Indy v OPC for servicing
Discussion
I have a dilemma. In over 40 years of Porsche ownership I have always used OPC for my servicing requirements. As you can imagine, I had a good relationship with my local OPC who provided great service. I moved from Sussex to Dorset five years ago and used the nearest OPC. However, I do not have the same confidence in them, they have carried out some work incorrectly, not carried out some minor things I asked them to, and have tried to get me to replace tyres unnecessarily. They have also become very expensive.
Both my cars (718 Spyder, Macan T) are now out of warranty ( and no intention of having extended warranty) and will require major services in the next few months. I have two well regarded independents local to me both of which I have used for minor service or MOT. One is an accredited PPN agent ( Porsche Partner Network) which means that they have access to Porsche Factory Diagnostics and can record all work carried out on the computer based service record of the vehicle.
My main concern is the Spyder - should I maintain OPC servicing to maximise residuals ( I have had it from new and it is my intention to keep it until I am too old to drive it !!) or use the PPN specialist which will save on running cost while still having a Porsche recorded service record ? Currently my view is that I could use either of them for the Macan servicing as I don’t see a non OPC service record as such an important consideration.
Views welcomed !!
Both my cars (718 Spyder, Macan T) are now out of warranty ( and no intention of having extended warranty) and will require major services in the next few months. I have two well regarded independents local to me both of which I have used for minor service or MOT. One is an accredited PPN agent ( Porsche Partner Network) which means that they have access to Porsche Factory Diagnostics and can record all work carried out on the computer based service record of the vehicle.
My main concern is the Spyder - should I maintain OPC servicing to maximise residuals ( I have had it from new and it is my intention to keep it until I am too old to drive it !!) or use the PPN specialist which will save on running cost while still having a Porsche recorded service record ? Currently my view is that I could use either of them for the Macan servicing as I don’t see a non OPC service record as such an important consideration.
Views welcomed !!
WG said:
However, I do not have the same confidence in them, they have carried out some work incorrectly, not carried out some minor things I asked them to, and have tried to get me to replace tyres unnecessarily. They have also become very expensive.
You have answered the question in the quote above.Personally I prefer to use a trusted and competent independent than any OPC. Others will have different opinions. My own mechanic does the little jobs like yearly oil change and brakes etc.
One thing I always tell people, no matter what situation you are in, trust your own instincts.
Go for a reputable indy. It will make zero difference on the MACAN and in most instances, zero on the Spyder.
The only argument for OPC servicing on the Spyder is if its mega low mileage and collectors grade. A full OPC history could add a little in the future. Having said that, the likely savings in maintenance costs will negate that anyway.
The only argument for OPC servicing on the Spyder is if its mega low mileage and collectors grade. A full OPC history could add a little in the future. Having said that, the likely savings in maintenance costs will negate that anyway.
Ask yourself this question if you were in the market for a 718 Spyder and two identical cars were on your radar, one had full OPC history and one didn't albeit a known specialist, which would you choose?
Now the only way to sway you to look at the specialist serviced car would be the cost if you are being honest.
Personally, I'd keep the Spyder in the network and warranty, you will at some point have at least one PADM failure, and once one goes the other doesn't last long. OPC will charge around £1800 P+L for each, plus technically being a GT car will require a geo which would cost £500 per PADM change if no warranty.... so any potential savings by going to a specialist would be short lived.
As for the Macan, and don't take this the wrong way, it's an Audi in reality and just a general SUV in the range, so I'd have no issue pushing this via a specialist.
Now the only way to sway you to look at the specialist serviced car would be the cost if you are being honest.
Personally, I'd keep the Spyder in the network and warranty, you will at some point have at least one PADM failure, and once one goes the other doesn't last long. OPC will charge around £1800 P+L for each, plus technically being a GT car will require a geo which would cost £500 per PADM change if no warranty.... so any potential savings by going to a specialist would be short lived.
As for the Macan, and don't take this the wrong way, it's an Audi in reality and just a general SUV in the range, so I'd have no issue pushing this via a specialist.
If you are keeping the Spyder until you are too old to drive it, I'm struggling to see why any impact on residuals is much of a worry.
I'd go good indy over any OPC all day long, personally. The indies themselves are becoming pretty pricey these days. But some of the charges OPCs impose these days are laughable to the point of being borderline unethical. The whole thing is built to generate cash. Proper car care is, at least to my impression, absolutely secondary to that.
