Even if you never become an Exotic Car Hacks member…

Even if you never even buy a high-performance luxury or exotic car in your entire life…

Even if you don’t actually like cars (not sure why you’d be reading this but still)…

The contents of this blog post can save you $100,000+ over the course of your life.

And it will only take 90 seconds to do it.

Let’s go:

The majority of people buying cars today are leasing brand new cars.

Let’s use the 2021 BMW 430i Coupe as an example of an “average” luxury car for sale or lease by a dealer, with an MSRP of $48,045.

A dealer will offer a lease for $2,795 down and $479/mo for 36 mos.

When you return the car to BMW, the total cost of this will be $20,039 out of your pocket, leaving $28,006 of residual value left based on MSRP.

But, a certified-pre-owned 3-year-old BMW with lease miles can sell for at least $33,000 to a retail buyer, leaving another $5,000+ in profit for the dealer.

At a cost of $20K per lease, leasing a car this way every 3 years for 30 years will cost over $200,000.

On the other hand, what if you were to buy the certified 3-year-old BMW (without negotiating at all) for $33,000 and drove it for 3 years putting on the same mileage?

You’d still have the modern car with all the latest tech, and you’d still have a warranty.

When it came time to sell the car and buy the next 3-year-old BMW, you could get in the neighborhood of $23,000.

Meaning your net cost to own by buying used is $10,000 in 3 years.

Buying a preowned car like this every 3 years for 30 years will cost $100,000.

That’s a $100,000 savings in 30 years over leasing, just by buying preowned.

If that’s how much you can save by making that simple change, what if you could:

• … Lose $0 or even PROFIT from ownership
• … Using a rotation of high-performance luxury and exotic cars (M4 instead of 430i, convertible Lamborghini instead of Audi, etc)
• … With resources for service, financing, price guidance, insurance, and more?

That’s what Exotic Car Hacks will teach you.

Check it out if you really want to crush the car game. If not, that’s cool too, at least I saved a few hundred grand for the handful of you who will use this tip.

Luxury SUVs  seem to be what everyone is looking for these days, and we can’t say we aren’t part of that “everyone”. If you have been a member of Exotic Car Hacks, you know that the Porsche Cayenne has been a favorite and top-ranking model on our Best SUV’s to Hack list, but now the younger sibling to the Cayenne has been added to the list as well: The Macan.

Only around since 2014-2015 in the U.S, the Porsche Macan was introduced to be the sleeker, sportier version of the Cayenne. Standard with a V6 tuned to varying horsepower depending upon the trim, and a PDK transmission with all-wheel-drive and air suspension.

Now you may be wondering why was the Macan brought about if the Cayenne was such a cult favorite. You know the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” right? Well, Porsche has a long history of making models/trims to fit every driver regardless of preference, and in this case, even budget. Cayennes are much bigger than the Macan, both in physical size and in the size of the window sticker. Macans offer a great lower-budget option that doesn’t sacrifice the luxury aspect of owning a Porsche and having the usability of an SUV.

If you want to know if the Macan would be a good car to put in your garage or maybe to keep outside of it for everyday use, keep reading and let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment at the end!

Driving Experience

Now let’s be clear, the Macan does not generate the most exciting driving experience, but, you shouldn’t be looking for a race car if you are considering owning the Macan. You are looking for something super reliable, zippier than an X3, and with more prestige than a Volkswagen, and that is exactly what you are going to get.

The interior is not much to write home about in the luxury department, but again, this is a daily driver SUV, not a bespoke, tailor-made 1 of 1 Ferrari Pista, ok? It’s alright that it isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, because at this point you are looking for something practical but also enjoyable from a driving standpoint. It’s a thoughtful interior, from the cup holders to button placement and available storage.

Well-crafted is a term I would use to describe the Macan internally and externally, there was no compromise for Porsche level quality when making this lower budget SUV, that is for sure. All the tech inside of the Macan is synchronized with the numerous other models Porsche has in its repertoire depending on the year.

Depending on the trim you obtain in the Macan, you will have a more speedy experience than others. This is why we here at exotic car hacks recommend only the GTS and the Turbo trims for the Macan. These two trims come with a more sportier tune to their engines, and also boast better interior options that make these cars more desirable from a resale standpoint, and also give a bit more of a sports car feel to those that want it.

Porsche Macan Common Problems

It should not shock you that the Porsche Macan is considered to be quite reliable. Porsche’s take a lot of pride in their ability to create not only beautiful cars, but high-performing ones that also keep the need for mechanical work minimal, given the owner takes regular care of the Macan.

