DIY servicing = unsaleable?
Discussion
I just read in another thread that a Cayman without an OPC, or recognised independent service history, is unsaleable. Is that true?
I am looking to buy a Cayman next year, a late gen 1 or early gen 2, and I have always done my own servicing. Not because I can save money, but because I believe I do a better job, and I like knowing a car inside and out.
All my work to date has been backed up by receipts, service schedules, notes, etc.
I am looking to buy a Cayman next year, a late gen 1 or early gen 2, and I have always done my own servicing. Not because I can save money, but because I believe I do a better job, and I like knowing a car inside and out.
All my work to date has been backed up by receipts, service schedules, notes, etc.
It was me that made the comment. A lot of Porsche buyers won't touch them without a warranty, let alone stamps. I suppose there are people who would buy it, but there are an lot who wouldn't because of those stamps (I service my other cars, but not the Porsche).
The thinking behind this is (playing devils advocate), I don't know you, I don't know how competent you are or if you've done all the things you've said you have. From an OPC or a specialist, you give the buyer piece of mind that it's been looked after by someone who (in theory) knows the cars. These being expensive cars with expensive parts make people quite wary of them and their history. Just look at the prices of old Cayman's, Boxsters and 996's because of the fears of the chocolate engines. People are quite paranoid about them.
It's b
ks as you say, there's nothing to say you can't do a better job and there's nothing particularly special about the cars that needs some sort of voodoo to do.
The thinking behind this is (playing devils advocate), I don't know you, I don't know how competent you are or if you've done all the things you've said you have. From an OPC or a specialist, you give the buyer piece of mind that it's been looked after by someone who (in theory) knows the cars. These being expensive cars with expensive parts make people quite wary of them and their history. Just look at the prices of old Cayman's, Boxsters and 996's because of the fears of the chocolate engines. People are quite paranoid about them.
It's b
ks as you say, there's nothing to say you can't do a better job and there's nothing particularly special about the cars that needs some sort of voodoo to do.Edited by juansolo on Tuesday 7th July 21:12
Thanks guys. I always keep receipts for everything, even down to things like wiper blades, when I sell a car and say it has a full history, it really does have a full history.
PS: Juan, your old Westfield is still going strong. Gearbox died last year, so I fitted BGH long first in it for him.
PS: Juan, your old Westfield is still going strong. Gearbox died last year, so I fitted BGH long first in it for him.
Some interesting posts there, I'm amazed there are others out in the Porsche world who also scratch their heads at the need for "full OPC SH". I bought my car just over a year ago and yes, it did have FSH, so was it a deal breaker ? No. The FSH made me more likely to travel to view the car, but it was the car I bought, not a book of stamps.
With cars from the 60s & 70s there was quite a bit to do at service time, greasing joints, adjusting brakes, etc. But these days it just seems to be a "check nothing has fallen off and change the oil", and that's not really beyond the average mechanic or enthusiast. So when the drive belts were due for changing this year I bought the Porsche belt (which looks exactly the same as the aftermarket belt only with "Porsche" stamped on the sides) and changed it myself. It took me two days because I'm slow, but so what ? The belt's renewed and working, just as if an OPC had done the job, no difference apart from a receipt in the folder instead of an OPC stamp.
Do I care I've dropped the car's value by £XXXX ? Nope, because when I sell it will be a 10yr old car and hopefully in better nick than the average 10yr old. If I was only going to keep it for a year or so then yes, I'd follow the pack with OPC servicing because it would give me a greater market, but that's the only reason for doing so.
Brian
oh - if you do go DIY, you'll need to buy the software & lead for the diagnostic checks and resetting the service light.....
With cars from the 60s & 70s there was quite a bit to do at service time, greasing joints, adjusting brakes, etc. But these days it just seems to be a "check nothing has fallen off and change the oil", and that's not really beyond the average mechanic or enthusiast. So when the drive belts were due for changing this year I bought the Porsche belt (which looks exactly the same as the aftermarket belt only with "Porsche" stamped on the sides) and changed it myself. It took me two days because I'm slow, but so what ? The belt's renewed and working, just as if an OPC had done the job, no difference apart from a receipt in the folder instead of an OPC stamp.
Do I care I've dropped the car's value by £XXXX ? Nope, because when I sell it will be a 10yr old car and hopefully in better nick than the average 10yr old. If I was only going to keep it for a year or so then yes, I'd follow the pack with OPC servicing because it would give me a greater market, but that's the only reason for doing so.
Brian
oh - if you do go DIY, you'll need to buy the software & lead for the diagnostic checks and resetting the service light.....
Megaflow said:
PS: Juan, your old Westfield is still going strong. Gearbox died last year, so I fitted BGH long first in it for him.
