£75 +vat OPC hourly rate for cars over 7 years old
Discussion
Some interesting comments here. I use my local OPC on my 986, why? I pay around £60-70ph (depends on work) Labour rate after TIPEC discount which in the south is cheaper than a lot of the indies. I have used a few of the local independents & wouldn't trust them with a tricycle.
As for extra work we as a group have a good relationship with them & they are pragmatic about some work they'll be more expensive for such as brakes. NO I don't get a big list from them & I get a chance to talk to the tech who did the work.
We also do 2 open workshops with them each year where we get a 40minute session with a tech & the owner looking over the car. Discussing issues & things that are likely to be a problem in the future. Also our local OPC has 2 techs that trained on 924/944/911 etc. They even had skills on a 911 Sportmatic that one of our members has. One of our other members has had some very major work done at a very good rate on his 928, this was a job in the near 30 hours book time category.
As for extra work we as a group have a good relationship with them & they are pragmatic about some work they'll be more expensive for such as brakes. NO I don't get a big list from them & I get a chance to talk to the tech who did the work.
We also do 2 open workshops with them each year where we get a 40minute session with a tech & the owner looking over the car. Discussing issues & things that are likely to be a problem in the future. Also our local OPC has 2 techs that trained on 924/944/911 etc. They even had skills on a 911 Sportmatic that one of our members has. One of our other members has had some very major work done at a very good rate on his 928, this was a job in the near 30 hours book time category.
Rockster said:
Not sure it brings to mind any question about justifying the rate. I suspect the lower price is an attempt to bring in service/repair business from owners of older cars.
I can't speak to the situation in the UK but some Porsche service departments I've been in and around here in the USA (admittedly a very very small number compared to number of dealers total, but still I think a representative sample) are not that busy. New car prep doesn't require much time and there's not much warranty work and relatively new cars do not account for much shop time, so what is left is to entice owners of older out of warranty cars, cars that are starting to or going to need not only servicing but possibly repairs, in order to keep the shop busy.
One wonders why...I can't speak to the situation in the UK but some Porsche service departments I've been in and around here in the USA (admittedly a very very small number compared to number of dealers total, but still I think a representative sample) are not that busy. New car prep doesn't require much time and there's not much warranty work and relatively new cars do not account for much shop time, so what is left is to entice owners of older out of warranty cars, cars that are starting to or going to need not only servicing but possibly repairs, in order to keep the shop busy.
Owner: Is that covered?
OPC: No.
Owner: Is that covered?
OPC: No.
Owner: Is that covered?
OPC: No.
Owner: Is that covered?
OPC: No.
Ad nauseam...
OPC Swindon have been official Porsche service agents since the '60s - they've been supplying and maintaining these cars from new with Factory support, tools and technology. And, staff and proprietors who have been there for more than 30 years
They look after my Porsches, old and new, with same reverence, and the lower labour rate, parts discounts, and quality workmanship is much appreciated.
They look after my Porsches, old and new, with same reverence, and the lower labour rate, parts discounts, and quality workmanship is much appreciated.
I'll stick with OPC you can keep yer Indies.....I do wonder why people buy an expensive Porsche then want to cheap out on the Servicing Etc. once every 2 years.....in my experience you get what you pay for.....the difference between an Indie and OPC for a 996GT3(RS) major service is £125 ....not enough difference in my book between OPC and Honest John (1 careful owner Honest guv)....but hey you pay yer money yer takes yer choice....all in my honest Opinion
With my current 993, and the 3.2 I had before it, both cars came into my ownership with full main dealer history which I wished to maintain. However with both I had the same very poor standard of mechanical work. With both cars I had a "never again" experience after sampling the delights of the OPC.
This is 2 different cars, one at Bolton, and the poor experience at Kendal.
So for me it is not about the money.
This is 2 different cars, one at Bolton, and the poor experience at Kendal.
So for me it is not about the money.
Geneve said:
OPC Swindon have been official Porsche service agents since the '60s - they've been supplying and maintaining these cars from new with Factory support, tools and technology. And, staff and proprietors who have been there for more than 30 years
They look after my Porsches, old and new, with same reverence, and the lower labour rate, parts discounts, and quality workmanship is much appreciated.
They also told me recently that my 70S had a major oil leak (it didn't) which to investigate further would require engine removal at £600 odd. Would you like to go ahead? No thanks. The weeping oil spray bar bung was fixed in situ by a man who knew what he was doing. They look after my Porsches, old and new, with same reverence, and the lower labour rate, parts discounts, and quality workmanship is much appreciated.
I use GTone for my GT3 servicing, 2/3rds of whom are ex- OPC technicians including a proper old timer spanner man.
squirejo said:
They also told me recently that my 70S had a major oil leak (it didn't) which to investigate further would require engine removal at £600 odd. Would you like to go ahead? No thanks. The weeping oil spray bar bung was fixed in situ by a man who knew what he was doing.
I use GTone for my GT3 servicing, 2/3rds of whom are ex- OPC technicians including a proper old timer spanner man.
Similar exper4ience with my 997.1TT - Quoted £15,000 to fix a transfer box oil seal (Only option is a new gearbox sir!) Took it to my Independent (NineExcellence) and fixed for £90 - It was a leaking g/box sump gasketI use GTone for my GT3 servicing, 2/3rds of whom are ex- OPC technicians including a proper old timer spanner man.
