OPC or Specialist...?

[996dom]

My 2000 996 GT3 is due an annual service and I'm not sure were to get it done?

As it stands the service book has 12 OPC stamps and even though I personally am happy to use a specialist like Parr or Jaz I know some people only want to see OPC stamps in the service book if I decide to sell!

What would you do?

[shantybeater]

I was in a similar situation last year, turbo had all OPC stamps. I ended up phoning around the local area and all specialists came back as the same or more expensive than Porsche themselves! Couldn't believe it! One very well known specialist tried to charge almost double!

Obvious choice to make going forward, i was very impressed with the local Porsche center and the service they offered. Did i mention they also gave me a cayman S courtesy car FOC?

[mrdemon]

Stick to OPC

if these cars are going up in Value a full OPC set of stamps is worth money

[anonymous-user]

If I were buying such a car, there are certain independents whose name I would rather see in the book, rather than an OPC.

More important would be a very complete record of regular service and maintenance.

[Actus Reus]

For me it would depend upon the price difference as well as your plans for the car - if it's a keeper and you're happy with an Indy, why not. However, if you're thinking of shifting it on, and the difference isn't that huge, I'd probably go to a (good) OPC - as a potential buyer I'd not be too concerned on a 13 year old car if I saw a few stamps from a good specialist.

[GT3RS]

In my experience a specialist indi with a good reputation provide a better service, take more care and know more about the cars.
I only send my cars to the OPC when under the initial factory warranty and then only for scheduled servicing.

Any additional work I have performed by reputable specialist and have been extremely happy with JZM for the last 10 years.
I send the cars there when new for under body sealing, geo and corner weight checks, have an oil change between 600 and 100 miles etc....
Most of the friends I know do the same.

I don't think a good indi is much cheaper than an OPC (they will often discount servicing especially when the car is a few years old), but from experience I have found they have more knowledge, won't let the apprentice loose with the spanners and take a little more care of your pride and joy.

I would see an indi serviced car as an advantage in most respects and do not see a knowledgeable buyer favoring an OPC history.

[SFO]

if you build a relationship with your OPC, you can ask for the mechanic you trust to work on your car, and for you to watch while he's doing the job.

[Harris_I]

I intend to keep my 6 GT3 for life. I expect it to be in mechanically perfect condition at all times and stopped using OPCs many years ago. Got fed up of having to deal with clueless service "advisors".

How many OPC staff do you see posting on this forum?

[Wyzim]

Harris_I said:

I intend to keep my 6 GT3 for life. I expect it to be in mechanically perfect condition at all times and stopped using OPCs many years ago. Got fed up of having to deal with clueless service "advisors".

How many OPC staff do you see posting on this forum?

Just FYI the last time my car was serviced at an OPC:

- Three alloy wheels scuffed/damaged
- Wheels completely unbalanced, even after two attempts (they gave it back each time saying it was fixed when nothing had been done)
- 50miles on the clock just for a service (independent of the wheel balance miles)

This was Porsche OPC xxxxx [deleted for N&S reasons]... avoid at all costs!!!

They were also completely unhelpful in resolving these issues and required me to chase them every step of the way.

Edited by domster on Friday 13th September 15:38

EDIT: Sorry, didn't realise I wasn't allowed to name and shame the buggers; if anyone is interested in not having their car damaged by an incompetent OPC PM me and i'll tell you the one to avoid.

Edited by Wyzim on Friday 13th September 17:08

Thanks Wyzim, appreciated - domster

Edited by domster on Friday 13th September 17:36

[lotus211]

Specialist everytime after 18 months of shocking opc service .

[TheBMWDriver]

OPC, I had trouble selling my last car because one stamp was done by a specialist. It put people off.

[LaSource]

TheBMWDriver said:

OPC, I had trouble selling my last car because one stamp was done by a specialist. It put people off.

Was it a GT3? Its just that IMHO the Indys tend to see more of them, know more about the cars, and buyers tend to be similarly aware

[ontheloop]

Wyzim said:

Just FYI the last time my car was serviced at an OPC:

- Three alloy wheels scuffed/damaged
- Wheels completely unbalanced, even after two attempts (they gave it back each time saying it was fixed when nothing had been done)
- 50miles on the clock just for a service (independent of the wheel balance miles)

This was Porsche OPC xxxxx [deleted for N&S reasons]... avoid at all costs!!!

They were also completely unhelpful in resolving these issues and required me to chase them every step of the way.

The last time OPC had my GT3, they rang me to tell me that someone had driven into my car whilst on their car park. They sent the car off to their approved body shop who made a total botch job of the repair. I ended up sorting it out with another company and now its perfect again, the accident was, I guess, not their fault but they made no effort so sort it out properly. I really don't think OPC's are interested in the older cars as they are too busy with the new models. The cars are just a commodity to them and the badge is largely irrelevant.

My next service will be at JZM...................

[Wozy68]

shantybeater said:

I was in a similar situation last year, turbo had all OPC stamps. I ended up phoning around the local area and all specialists came back as the same or more expensive than Porsche themselves! Couldn't believe it! One very well known specialist tried to charge almost double!

Obvious choice to make going forward, i was very impressed with the local Porsche center and the service they offered. Did i mention they also gave me a cayman S courtesy car FOC?

This ^. It amazes what some Indies charge, and just how 'competitive' an OPC can be if you push them.