What should I expect from an Approved Used Porker?
Discussion
I finally got my 971 Panny today, after a month of waiting for it to be prepared. It ended up being delivered to me as they didn't have it ready in time for me to pick up on the day they said it would be, so nervously, I bought the car blind.
Firstly, over the moon, as I imagined it to be a 4-seater 911, and it really does look like that in the flesh.
I've moved up from an 8 series, and the interior is so much better in the Panamera than the 8 series, even though the 8 series is loaded with tech.
My question really revolves around what should I expect from a Pre-owned Approved Porsche?
The wheels have been refurbed, and look great, but there are some quite deep marks on the paintwork one of the doors (when I say deep marks, my nail feels them). Am I expecting too much to have had that fixed? Should I contact the dealership about it, or just leave it? The sensible amongst you must have an opinion on how anal I should be...
Firstly, over the moon, as I imagined it to be a 4-seater 911, and it really does look like that in the flesh.
I've moved up from an 8 series, and the interior is so much better in the Panamera than the 8 series, even though the 8 series is loaded with tech.
My question really revolves around what should I expect from a Pre-owned Approved Porsche?
The wheels have been refurbed, and look great, but there are some quite deep marks on the paintwork one of the doors (when I say deep marks, my nail feels them). Am I expecting too much to have had that fixed? Should I contact the dealership about it, or just leave it? The sensible amongst you must have an opinion on how anal I should be...
I wouldn't put up with that. How old is the car, and ask yourself if you were part ex-ing the car back to them would they knock you on the pre-inspection price if it was presented to them in the condition its been presented to you.
My own experience was a 3 month old car that had seen paint up front and they were honest about it (ex dealer principles car), but to my eye all looked spot on. My detailer on the other hand found loads of minor concerns, all of which he remedied.
Were they up front about any issues?, and if so was it reflected in the price - if not I'd be pretty pissed off. YMMV.
My own experience was a 3 month old car that had seen paint up front and they were honest about it (ex dealer principles car), but to my eye all looked spot on. My detailer on the other hand found loads of minor concerns, all of which he remedied.
Were they up front about any issues?, and if so was it reflected in the price - if not I'd be pretty pissed off. YMMV.
Ah, well my car is 3 years old... Alas, I wish I could afford a 3 month old one, but I'm trying to pay cash and not finance anything and this is all my budget stretched to!
I guess, I should expect some marks on the inside, but the sales guy told they'd fix everything on the outside so it'd look brand new...
The wheel centres are a bit chewed up and there are streak marks on the passenger door (a cluster of four perhaps 5cm in length) and given the car is 200 miles from the OPC I didn't know if there was any point in bringing it up... I mean if they said, "No, we're not going to do anything about it." I probably would just get on with enjoying the car.
I guess I will say, the overall service from them did leave me slightly annoyed - I may not be a new car buyer, but it's still a lot of money for me!
I guess, I should expect some marks on the inside, but the sales guy told they'd fix everything on the outside so it'd look brand new...
The wheel centres are a bit chewed up and there are streak marks on the passenger door (a cluster of four perhaps 5cm in length) and given the car is 200 miles from the OPC I didn't know if there was any point in bringing it up... I mean if they said, "No, we're not going to do anything about it." I probably would just get on with enjoying the car.
I guess I will say, the overall service from them did leave me slightly annoyed - I may not be a new car buyer, but it's still a lot of money for me!
ilovephiladelphia said:
Ah, well my car is 3 years old... Alas, I wish I could afford a 3 month old one, but I'm trying to pay cash and not finance anything and this is all my budget stretched to!
I guess, I should expect some marks on the inside, but the sales guy told they'd fix everything on the outside so it'd look brand new...
The wheel centres are a bit chewed up and there are streak marks on the passenger door (a cluster of four perhaps 5cm in length) and given the car is 200 miles from the OPC I didn't know if there was any point in bringing it up... I mean if they said, "No, we're not going to do anything about it." I probably would just get on with enjoying the car.
