To warranty or not?
Discussion
I've just bought myself a December 2004 3.8 997 Carrera S with about 60k on the clock. It had a clutch and slave cylinder 5k ago, as well as coil packs and plugs, and a replacement air mass sensor. Leafing through all the paperwork it's been pretty well cared for. Anyway, I've bought it from an indy as I had an absolute nightmare with an OPC purchase a few years ago, which means no Porsche warranty.
I've had a look around at what's out there still, and it's pretty much the same as the last time I looked for my Boxster S. In the end I decided to keep money in the bank instead of opt for a warranty, but the 911 is a much dearer car, etc, so what's the general consensus of opinion on the 997 and warranties? Obviously there's no guarantees in life, but the 3.8 is more reliable than the earlier engines isn't it?
Thanks in advance guys!
I've had a look around at what's out there still, and it's pretty much the same as the last time I looked for my Boxster S. In the end I decided to keep money in the bank instead of opt for a warranty, but the 911 is a much dearer car, etc, so what's the general consensus of opinion on the 997 and warranties? Obviously there's no guarantees in life, but the 3.8 is more reliable than the earlier engines isn't it?
Thanks in advance guys!
We won't believe you unless you put some pictures up! 
But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
rog007 said:
We won't believe you unless you put some pictures up!
But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
That's true, but I'm really wondering if there are major reliability issues with the 997 S. I had an E46 M3 a while back, and they're pretty solid in terms of reliability - no major issues to speak of other than the SMG boxes sometimes. I've read the usual things on the internet about the 997 and all seems pretty fine.But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
rog007 said:
We won't believe you unless you put some pictures up!
But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
That's true, but I'm really wondering if there are major reliability issues with the 997 S. I had an E46 M3 a while back, and they're pretty solid in terms of reliability - no major issues to speak of other than the SMG boxes sometimes. I've read the usual things on the internet about the 997 and all seems pretty fine.But assuming it's true; no one can forecast the reliability of your particular vehicle so your own attitude to risk and financial situation will determine your decision. If money is not a problem, you accept that as a result of homosapiens being involved in the production of your vehicle it will not be perfect and you're willing to pay-as-you-go, then no need for a warranty. If however you scare yourself everytime you hear a whine and are a little strapped for cash, then get a warranty PDQ. Good luck!
Consider the following.
You will need to wait 90 days before going for an OPC warranty
Was last service done by an OPC? If not you will need to pay for an OPC Major service + 111 point check.
If I’m counting correctly you can only have another 2 years OPC warranty because of the cars age, you need to weigh up if it is worth handing over 2k plus the above for 2 years peace of mind.
Considering where you live I’d be looking at a Hartech or similar plan instead.
You will need to wait 90 days before going for an OPC warranty
Was last service done by an OPC? If not you will need to pay for an OPC Major service + 111 point check.
If I’m counting correctly you can only have another 2 years OPC warranty because of the cars age, you need to weigh up if it is worth handing over 2k plus the above for 2 years peace of mind.
Considering where you live I’d be looking at a Hartech or similar plan instead.
mollytherocker said:
This, or just put money aside and assume the worst. If the engine lasts than you have another 5k towards your next car!
MTR
Totally agree with MTR. The forums are littered with examples of cars with third-party warranties that have failed to pay out for a repair when an issue occurs. Some are better than others, but I think I have yet to see a warranty provider without negative comments. MTR
mollytherocker said:
This, or just put money aside and assume the worst. If the engine lasts than you have another 5k towards your next car!
MTR
£5k where did you get that from? £1800 for 2 year warranty + £550 for major service assuming he needs it, if your having the service you'll get 50% off the inspection(£180+vat) no problems so worst case about £2500 - IMO a bargain for a proper warranty, the hartech plan will save you a grand probably, but you could still end up with a significant parts bill if the engine/gearbox lets go. MTR
If you don't intend of modifying and are happy to have services at the OPC then its a no brainer IMO, you won't need a service doing anyway(2 year interval) if you have the major done and aren't doing huge milage.... that leaves what? brake fluid which is a couple of hundred IIRC
Nano2nd said:
mollytherocker said:
This, or just put money aside and assume the worst. If the engine lasts than you have another 5k towards your next car!
MTR
£5k where did you get that from? £1800 for 2 year warranty + £550 for major service assuming he needs it, if your having the service you'll get 50% off the inspection(£180+vat) no problems so worst case about £2500 - IMO a bargain for a proper warranty, the hartech plan will save you a grand probably, but you could still end up with a significant parts bill if the engine/gearbox lets go. MTR
If you don't intend of modifying and are happy to have services at the OPC then its a no brainer IMO, you won't need a service doing anyway(2 year interval) if you have the major done and aren't doing huge milage.... that leaves what? brake fluid which is a couple of hundred IIRC
I see your point re OPC V's Hartech type plan. Sounds like the OP was considering either OPC or nothing so I just put in the Hartech option as a half way house.
Thanks guys. Think it was serviced by Loe Bank (specialist in Bury) so not OPC. I'd been looking at the Hartech option already, though it's interesting to note they mention engine rebuilds being around £3,500 which isn't far off the cost of getting it covered for the next 2 years. Hmm... decisions decisions!
So I'm guessing the 997 is no worse than most cars in terms of reliability of the engine and box? Obviously the costs to put these right are a lot higher. Are there any other things that have a reputation of failing at all?
So I'm guessing the 997 is no worse than most cars in terms of reliability of the engine and box? Obviously the costs to put these right are a lot higher. Are there any other things that have a reputation of failing at all?
Windymiller said:
Are there any other things that have a reputation of failing at all?
clutch slave cylinder, RMS, coil packs and rads are faily common occurances according to this forum, i've not had an issue with rads or RMS, but my clutch slave cylinder had been changed and coil packs. Windymiller said:
Clutch slave and coil packs already done. The rads are still behind the front bumper aren't they? I'll whip it off and check them when I get it home. Couldn't find and evidence of the engine weeping at all - it hadn't been cleaned up either.
yeah rads in the front corners, RMS is really more an annoyance if anythingGassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff