Discussion
My 997.2 GT3, which I've owned from new, will be coming to the end of its current extended warranty in the next couple of months. So far, fingers crossed, I've not had to make a claim against the warranty so, before deciding whether or not to renew, I'd be grateful for any feedback from other owners on their experiences with issues that have led to warranty work - apart from the recalls for hubs etc
Many thanks
Many thanks
Mine is a 996 GT3 and when Porsche changed the warranty regulations I decided against renewing it due to non standard items that I have on my car.
I have however, put the same amount away as the annual Porsche warranty fee (every year) for the last few years and have a good budget available should anything unforeseen crop up.
HTH
I have however, put the same amount away as the annual Porsche warranty fee (every year) for the last few years and have a good budget available should anything unforeseen crop up.
HTH
I am actually about to mail them tonight with a query that may very much shape my opinion on this question... I'll let you know.
In general though, the current price of the warranty means that you need a catastrophic engine or gearbox failure for it to make sense if you keep your car long term (i.e. out to the maximum age that it can be warrantied). If you plan to only keep the car a year or 2 the scheme is a good idea as a hedge against unexpected expenditure but for long term owners putting the money in the bank is a better option.
Personally - I will not extend mine (the car came with 2 years and 11 months of coverage when I bought it - runs out in almost exactly a year from now) as I tend to keep cars for unusually long periods.
BUT
On the 997.2 I do know people who have had a very large amount of expensive work done under warranty. One 3.8RS owner I know has experienced failure of the titanium centre back box, lift system and clutch release plate all over the last couple of years - collectively many thousands worth of bills avoided. However - if the OP doesn't have an RS with its expensive and fragile exhaust nor the lift system, the case is not as compelling IMHO.
In general though, the current price of the warranty means that you need a catastrophic engine or gearbox failure for it to make sense if you keep your car long term (i.e. out to the maximum age that it can be warrantied). If you plan to only keep the car a year or 2 the scheme is a good idea as a hedge against unexpected expenditure but for long term owners putting the money in the bank is a better option.
Personally - I will not extend mine (the car came with 2 years and 11 months of coverage when I bought it - runs out in almost exactly a year from now) as I tend to keep cars for unusually long periods.
BUT
On the 997.2 I do know people who have had a very large amount of expensive work done under warranty. One 3.8RS owner I know has experienced failure of the titanium centre back box, lift system and clutch release plate all over the last couple of years - collectively many thousands worth of bills avoided. However - if the OP doesn't have an RS with its expensive and fragile exhaust nor the lift system, the case is not as compelling IMHO.
DiscoColin said:
I am actually about to mail them tonight with a query that may very much shape my opinion on this question... I'll let you know.
In general though, the current price of the warranty means that you need a catastrophic engine or gearbox failure for it to make sense if you keep your car long term (i.e. out to the maximum age that it can be warrantied). If you plan to only keep the car a year or 2 the scheme is a good idea as a hedge against unexpected expenditure but for long term owners putting the money in the bank is a better option.
Personally - I will not extend mine (the car came with 2 years and 11 months of coverage when I bought it - runs out in almost exactly a year from now) as I tend to keep cars for unusually long periods.
BUT
On the 997.2 I do know people who have had a very large amount of expensive work done under warranty. One 3.8RS owner I know has experienced failure of the titanium centre back box, lift system and clutch release plate all over the last couple of years - collectively many thousands worth of bills avoided. However - if the OP doesn't have an RS with its expensive and fragile exhaust nor the lift system, the case is not as compelling IMHO.
Hi Colin, but according to your profile your car is fitted with Alcon`s which is a big no-no for the Porsche Warranty. So help the OP/us with this issue please?In general though, the current price of the warranty means that you need a catastrophic engine or gearbox failure for it to make sense if you keep your car long term (i.e. out to the maximum age that it can be warrantied). If you plan to only keep the car a year or 2 the scheme is a good idea as a hedge against unexpected expenditure but for long term owners putting the money in the bank is a better option.
Personally - I will not extend mine (the car came with 2 years and 11 months of coverage when I bought it - runs out in almost exactly a year from now) as I tend to keep cars for unusually long periods.
