Porsche Taycan buying guide

Early cars are simple to place. According to Motors Machine, the Taycan, 4 and 4S were fitted with an 89kWh battery, with the 105kWh Performance Battery Plus as an upgrade. The GTS and both Turbo trims came with the Plus pack, and from 2025 every model does. InsideEVs says rear-drive cars did not arrive until the 2021 model year and the GTS not until 2022.

The Turismo cars are hatchback-style, with more luggage space and rear headroom. All are all-wheel drive and carry the Plus battery as standard, per InsideEVs. US outputs run from 402 hp for the base rear-drive car with the smaller battery up to 750 hp for the Turbo S.

PistonHeads argues that the basic Taycan or a 4S with the regular battery is plenty, especially for mainly urban use, and that there is no need to jump straight to the GTS. Recharged picks a 2020 4S with the Plus battery for its supercar-level acceleration and the longest range of the 2020 lineup. Our pages cover each trim's market: Taycan, 4S, Turbo, Turbo S and GTS.

Range is modest for the price. EPA range sits in the low 200-mile area for most cars, though InsideEVs reports that a 2023 rear-drive car with the Plus battery managed 305 miles at 70 mph in its test. Motors Machine expects 220 to 240 miles in everyday use.

The faults that matter are in the battery and electrical systems, and several have their own recall campaigns.

Battery module short circuits

Campaign 24V731000 covers a possible short circuit within a battery module on 2020-2023 cars, which raises fire risk, and owners were advised to charge to no more than 80% until it was repaired. A second campaign, 24V732000, covers the same fault on 2021-2024 cars.

Battery sealant leaks

A 2023 recall covered too little sealant in the high-voltage battery, which can let liquid collect and cause electrical arcing. Dealers test for leakage and replace the battery if necessary.

Sudden shutdowns and warnings

Some owners have reported abrupt drops in indicated range, a shutdown, or a red screen telling them to stop at once. NHTSA concluded the 12V battery had run flat and shut off the main 800V pack, PistonHeads reports. A separate recall covers monitoring software that can wrongly detect a fault and cut the powertrain on 2020-2021 cars.

Software and infotainment

The infotainment and electrical systems can play up, and the software has to be current for the best range and the fewest glitches, says Motors Machine. Ask for the update history.

Brake hoses and rotors

A 2020-2025 recall covers front brake hoses that can crack and leak fluid; dealers replace them. One owner of a 2020 car reported a brake rotor coating failure at 44,000 miles.

Other recall items

Early cars have campaigns for a loose brake booster input rod, needless pre-collision hazard lights and, on 2020 cars, loose rear axle upper control arm screws. A 2022-2023 recall covers a seat occupant error that may deactivate the front passenger air bag. Compact 220V/240V charging cables can overheat the outlet or cable, and owners were told to use the 110V cable or public charging.

Recall parts availability

Some owners found parts unavailable for recalls 24V732000 and 24V455000, according to Auto Reliability Index. A repair that is booked is not a repair that is done.

Pack replacement

Motors Machine mentions isolated stories of battery packs replaced under warranty at £50k-plus, a UK figure, though packs are so far lasting well. A big 2023 UK reliability study put the Taycan last of twenty EVs, but low scores often reflect high expectations.

Motors Machine puts UK servicing at £576 for a Minor and £697 for a Major, alternating every two years or 18,000 miles. In the US, Porsche lists the inspection and cabin filter every 20,000 miles or two years, per 911 Buyers, and brake fluid every two years, though its sheet may show 40,000 miles or four years.

Motors Machine calls insurance expensive, with entry-level saloons in groups 47-50, the Sport Turismo in 48-50 and the Cross Turismo in 49-50. Those are UK groups.

All Taycans carry an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty guaranteeing 70 percent of original capacity. PistonHeads warns that the Porsche network has a limited number of Taycan-qualified technicians, so work may involve waiting. InsideEVs says that if something goes wrong it won't be cheap to fix.

Choose a base Taycan or a 4S for most uses, as PistonHeads advises, and look hardest at a 2020 4S with the Plus battery, which Recharged rates for its acceleration and range. Auto Reliability Index ranks the 2020 car best of the six model years for reliability, with a recall check first. Leave the Turbo trims alone unless you want the speed.

Insist on a battery health report, proof that the battery-module campaigns were completed and a warranty with life left. InsideEVs advises buying with some of the four-year 50,000-mile basic warranty remaining, or certified pre-owned with the extra two-year unlimited-mile cover. Check the in-service date, since the battery warranty runs from it.