2021 Porsche Panamera 2.9L Petrol · AP21 EPN

With only one MOT failure on the record and that failure followed by a clean pass four days later, this Panamera presents a broadly reassuring roadworthiness picture for a five-year-old executive saloon. The sequence is worth examining closely: on 28 February 2026 the car passed with no advisories, just four days after a failed test on 24 February 2026 where the only issues recorded were a nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords and an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. The rapid transition from fail to pass strongly suggests the tyres were replaced rather than any structural or mechanical component being rectified, and the absence of any recurring advisories across three further tests indicates no chronic wear pattern has been flagged by the examiner. Braking, suspension, exhaust, lighting, and structure were all passed without comment at the most recent test, which is a notable positive for a low-volume prestige chassis where corrosion on suspension arms and subframes can otherwise surface early. At 26,140 miles on a 2021 registration, this Panamera has covered approximately 5,228 miles per year, which is considerably below average for the segment and signals either a secondary or weekend-use pattern rather than a daily driven executive saloon. The MOT intervals are also tight and consistent, with annual tests recorded in February 2024, February 2025, and February 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained on the road continuously rather than being SORN'd for extended periods. Lower annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-cycle components such as brake discs and pads, clutch friction material on the PDK, and engine internals, but it does raise the typical concerns associated with short journeys and prolonged standing: moisture in the oil, condensation in the air conditioning evaporator, and potential dryness in the brake calliper slider pins and guide seals due to infrequent application. However, the absence of any exhaust, emissions, or under-bonnet advisories on the DVSA record suggests none of these typical low-use symptoms have yet manifested at examiner level. Given the specific defect history, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection around the front axle, where the previous failure was recorded. Inspect both front tyres carefully for uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the offside, as the advisory noted edge wear which can indicate a wheel alignment issue, a worn front suspension bush, or a fatigued top mount. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, and pay attention to steering feel for any vagueness, pulling to one side, or vibration through the rim that could point to a bent wheel or persistent geometry problem. The nearside tyre having reached cord exposure in under 5,000 miles of subsequent use would be unusual, so verify the current tread depth with a gauge and check the sidewalls for bulges or cracking. Beyond the tyres, this generation of Panamera is known for occasional oil seepage from the cam chain tensioner area and the rear differential cover, so an undertray removal or borescope inspection of the lower engine and gearbox joints is worthwhile, even though no such leaks have yet been flagged by the MOT examiner. Brake feel should be firm and progressive from the first application; any binding or juddering from the front calipers after a long period of light use would warrant further investigation of the slider pins. Finally, confirm with the seller that the tyres replaced in February 2026 were a matched pair on the same axle, and request any recent geometry printout, as the original edge wear pattern could otherwise reappear and shorten the life of the new tyres considerably.