Will this 2018 Porsche Macan make the cut for $18,900? – Jalopnik

Driving down the street, no one needs to know that the current Nice Price or No Dice Macan has a Volkswagen engine under the Porsche emblem on the hood. Let’s see what such a subterfuge should be worth.

There is a maxim that says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” That’s a commendable idea, but it leaves the door open to subjective opinions about what exactly constitutes an example of what constitutes “well done.”

Take for example the 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV that we looked at yesterday. The seller claimed that the car had been completely restored. However, the photos in the ad made it clear that the GTV had been updated to an individual’s vision rather than the factory’s. That could raise the question of how “complete” the restoration is, as well as whether it’s worth the substantial asking price of $50,500. You all answered that last question because you thought the price was too high and beat the Alfa with a whopping ‘No Dice’ loss of 83%.

Or maybe just go out and buy a nice little Porsche crossover, like this one 2018 Macan 2.0. These models stand out in the crossover category for their sharp handling and good looks. This is the base model, but even with the adopted platform and non-Porsche powertrain, these four-pot Macans still manage to feel very on-brand.

That starts with the engine, a 252-horsepower edition of Volkswagen’s EA-888 turbocharged four. Versions of this mill power the likes of Audi’s S3 and Volkswagen’s Golf GTI and R, so it’s in good company. In the Macan it is combined with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission and an Audi Quattro-derived automatic AWD system.

According to the advertisement, this powertrain has driven this Macan a total of 80,000 kilometers and has been changed over the period of two owners. That amounts to a reasonable average of 12,000 per year. According to the photos in the advertisement, neither those kilometers nor the years are clearly visible in the body of this Macan. And while this is the base model, as evidenced by the bronze brake calipers and lack of shine around the windows, it doesn’t look cheap by any means. The 18-inch factory alloys help in that department. They look unrestrained and are packed in Michelin meat, so you know someone cares enough about the car to give it the right thing.

There are also some nice additions to spice things up. The Sport Chrono package option box is checked on this Porsche’s build sheet, meaning it has an upgraded suspension, remapped transmission coding, active engine mounts, and a cute little stopwatch in the dash above the infotainment screen. Backseat passengers get their own air vents, but no extra clocks.

Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a reversing camera and built-in navigation in the Porsche Communications Management (PCM) unit. And yes, in true Porsche fashion, the ignition key is on the left side of the steering wheel.

What are you saying? Is this 2.0 Macan a deal for that $18,900? Or would you demand that much pure Porsche power?

You decide!

Los Angeles, California, Craigslistor go here when the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the connection!

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