Servicing West London
Discussion
I've recently started down Porsche ownership with a 996 Turbo, and I'm now considering which dealer to start visiting.
From what I've read, I get the impression people aren't always overly impressed with servicing from an OPC near Chiswick. Also, from what I've heard from a friend who's taken in his Boxster there a few times; he's never been very impressed with them.
Am I reading too much into a couple of comments? Or, should I look elsewhere for
my servicing needs? I'm a bit of a mechanical numpty, and would normally go for a recomended independent but I've got the warranty and I'd like to maintain it.
I'm happy to travel an hour or so from West London to get the servicing done if anyone has recomendations.
From what I've read, I get the impression people aren't always overly impressed with servicing from an OPC near Chiswick. Also, from what I've heard from a friend who's taken in his Boxster there a few times; he's never been very impressed with them.
Am I reading too much into a couple of comments? Or, should I look elsewhere for
my servicing needs? I'm a bit of a mechanical numpty, and would normally go for a recomended independent but I've got the warranty and I'd like to maintain it.
I'm happy to travel an hour or so from West London to get the servicing done if anyone has recomendations.
nickd01 said:
I've recently started down Porsche ownership with a 996 Turbo, and I'm now considering which dealer to start visiting.
From what I've read, I get the impression people aren't always overly impressed with servicing from an OPC near Chiswick. Also, from what I've heard from a friend who's taken in his Boxster there a few times; he's never been very impressed with them.
Am I reading too much into a couple of comments? Or, should I look elsewhere for
my servicing needs? I'm a bit of a mechanical numpty, and would normally go for a recomended independent but I've got the warranty and I'd like to maintain it.
I'm happy to travel an hour or so from West London to get the servicing done if anyone has recomendations.
You can still take your car to an independent as long as they use OEM parts for the service. My warranty (which has now expired due to age) was fine when I was having my car serviced at GT One when I checked with Porsche GB in reading.From what I've read, I get the impression people aren't always overly impressed with servicing from an OPC near Chiswick. Also, from what I've heard from a friend who's taken in his Boxster there a few times; he's never been very impressed with them.
Am I reading too much into a couple of comments? Or, should I look elsewhere for
my servicing needs? I'm a bit of a mechanical numpty, and would normally go for a recomended independent but I've got the warranty and I'd like to maintain it.
I'm happy to travel an hour or so from West London to get the servicing done if anyone has recomendations.
Try GT One in Chertsey (Jct 11 M25), they've even done warranty repairs. They order all their OEM parts from Porsche GB in Reading who know them very well.
I concur...GTone brilliant. They have been maintaining my carrera for a couple of years and have been nothing short of perfect.
As an example a couple of weeks ago I managed to drain my battery, whilst moving house. When it was time to leave for my new house the car was as dead as a dodo..bad news as the new owners of my old house were on the way! Gtone dropped eveverything, came to my house, got me started and dropped a new battery in...great service!!!!
As an example a couple of weeks ago I managed to drain my battery, whilst moving house. When it was time to leave for my new house the car was as dead as a dodo..bad news as the new owners of my old house were on the way! Gtone dropped eveverything, came to my house, got me started and dropped a new battery in...great service!!!!
I live near OPC Chiswick and refuse to have any dealings with them - long and painful story.... (PM me if you want details).
If you want quality service from an OPC then I'd recommend using OPC East London. Don't worry about the distance - they will quite happily pick up your car from your house/office anywhere in London and then drop it back to you (and provide courtesy if available/requested).
Great service.
Cheers - Erik
If you want quality service from an OPC then I'd recommend using OPC East London. Don't worry about the distance - they will quite happily pick up your car from your house/office anywhere in London and then drop it back to you (and provide courtesy if available/requested).
Great service.
Cheers - Erik
I think OPC West London are great I would recomend talking to Michael Bernard and when its service time request Tim as your Technician he is Kiwi and knows his stuff.
The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
lightweight said:
I think OPC West London are great I would recomend talking to Michael Bernard and when its service time request Tim as your Technician he is Kiwi and knows his stuff.
The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
ligthweight has it here.The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
Having had excellent service from OPC WL and EL I have spent many hours sat on theie sofas admiring the view
and overhearing how people treat the staff.I can only describe a significant proportion of the customers as repugnant.
They'd get the big fvck off from me if they treated me like that.
Be nice, be polite and they will (a) be amazed and (b) take good care of you.
Simple as please and thank you some times.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Tuesday 29th May 10:46
Vesuvius 996 said:
lightweight said:
I think OPC West London are great I would recomend talking to Michael Bernard and when its service time request Tim as your Technician he is Kiwi and knows his stuff.
The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
ligthweight has it here.The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
Having had excellent service from OPC WL and EL I have spent many hours sat on theie sofas admiring the view
and overhearing how people treat the staff.I can only describe a significant proportion of the customers as repugnant.