I guess I will say, the overall service from them did leave me slightly annoyed - I may not be a new car buyer, but it's still a lot of money for me!
100% get on the phone and express your disgust, doesn't matter how much £££££'s is involved - its the principle, and they'll most likely get a local company to you involved for any remedial work. Unless you are totally happy, in which I'd guess you wouldn't be asking. Keep us posted, and good luck.I guess, I should expect some marks on the inside, but the sales guy told they'd fix everything on the outside so it'd look brand new...
The wheel centres are a bit chewed up and there are streak marks on the passenger door (a cluster of four perhaps 5cm in length) and given the car is 200 miles from the OPC I didn't know if there was any point in bringing it up... I mean if they said, "No, we're not going to do anything about it." I probably would just get on with enjoying the car.
I guess I will say, the overall service from them did leave me slightly annoyed - I may not be a new car buyer, but it's still a lot of money for me!
ilovephiladelphia said:
I finally got my 971 Panny today, after a month of waiting for it to be prepared. It ended up being delivered to me as they didn't have it ready in time for me to pick up on the day they said it would be, so nervously, I bought the car blind.
Firstly, over the moon, as I imagined it to be a 4-seater 911, and it really does look like that in the flesh.
I've moved up from an 8 series, and the interior is so much better in the Panamera than the 8 series, even though the 8 series is loaded with tech.
My question really revolves around what should I expect from a Pre-owned Approved Porsche?
The wheels have been refurbed, and look great, but there are some quite deep marks on the paintwork one of the doors (when I say deep marks, my nail feels them). Am I expecting too much to have had that fixed? Should I contact the dealership about it, or just leave it? The sensible amongst you must have an opinion on how anal I should be...
I would NOT have driven it away, and asked them to put it all in good order, or stick it.Firstly, over the moon, as I imagined it to be a 4-seater 911, and it really does look like that in the flesh.
I've moved up from an 8 series, and the interior is so much better in the Panamera than the 8 series, even though the 8 series is loaded with tech.
My question really revolves around what should I expect from a Pre-owned Approved Porsche?
The wheels have been refurbed, and look great, but there are some quite deep marks on the paintwork one of the doors (when I say deep marks, my nail feels them). Am I expecting too much to have had that fixed? Should I contact the dealership about it, or just leave it? The sensible amongst you must have an opinion on how anal I should be...
If you are not happy then do get in contact with them and give them the opportunity to sort it out. Being optimistic, a Dealer doesn't want you to have a bad experience. I bought an AUC BMW last year and had a little niggle I noticed after using the car. I was going to live with it but thought I would mention it to the Dealer. They were brilliant, took the car back in and sorted it all out. The last thing you want with a new purchase is to be disappointed.
Which Panamera did you purchase? I am looking at an 8 or a Panamera next. Your comments on the upgrade from the 8 and it being a 4 door 911 is exactly what I want to hear! Really, I want a 911 but not sure if it would be the right choice i.e. is it the best car for me or just realising a dream? A mate said to me yesterday I should scratch the itch and then move on if necessary. Actually quite wise words.
Good luck and enjoy the new car.
Which Panamera did you purchase? I am looking at an 8 or a Panamera next. Your comments on the upgrade from the 8 and it being a 4 door 911 is exactly what I want to hear! Really, I want a 911 but not sure if it would be the right choice i.e. is it the best car for me or just realising a dream? A mate said to me yesterday I should scratch the itch and then move on if necessary. Actually quite wise words.
Good luck and enjoy the new car.
I guess because I signed all the paperwork over email, and the car was delivered, the purchase of this car constitutes a Distance Sell, so technically I can return the car within 14 days for no reason.
I did go down to the showroom to pick the car up and sign the remaining paperwork but they told me the car wasn't ready for handover the day I went down!
I'm going to call another OPC and see exactly what they feel I should be expecting from a UAC.
I did go down to the showroom to pick the car up and sign the remaining paperwork but they told me the car wasn't ready for handover the day I went down!
I'm going to call another OPC and see exactly what they feel I should be expecting from a UAC.
Maxus said:
If you are not happy then do get in contact with them and give them the opportunity to sort it out. Being optimistic, a Dealer doesn't want you to have a bad experience. I bought an AUC BMW last year and had a little niggle I noticed after using the car. I was going to live with it but thought I would mention it to the Dealer. They were brilliant, took the car back in and sorted it all out. The last thing you want with a new purchase is to be disappointed.
Which Panamera did you purchase? I am looking at an 8 or a Panamera next. Your comments on the upgrade from the 8 and it being a 4 door 911 is exactly what I want to hear! Really, I want a 911 but not sure if it would be the right choice i.e. is it the best car for me or just realising a dream? A mate said to me yesterday I should scratch the itch and then move on if necessary. Actually quite wise words.
Good luck and enjoy the new car.
I went for the Panamera 4! It really does feel like a step up. The 8 series seat also gave me terrible backache, and I had to buy a separate lumbar support. I think the only thing I'll miss is all the tech. My neighbour has a Panamera, and after driving that (Panamera 4 too), I decided to cash the 8 series in and get the Panny. Which Panamera did you purchase? I am looking at an 8 or a Panamera next. Your comments on the upgrade from the 8 and it being a 4 door 911 is exactly what I want to hear! Really, I want a 911 but not sure if it would be the right choice i.e. is it the best car for me or just realising a dream? A mate said to me yesterday I should scratch the itch and then move on if necessary. Actually quite wise words.
Good luck and enjoy the new car.
I will contact the dealership and see what they have to say - can't do any harm right? I wonder why, after spending so much money, I feel so timid about exercising my rights.
ilovephiladelphia said:
I will contact the dealership and see what they have to say - can't do any harm right? I wonder why, after spending so much money, I feel so timid about exercising my rights.
Absolutely. Step one is to get in contact and explain the concern. A reasonable Dealer should go straight into resolution mode. It doesn't cost them much to (in this case) machine polish a scratch out and if required replace centre caps. Logistics is another thing although if they are part of a group that could be easier.Remember, the sales guy won't be aware of these issues as the prep and delivery are done from another team.
If you don't get any joy then that is when to start raising the stakes.
Maxus said:
ilovephiladelphia said:
I will contact the dealership and see what they have to say - can't do any harm right? I wonder why, after spending so much money, I feel so timid about exercising my rights.
Absolutely. Step one is to get in contact and explain the concern. A reasonable Dealer should go straight into resolution mode. It doesn't cost them much to (in this case) machine polish a scratch out and if required replace centre caps. Logistics is another thing although if they are part of a group that could be easier.Remember, the sales guy won't be aware of these issues as the prep and delivery are done from another team.
If you don't get any joy then that is when to start raising the stakes.
They want you to be happy with the car, because in a couple of days they're going to send you the customer satisfaction survey, and they want/need 5 stars. Seize the opportunity
Oh, and make sure they put the replacement wheel centres on with the pointy bit of the shield pointing at the valve stems. Now on my second panny, and I have a lovely relationship with the service department of my OPC 
Haha I know it's a used car, and I wasn't expecting it to be new!
It's just the salesman said they'd make the bodywork immaculate, including the wheels.
It's just this, combined with the faff in actually getting the car (waiting a month after paying in full, then spending four hours travelling to the OPC only to be told it wasn't ready, etc), and that there's still coffee stains in the car, is just making me sad, when it should be joyous! All I wanted was what they'd told me over the phone.
I'll await their response, and let you know what happens. I just hope they don't make me go all the way down there to sort this stuff out...
It's just the salesman said they'd make the bodywork immaculate, including the wheels.
It's just this, combined with the faff in actually getting the car (waiting a month after paying in full, then spending four hours travelling to the OPC only to be told it wasn't ready, etc), and that there's still coffee stains in the car, is just making me sad, when it should be joyous! All I wanted was what they'd told me over the phone.