BUT
On the 997.2 I do know people who have had a very large amount of expensive work done under warranty. One 3.8RS owner I know has experienced failure of the titanium centre back box, lift system and clutch release plate all over the last couple of years - collectively many thousands worth of bills avoided. However - if the OP doesn't have an RS with its expensive and fragile exhaust nor the lift system, the case is not as compelling IMHO.
Blimey, I thought that there might be some responses that detailed problems but apart from the titanium exhaust problem on the RS version and the lift system which isn't on the car, is that it?
Apart from the two hub recalls mine has been perfect so maybe, as one of the posters said, it's better just to stick the money away somewhere as a contingency fund?
Apart from the two hub recalls mine has been perfect so maybe, as one of the posters said, it's better just to stick the money away somewhere as a contingency fund?
My 997 Gen2 GT3 required a gearbox repair after 8k road miles, thankfully done under warranty.
There was no dispute as it's a 'known issue', with a specific technical bulletin related to it, basically the issue was jumping out of 2nd gear on the over run.
My impression was it affects very few cars, not enough for any recall anyway, but it may be worth sounding them out, and check if it would be fixed under goodwill, if you didn't have a warranty.
There was no dispute as it's a 'known issue', with a specific technical bulletin related to it, basically the issue was jumping out of 2nd gear on the over run.
My impression was it affects very few cars, not enough for any recall anyway, but it may be worth sounding them out, and check if it would be fixed under goodwill, if you didn't have a warranty.
I have had an extended warranty for the past two years on mine and have had several items replaced or repaired in that time
Starter motor , intermittent fault and then packing up completely , both times needed to be flat bed trucked to the dealer and I had a hire car whilst they looked at it
Battery ( well they all do that )
Spring in the rear hand brake , took 3 days to fit due to part shortage , had loan car for the duration .
Aluminium washers on the rear cooling pipe corroding leading to the drain plugs dripping a bit .I actually replaced these myself but they posted me the parts !
At OPC rates I have probably broken even . I will renew in December for another two years , at the very least I will know what my running costs will be and as I run mine as my company car my business partners are not going to have to share in a large unexpected bill if it all goes pop . .
Starter motor , intermittent fault and then packing up completely , both times needed to be flat bed trucked to the dealer and I had a hire car whilst they looked at it
Battery ( well they all do that )
Spring in the rear hand brake , took 3 days to fit due to part shortage , had loan car for the duration .
Aluminium washers on the rear cooling pipe corroding leading to the drain plugs dripping a bit .I actually replaced these myself but they posted me the parts !
At OPC rates I have probably broken even . I will renew in December for another two years , at the very least I will know what my running costs will be and as I run mine as my company car my business partners are not going to have to share in a large unexpected bill if it all goes pop . .
Edited by curley on Wednesday 13th November 20:26
I'm not in a GT3, but I have been in a 997.2 T4S since July 2013.
So far I've used the warranty twice. First was due to the roof-blind mechanism failing - the new parts and labour were fully covered. Admitedly a problem unique to a Targa.
The second time, one of my left-bank pre-cat oxygen sensors failed. It caused the right-bank's one to soot up while running in limp-home mode, and so both were replaced even though only the left had actually failed. This is an important point. The OPCs like extended warranty work because they are getting the workshop labour paid. They were able to claim for the second sensor as knock-on damage from the first, even though it could have been cleaned up.
It's also worth noting that on both occasions I drove to my OPC (conveniently only 10 miles away) and was given a hire car. The first time I was promised a Cayman R, but it hadn't come back and so I was given a Cayenne. The second time a VW Passat. In both cases I was in work by 9am.
And finally, when I collected the car, it had been valeted inside and out, again for free. These are only small things, but to me, I think they all add up.
The downside? I've had to put PS2s on instead of PSSs!
So far I've used the warranty twice. First was due to the roof-blind mechanism failing - the new parts and labour were fully covered. Admitedly a problem unique to a Targa.
The second time, one of my left-bank pre-cat oxygen sensors failed. It caused the right-bank's one to soot up while running in limp-home mode, and so both were replaced even though only the left had actually failed. This is an important point. The OPCs like extended warranty work because they are getting the workshop labour paid. They were able to claim for the second sensor as knock-on damage from the first, even though it could have been cleaned up.
