Interesting discussion with OPC re Service pricing

[pete a]

was8v said:

Is £3.99 any better? http://www.eurocarparts.com/air-con-cleaner

Thank you, bookmarked that for next time aircon starts to whiff.

[S1MMA]

was8v said:

997GT3 said:

It lists a major service for a 997 GT3 gen 1 as £1,250.

Is over one thousands pounds a reasonable amount to pay for a mornings work?

997GT3 said:

I also asked for an Air Con service as it starts to smell after 5-10 mins use, quoted £175.

Is £3.99 any better? http://www.eurocarparts.com/air-con-cleaner

Whilst I agree it may not seem reasonable, as it's the last year the car can get a Porsche warranty it needs the stamp in the book. The warranty just paid out a few weeks back for a £4.5k carbon ceramic disc.

Quoting £200 more though as a "typo" does take the piss still.

Edited by S1MMA on Thursday 9th July 14:02

[88racing]

S1MMA said:

The warranty just paid out a few weeks back for a £4.5k carbon ceramic disc...

Wow - you were lucky - they usually just laugh if you say you want to claim on brakes!

[V8KSN]

pete a said:

was8v said:

Is £3.99 any better? http://www.eurocarparts.com/air-con-cleaner

Thank you, bookmarked that for next time aircon starts to whiff.

Pete, please don't use this product, its not worth a st.

[V8KSN]

Stirlings said:

give Porsche Reading a ring and ask for Tim Sweet
He's been there for 2 years and is the longest serving service advisor
he spent the previous 8 years at Porsche Exeter
Really fantastic guy, friendly, passionate about the product and looking after his customers

Tim is a great guy! He has looked after me on numerous occasions, highly recommend you give him a call.

[was8v]

V8KSN said:

Pete, please don't use this product, its not worth a st.

My 996 aircon whiffed after being out of action for a long time. One of these things sorted it out. YMMV

[GuitarPlayer63]

Porsche's service pricing is "interesting."

Recently had mine serviced and flashed the PCGB discount card I was given a couple of years ago with some pretty sporty pricing. The service manager denied knowing about it and said it was not valid. They were offering cheaper labour on older cars (I think it was £99/hour on cars >4 years old and £75/hour on cars >7 years old) - because they were losing so much business. Not sure if this is still on offer. Anyone else know?

They also like to have a laugh when they quote for things like brakes - and my last challenge took the price down £200. I don't fault the quality of the work, its the approach they take to get my business.

They seem to be hardening on prices now - probably as so many people are asking for discounts. I didn't try the "can I supply the oil" trick this time as they seem to have reduced the price they charge for oil a bit (though it's still half the price to buy externally) but they will then add on the "disposal charge" if you are supplying it...

[Sierra Mike]

I was informed recently that my local OPC plans to not honour the 10% parts discount for PCGB members as the DP is annoyed that customers are taking the parts to indies for installation. I always thought that the OPC was obligated to honour this discount but the DP doesn't seem to agree. Since I don't use my local OPC, I have no way of knowing personally.

It seem that despite Porsche trying to introduce standardised pricing for servicing, it has some way to go.

[LordOfTheManor]

I always also thought that too, the OPC were obligated to honour contracts just like any other retailer - but here in Wales its the same story
and they wonder why all the independents are going from strength to strength

[V8KSN]

I have a 2007 997 GT3 and its due a major service.... really not sure whether to go to an independent rather than an OPC.....

[LordOfTheManor]

Here in Wales I would without doubt take it to an independent, even travelling further would be cheaper in the long run,
make it a day out, have lunch, you'll still have a proper job with money in your pocket !

[S1MMA]

V8KSN said:

I have a 2007 997 GT3 and its due a major service.... really not sure whether to go to an independent rather than an OPC.....

If it has warranty then I'd keep it in OPC and renew it till car is 9 years old.

If not, I'd probably take mine to JZM.

[Sierra Mike]

V8KSN said:

I have a 2007 997 GT3 and its due a major service.... really not sure whether to go to an independent rather than an OPC.....

History will become increasingly important on these cars so, if it was me, I'd keep the servicing with an OPC. If using an indie, I would only service at one which is recognised nationally.

[LordOfTheManor]

I would take it to a OPC that feels right - Silverstone has some 'really happy' customers
don't bother coming to down to me, the Welsh / English franchise have left me 'fairly miserable' over recent years,