However, like any car that rolls on the road, there have been a few recalls for the Macan since release, and you can read all about them HERE:

https://www.cars.com/research/porsche-macan/recalls/ 

Be sure if you are looking at purchasing a Macan that you of course get a PPI done on the vehicle to avoid incurring any possible issues, and also be sure to have the Macan recalls performed and if they already have been, obtain the service records from the previous owner for verification.

Porsche Macan Cost of Ownership/Maintenance

Porsche Macans come with Porsche’s 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, meaning the second and third variations of the Macan are still possible to find under warranty as we write this (2021), though be sure to check with the previous owner/dealership you are buying from to see exactly what the end date of the warranty is, as this can effect sales pricing and also resell. It should be noted many of these came off lease to be re-sold as Certified Pre-Owned cars, which add an extra two years and unlimited mileage.

Though people figure Porsche’s to be incredibly expensive cars to maintain, that isn’t necessarily true in the Macan’s case. Yes, while it may be more expensive to repair than a Toyota RAV4, it isn’t nearly as expensive as a Lamborghini Urus or a Bentley Bentayga. Also, Porsche’s have been around for quite some time, and while the chassis on the Macan is different from the 911’s or the Cayennes, a lot of the internal mechanisms are very similar. This means a lot of third-party independent shops are knowledgeable on how to work on a Macan, so you can avoid going to your local Porsche dealer and getting taken for a ride.

Oil changes, spark plugs, tire installation, brake pad replacement, filter swaps, and fluid fill ups are all relatively inexpensive, can be done quickly and more cost-efficiently at a trusted third party shop, and it will also be a time to make a relationship with a local mechanic so they can assist you down the road with future cars you will own.

Porsche Macan Model Year Changes

2014-2015 Same from launch

2016-2018 Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system became standard, optional full-LED headlights, redesigned steering controller, and expanded options for exterior and interior packages for the Macan Turbo.

2019-2021 Changes to the previous 2016-2018 model include an overhaul to the chassis, a new front and rear facelift with LED head- and tail-lights as standard, new exterior colors, and wheel designs, and a redesigned interior with Porsche Communication Management with a 10.9-inch touchscreen display and Connect Plus with Porsche Offroad Precision App as standard. Optionally available systems include active suspension management, air suspension, torque vectoring, Sport Chrono package including Launch Control as well as park and traffic assistance systems.

Porsche Macan Options

The Porsche Macan doesn’t contain too many a la cart options like Ferrari would, however, packages are what will really matter. Certain options are sectioned with certain trims, such as the Turbo can have a Turbo package add-on. But a Porsche Macan GTS will not be eligible to obtain the Turbo package. Obviously, the Macan is very limited in terms of variations, only sporting 13 exterior paint options and 11 interior options. The only thing to be wary of, Porsche’s can be ugly. A sapphire blue on espresso brown  Macan will not bring the same dollar as a white on red or even a black on black Macan will so bear this in mind.

If you want to see out the possible specs such as packages and color options check this out. (https://www.cars.com/research/porsche-macan-2018/specs/usc80prs031d0/)

Best Porsche Macan To Buy

Relying on hackability, we would say that the best Macan to hack is 2016 or 2017 Porsche Macan Turbo in a more universal exterior/interior spec with the Turbo Package (optional but preferred for resale.) The hottest colors would have to be a red, white, or black exterior with either a black or red interior. Though white on tan is also a good car so long as the Turbo package exists inside of it.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a smaller SUV to add to your garage, then the Porsche Macan is a great answer. It is a car everyone can enjoy and one that will continue to hold its value in a market that is learning to appreciate the usability of the luxury SUV.

You might be wondering why there is such a focus on the sporty sedans recently. The short answer is: they are awesome! Why wouldn’t you want the best of both worlds when it comes to putting a hack into your garage?

So today we are going to be talking about the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. When it comes to power sedans we know about the C63, and when it comes to luxury we have the S63, but Mercedes decided that it wanted to combine the luxury and easy driving of the S63 with the power and the sporty looks of the C63 and thus the E63 was born!

Back in 2007, we saw the first E63 model roll onto American roads, however, we will be focusing more on the 2014 and up body style, the E63 AMG S to focus on educating on the models we consider to be hackable.

