911 991 Spark Plug Change
Discussion
Hi all. My 991 Carrera S is now 4 years old, in for major service in June. By the book, a spark plug change at 4 yrs / 40 k miles is also required, but the car has only done 13k miles. The plugs must be barely worn. The PC says they must be changed, but the car is out of warranty. The cost won't break the bank but seems like a waste of money with such low miles. What do you think - stump up or take the risk?
On a related topic, I'm less than impressed with reliability and mainst costs - an airbag sensor failed months after the warranty ran out - 1400 quid to fix. Fortunately tye PC paid 50% out of goodwill, but 700 quid is still a fortune to change a 20 quid sensor. Then two weeks ago a PSM fail came up, along with cruise and auto stop start fail (must be related) - thought I was facing bankruptcy - fortunately last week the fault self-cleared, but I still dread a reoccurrence each time I fire it up. Frankly this is crap reliability on a any car, but especially so given the low miles, and that in 25 years with lesser cars, no such issues. Anyone else suffered these problems? Is this the reality of long term Porsche ownership? Maybe I got a Monday morning car?
On a related topic, I'm less than impressed with reliability and mainst costs - an airbag sensor failed months after the warranty ran out - 1400 quid to fix. Fortunately tye PC paid 50% out of goodwill, but 700 quid is still a fortune to change a 20 quid sensor. Then two weeks ago a PSM fail came up, along with cruise and auto stop start fail (must be related) - thought I was facing bankruptcy - fortunately last week the fault self-cleared, but I still dread a reoccurrence each time I fire it up. Frankly this is crap reliability on a any car, but especially so given the low miles, and that in 25 years with lesser cars, no such issues. Anyone else suffered these problems? Is this the reality of long term Porsche ownership? Maybe I got a Monday morning car?
Very valid point re plugs possibly seizing. Although they don't really need replacing.
Re Porsche reliability etc as far as I am concerned Porsches are Fiats assembled in Germany. Many plastic parts are actually made in Italy, too. Mostly OK during the warranty period.
No idea how one would keep a modern Porsche running in 20 or 30 years time when hi-tech parts availability dries up and the aftermarket simply can't afford to tool up to make replacements.
Re Porsche reliability etc as far as I am concerned Porsches are Fiats assembled in Germany. Many plastic parts are actually made in Italy, too. Mostly OK during the warranty period.
No idea how one would keep a modern Porsche running in 20 or 30 years time when hi-tech parts availability dries up and the aftermarket simply can't afford to tool up to make replacements.
Many thanks for the prompt replies. Wise words. Based on the weight of opinion, will change the plugs. Seized plugs not worth the risk. But I'll get the "old" plugs back, they can go in next time ....
This is my first 911, bought new. Based on previous ownership of a C-reg 944 (100% reliable) and the presumption of quality, I assumed a low mileage 911 wouldn't go wrong and 2,500 quid for 2 yr extended warranty didn't seem worth it. If nothing else craters in the next 12 months I'll come out ahead.
I guess I'm just coming to terms with the reality of an expensive, complex car - should have polled you guys sooner. Stuff can go wrong, servicing and repairs are expensive - hardly surprising. But overall I'm happy and intend to keep the car indefinitely. Let's hope I had some early teething troubles which would normally surface during the warranty period but didn't because I only do 3k miles a year. Maybe I just need to drive it more!
Thanks again
This is my first 911, bought new. Based on previous ownership of a C-reg 944 (100% reliable) and the presumption of quality, I assumed a low mileage 911 wouldn't go wrong and 2,500 quid for 2 yr extended warranty didn't seem worth it. If nothing else craters in the next 12 months I'll come out ahead.
I guess I'm just coming to terms with the reality of an expensive, complex car - should have polled you guys sooner. Stuff can go wrong, servicing and repairs are expensive - hardly surprising. But overall I'm happy and intend to keep the car indefinitely. Let's hope I had some early teething troubles which would normally surface during the warranty period but didn't because I only do 3k miles a year. Maybe I just need to drive it more!
Thanks again
A bit of a "new car moan", but both failures were sensors, and neither actually stopped the car from operating. Your 944 had neither an airbag nor psm and was reliable... It is a case of complexity and of being built to a cost. The best way to mitigate the impact on you is to take the warranty. I expect the cost of the warranty reflects typical repair costs over time....
But the main thing is to keep enjoying the car!
But the main thing is to keep enjoying the car!
notsobigal said:
Many thanks for the prompt replies. Wise words. Based on the weight of opinion, will change the plugs. Seized plugs not worth the risk. But I'll get the "old" plugs back, they can go in next time ....
This is my first 911, bought new. Based on previous ownership of a C-reg 944 (100% reliable) and the presumption of quality, I assumed a low mileage 911 wouldn't go wrong and 2,500 quid for 2 yr extended warranty didn't seem worth it. If nothing else craters in the next 12 months I'll come out ahead.
I guess I'm just coming to terms with the reality of an expensive, complex car - should have polled you guys sooner. Stuff can go wrong, servicing and repairs are expensive - hardly surprising. But overall I'm happy and intend to keep the car indefinitely. Let's hope I had some early teething troubles which would normally surface during the warranty period but didn't because I only do 3k miles a year. Maybe I just need to drive it more!
Thanks again
Hope you don't adopt the same policy when your brake pads need changing ..........This is my first 911, bought new. Based on previous ownership of a C-reg 944 (100% reliable) and the presumption of quality, I assumed a low mileage 911 wouldn't go wrong and 2,500 quid for 2 yr extended warranty didn't seem worth it. If nothing else craters in the next 12 months I'll come out ahead.
I guess I'm just coming to terms with the reality of an expensive, complex car - should have polled you guys sooner. Stuff can go wrong, servicing and repairs are expensive - hardly surprising. But overall I'm happy and intend to keep the car indefinitely. Let's hope I had some early teething troubles which would normally surface during the warranty period but didn't because I only do 3k miles a year. Maybe I just need to drive it more!
Thanks again
Re brake pads. somewhat more safety critical than spark plugs. 
Naturally with monster brakes and the car not used on track, the pads are barely worn - Many years life left. Raises an interesting point - must be risk of pistons seizing with age, possibly the pads. The maint schedule has a regular pad check - probably wise if it also included a time based tear down and function check. I bet new calipers don't come cheap.
Naturally with monster brakes and the car not used on track, the pads are barely worn - Many years life left. Raises an interesting point - must be risk of pistons seizing with age, possibly the pads. The maint schedule has a regular pad check - probably wise if it also included a time based tear down and function check. I bet new calipers don't come cheap.
With Porsche recently opening the warranty up to 15 years I put warranty on my 996tt. Cost was £1940 for 2 years. Needed the 111 point check but after some discussion got that free.
Have had their warranty before on other cars and has saved money (e.g. one electrical issue with a Boxster ended up costing over a grand). Similar cost to third party warranty but I've not had any quibble over claims.
Have had their warranty before on other cars and has saved money (e.g. one electrical issue with a Boxster ended up costing over a grand). Similar cost to third party warranty but I've not had any quibble over claims.
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