The only reason to use an OPC is nicer surroundings while you wait and, maybe, a nice-ish loan car, though I think that's less true today from what I understand than in years past.
I'd go good indy over any OPC all day long, personally. The indies themselves are becoming pretty pricey these days. But some of the charges OPCs impose these days are laughable to the point of being borderline unethical. The whole thing is built to generate cash. Proper car care is, at least to my impression, absolutely secondary to that.
The only reason to use an OPC is nicer surroundings while you wait and, maybe, a nice-ish loan car, though I think that's less true today from what I understand than in years past.
I also have a Spyder, that I've let the warranty lapse this year - and I also don't trust my local OPC. It will be going to an indy as of next year, not for cost reasons but because I trust them to do a better job and actually care for the car.
On the PADM issue, which is the only reason I kept my warranty going - now there is a third party fix, I'll be happy to pay for that fix via an indy, where (I assume) the OPC would only fix as per OEM.
I may be in a minority, but for two identical cars, I'd view the one that's been at a trusted indy more favourably, as I trust them to have done better by the car - from experience with both Ferrari and Porsche main dealers/indies.
On the PADM issue, which is the only reason I kept my warranty going - now there is a third party fix, I'll be happy to pay for that fix via an indy, where (I assume) the OPC would only fix as per OEM.
I may be in a minority, but for two identical cars, I'd view the one that's been at a trusted indy more favourably, as I trust them to have done better by the car - from experience with both Ferrari and Porsche main dealers/indies.
Sounds like you've already got the right instinct here, and honestly your situation makes the decision fairly easy once both cars are out of warranty.
Once you're out of warranty (and not doing extended warranty), OPC's main advantage largely disappears - the only things I'd still use them for are anything warranty-adjacent that somehow crops up, or MOT if you want the "belt and braces" paper trail. Everything else - services, brakes, tyres, general maintenance - I'd be going Independent, especially given the PPN accreditation you mention. Factory diagnostics plus a proper digital service record on the PPN system genuinely does carry weight, it's not the same as a bloke in a lock-up with a laptop.
On residuals - I wouldn't worry too much. A well-documented history with a reputable indy (especially PPN) isn't going to knock a meaningful amount off what you'd achieve at sale, provided the record is complete and consistent. Where it can matter is with the next owner rather than you - if you ever sell, some buyers will want the reassurance of jumping straight into an OPC extended warranty, and OPC can occasionally be sniffy about warranty-ing a car with no OPC history, or price it more cautiously. So it's less "will I lose money selling" and more "will it slightly narrow my buyer pool or complicate an extended warranty conversation down the line." Given you're planning to keep the Spyder until you can't drive it anymore, that's a problem for a very different future owner, not you.
Macan T - agree with your own take, I wouldn't overthink it, either shop is fine.
Once you're out of warranty (and not doing extended warranty), OPC's main advantage largely disappears - the only things I'd still use them for are anything warranty-adjacent that somehow crops up, or MOT if you want the "belt and braces" paper trail. Everything else - services, brakes, tyres, general maintenance - I'd be going Independent, especially given the PPN accreditation you mention. Factory diagnostics plus a proper digital service record on the PPN system genuinely does carry weight, it's not the same as a bloke in a lock-up with a laptop.
On residuals - I wouldn't worry too much. A well-documented history with a reputable indy (especially PPN) isn't going to knock a meaningful amount off what you'd achieve at sale, provided the record is complete and consistent. Where it can matter is with the next owner rather than you - if you ever sell, some buyers will want the reassurance of jumping straight into an OPC extended warranty, and OPC can occasionally be sniffy about warranty-ing a car with no OPC history, or price it more cautiously. So it's less "will I lose money selling" and more "will it slightly narrow my buyer pool or complicate an extended warranty conversation down the line." Given you're planning to keep the Spyder until you can't drive it anymore, that's a problem for a very different future owner, not you.
Macan T - agree with your own take, I wouldn't overthink it, either shop is fine.
If you aren't renewing the warranty, given your location, go to either Bahnsport or Miltech.
Anyone buying your Spyder would likely prefer either of those two Independents over an OPC service history, they only have to do a review search on here or other forums about those two companies.
Anyone buying your Spyder would likely prefer either of those two Independents over an OPC service history, they only have to do a review search on here or other forums about those two companies.
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