The E63 was gifted with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine that was tuned to 577 horsepower and 531 pounds of torque. The top speed is 186mph with a 3.5 second 0-60. Quite impressive for a family sedan.

What is even more impressive than the power the E63 packs is the fact that a once $100,000 car can now be bought for nearly 50% of that. Hence why we want to talk about the E63 and help you see if it could be the car for you.

Driving Experience

Driving the E63 is truly an executive experience. There is both speed and comfort while also highly convenient in terms of set up for the driver and ease of travel for the potential passengers.

The AMG gauges in the driver’s interface have stood the test of time and evolved together through the years.  The E63’s LCD interface system is actually wrapped into the dashboard rather than having the screen stand up and alone above the dash, a nice touch.

The older the E63, the more buttons you will have in the upper center dash, the 2014 even contains a full 0-9 number keypad. But the center console bears the standard AMG gear shift, drive mode buttons, traction control, etc.

All this and more adds to the combined sporty and usability that Mercedes was trying to emulate when creating the E-Class AMG model.

Mercedes-Benz E63 Common Problems

With a car that has been around as long as the Mercedes Benz E63 has (2007-2021) there are bound to be issues reported. However, in the grand scheme of things, there are few and far between given the 14 years this sporty sedan has been on the road.

If you want to see a full list of recalls ordered on the E63 AMG, be sure to click the link HERE

Mercedes-Benz E63 Cost of Ownership/Maintenance

Now a Mercedes can be pricey if you take it to the dealer for all of its work. Given the years we recommend for ownership of the E63, the warranty will have either run out or is just about to (this article was most recently updated in April of 2021). Meaning there is no reason to bring her into the dealership for a simple Service A or Service B. Instead, save yourself both time and money and take your E63 to a trusted third-party shop near you. Just be sure to ask when booking the appointment if they have worked on your model previously and have all the parts necessary for your service in stock to avoid any delays.

Mercedes-Benz E63 Model Year Changes

The original E63 AMG was born in 2007, however, we will only be noting changes from 2014 and onward for the sake of ECH methodology.

2014-2017 the E63 AMG S model was introduced to begin competing with other sport model sedans that infiltrated the market.

2018-2021 the E63 gets a slight facelift and tummy tuck with a new front grille, vents, rear diffuser, met with an upgraded interior that contains full LCD gauges, Dynamic Select Drive Modes, and the world’s first touch-pad steering wheel. Though the biggest difference is under the hood. The 5.5L V8 biturbo engine was switched to the “hot inside V” 4.0L V8 biturbo engine set up, the placement of the turbos is what earns the engine its nickname and also earns the E63 26 more horsepower and 37 more pounds of torque.

2021- the new re-design is all that is to mention, no engine tweaks were made. However, the intense presence of the E63 makes it a neck breaker! Given the toothy AMG GTS grill, with a new rear end and diffuser as well. The oval-shaped taillights are now more horizontal which tightens up the wide body. Some internal tweaks came as well, upgrade technology in the interface, a new steering wheel, and larger shift paddles.

Mercedes-Benz E63 Options

Mercedes-Benz is more of a package-based options car brand, rather than ala carte like Ferrari.

So when it comes to the E63, the following options/packages are below for you to review.

When purchasing your own E63 be sure to ask for the original window sticker to compare and contrast exactly which options the particular E63 has.

2014-2017

2018- 2020

Best Mercedes-Benz E63 To Buy

If you are looking to pick up an E63 we can recommend models from the first generational shift, 2014-2017. The sedan does better for resale than the wagons, however neither would be a bad bet. Ensure that the color combination is universal: a white on black or  black on black, maybe a black on red, to ensure likability across the board. Just ensure that you have performed your PPI beforehand to be able to save yourself potentially thousands of dollars on repairs.

Conclusion

The era of the powerful SUVs is what we are living in right now: Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Benz G63, Audi SQ8, Aston Martin DBX, etc. And while the era of powerful sedans is taking a back seat, it is the perfect time to hop on the wagon (full pun intended) and pick up an E63 for a fraction of the cost it was new and rock one of the baddest daily drivers ever.

When it comes to the world of sporty sedans on the road, there are a few that reign supreme: BMW M6 GC, the M5, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the Porsche Panamera GTS, and the Cadillac CTS-V. However, there is another that should be on that list but often isn’t: the Audi RS7.

The RS7 was brought to production in 2013 with models rolling out onto dealership floors as a 2014 model year for everyone to enjoy.

