Which South East OPC for servicing? Positive comments?

[Big E 118]

Inspired by the Glasgow OPC thread I thought I'd ask about peoples good experiences with South East OPC's.

I'm new to Porsche so haven't used any OPC's for servicing and I've got a service coming up on my Spyder soon.

I live near to Junction 6 of the M25 so really smack in the middle of Guildford and Tonbridge OPC's but work down in Sussex so Mid Sussex isn't too far either. West London is out as I went there interested in buying a car they had in stock and got completely ignored, as a matter of principle I'll not give them any business.

I bought the car at East London and the sales team were very good but they're too awkward to get to for me for servicing.

What should I expect from an OPC? Courtesy car/collection etc? I'm coming from BMW who are just st when it comes to any courtesy car or any decent level of service.

[Roadrunner996]

I used Tonbridge last summer for a minor service on my GT3. They arranged an MOT and also fitted a new rad while the car was in (under warranty).
I live in Tunbridge Wells and didn't need a car so they dropped my off at Tonbridge station.
I bought a few parts from them for my previous 996 and always found them helpful. They've even dropped items off to my house when out-and-about making parts deliveries.
Overall I've found them very professional (I have no experience of any other OPC's).

[sidicks]

Roadrunner996 said:

I used Tonbridge last summer for a minor service on my GT3. They arranged an MOT and also fitted a new rad while the car was in (under warranty).
I live in Tunbridge Wells and didn't need a car so they dropped my off at Tonbridge station.
I bought a few parts from them for my previous 996 and always found them helpful. They've even dropped items off to my house when out-and-about making parts deliveries.
Overall I've found them very professional (I have no experience of any other OPC's).

I live in Tunbridge Wells and bought my previous Porsche from Tonbridge, where it was serviced for the first 4 or 5 years or so. I noticed a drop-off in the customer experience as my car got older and I switched to Mid-Sussex where the experience was extremely good (and where I've ordered my new GT3 from), which is where it will probably be serviced.

Other people rate Tonbridge highly, and my experience was more about a decline in standards from high to average, rather than anything seriously wrong, so don't let me put you off...

Edited by sidicks on Thursday 16th January 17:19

[Martian O]

Any OPC as long as it's not West London. I wouldn't use them even if I broke down outside their door!

[tr7v8]

As the Kent TIPEC group we have a good relationship with Tonbridge & also get a discount on both parts & labour. I have used them for the past near 2 years with a 986 & have always been happy with them. They were very helpful when the water pump went very early on a Saturday morning on the Chunnel slip road! We arrived at 09:00 on an AA recovery wagon & left with a repaired car at 11:00. They were literally waiting for us to arrive. I have no experience with Mid Sussex but a lot of the SE TIPEC guys use them & have been impressed.

[Johnthepotter]

I have been using Mid Sussex for many years. No complaints.

[AlexH997]

opc portsmouth are top notch

[SonnyM]

Speak with Simon at Mid Sussex and ask him for the maxim discount possible.

I live in Limehouse and have been going to MS for over 4 years. There is no substitute.

[Magic919]

I've used Guildford a few times and I suggest trying Tonbridge if they are nearby. Guildford seem to have the knack of snatching failure from the jaws of success. The reception staff and sales were great, the service advisors a bit hit and miss. The DP is great, but I'm 50/50 on the workshop.

[Big E 118]

Thanks for all the feedback so far, one benefit for Tonbridge over Guildford for me is decent B roads to get there and back rather than the M25!

[Captain James T]

I've used Tonbridge for the last 12 years for both sales and service and save for the rare 'blip' have been great. Privately owned dealer which seems to make all the difference because I see the same faces year in and year out

[tr7v8]

If its a big service then TIPEC get 10% across the board, membership is £50 for two years so you could save that on a service

[SonnyM]

Same with PCGB OAP membership. I have that and it gets me 10% off the total bill not just parts.

[79TurboS]

Ive used both Tonbridge and East London for service work, both faultless..Tonbridge just edging it as they have a free pick up and delivery service and pricing very competitive.

[WindyMiller67]

I've had a warranty and non-warranty work done at Guildford - all good.
They do loan cars - I have had a Cayenne and a Passat - but you have to book typically 2 weeks in advance for this.
Car always gets a good valet afterwards.

[Siy]

Porsche Byfleet without a doubt... it's the old Camtune guys - they are passionate about their cars... Can't recommend them enough

[Actus Reus]

Cambridge. NEVER Hatfield.

[burman]

Agree with all comments regarding Tonbridge-- just bought my Gen 2 CS from them before Christmas
Have had a good relationship with Cambridge also both good places to buy a car from and Cambridge is OK for service also.

[exigepete]

Heard good things about Mid Sussex, used Guildford once for a Minor Service and warranty renewal on my old 997 CS2, wasn't impressed, they messed the invoice up which delayed me when I collected the car.

[Carl_Docklands]

I have used a few of them East London were the best in terms of level of service but Cambridge, Tonbridge and East London all have good mechanics.

East London used to pick my car up from my house, drop off a new 911 as a courtesy car and bring my Boxster back to me when serviced.

As I have said in another thread, whomever used to detail the cars at East London was also top notch.