Awesome! I assume this is the blue one? If so that's one car that pained me so much to let go. But hey ho, at least it's being used, I wasn't using it enough to justify keeping it. Also it's the only one with a standard box (the previous two had straight cut boxes). I'd planned, had I kept it, to swap that out for a hybrid Tran-X (1st to 4th straight cut, 5th helical) or a BGH had I gone more road oriented. Bloody brilliant car that one. I lost the guy's contact details when I left my job (was on my work's phone when I returned it) as I wanted to ask him if he ever thought of selling it to give me a ring 
Edited by juansolo on Wednesday 8th July 09:16
I recently bought a Cayman Gen II 2.9 - it's the first car I've ever bought where I didn't see the engine! I know it's there somewhere.
My car has a full Porsche service history, with lots of receipts, but I'll be continuing the service history by getting work done by an independent - this is really for reasons of accessibility (where is my engine?) and lack of workshop manual (are any workshop manuals available for a Gen II 2.9?).
I was put off of some cars that I viewed simply because although OPC serviced their service book showed only minimal servicing, e.g. serviced according to mileage rather than age and sometimes a minor when it should have been major, and no receipts present showing what other work was done. I'd be more confident buying a home serviced car if the car was cheap enough and came with lots or receipts for all work done.
My car has a full Porsche service history, with lots of receipts, but I'll be continuing the service history by getting work done by an independent - this is really for reasons of accessibility (where is my engine?) and lack of workshop manual (are any workshop manuals available for a Gen II 2.9?).
I was put off of some cars that I viewed simply because although OPC serviced their service book showed only minimal servicing, e.g. serviced according to mileage rather than age and sometimes a minor when it should have been major, and no receipts present showing what other work was done. I'd be more confident buying a home serviced car if the car was cheap enough and came with lots or receipts for all work done.
juansolo said:
Awesome! I assume this is the blue one? If so that's one car that pained me so much to let go. But hey ho, at least it's being used, I wasn't using it enough to justify keeping it. Also it's the only one with a standard box (the previous two had straight cut boxes). I'd planned, had I kept it, to swap that out for a hybrid Tran-X (1st to 4th straight cut, 5th helical) or a BGH had I gone more road oriented. Bloody brilliant car that one. I lost the guy's contact details when I left my job (was on my work's phone when I returned it) as I wanted to ask him if he ever thought of selling it to give me a ring
Yep, the blue one. We used to work together, he has since moved on, if he ever sells, I'll let him know.DarkMatter said:
I recently bought a Cayman Gen II 2.9 - it's the first car I've ever bought where I didn't see the engine! I know it's there somewhere.
My car has a full Porsche service history, with lots of receipts, but I'll be continuing the service history by getting work done by an independent - this is really for reasons of accessibility (where is my engine?) and lack of workshop manual (are any workshop manuals available for a Gen II 2.9?).
I was put off of some cars that I viewed simply because although OPC serviced their service book showed only minimal servicing, e.g. serviced according to mileage rather than age and sometimes a minor when it should have been major, and no receipts present showing what other work was done. I'd be more confident buying a home serviced car if the car was cheap enough and came with lots or receipts for all work done.
I'd be servicing annually regardless of mileage. It wouldn't do the full 20k between services, but it would be a good 10k a year.My car has a full Porsche service history, with lots of receipts, but I'll be continuing the service history by getting work done by an independent - this is really for reasons of accessibility (where is my engine?) and lack of workshop manual (are any workshop manuals available for a Gen II 2.9?).
I was put off of some cars that I viewed simply because although OPC serviced their service book showed only minimal servicing, e.g. serviced according to mileage rather than age and sometimes a minor when it should have been major, and no receipts present showing what other work was done. I'd be more confident buying a home serviced car if the car was cheap enough and came with lots or receipts for all work done.
Normally I am a great fan of following manufacturers service intervals on cars, but 20k on something like a Porsche just seems wrong. But, on a normal family wagon I wouldn't think twice about it.
tyrrell said:
On something like a Porsche I would walk away, however on an old Ford/Vauxhall it would not bother me at all.
As you are the first person to really sound against it, why do you believe it is so much more detrimental on a Porsche? After all it is no more complicated to change the oil on a Porsche than a Ford, and aside from a few checks, that's mostly all services are these days.Edited by Megaflow on Wednesday 8th July 12:09
Edited by Megaflow on Wednesday 8th July 12:12
You are narrowing the market of buyers, as some won't believe you are capable, but I've never had problems selling any of my cars which have been serviced by myself. Usually I end up selling to someone who will do the same.
I keep accurate records and all the receipts.
My 996 was maintained by a string of premium specialists and OPCs before I got it, but I do everything myself.
Depends on how long you would be keeping it for - 1 year then just get it serviced and stamped, but over 5 years the cost saving will be substantial - which you can pass onto buyers if you have to.
I keep accurate records and all the receipts.
My 996 was maintained by a string of premium specialists and OPCs before I got it, but I do everything myself.
