Using OPC for servicing GT3s (out of warranty)

[braddo]

Does anyone do it and are there any good reasons to do so, rather than using a respected specialist?

I recently acquired a 2007 GT3 whose service history is exclusively from Porsche dealers. For the next service I have a choice of using Porsche West London or someone like Parr/JZM.

[g7jhp]

Only reasons would be to have a "Full OPC Service History" for resale (it may matter to some) or so that you can renew the OPC warranty.

Otherwise I'd head to a respected GT3 specialist like JZ Machtech.

[SFO]

I suspect you would have a better chance of goodwill from PCGB if your GT3 had been serviced exclusively at OPCs ..

[rosino]

You could do the scheduled servicing at OPCs (Hatfield and Reading over West London me thinks...) and all the other exceptional items like Geo, Brakes etc etc at JZ, Parr or the likes... that way you keep FPSH and you have the personalised service and attention to detail of the best indies around..

And don't forget to shop aroundin any case.. OPCs will price match

[terryb]

I'd want to know that the garage looking after a GT3 would know them inside out. So that rules out many an OPC. If in doubt, ask your local OPC how many GT3s they've serviced that week. Then try the same Q with a respected Indy

[squirejo]

Do you garage your car with Howard in SW12?

Pop in for a chat- I use GT one in chertsey where the 996 gt3 is going tomorrow. The service history was with them post OPC so I carried it on and have found them good. Was a recent thread about them. I have also used JZM as have friends who swear by them, but, personally I use them for stuff like upgrade work, geo etc rather than more ordinary servicing / wear and tear.

[braddo]

Yep. A chat sounds good; I presume that was your S there yesterday?

Interesting to hear that OPCs might price match. I'm thinking I might use an OPC for the service (and to get the stamp for the long-life guarantee report) and as suggested, use a specialist for other stuff.

[ClarkPB]

My 996 GT3 is full OPC history with a lot of "in between" oil changes from Parr when it was owned down south.

Now it's in Aberdeen with me I have no option but to take it to the OPC as there are no independants even close to here. Luckily, both technicians that I always insist work on the car are very knowledgeable guys when it comes to the GT3's so I've had no complaints so far.

[squirejo]

braddo said:

Yep. A chat sounds good; I presume that was your S there yesterday?

Interesting to hear that OPCs might price match. I'm thinking I might use an OPC for the service (and to get the stamp for the long-life guarantee report) and as suggested, use a specialist for other stuff.

No 25 opposite

Don't tell me I was blocking your garage again!. Was it on the trailer? It was off for some tlc so had this as a stand in. A monster.

[Mousem40]

I used to use JZM but for the last 2 services I've gone to OPC (West London) Chiswick. They're around £25 more expensive but they throw in a courtesy Porsche for the duration, so actually end up being cheaper (as JZM charge for the pleasure of a junk box) People seem to get the impression that indis look over your car with fairy dust, and go to bed dreaming of how to do a better job for you. For a service they probably just stick their latest HND intern to do the job.

I wasn't overly impressed with JZM, the OPC have done no wrong so far, and have been very reasonable and decent people. I'm sticking with the OPC for the foreseeable.

[braddo]

squirejo said:

No 25 opposite

Don't tell me I was blocking your garage again!. Was it on the trailer? It was off for some tlc so had this as a stand in. A monster.

That is some courtesy car. The one I saw on Sunday was grey and in the street - no blockage!

[braddo]

Mousem40 said:

I used to use JZM but for the last 2 services I've gone to OPC (West London) Chiswick. They're around £25 more expensive but they throw in a courtesy Porsche for the duration, so actually end up being cheaper (as JZM charge for the pleasure of a junk box) People seem to get the impression that indis look over your car with fairy dust, and go to bed dreaming of how to do a better job for you. For a service they probably just stick their latest HND intern to do the job.

I wasn't overly impressed with JZM, the OPC have done no wrong so far, and have been very reasonable and decent people. I'm sticking with the OPC for the foreseeable.

Thanks. Good to know there's at least one GT3 going to Chiswick.

[squirejo]

braddo said:

That is some courtesy car. The one I saw on Sunday was grey and in the street - no blockage!

That's my brothers.

FYI just received the most helpful call from GT one re my gt3. 1) it was in my hours not theirs (6:30pm). 2) it was detailed and 3) gave me options to think about in respect of several items with varying levels on need.

Nearly fell off my chair. Communication is king. And by the content I judge they are doing a very proper job.

Not some fanboy but continue to be pleased with their service.

[Xpuffin]

rosino said:

You could do the scheduled servicing at OPCs (Hatfield and Reading over West London me thinks...) and all the other exceptional items like Geo, Brakes etc etc at JZ, Parr or the likes... that way you keep FPSH and you have the personalised service and attention to detail of the best indies around..

And don't forget to shop aroundin any case.. OPCs will price match

^^^^^^ This.

[g7jhp]

squirejo said:

...so had this as a stand in. A monster.

That looks nice. What's the spec?

[braddo]

rosino said:

You could do the scheduled servicing at OPCs (Hatfield and Reading over West London me thinks...) and all the other exceptional items like Geo, Brakes etc etc at JZ, Parr or the likes... that way you keep FPSH and you have the personalised service and attention to detail of the best indies around..

And don't forget to shop aroundin any case.. OPCs will price match

Update - West London got pretty close to matching an indie specialist for the service, so I'm going with them for the service and I'll likely use indies for anything else.

Thanks for the heads-up about the price matching.

[Budweiser]

Good choice, OPC for servicing and indie for other bits. That way you can build up a good relationship with both...

[mark seeker]

Budweiser said:

Good choice, OPC for servicing and indie for other bits. That way you can build up a good relationship with both...

This is exactly where I am at, the OPC offers a 'free' courtesy car which JZM don't. Mine is being serviced in a few weeks and is in for a 'minor' service which in essence is an oil change - I would do it myself it didn't raise eyebrows come resale time.

JZM to do anything that needs thought.

[911dullard]

I never had any good experiences with my old GT3 and any OPC's so id stick to the indis that see these cars on a regular basis.

[braddo]

Anyone know if the OPC quoted price for a major service for GT3s includes changing the spark plugs?