It's also worth noting that on both occasions I drove to my OPC (conveniently only 10 miles away) and was given a hire car. The first time I was promised a Cayman R, but it hadn't come back and so I was given a Cayenne. The second time a VW Passat. In both cases I was in work by 9am.
And finally, when I collected the car, it had been valeted inside and out, again for free. These are only small things, but to me, I think they all add up.
The downside? I've had to put PS2s on instead of PSSs!
Porsche is one of or not the most profitable car mainstream car companies. However my thoughts are that that profit does not come from the warranties they sell and I will try and explain my thoughts as I think the warranties are competitively priced and worth the payments...
Porsche has a reputation for making performance cars but, unlike other manufacturers, reliable performance cars. For instance, I expect many people of reasonable (but not extravagant) means would purchase a Porsche due to expected lower running and repair bills (amongst other reasons obviously!). Therefore Porsche has a reputation to uphold being able to deliver the reliable performance to customers and maintain that desirable image. I understand the RMS and IMS issues are fully covered under warranty to try and preserve this.
I would therefore believe it would be in Porsche's interests to want customers to purchase a warranty to preserve the reliability of their cars and make sure faults are replaced with OP components. The warranty, after all requires cars to be kept (near enough) original and serviced at an OPC. Therefore Porsche can maintain this for resale and preserve customer loyalty, not to mention guaranteed service work. Bear in mind that Porsche staff will be a near fixed cost for Porsche (regular working hours etc), there will be no real marginal labour costs. Certainly offering warranties guarantees income for Porsche, fixed future cashflows for creditors (decrease lending costs) and employee full time employees (not more expensive temps/overtime).
For these reasons a warranty appears good value. I would want Porsche to keep my car in original condition for strong resale (even if I sell it back to an OPC, the OPC will be able to sell it on faster so good for them). Piece of mind will be greater also as for modest (not extortionate) owners as the downside risk of an engine failure is extreme. Remember that if you are putting away the warranty cost each month into a sinking fund it could work out well for you. However, we also need to remember that if you are comparing the annual cost to an expensive engine/gearbox fix, remember also that this problem could occur more than once! Therefore this is the downside risk the warrant hedges against and I would purchase an OPC warranty given the choice.
It would be interesting to get some further thoughts on these comments. It would be also interesting to know where Porsche generates most of its revenues from. I would imagine its finance packages would be the ones. Certainly 7.9% APR seems very high to me. However Porsche can probably charge this due to the fact they have a strong reputation and offer warranties on new and used vehicles. It is my thought that Porsche are very profitable because they can really use their strong image to encourage individuals to purchase cars on credit due to customers not having ready cash. I do not think the warranty will be a big money spinner directly. It should add to Porsche's image leading Porsche to sell more new and used cars on credit. Thoughts...?
Porsche has a reputation for making performance cars but, unlike other manufacturers, reliable performance cars. For instance, I expect many people of reasonable (but not extravagant) means would purchase a Porsche due to expected lower running and repair bills (amongst other reasons obviously!). Therefore Porsche has a reputation to uphold being able to deliver the reliable performance to customers and maintain that desirable image. I understand the RMS and IMS issues are fully covered under warranty to try and preserve this.
I would therefore believe it would be in Porsche's interests to want customers to purchase a warranty to preserve the reliability of their cars and make sure faults are replaced with OP components. The warranty, after all requires cars to be kept (near enough) original and serviced at an OPC. Therefore Porsche can maintain this for resale and preserve customer loyalty, not to mention guaranteed service work. Bear in mind that Porsche staff will be a near fixed cost for Porsche (regular working hours etc), there will be no real marginal labour costs. Certainly offering warranties guarantees income for Porsche, fixed future cashflows for creditors (decrease lending costs) and employee full time employees (not more expensive temps/overtime).
For these reasons a warranty appears good value. I would want Porsche to keep my car in original condition for strong resale (even if I sell it back to an OPC, the OPC will be able to sell it on faster so good for them). Piece of mind will be greater also as for modest (not extortionate) owners as the downside risk of an engine failure is extreme. Remember that if you are putting away the warranty cost each month into a sinking fund it could work out well for you. However, we also need to remember that if you are comparing the annual cost to an expensive engine/gearbox fix, remember also that this problem could occur more than once! Therefore this is the downside risk the warrant hedges against and I would purchase an OPC warranty given the choice.
It would be interesting to get some further thoughts on these comments. It would be also interesting to know where Porsche generates most of its revenues from. I would imagine its finance packages would be the ones. Certainly 7.9% APR seems very high to me. However Porsche can probably charge this due to the fact they have a strong reputation and offer warranties on new and used vehicles. It is my thought that Porsche are very profitable because they can really use their strong image to encourage individuals to purchase cars on credit due to customers not having ready cash. I do not think the warranty will be a big money spinner directly. It should add to Porsche's image leading Porsche to sell more new and used cars on credit. Thoughts...?
Most of Porsche's profit is generated through the sale of cars - the margin on new cars is huge and if the trade-in value v forecourt price is anything to go by, second hand cars must also turn in a decent margin
I would say, as for most garages servicing, repairs and warranty work is the 'business as usual' work and keeps the OPCs afloat in hard times.
In terms of going for any warranty, in my experience it is usually down to how much you use the car. At around 5k miles per year almost dry use only, I have never remotely broken even on any warranty against a high performance car. As another poster suggested, probably best to put the warranty money into a slush fund - especially if you are keeping long term and using indys - you will save close to £2700 over two years. my last minor service was £850 because it included brake and a/c fluid changes
For cars doing >10k/year used as dailys, in the winter and/or wet, I have just about broken even over a three year period, and of course it gives you peace of mind, a replacement car when it goes wrong and service/repair history from the dealer. For this reason, I will take out another warranty on my long term daily.
btw the OPC warranty is pretty good value - try getting a similar one through warrantywise/warranty direct that cover dealers rates of around £150/h inclusive and things like media centres, a/c, airbags etc
I would say, as for most garages servicing, repairs and warranty work is the 'business as usual' work and keeps the OPCs afloat in hard times.
In terms of going for any warranty, in my experience it is usually down to how much you use the car. At around 5k miles per year almost dry use only, I have never remotely broken even on any warranty against a high performance car. As another poster suggested, probably best to put the warranty money into a slush fund - especially if you are keeping long term and using indys - you will save close to £2700 over two years. my last minor service was £850 because it included brake and a/c fluid changes
For cars doing >10k/year used as dailys, in the winter and/or wet, I have just about broken even over a three year period, and of course it gives you peace of mind, a replacement car when it goes wrong and service/repair history from the dealer. For this reason, I will take out another warranty on my long term daily.
btw the OPC warranty is pretty good value - try getting a similar one through warrantywise/warranty direct that cover dealers rates of around £150/h inclusive and things like media centres, a/c, airbags etc
Thank you for all the replies and it's interesting how few problems there seem to have been with these cars which pretty much mirrors my experience. The car is a keeper as currently I just don't see anything that I'd want as a replacement and with the mileage that I'm doing it should have a very long life (hopefully!)
David Hype said:
Hi Colin, but according to your profile your car is fitted with Alcon`s which is a big no-no for the Porsche Warranty. So help the OP/us with this issue please?
There may be some variation between OPCs, but according to mine it isn't a problem for warranty items unrelated to what you have changed, however they absolutely would not be able to do a warranty extension with them fitted. I have been running Alcons on my GT3s for over 6 years now and it has never been a problem before (I have checked and it is still apparently the case). Note that if you do a forum search you ought to be able to find numerous other cases of this. Please remember though that if the car has had a serious over-rev then claims against the drivetrain should be expected to be rejected outright and also I believe that once outside the original manufacturers 2 year warranty (i.e. once on the extended warranty) you will need to have had it serviced at least in line with the official schedule by OPCs.The important part though is that if you wish to extend a warranty you must keep it completely standard spec and your options for altering the car amount to nothing more than geo setup and Tequipment cosmetic changes. Battery, brakes, tyres (sizes and N rating) and everything else would all have to be original equipment.
