Full marks for the 'independents' (nil points for OPCs)
Discussion
I just wanted to let everyone know about my recent experiences with Porsche and a couple of independents.
I have recently been the victim of one of the infamous 996 cracked cylinder engine failures (see my threads on PCGB and 911uk if your are interested in the details). Disaster struck just as I was about to PX the car for a 996TT from RSJ. Naturally, I immediately contacted Porsche in the UK and Germany to find out why my engine had broken, and what they were going to do about it. I got the usual response - 'there is no systematic fault with the M96 engine', 'you should have protected your investment with a warranty', 'this is a very rare and unfortunate problem that is not our responsibility', etc., etc., ). Throughout this process, I was ably advised and supported by my local independent - Jon Mitchel in Bournemouth. Jon diagnosed the problem (he knows his onions) and was a huge help to me. His attitude was one of concern and a willingness to help in whatever way he could; he researched and advised on my various options, and did so without any self-interest whatsoever. When it came to the bill at the end, he only charged me for the labour involved in making the diagnosis, despite the countless hours he'd spent on all the other things he'd done for me (he's a Prince among men). Shortly after I had been forced to withdraw from the purchase of the 996TT from RSJ, I was contacted by Joel who offered to take my car in its current state, but at a lower PX valuation; the valuation was also fair, and he didn't make any attempt to capitalise on the vulnerability of my position. Since Porsche were not going to give an inch, I eventually reached a point where I had three options, all with varying degrees of cash loss on the value of my broken 996 (the 4th option was to buy a new engine from Porsche - NO WAY!). One option was to have the engine rebuilt and to keep the car (moderate financial hit, but disappointing outcome), the second was to sell the car in its current state (huge financial hit), the third was to PX with Joel (lowest financial hit, but compelled to buy another Porsche). I opted for the PX on the 996TT from Joel, and thus far I'm very glad that I did - the car is out of this world (its an X50), and Joel has been an absolute gentleman throughout (by the way, he advised me to get a Porsche warranty, as he was no longer offering the RAC ones - for obvious reasons - he even took the car over to the OPC to get it checked before I picked it up). I'm now in a position that I know many of you find yourselves - I love the cars, but hate the brand and all that it has become.
My experience of Porsche (at all levels) has been that they are a money grabbing corporate profit machine that views its customers with contempt, and treats them like brainless mugs who will just accept the poor quality of the product that they now offer. When things go wrong, they just walk away and have no interest in customer service or satisfaction. My only recourse now is to litigate, which I have commenced.
In contrast, my experience of these two independents has been one of genuine ethusiasts for the brand who really care about their customers and realise that customer loyalty is at the heart of their success. If you are thinking of buying a used Porsche, I would thoroughly recommend RSJ - Joel treated me fairly, and RSJs cars are extremely sound and well presented. I will certainly be going directly to them when the time comes to change my car again. If you live in the South and need a good, honest and knowledgable independent to maintain and service your car, I cannot speak highly enough of Jon Mitchell.
Neither of Jon nor RSJ have asked me to make this post, I have done it because I think that the independents do a fantastic job and deserve our support (unlike Porsche OPCs).
Drive safe everyone, and make sure that if your 996 or Boxster is pre-2002 (approx.) that you've got a comprehensive warranty!
Alison
I have recently been the victim of one of the infamous 996 cracked cylinder engine failures (see my threads on PCGB and 911uk if your are interested in the details). Disaster struck just as I was about to PX the car for a 996TT from RSJ. Naturally, I immediately contacted Porsche in the UK and Germany to find out why my engine had broken, and what they were going to do about it. I got the usual response - 'there is no systematic fault with the M96 engine', 'you should have protected your investment with a warranty', 'this is a very rare and unfortunate problem that is not our responsibility', etc., etc., ). Throughout this process, I was ably advised and supported by my local independent - Jon Mitchel in Bournemouth. Jon diagnosed the problem (he knows his onions) and was a huge help to me. His attitude was one of concern and a willingness to help in whatever way he could; he researched and advised on my various options, and did so without any self-interest whatsoever. When it came to the bill at the end, he only charged me for the labour involved in making the diagnosis, despite the countless hours he'd spent on all the other things he'd done for me (he's a Prince among men). Shortly after I had been forced to withdraw from the purchase of the 996TT from RSJ, I was contacted by Joel who offered to take my car in its current state, but at a lower PX valuation; the valuation was also fair, and he didn't make any attempt to capitalise on the vulnerability of my position. Since Porsche were not going to give an inch, I eventually reached a point where I had three options, all with varying degrees of cash loss on the value of my broken 996 (the 4th option was to buy a new engine from Porsche - NO WAY!). One option was to have the engine rebuilt and to keep the car (moderate financial hit, but disappointing outcome), the second was to sell the car in its current state (huge financial hit), the third was to PX with Joel (lowest financial hit, but compelled to buy another Porsche). I opted for the PX on the 996TT from Joel, and thus far I'm very glad that I did - the car is out of this world (its an X50), and Joel has been an absolute gentleman throughout (by the way, he advised me to get a Porsche warranty, as he was no longer offering the RAC ones - for obvious reasons - he even took the car over to the OPC to get it checked before I picked it up). I'm now in a position that I know many of you find yourselves - I love the cars, but hate the brand and all that it has become.
My experience of Porsche (at all levels) has been that they are a money grabbing corporate profit machine that views its customers with contempt, and treats them like brainless mugs who will just accept the poor quality of the product that they now offer. When things go wrong, they just walk away and have no interest in customer service or satisfaction. My only recourse now is to litigate, which I have commenced.
In contrast, my experience of these two independents has been one of genuine ethusiasts for the brand who really care about their customers and realise that customer loyalty is at the heart of their success. If you are thinking of buying a used Porsche, I would thoroughly recommend RSJ - Joel treated me fairly, and RSJs cars are extremely sound and well presented. I will certainly be going directly to them when the time comes to change my car again. If you live in the South and need a good, honest and knowledgable independent to maintain and service your car, I cannot speak highly enough of Jon Mitchell.
Neither of Jon nor RSJ have asked me to make this post, I have done it because I think that the independents do a fantastic job and deserve our support (unlike Porsche OPCs).
Drive safe everyone, and make sure that if your 996 or Boxster is pre-2002 (approx.) that you've got a comprehensive warranty!
Alison
Alison,
Glad you got things sorted out as I had been following your threads elsewhere. I find the whole thing shocking and it is one of the things putting me off considering a 996, even though the OPC and other owners will tell you there is nothing wrong with the M96 engine, my belief is that the OPC are afraid of a major financial hit especially from America and owners are trying to protect their investment or sticking their heads in the sand. The fact that to own a 996 means that you must have a warranty worries me as I have had two 993's have never taken out a warranty and have been entirly justified in that stance as nothing has ever gone wrong with them in all the years of ownership.
Enjoy the new car and good luck with any litigation.
Glad you got things sorted out as I had been following your threads elsewhere. I find the whole thing shocking and it is one of the things putting me off considering a 996, even though the OPC and other owners will tell you there is nothing wrong with the M96 engine, my belief is that the OPC are afraid of a major financial hit especially from America and owners are trying to protect their investment or sticking their heads in the sand. The fact that to own a 996 means that you must have a warranty worries me as I have had two 993's have never taken out a warranty and have been entirly justified in that stance as nothing has ever gone wrong with them in all the years of ownership.
Enjoy the new car and good luck with any litigation.
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