliver improved braking performance while eliminating brake dust, keeping the wheels and calipers of equipped models looking clean and dust-free at all times.
Primarily by way of its strong sense of style, striking and upscale cabin, and world-class combination of handling and ride comfort, the Macan attracted many a driving enthusiast to showrooms for a closer look, many of whom would go on to call a Macan their very first Porsche.
Check out the links below for more information, specs, comparisons, reviews and news on the 2015-2022 Porsche Macan, and read on for five tips to help you find the best used Macan you can for the dollar.
Model year matters
The first-generation Porsche Macan underwent various updates and tweaks throughout its life cycle.
Model-year 2016 saw the Macan fitted with a new communication system, newly available LED lighting technology, and cosmetic tweaks to the interior and exterior. The highly athletic Macan GTS came online for model-year 2016 as well.
For drivers after maximum fuel efficiency, a four-cylinder engine became available for model-year 2017, joining existing V6 powerplants. The 2017 model year also brought Porsche’s next-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system into the mix.
Model-year 2019 saw a major update to the Macan’s fascia, alongside new colours, wheels, and interior design touches. For 2020, the Macan Turbo got improved performance, largely thanks to a revised engine, larger brakes, improved transmission tuning, and targeted upgrades to supporting hardware and software.
2022 Porsche Macan S Photo by Peter Bleakney
Meet the community
Online owner communities are a great place to learn more about the used vehicle you’re considering and to hear opinions, advice and experiences from existing owners. To help with your research, consider checking out an owner forum like MacanForum.com, an online community of Porsche Macan owners from around the globe.
Countless discussion topics range from the most popular modifications to fast fixes for common issues. Prospective owners can post questions and make new connections to help them gather more information before they buy, or to help decide on which model is right for them.
You’ll find plenty of Macan-related discussion, and a community that’s happy to share tips and experiences with Macan-curious shoppers.
2022 Porsche Macan Photo by Peter Bleakney
Porsche Macan oil leak
Before buying a used Macan, shoppers are advised to scrutinize a few areas of potential concern. Some owners have reported oil leaks caused by engine cam seals, loose timing cover bolts, and even head gaskets. In most cases, these issues were fixed under warranty and seem to mostly seem to affect earlier models from this generation.
It’s important to note that most owners do not report oil leak problems, but since out-of-warranty repairs may be expensive, be sure to pay close attention to your Macan’s oil level at all times, and to have a professional inspection for possible oil leaks before you buy.
Check the ground beneath the used Macan’s parking space for visible oil drips, and inspect the front and bottom of the engine for signs of oil seepage. If you notice any, have the vehicle seen by a professional before you buy.
Elsewhere, be sure you’re able to open the fuel filler door when the vehicle is unlocked, confirm that a spare tire is present and in good shape, and check the hood and front doors for signs of paint or body damage around their seams, which may be a sign of a clearance or alignment issue that needs correction.
Scrutinize the operation of the back-up camera, confirming quick engagement and a clear, sharp image.
2022 Porsche Macan T Photo by Elle Alder
Macan Turbo mid-pipe brackets
Some Macan Turbo owners have reported exhaust system trouble; most have not. Reported issues include broken muffler baffles and failed welds on a metal bracket that connects and strengthens the dual mid-pipes in the engine’s forward exhaust system. The result of either of these issues is likely an irritating buzzing, rattling, or metallic vibration sound that may become more apparent at higher revs and under load.
When test-driving the Macan Turbo you’re considering, be sure to listen carefully for these potential warning signs, ideally by revving the engine in park and by accelerating briskly several times, with the windows down. The exhaust sound should be smooth and mellow, not buzzy and rattly. If you hear anything that sounds out of place, have the vehicle seen by a technician before you buy, as replacement parts may be required.
2022 Porsche Macan T Photo by Elle Alder
Air suspension checkup
Some Macan models are equipped with a height-adjustable air suspension system.
Some owners have reported problems with this system as their Macan ages; most have not. On your test drive, determine if the Macan you’re considering has an air suspension system, and be sure to run it through its paces, adjusting the vehicle’s ride height several times.
Be on the lookout for any warning or error message that may appear in the instrument cluster, and be sure the vehicle is able to adjust its ride height between each level within a few seconds.
A Macan that looks ‘slammed’ to the ground, and that rides terribly, could be suffering from one or more failed air suspension components, and likely needs a new air compressor. Have a technician investigate before you buy, to prevent unpleasant surprises.
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Porsche Macan.
Keyword: Used SUV Guide: 2015-2022 Porsche Macan