I'm coming up to a minor service in my Boxster. It has a full main dealer service history so far (it's 9 years old). I have a specialist garage that are very honest & reliable that only do Porsches, and will charge £180 inc. VAT for a 12k service & do a great job. Or I can get it done @ Porsche for £390, where they probably won't even bother doing it properly. I know this has been disputed before but not with reference to Porsche.
I know I looked for a full PSH when I bough but knowing what I know now I'd rather see a specialist service history - however do you think other buyers will see it that way or not? I haven't decided how long I will keep it for yet.
SLT
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 30/10/2007 at 22:33
|
There's two factors to consider. One is that is it still under Porsche warrantee?
The second is how many miles are on it. I think that with a lower mileage car I'd be tempted to go the Porsche route but with higher mileage then I'd go for an independent. I doubt very much that Porsche will cut corners on servicing, there's just not the time pressure there that exists in the servicing departments of more mainstream dealers.
--
I read often, only post occasionally
|
Unless there is a specific warranty requirement I would go for the specialist - you get a better service for less money
That's what your instincts tell you ? and they should be trusted
Come resale time there will be plenty of future owners that will appreciate your reasoning.
|
Of course nick is right.
Never mind resale. It's nine years old already and when you sell it buyers will look at it, not its paper, and listen to what you say.
No doubt there are Porsche places that do a job second to none, for full whack. If you know where they are and have the money, well and good. But of course the right independent place will be as good or better, for less. But you have to know which they are too.
|
|
|
|
My experience with Porsches is that you get three types of private buyer.
The first type has done his/her homework, knows exactly what to look for and values a well documented history with invoices and receipts more than anything else. As long as the out of warranty work has been done by a respected independent (or even a competent enthusiast) they don't care about main dealer stamps. These are the easiest folks to deal with if you have an honest car.
The second type has done a bit of research and feels more comfortable with a full main dealer history but doesn't want to pay a premium for it. By keeping a FPSH you make it slightly easier to sell but you are paying for it with higher service costs. It might be worth it depending on how long you intend to keep it.
The third type would usually be better off buying a Fiesta and a Porsche keyring.
If it were me, with a nine year old car I'd be building a good relationship with an independent and saving the extra cash for tyres and brakes.
Kevin...
|
|
At your age of car, independant in my opinion. Too old to matter about dealer history. If it were younger I would stay with porsche because if something were to happen mechanically, dealer / manufacturer may be more willing to contribute to any costs for repair even if outside warranty. This has been my experience with BMW dealers. But at nine years old unlikely to get any goodwill gesture.
|
|
I actually think a lot of people looking to buy a fairly specialised/niche motor motor would rather you took it to a well respected indie garage - shows you know what your doing rather than just blindly taking it to the main dealer
|
It's a difficult one isn't it. Those in the know buying your car in the future would know that a good indepenent is at least equal to a main dealer, however those not in the know might well cherish the main dealer stamps instead.
Depends really on age of the car, how long you're going to keep it and projected value.
I had this dilemma a couple of years ago (not a Porsche though) and went with the Independent garage at 6 years old and was glad i did, as i consider them to be most thorough and knowledgeable.... with the bonus of some stuff about half the price.
My opinion for your situation........Independent
|
At 9 years old it's in the last year of being able to get an extended warranty from Porsche. So I'd go independent, providing you have a decent local one. It's also worth becoming a TiPEC club member as we get 10% off parts at Porsche & some other dealers.
Jim
54 Jaguar S-Type 2.7 SE Diesel
87 Porsche 944 Lux 2.5
80 TR7V8
|
|
Thanks all for the advice. The guy who owned the car before me spent about 8k on servicing in the 9 years - seems unneccesarily excessive to me!
|
|
|
|