Love the comments of people saying 'stick the indies' ... so you would rather go to OPC for a 996 engine rebuild then someone like Hartech?
For some money isnt an issue, but i can think of a lot id rather do with the savings by going to a good indie than believeing the service that the OPC is providing is far enhanced when compared to an indie.
Prob better coffee tho ...
One thing to remember, an indie trades on its name and service provided, an OPC only needs the porsche logo to draw people in hence no need to really go the extra mile.
For some money isnt an issue, but i can think of a lot id rather do with the savings by going to a good indie than believeing the service that the OPC is providing is far enhanced when compared to an indie.
Prob better coffee tho ...
One thing to remember, an indie trades on its name and service provided, an OPC only needs the porsche logo to draw people in hence no need to really go the extra mile.
I would have thought that the better point is that some of the indies (and we all know the names) are thought to be better than the OPCs, and even more so in respect of unusual (old and/or rare) cars.
God knows it wouldn't take much be more competent than a particular OPC in part of London that is neither North nor South nor East. Utterly useless. I still don't feel I gave them as much grief as I should have when they cocked up replacing the drive belt on a service and then, when the car died on me in the middle of the night, told me they would get around to looking at it in 3 or 4 days.
God knows it wouldn't take much be more competent than a particular OPC in part of London that is neither North nor South nor East. Utterly useless. I still don't feel I gave them as much grief as I should have when they cocked up replacing the drive belt on a service and then, when the car died on me in the middle of the night, told me they would get around to looking at it in 3 or 4 days.
GT3-RS said:
I do wonder why people buy an expensive Porsche then want to cheap out on the Servicing Etc. once every 2 years.....
Perhaps its the people who buy an inexpensive Porsche want cheap servicing? If you're willing to be fleeced by Porsche for the massive markup on a new 991, you're probably also willing to be fleeced on servicing.I personally use the OPC to maintain warranty and make the car more saleable into the future.
I know, in reality, my car's mechanicals are in better hands at an independent. Indies will go out of there way quite often and will look to fix rather than simply replace. However, whilst it's under warranty, i don't really care what happens as long as Porsche pays for any mistakes.
I have to say though, customer service is good from my OPC; i've used indies in the past for other cars and the little touches such as telephone manners, a cuppa are something they lack whereas Porsche have mastered that side of things.
However, my race team are c£35 an hour in comparison to a local OPC. Laughable when you consider that is proper race engineers who can work on Le Mans / F1 cars versus some spotty kid at a Porsche dealership with a laptop.
I know, in reality, my car's mechanicals are in better hands at an independent. Indies will go out of there way quite often and will look to fix rather than simply replace. However, whilst it's under warranty, i don't really care what happens as long as Porsche pays for any mistakes.
I have to say though, customer service is good from my OPC; i've used indies in the past for other cars and the little touches such as telephone manners, a cuppa are something they lack whereas Porsche have mastered that side of things.
However, my race team are c£35 an hour in comparison to a local OPC. Laughable when you consider that is proper race engineers who can work on Le Mans / F1 cars versus some spotty kid at a Porsche dealership with a laptop.
ukkid35 said:
Anyone able to clarify what the current hour rate is, and whether it varies by vehicle age - thanks
My local one is now £125 PH for "Classic" not sure these days what constitutes Classic. It used to be 996/986 & before, which I'd negotiated my 955 into. Which I've had a discussion about. The Cayenne is due a minor service & a few other jobs & although C19 bought the requirement to a grinding halt I am still thinking of what option to take. This may drive me to an indy. Although some of our local indies in the SE are fairly high labour rates themselves.
Ray Northway would be an ideal choice but he's 75 miles away.
tr7v8 said:
My local one is now £125 PH for "Classic" not sure these days what constitutes Classic. It used to be 996/986 & before, which I'd negotiated my 955 into. Which I've had a discussion about.
The Cayenne is due a minor service & a few other jobs & although C19 bought the requirement to a grinding halt I am still thinking of what option to take. This may drive me to an indy. Although some of our local indies in the SE are fairly high labour rates themselves.
Ray Northway would be an ideal choice but he's 75 miles away.
I take mine to Northway from London. Feel your pain but worth the effort in my view. Bought the car from him in 2012 and have been back yearly since (don't believe in long service intervals).The Cayenne is due a minor service & a few other jobs & although C19 bought the requirement to a grinding halt I am still thinking of what option to take. This may drive me to an indy. Although some of our local indies in the SE are fairly high labour rates themselves.
Ray Northway would be an ideal choice but he's 75 miles away.
Btw, wow, can't believe people had Porsche indys at £35/hr back in 2014!
GT3-RS said:
I'll stick with OPC you can keep yer Indies.....I do wonder why people buy an expensive Porsche then want to cheap out on the Servicing Etc. once every 2 years.....in my experience you get what you pay for.....the difference between an Indie and OPC for a 996GT3(RS) major service is £125 ....not enough difference in my book between OPC and Honest John (1 careful owner Honest guv)....but hey you pay yer money yer takes yer choice....all in my honest Opinion
go to OPC have apprentice paid peanuts do your service pay for the "free cup coffee biscuits" etc. Independent Porsche Specialists im fortunate have choices of Hartech ,Jasmine all local. Your telling me that Hartech or Jasmine are cowboys !! carry on im for Indie with my 996GT2Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff