RSJ Sports Cars - Three months on
Discussion
Hi All,
After 3+ months of ownership I thought I would post a follow-up to my RSJ buying experience review thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I still love the X50 and go out of my way to create opportunities for a spirited drive. The car has returned to me that driving for driving sake mentality I have not enjoyed for a while and now with a Tubi exhaust howling away behind me I tend to keep the window down, despite inclement weather.
There have however been a few issues over the three months since I bought the car (I can be a pedant) so it has been back to RSJ under their warranty plan for work to be done. I believe that you can only truly judge a company’s integrity by their behaviour when things go wrong. Rather than consider me a pain in the a$$ RSJ never questioned any of the issues. They simply sent someone over to collect the car and left me a loan car whilst they did the work. Here is what they have done for me since buying the X50:
1. Brake wobble: both front discs replaced, full set of pads and fluid change.
2. Slight leak on one of the radiators: replaced.
3. Rear wheel vibration: Removed, checked and balanced properly. (Quick fit told me it had been repaired due to buckle and could not be balanced but they were wrong. It had simply been repainted, probably due to kerbing).
4. Slight knocking from the rear on bumpy roads: This was a difficult one to rectify. RSJ ended up replacing a number of suspension components and the car went back a few times before finally getting to the bottom of the issue. Most of my rear suspension linkages are new as a result.
5. Clutch release actuator squeaking: Big job! RSJ removed the gearbox and replaced ALL of the release components including slave cylinder, release bearing and complete release mechanism. Whilst the box was off I asked them to fit a brand new GT2 clutch for which they only charged me the trade price for parts.
6. Clutch fluid reservoir squeal / whine: a faulty valve caused this. RSJ replaced the whole unit.
7. Petrol flap locking pin: A small plastic sleeve around the pin had disappeared causing the flap to be easily pulled open despite being locked. RSJ replaced the whole thing.
8. Knobs on PSM were slightly worn: RSJ fitted new ones.
9. Cigarette lighter showed signs of use: RSJ fitted a new one.
10: Slight clunk from gear surround when changing into 4th and 6th: RSJ fixed it.
11: Rattle from sunroof area: RSJ dropped the headlining and replaced all the felt strips within the sunroof mechanism.
Now, I do not know how much all of this work would have totalled, especially at Porsche, but definitely a few thousand pounds. The cost to me has only amounted to being without the car for a few days here and there. RSJ did all the work, covered all the costs and never quibbled.
Compare this to the ‘Gold’ warranty we purchased from the dealer for our other car provided by Autoguard Warranty. After nearly a year of trouble-free motoring in a well cared for, low mileage car the head gasket let go on my wife’s journey back from Cambridge. The first sign she had was that the temperature warning light came on so she stopped the car and had it recovered to our mechanics. They stripped the head off and discovered the head had warped too far for a simple skim so we needed a new head. The total in parts and labour came to over £2000.
After two weeks arguing back and forth, hours wasted on the phone by both me and my mechanics, all our so called ‘Gold’ warranty would cover was the cost of the head gasket. Their small print states that they will only pay for the original component that failed, no subsequent damage is covered. I put it to them that if a con rod bolt fails whilst driving, the piston smashes into the head requiring a complete new engine that this is all one failure. They disagreed and stated that they would only cover the cost of the replacement bolt.
Thank God I put my dealer prejudices aside and bought my X50 from Joel at RSJ. I almost bought a 2005 Turbo S from a private seller a week or so earlier but a few points in Peter Morgan’s report made me think again. It was lower mileage, higher spec and newer car which was a fair bit cheaper than the X50 at RSJ. Considering Peter Morgan said the X50 at RSJ had been much better cared for than the private seller’s car; imagine how much more the Turbo S might have cost me by now…
I should point out that apart from buying a car from Joel, I have no connection with RSJ whatsoever. I know I keep banging on about how good Joel and RSJ are but in the past I have been known for naming and shaming companies when I have bad experiences, going out of my way to ensure as many people as possible are made aware. So it is welcome change to spend as much time and effort extolling the virtues of a company that actually provided me with a service that was better than I expected. I would also like to mention Martin, RSJ's workshop / service manager: His knowledge of Porsche and professionalism is about as good as it gets. Between them Joel and Martin have made Porsche ownership a real pleasure and when I am in the position to upgrade, I will be back hassling them once more.
Whilst you are unlikely to find a cheap Porsche at RSJ you get what you pay for. They may be high-end prices but they sell high-end cars and back this up with a high-end service.
B
After 3+ months of ownership I thought I would post a follow-up to my RSJ buying experience review thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I still love the X50 and go out of my way to create opportunities for a spirited drive. The car has returned to me that driving for driving sake mentality I have not enjoyed for a while and now with a Tubi exhaust howling away behind me I tend to keep the window down, despite inclement weather.