Audi had strived for a long while building a range of usable and affordable luxury sedans of all shapes and sizes in the A-Class line, with sportier versions taking over in the S-Class line. However with the birth of the RS line came a beautiful blend of luxury, usability, and sport-based speed and handling.

The Audi RS7 came off the line with a modified version of the 4.0 twin-turbo V8 engine that already was housed in the S7 model, only tweaked to produce 553 horsepower and 516 pounds of torque. It can hit zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155mph. That’s a lot of power from a four-door family sedan.

Its design carries over the majority of the base that the S7 is built on, longer, lower, and sleeker than the A7 for example, but the RS7 contains more of that “exotic car” design with angular headlights, boxier rear, and aggressive side views. Small changes like these help to set the three branches of the large Audi sedan family apart.

If you are considering getting yourself a daily driver, whether it is your one and only, or the newest edition to a packed garage, keep reading to see if the RS7 is right for you.

Driving Experience

Driving the RS7 is quite a lot of fun. It is usable for the everyday trek of work, errands, etc. It is not so dramatic looking on the outside where people will swerve into your lane to take a photo of you, but at the same time, it is enough to make someone take a second look when it passes them by on the main street or is sitting pretty in the gym parking lot.

Being the sportier version out of the Audi sedans the RS7 comes with a bit more fluff than its cousins. The RS7 has more spec-friendly options such as matte exterior paints, carbon fiber interior trims, power extending rear spoiler, adaptive air suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and options of three different designed 21-inch multi-spoke cast wheels. These options all help to give that more sporty feel for the driver and even the passengers when enjoying the RS7.

Audi RS7 Common Problems

It seems that overall Audi has made a reliable machine when it comes to the RS7, with the most common problems regarding the vehicle being related to user error and treating the vehicle poorly by not maintaining it correctly. However, there are currently two recalls present for the Audi RS7 which I have linked HERE. Please ensure before purchasing your RS7 that these recalls have been addressed by a licensed Audi dealership.

Audi RS7 Cost of Ownership/Maintenance

Audi’s, much like Mercedes or BMW’s are not as expensive as everyone believes they are to maintain. Are they more expensive than your average Kia or Dodge? Yes of course, but they are nowhere near as expensive as the Lamborghini’s or Ferrari’s of the world.

A lot of work on Audi’s can be done at trusted third-party mechanic shops, as their construction is rather simple if the shop is familiar with German cars.

Tires will be on the more expensive side, however, depending upon the brand you choose. For a performance model car such as the RS7 we always recommend Continental’s if you are looking on the less expensive side of the spectrum, Michelin in the middle, and Pirelli if you are looking to go all out. As you aren’t tracking the sedan every other weekend, you shouldn’t have to worry too much on the tire side if you got a PPI done beforehand and know how much tread is left on the tires of your RS7.

Audi RS7 Model Year Changes

2014-2016 The models remained pretty much the same aside from technological upgrades.

2017 The Performance model is introduced to the line-up, offering a more sporty feel to the luxury brand. Smartphone integration coming standard in 2017 and newer models.

2018 Sport exhaust becomes standard on all models of the RS7

2019-2020 The major facelift of the RS7 “Sportback”, sleeker more angular body style, LED taillight upgrade, front bumper/headlight upgrade, new interior designed, higher-end standard technology, up-tick in engine output and performance.

Audi RS7 Options

Though the options on the Audi RS7 aren’t endless like they would be on a Ferrari, there are still important options to note and with said options, the RS7 you inquire about could be better or worse for resale.

Matte or Nardo Grey paint is always favored, 21-inch wheels are also preferred, upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system is a plus, as well as carbon fiber interior trim, heads-up display, and the dynamic package.

If you’d like to see a full list of the options as well as the dollar In which they add to the MSRP, check out this link.

Best Audi RS7 To Buy

With the current market, believe it or not, the RS7’s have been rather steady in the market, with no massive dips but rather trending level. For me, the 2015-2016 Prestige models are were it is going to be at in terms of hacking. The color scheme plays a great role in these cars, metallic paint, as well as matte/nardo, all do better for resale versus the basic whites or blacks. Any car with the aforementioned options in our last section will always do better for resale.

Conclusion

The Audi RS7 (first gen) is A LOT of car for the money, and owning one will truly give you a sporty feeling with that highly sought-after daily driver usability. The RS7 is one of those cars where if you can only have one in the garage, you get the best of both worlds in one clean, sleek, and beautiful German ride.