I'll await their response, and let you know what happens. I just hope they don't make me go all the way down there to sort this stuff out...
randlemarcus said:
+1
They want you to be happy with the car, because in a couple of days they're going to send you the customer satisfaction survey, and they want/need 5 stars. Seize the opportunity Oh, and make sure they put the replacement wheel centres on with the pointy bit of the shield pointing at the valve stems. Now on my second panny, and I have a lovely relationship with the service department of my OPC
Haha! Yes... that is a very good point. They will be wanting 5 stars, won't they!They want you to be happy with the car, because in a couple of days they're going to send you the customer satisfaction survey, and they want/need 5 stars. Seize the opportunity
Oh, and make sure they put the replacement wheel centres on with the pointy bit of the shield pointing at the valve stems. Now on my second panny, and I have a lovely relationship with the service department of my OPC Maxus said:
Absolutely. Step one is to get in contact and explain the concern. A reasonable Dealer should go straight into resolution mode. It doesn't cost them much to (in this case) machine polish a scratch out and if required replace centre caps. Logistics is another thing although if they are part of a group that could be easier.
Remember, the sales guy won't be aware of these issues as the prep and delivery are done from another team.
If you don't get any joy then that is when to start raising the stakes.
Ah of course, I guess the sales team and the prep/delivery team will all be different, won't they. I've dropped an email to the sales manager, and see what they say.Remember, the sales guy won't be aware of these issues as the prep and delivery are done from another team.
If you don't get any joy then that is when to start raising the stakes.
ilovephiladelphia said:
Haha I know it's a used car, and I wasn't expecting it to be new!
It's just the salesman said they'd make the bodywork immaculate, including the wheels.
It's just this, combined with the faff in actually getting the car (waiting a month after paying in full, then spending four hours travelling to the OPC only to be told it wasn't ready, etc), and that there's still coffee stains in the car, is just making me sad, when it should be joyous! All I wanted was what they'd told me over the phone.
I'll await their response, and let you know what happens. I just hope they don't make me go all the way down there to sort this stuff out...
Hope you get it all sorted - it does take the shine off the experience . It's just the salesman said they'd make the bodywork immaculate, including the wheels.
It's just this, combined with the faff in actually getting the car (waiting a month after paying in full, then spending four hours travelling to the OPC only to be told it wasn't ready, etc), and that there's still coffee stains in the car, is just making me sad, when it should be joyous! All I wanted was what they'd told me over the phone.
I'll await their response, and let you know what happens. I just hope they don't make me go all the way down there to sort this stuff out...
It may not be new, but it still wasn't cheap and for the premium you pay in getting it from Porsche, I would expect it to look like pretty much like a brand new car.
The whole process sounds a bit crap, you would have expected a phone call to tell you it wasn't ready. Letting a customer turn up all excited and then telling they couldn't have it is bloody awful.
What kind of business lets its customers down like that?
The whole process sounds a bit crap, you would have expected a phone call to tell you it wasn't ready. Letting a customer turn up all excited and then telling they couldn't have it is bloody awful.
What kind of business lets its customers down like that?
My first thought was some unexpected soreness around the nether regions.
Seriously though, just because it says Porsche over the door have you changed your expectations? If there are things they said they would fix and didn't get back to them, I would have delayed the pickup to avoid getting it delivered. You now have the situation where the dealer is long way away and you're debating if the hassle of the trip is worth it.
I wouldn't go quite as far a saying the delay was deliberate but it is working in their favour already.
Seriously though, just because it says Porsche over the door have you changed your expectations? If there are things they said they would fix and didn't get back to them, I would have delayed the pickup to avoid getting it delivered. You now have the situation where the dealer is long way away and you're debating if the hassle of the trip is worth it.
I wouldn't go quite as far a saying the delay was deliberate but it is working in their favour already.
I’ve just had more or less the same experience buying a 971 Turbo from a high end specialist, 300+ miles from where I live.
The car arrived without books, missing a blade key and with one or two very minor bodywork issues, as well as a puncture, and shot front brakes. I caught all of this within the 14 day period, having put in writing all the issues on the day the car arrived.
