Porsche Specialists really??

[Sebba]

This may prove be a bit of a pointless rant & no-one may agree but thought I would share my thoughts....

Is it just me or with the rise of porsche prices, are specialists just getting a little more lax/less focused?

Especially with the larger of the so called "well respected" specialists (don't worry, respecting the rule of the land - no naming or shaming), the service has become impersonal - no rudeness or outstandingly exuberant billing but the experience is not too dissimilar to a main dealer.

In fact, with some, if you ain't rolling up in a GT2 or GT3, you're kind of a 2nd class citzen.

I appreciate with the price rises of some of the cars, this is the brave new world we live in but I was hoping for a fine balance between profitability & customer service (which is linked to passion for the job) - anyone who has dealt with Chris Franklin @ Centre Gravity would know exactly what I am talking about.....

Anyway, am sure most will probably disagree but thought I would put it out there anyway.......rant over

[Fl0pp3r]

I suspect it's a case of not having found the right one mate. There are plenty of good honest ones out there doing a good job for their loyal customers. For the same reason of not shaming, I won't name in praise either! Well, maybe in a wee bit once the arguing starts :-)

[Shaoxter]

I think you're right in saying that some of them have become pretty big names and are essentially just like main dealers. Fixed price servicing is often more expensive than main dealers too!

Just to add, I've never had a bad experience at one of these big indys but with all the receptionists it does feel a bit main dealery.

[88racing]

I think I know who the OP means - and I agree. They are very expensive and I wouldn't dare take a Boxster there. Plenty of other excellent Porsche specialists not a million miles away, such as RPM Technik and Jaz.

Chris.

[Fl0pp3r]

88racing said:

I think I know who the OP means - and I agree. They are very expensive and I wouldn't dare take a Boxster there. Plenty of other excellent Porsche specialists not a million miles away, such as RPM Technik and Jaz.

Chris.

Agree. I've heard good things spoken about all of those, and I will add my own choice La Rose in Kemsing, Kent who do highly competent work, and are very reasonably priced imo.

[m444ttb]

I only have experience of two specialists, but both are pretty big names (Autofarm and Hartech). Autofarm I've been a paying customer of and they've been very good. Attention to detail, good communication and friendly. All the things i could want. Hartech I've not given a single penny to yet (this is about to change somewhat!) but they have been great. I spent quite a while discussing engine options with Grant @ Hartech a could of weeks ago and I'd previously been in touch while i was looking for a car to find out what their version of the truth is (one im sold on it has to be said).

Personally I'm not wedded to using specialists but they are often a good place to start. I have always used a specialist for my BMWs as a good friend of mine runs one in Bristol. It's one of the things that would keep me buying a certain make of car as i have a fundamental distrust of garages.

[UrbanAchiever]

I used a specialist for servicing in the North of England with a very good reputation, but was left disappointed. Their bold claims never matched their attention to detail or customer service that I experienced. I would describe them as subtly arrogant.

[Sebba]

m444ttb said:

Their bold claims never matched their attention to detail or customer service that I experienced. I would describe them as subtly arrogant.

I think this closely matches what I was trying to get at but whilst I may not fully agree with some, I acknowledge all the other responses out there - there must be some good indys out there...

[Digga]

My take on service specialists is that if they're any good, they're busy, very busy. Conversely, as with decent tradesmen, I'm always a little dubious of people who are always ready to drop straight onto a job, as opposed to having a good few weeks or months of (planned) work ahead of them.

Given the above, I can see there's scope for complacency and perhaps a little arrogance and certainly they will ficus time on clients who, over time, offer the lowest faff to work ratios.

[Mark A S]

Matt at Fearnsports has been terrific with myself and my 996t, strait, honest and above all,,,,,,,,,,,,, no BS.

{ That must be worth some discount }

[nxi20]

Mark A S said:

Matt at Fearnsports has been terrific with myself and my 996t, strait, honest and above all,,,,,,,,,,,,, no BS.

{ That must be worth some discount }

+1

Been using Matt for 7 years now. He looks after all 3 of my 911s & I wouldn't take them anywhere else. Cannot fault the service, knowledge & enthusiasm

{ I don't think that will get me a discount though! }