There have however been a few issues over the three months since I bought the car (I can be a pedant) so it has been back to RSJ under their warranty plan for work to be done. I believe that you can only truly judge a company’s integrity by their behaviour when things go wrong. Rather than consider me a pain in the a$$ RSJ never questioned any of the issues. They simply sent someone over to collect the car and left me a loan car whilst they did the work. Here is what they have done for me since buying the X50:
1. Brake wobble: both front discs replaced, full set of pads and fluid change.
2. Slight leak on one of the radiators: replaced.
3. Rear wheel vibration: Removed, checked and balanced properly. (Quick fit told me it had been repaired due to buckle and could not be balanced but they were wrong. It had simply been repainted, probably due to kerbing).
4. Slight knocking from the rear on bumpy roads: This was a difficult one to rectify. RSJ ended up replacing a number of suspension components and the car went back a few times before finally getting to the bottom of the issue. Most of my rear suspension linkages are new as a result.
5. Clutch release actuator squeaking: Big job! RSJ removed the gearbox and replaced ALL of the release components including slave cylinder, release bearing and complete release mechanism. Whilst the box was off I asked them to fit a brand new GT2 clutch for which they only charged me the trade price for parts.
6. Clutch fluid reservoir squeal / whine: a faulty valve caused this. RSJ replaced the whole unit.
7. Petrol flap locking pin: A small plastic sleeve around the pin had disappeared causing the flap to be easily pulled open despite being locked. RSJ replaced the whole thing.
8. Knobs on PSM were slightly worn: RSJ fitted new ones.
9. Cigarette lighter showed signs of use: RSJ fitted a new one.
10: Slight clunk from gear surround when changing into 4th and 6th: RSJ fixed it.
11: Rattle from sunroof area: RSJ dropped the headlining and replaced all the felt strips within the sunroof mechanism.
Now, I do not know how much all of this work would have totalled, especially at Porsche, but definitely a few thousand pounds. The cost to me has only amounted to being without the car for a few days here and there. RSJ did all the work, covered all the costs and never quibbled.
Compare this to the ‘Gold’ warranty we purchased from the dealer for our other car provided by Autoguard Warranty. After nearly a year of trouble-free motoring in a well cared for, low mileage car the head gasket let go on my wife’s journey back from Cambridge. The first sign she had was that the temperature warning light came on so she stopped the car and had it recovered to our mechanics. They stripped the head off and discovered the head had warped too far for a simple skim so we needed a new head. The total in parts and labour came to over £2000.
After two weeks arguing back and forth, hours wasted on the phone by both me and my mechanics, all our so called ‘Gold’ warranty would cover was the cost of the head gasket. Their small print states that they will only pay for the original component that failed, no subsequent damage is covered. I put it to them that if a con rod bolt fails whilst driving, the piston smashes into the head requiring a complete new engine that this is all one failure. They disagreed and stated that they would only cover the cost of the replacement bolt.
Thank God I put my dealer prejudices aside and bought my X50 from Joel at RSJ. I almost bought a 2005 Turbo S from a private seller a week or so earlier but a few points in Peter Morgan’s report made me think again. It was lower mileage, higher spec and newer car which was a fair bit cheaper than the X50 at RSJ. Considering Peter Morgan said the X50 at RSJ had been much better cared for than the private seller’s car; imagine how much more the Turbo S might have cost me by now…
I should point out that apart from buying a car from Joel, I have no connection with RSJ whatsoever. I know I keep banging on about how good Joel and RSJ are but in the past I have been known for naming and shaming companies when I have bad experiences, going out of my way to ensure as many people as possible are made aware. So it is welcome change to spend as much time and effort extolling the virtues of a company that actually provided me with a service that was better than I expected. I would also like to mention Martin, RSJ's workshop / service manager: His knowledge of Porsche and professionalism is about as good as it gets. Between them Joel and Martin have made Porsche ownership a real pleasure and when I am in the position to upgrade, I will be back hassling them once more.
Whilst you are unlikely to find a cheap Porsche at RSJ you get what you pay for. They may be high-end prices but they sell high-end cars and back this up with a high-end service.
B
Interesting feedback... but I must say, this one made me chuckle...
At least their losses on selling/fixing this car will now been made up for with such a good recommendation!
Boggie said:
9. Cigarette lighter showed signs of use: RSJ fitted a new one.
Whilst it sounds as though you've had an exceptionally good service, I wonder why a business selling 2nd hand cars would replace something just because it has been used? At least their losses on selling/fixing this car will now been made up for with such a good recommendation!
Apart from the following:
8. Knobs on PSM were slightly worn: RSJ fitted new ones.
9. Cigarette lighter showed signs of use (legend paint worn off): RSJ fitted a new one.
Which I only mentioned in passing and RSJ fixed them whilst the car was in for other work, all of the other points were legitimate warranty work. Why does that make me a nightmare? Oh, and whilst I know that Joel has resolved a number of issues with this car he was candid about the amount he paid for the car so I am pretty sure he has not made a loss.