Depends on how long you would be keeping it for - 1 year then just get it serviced and stamped, but over 5 years the cost saving will be substantial - which you can pass onto buyers if you have to.
i can see why you would worry without one
but then again most cars after three or four years get done by a local garage or diy.
just to throw a spanner amongst the pigeons
we bought a 100k A4 that had five oil changes in its life
i put it on the yearly service did a pela oil change and did it myself.
which is the better bet, which is safer? which will sell more easily?
im not sure, id rather buy it off an enthusiast all things considered
but then again most cars after three or four years get done by a local garage or diy.
just to throw a spanner amongst the pigeons
we bought a 100k A4 that had five oil changes in its life
i put it on the yearly service did a pela oil change and did it myself.
which is the better bet, which is safer? which will sell more easily?
im not sure, id rather buy it off an enthusiast all things considered
b2hbm said:
Some interesting posts there, I'm amazed there are others out in the Porsche world who also scratch their heads at the need for "full OPC SH". I bought my car just over a year ago and yes, it did have FSH, so was it a deal breaker ? No. The FSH made me more likely to travel to view the car, but it was the car I bought, not a book of stamps.
With cars from the 60s & 70s there was quite a bit to do at service time, greasing joints, adjusting brakes, etc. But these days it just seems to be a "check nothing has fallen off and change the oil", and that's not really beyond the average mechanic or enthusiast. So when the drive belts were due for changing this year I bought the Porsche belt (which looks exactly the same as the aftermarket belt only with "Porsche" stamped on the sides) and changed it myself. It took me two days because I'm slow, but so what ? The belt's renewed and working, just as if an OPC had done the job, no difference apart from a receipt in the folder instead of an OPC stamp.
Do I care I've dropped the car's value by £XXXX ? Nope, because when I sell it will be a 10yr old car and hopefully in better nick than the average 10yr old. If I was only going to keep it for a year or so then yes, I'd follow the pack with OPC servicing because it would give me a greater market, but that's the only reason for doing so.
Brian
oh - if you do go DIY, you'll need to buy the software & lead for the diagnostic checks and resetting the service light.....
Ive got the software & lead, not cheap, but plan to keep car for a whileWith cars from the 60s & 70s there was quite a bit to do at service time, greasing joints, adjusting brakes, etc. But these days it just seems to be a "check nothing has fallen off and change the oil", and that's not really beyond the average mechanic or enthusiast. So when the drive belts were due for changing this year I bought the Porsche belt (which looks exactly the same as the aftermarket belt only with "Porsche" stamped on the sides) and changed it myself. It took me two days because I'm slow, but so what ? The belt's renewed and working, just as if an OPC had done the job, no difference apart from a receipt in the folder instead of an OPC stamp.
Do I care I've dropped the car's value by £XXXX ? Nope, because when I sell it will be a 10yr old car and hopefully in better nick than the average 10yr old. If I was only going to keep it for a year or so then yes, I'd follow the pack with OPC servicing because it would give me a greater market, but that's the only reason for doing so.
Brian
oh - if you do go DIY, you'll need to buy the software & lead for the diagnostic checks and resetting the service light.....
I'll say it...I too would not contemplate a Porsche that hasn't been professionally serviced.
It may be the lesser of two evils but I would trust a paid professional more than a DIYer. Having been in the world of Caterhams which lends itself much more to the DIYer, I have seen enough DIY ste to last me a lifetime!
It may be just a personal choice, but DIY servicing will drastically reduce your target audience come resale time.
Bert
It may be the lesser of two evils but I would trust a paid professional more than a DIYer. Having been in the world of Caterhams which lends itself much more to the DIYer, I have seen enough DIY s
te to last me a lifetime!It may be just a personal choice, but DIY servicing will drastically reduce your target audience come resale time.
Bert
BertBert said:
I'll say it...I too would not contemplate a Porsche that hasn't been professionally serviced.
It may be the lesser of two evils but I would trust a paid professional more than a DIYer. Having been in the world of Caterhams which lends itself much more to the DIYer, I have seen enough DIY ste to last me a lifetime!
It may be just a personal choice, but DIY servicing will drastically reduce your target audience come resale time.
Bert
Completely disagree; how do you think the DIY skills of our very own GTRClive compare to your OPC mech. I wouldn't trust anyone near my cars. If I need a stamp I will not let OPC service my car without me being in attendance. Being a Licenced Aircraft Engineer the tolerances I am use to far exceed that in the automotive industry and as such the levels of finesse and attention to detail of OPC's and the like are not for me. It may be the lesser of two evils but I would trust a paid professional more than a DIYer. Having been in the world of Caterhams which lends itself much more to the DIYer, I have seen enough DIY s
te to last me a lifetime!It may be just a personal choice, but DIY servicing will drastically reduce your target audience come resale time.
Bert
corvettedave said:
Megaflow said:
Have you got a link to, or the name of this lead and software. I have got full diagnostics for power train, abs, esp, srs, etc but I doubt it will do Porsche service light reset
http://www.durametric.com/https://www.hickleys.com/diagnostics/durametric.ph...
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