A footnote to this is that I believe that cars that have been serviced to schedule but outside the OPC network and using official parts can sometimes be brought back into warranty if you pay for the appropriate inspection and the car is approved by the warranty people. Also I have in the past heard of Porsche accepting over-reved cars into warranty with (again at owners cost) a suitably thorough inspection of the engine's internals being passed, though I don't know if that is always (or indeed currently) an option.
peralta said:
My 997.2 GT3, which I've owned from new, will be coming to the end of its current extended warranty in the next couple of months. So far, fingers crossed, I've not had to make a claim against the warranty so, before deciding whether or not to renew, I'd be grateful for any feedback from other owners on their experiences with issues that have led to warranty work - apart from the recalls for hubs etc
Many thanks
on my 997.1 c4s I've had an engine rebuilt, new wiring loom, and a few other bits - I think the engine rebuild alone was about 13k at opc rates. (still in first year, but all sorted now!). 3 times flatbedded and hire car with no hassle at all. - certainly over 15k's worth at retail rates.Many thanks
I think if you've got a 5+ year old DD, the warrantee represents stunning value for money - you can drive it as intended and let Porsche pick up the pieces without worry. Admittedly the 997.1s may not have been their strongest engine ever but I wouldn't fancy one without the warrantee in place.
I've just had my second wheel hub replaced this year (offside this time - thought they'd have replaced both first time round!).
On the way to the dealer the airbag light started to flash intermittently. A new instrument cluster was diagnosed!
Whilst it's in they are also looking at lubricating the horn (which embarrassingly stuck on the last time I pipped it to say goodbye to friends) and the clutch switch is being replaced again after starting the car became a bit hit and miss.
Suffice to say I'll be renewing my warranty on my GT3.2 next year just for the peace of mind alone.
On the way to the dealer the airbag light started to flash intermittently. A new instrument cluster was diagnosed!
Whilst it's in they are also looking at lubricating the horn (which embarrassingly stuck on the last time I pipped it to say goodbye to friends) and the clutch switch is being replaced again after starting the car became a bit hit and miss.
Suffice to say I'll be renewing my warranty on my GT3.2 next year just for the peace of mind alone.
Edited by jms1 on Tuesday 26th November 07:02
997.1 GT3 owned for almost three years and 20,000miles and think the 1400ish / yr is well worth the piece of mind, not to mention the selection of lovey Panamera/991/Boxter/Caymen loan cars I've had over the time which has made any repairs an enjoyable experience.
Replaced parts?
Input Shaft Bearing (gearbox out)
Three new front shocks (1 first, then a pair three months later)
Two pairs of top mounts (I believe these are 300.00ea!)
Various suspension parts to the front
Two rear coil springs.
Radiator
RMS - huge bill prior to my ownership - like in excess if 4000.00!
PSE actuator
Coolant hose
1400 a year? Bargin
Stevie
NB: in 20,000miles I doubt I've done anymore than 300track miles!
Replaced parts?
Input Shaft Bearing (gearbox out)
Three new front shocks (1 first, then a pair three months later)
Two pairs of top mounts (I believe these are 300.00ea!)
Various suspension parts to the front
Two rear coil springs.
Radiator
RMS - huge bill prior to my ownership - like in excess if 4000.00!
PSE actuator
Coolant hose
1400 a year? Bargin
Stevie
NB: in 20,000miles I doubt I've done anymore than 300track miles!
Steviebeee said:
997.1 GT3 owned for almost three years and 20,000miles .....
Replaced parts?
Input Shaft Bearing (gearbox out)
Three new front shocks (1 first, then a pair three months later)
Two pairs of top mounts (I believe these are 300.00ea!)
Various suspension parts to the front
Two rear coil springs.
Radiator
RMS - huge bill prior to my ownership - like in excess if 4000.00!
PSE actuator
Coolant hose
1400 a year? Bargin
Stevie
NB: in 20,000miles I doubt I've done anymore than 300track miles!
Interesting that on a mezger and race derived product you have had the rms and input shaft bearing with very little track time Replaced parts?
Input Shaft Bearing (gearbox out)
Three new front shocks (1 first, then a pair three months later)
Two pairs of top mounts (I believe these are 300.00ea!)
Various suspension parts to the front
Two rear coil springs.
Radiator
RMS - huge bill prior to my ownership - like in excess if 4000.00!
PSE actuator
Coolant hose
1400 a year? Bargin
Stevie
NB: in 20,000miles I doubt I've done anymore than 300track miles!
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