I could have bought a different car and there may have been no issues at all. The bottom line here is that there were some problems with this car and Joel stood by his word and resolved them with the minimum of fuss. The result is that I would not hesitate to buy from RSJ again, that is as long as I have not put them off having me as an ongoing customer........ :-)
8. Knobs on PSM were slightly worn: RSJ fitted new ones.
9. Cigarette lighter showed signs of use (legend paint worn off): RSJ fitted a new one.
Which I only mentioned in passing and RSJ fixed them whilst the car was in for other work, all of the other points were legitimate warranty work. Why does that make me a nightmare? Oh, and whilst I know that Joel has resolved a number of issues with this car he was candid about the amount he paid for the car so I am pretty sure he has not made a loss.
I could have bought a different car and there may have been no issues at all. The bottom line here is that there were some problems with this car and Joel stood by his word and resolved them with the minimum of fuss. The result is that I would not hesitate to buy from RSJ again, that is as long as I have not put them off having me as an ongoing customer........ :-)
Wow! You've had your moneys worth out of RSJ alright. 
Bloody hell!
As above, probably a bit better if the issues had been dealt with before sale, but as you say, some things you only notice once you become the longterm owner.
A glowing report for them indeed though with regards to their after sales back up. Nice to hear of the good dealers out there. Credit where credit's due.
These are oldish sports cars at the end of the day, that have been previously enjoyed, for want of a better expression. A bit of patience is always going to be required when running one, regardless of warranty, etc.
Glad you're enjoying the car. Nice to read a positive post.
Bloody hell!As above, probably a bit better if the issues had been dealt with before sale, but as you say, some things you only notice once you become the longterm owner.
A glowing report for them indeed though with regards to their after sales back up. Nice to hear of the good dealers out there. Credit where credit's due.
These are oldish sports cars at the end of the day, that have been previously enjoyed, for want of a better expression. A bit of patience is always going to be required when running one, regardless of warranty, etc.
Glad you're enjoying the car. Nice to read a positive post.
Xstyle said:
Hi Boggie,
How much extra money was the warranty that you bought from RSJ, and for what length of time?
Do you get the car serviced from RSJ as well, or from an OPC?
Does this affect resale clue for not having full "Porsche" service history?
Thanks, X
They include three months all-inclusive warranty with every car. You can buy an additional year's warranty so you get 15 months total but the extended warranty covers labour and half the parts cost, you pay for the other half. If memory serves me correctly it costs a grand.How much extra money was the warranty that you bought from RSJ, and for what length of time?
Do you get the car serviced from RSJ as well, or from an OPC?
Does this affect resale clue for not having full "Porsche" service history?
Thanks, X
I went to RSJ last month to have a look around. Quite a random place for a showroom but they have a good range of cars and theyre all spotless. Joel was pretty helpful too. Didnt offer me a great p/x on my car, but if I was going to buy a 2nd hand Porsche it would definitely be with them.
Panthro said:
I went to RSJ last month to have a look around. Quite a random place for a showroom but they have a good range of cars and theyre all spotless. Joel was pretty helpful too. Didnt offer me a great p/x on my car, but if I was going to buy a 2nd hand Porsche it would definitely be with them.
Based on the above I'm surprised he can afford to offer you anything for it! There's no way he could have still turned a profit on that turbo unless he had a £10k margin in it!
mollytherocker said:
Its certainly impressive that they have spent so much and money and time getting your car sorted.
But.
Did they not check the car and prep it before you bought it?
I maybe being a little harsh.
MTR
Agreed perhaps harsh, but I would have thought most of those issues would have been picked up in a thorough inspection before the car went on sale? But.
Did they not check the car and prep it before you bought it?
I maybe being a little harsh.
MTR
But good to know once found they sorted them.
First of all commend the service you have received Boggie...that goes without saying.
However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
esantini said:
First of all commend the service you have received Boggie...that goes without saying.
However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
The conspiracy theory!However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
Any dealer replacing an owners worn out knob is going well above the call of duty
esantini said:
First of all commend the service you have received Boggie...that goes without saying.
However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
Interesting view and would be a logical strategy I suppose apart from the fact that it could motivate all other buyers to contact them for a similar service!However, I must say that the service you have received is not typical of any other buyer, even at RSJ...Maybe a little cynical, but just reading through your posts, your buying experience has been very public shall we say...from the onset, inspection, issues, etc have all been very well publicised, naming the dealer at every step (perhaps intentionally, in which case smart move)...hence a dealer with a bit of common sense will keep you happy as they know that you are a public person, giving your opinions to the PH world every step of the way, so the dealer goes the extra mile, because they know you will then report back - and if they don't keep you happy they also know you will be able to report back and take away all the good publicity!
I am 100% sure having known a couple of people who have bought from said dealer (who also received decent service - but not at your level), that the service you received was a special case, I mean replacing a cigarette lighter which shows signs of use is not the norm even for the real top dealers...and collecting your car, giving you a courtesy car...these are not normal procedures for an indy from the experience I have had!!
I may get shouted down for this post, but just offering an alternative view.
MTR
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