Independent Porsche specialists in South West

[andy400]

Looking to get my 1989 944 S2 serviced soon and would rather not pay dealer prices. Anyone know of any independents in the SW area. I'm in Dartmouth.

[Paul Dishman]

Crispin Manners is your best bet : Oak Tree Garage, Newton Poppleford, Sidmouth.

He advertises in Porsche Post each month. I've been going to him for years- highly recommended and very popular so you might have to wait.

[softinthehead]

I would second that. Been using Oaktree for 5+ years, first on 944 and now on 968.

plus points - he is VERY thorough, pragmatic and extremely knowledgeable. you are most unlikley to present him with a problem he hasnt sorted many times before. He is also realistic

negatives - he is very thorough! this can lead to larger bills, which you will justify as soon as you leave and you realise the car is completely sorted. He is still half the price (or less) of OPC.

I dont know of any other specialist near to you. The next one up that I can think of is in Bristol (Porschetech).

If you have an older porsche I'd share your caution against the OPC near you. They are very well meaning but dont, IMHO, have the experience in dealing with "mature" models and increasingly they seem to rely on diagnostic laptops rather than mechanical common sense. And they charge £85+VAT per hr. and some porsche approved parts may have a 400% mark-up. need I go on?

>> Edited by softinthehead on Friday 15th July 16:54