The dealer I used was very keen to help and I was aware that they’d only had the car a day or two before I reserved it, so for whatever reason, they dropped the ball on the prep and ended up paying for everything to be remedied at Porsche West London.
OP - you absolutely have to kick up a fuss on this. If you don’t, I suspect it will tarnish your enjoyment of your new car. FWIW, over the years I have bought three AUC cars from Porsche; two Panameras and a recent Cayenne. All three were prepped immaculately (a cynic might say that’s because I was picking them up in person) and the experience was very different from yours. My view is that Porsche dealers have a huge spread, obviously that includes a two year warranty at £2.5k (RRP at least, probably less to them) but my understanding is that they use this spread to correct paint, perhaps even respray the front bonnet for example. So, it sounds like they’ve dropped the ball on this one. Don’t let the distance put you off, you’ll really regret it.
Edited to add: re: the interior, one would expect some wear and tear on a 3 year old car, particularly one that’s likely to get plenty of use. So minor marks on seats etc are to be expected. Coffee stains though? That’s not acceptable in my view. The outside should be pretty much pristine, all that should be part of the prep.
The car arrived without books, missing a blade key and with one or two very minor bodywork issues, as well as a puncture, and shot front brakes. I caught all of this within the 14 day period, having put in writing all the issues on the day the car arrived.
The dealer I used was very keen to help and I was aware that they’d only had the car a day or two before I reserved it, so for whatever reason, they dropped the ball on the prep and ended up paying for everything to be remedied at Porsche West London.
OP - you absolutely have to kick up a fuss on this. If you don’t, I suspect it will tarnish your enjoyment of your new car. FWIW, over the years I have bought three AUC cars from Porsche; two Panameras and a recent Cayenne. All three were prepped immaculately (a cynic might say that’s because I was picking them up in person) and the experience was very different from yours. My view is that Porsche dealers have a huge spread, obviously that includes a two year warranty at £2.5k (RRP at least, probably less to them) but my understanding is that they use this spread to correct paint, perhaps even respray the front bonnet for example. So, it sounds like they’ve dropped the ball on this one. Don’t let the distance put you off, you’ll really regret it.
Edited to add: re: the interior, one would expect some wear and tear on a 3 year old car, particularly one that’s likely to get plenty of use. So minor marks on seats etc are to be expected. Coffee stains though? That’s not acceptable in my view. The outside should be pretty much pristine, all that should be part of the prep.
Edited by Mosdef on Friday 6th August 09:10
supersport said:
It may not be new, but it still wasn't cheap and for the premium you pay in getting it from Porsche, I would expect it to look like pretty much like a brand new car.
The whole process sounds a bit crap, you would have expected a phone call to tell you it wasn't ready. Letting a customer turn up all excited and then telling they couldn't have it is bloody awful.
What kind of business lets its customers down like that?
This 100% , I dont want to be horrid but thats a really bad experience , Im assuming that the original collection had been arranged ? , If that had happened to me my boot would have been up the dealer principal's arse to about the level of my knee. they need to resolve this The whole process sounds a bit crap, you would have expected a phone call to tell you it wasn't ready. Letting a customer turn up all excited and then telling they couldn't have it is bloody awful.
What kind of business lets its customers down like that?
I had a phone call this morning hinting that they're unwilling to remedy this (because then they'll "make a loss on the car", saying that they "wouldn't have fixed the scratches on the bodywork anyway". What a strange excuse.
Bizarrely having played around with the car more, it looks as though they haven't updated the PCM either, with the last owner's details all over it! The key fob has also stopped working (I'm presuming the battery has gone as the second key works ok)!
I'm collating all the issues in an email and sending to the OPC. The entire reason I went with Porsche was to avoid this kind of headache...
Bizarrely having played around with the car more, it looks as though they haven't updated the PCM either, with the last owner's details all over it! The key fob has also stopped working (I'm presuming the battery has gone as the second key works ok)!
I'm collating all the issues in an email and sending to the OPC. The entire reason I went with Porsche was to avoid this kind of headache...
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