They'd get the big fvck off from me if they treated me like that.
Be nice, be polite and they will (a) be amazed and (b) take good care of you.
Simple as please and thank you some times.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Tuesday 29th May 10:46
Thorny said:
Vesuvius 996 said:
lightweight said:
I think OPC West London are great I would recomend talking to Michael Bernard and when its service time request Tim as your Technician he is Kiwi and knows his stuff.
The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
ligthweight has it here.The service they have offerd me is first rate and I always get a nice loan car or a pick up and deliver service.
The main problem people have with garages is there own ego and a lack of mutual respect for the people that they deal with.
Most of the service staff at OPC's seem to have to deal with people who seem to forget they are driving a supercar and expect to run it for the cost of a golf. Fixed price servicing is partly to blame but forums dont help you need to expect to pay £1500 a year(on top of servicing) if you use your car those who spend less either dont drive there car or neglect them.
I also use Parr(talk to Roger) who are first class but not an OPC so cant do all work as I have an extended warentee.
Having had excellent service from OPC WL and EL I have spent many hours sat on theie sofas admiring the view
and overhearing how people treat the staff.I can only describe a significant proportion of the customers as repugnant.
They'd get the big fvck off from me if they treated me like that.
Be nice, be polite and they will (a) be amazed and (b) take good care of you.
Simple as please and thank you some times.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Tuesday 29th May 10:46
Use a recommended independent Porsche specialist to look after your car. Typically less than half the labour rate of an OPC with a much higher probability that the job is done correctly and that you're not over charged for work and parts that are not required. OPC warranty remains intact if OEM parts and schedules are used (as in any good independent specialist).
Never again for OPC chiswick for me. Have tried them at varying times over the years. Last visit form me was when I took my 993 Turbo in for a service. Will never be returning again.
I am extremely easy going, and get on with most people. Their arrogance and disinterest in dealing with me on my last visit was quite staggering.
Just as a small example - the car went in a few weeks before the service was booked to have a new intercooler pipe replaced as mine was split. During the service they they then advised the pipe was split (eh, they just replaced this a couple of weeks back surely??).
I queried with the service adviser (same one I saw a couple of weeks earlier), asking very politely 'does he remember I came in a couple of weeks ago to have it replaced' at which point he cut me short and replied in a very matter of fact way 'Do you think I remember every persons car that comes in here?'. OK fair enough point, he does see a lot of cars, but he was very rude and condecending with the way he said it. Anyway, they realised that they had replaced the pipe, however the computer had flagged it up as a fault from an earlier visit, hadn't been updated, and therefore they thought it still needed doing.
Then when picking up the car, the same guy kept me waiting on that damn couch of 45 mins whilst he made 4 separate phone calls, and went to have a chat with one of the other guys working there for 5 mins - none of which looked like he was dealing with an urgent issue to me. He could see me sitting there from his desk. Not even an apology for keeping me waiting.
Then I won't even go into the c0ck up they made when servicing the car.
You get the idea!!
I am extremely easy going, and get on with most people. Their arrogance and disinterest in dealing with me on my last visit was quite staggering.
Just as a small example - the car went in a few weeks before the service was booked to have a new intercooler pipe replaced as mine was split. During the service they they then advised the pipe was split (eh, they just replaced this a couple of weeks back surely??).
I queried with the service adviser (same one I saw a couple of weeks earlier), asking very politely 'does he remember I came in a couple of weeks ago to have it replaced' at which point he cut me short and replied in a very matter of fact way 'Do you think I remember every persons car that comes in here?'. OK fair enough point, he does see a lot of cars, but he was very rude and condecending with the way he said it. Anyway, they realised that they had replaced the pipe, however the computer had flagged it up as a fault from an earlier visit, hadn't been updated, and therefore they thought it still needed doing.
Then when picking up the car, the same guy kept me waiting on that damn couch of 45 mins whilst he made 4 separate phone calls, and went to have a chat with one of the other guys working there for 5 mins - none of which looked like he was dealing with an urgent issue to me. He could see me sitting there from his desk. Not even an apology for keeping me waiting.
Then I won't even go into the c0ck up they made when servicing the car.
You get the idea!!
I didn't realise that as long as the schedules were stuck to, and OEM parts used, then I could go independent. That's interesting.
If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
nickd01 said:
I didn't realise that as long as the schedules were stuck to, and OEM parts used, then I could go independent. That's interesting.
If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
Give GT One a call and discuss the warranty concerns you have. Then give Porsche Reading a call and see what they say. It's EU law now (from a couple of years ago) that states you are not tied to a main dealer network for servicing (including extended warranties) in order to keep a warranty valid as long as the independent uses OEM parts and services as per the recommended Porsche schedule.If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
Edited by Silver993tt on Tuesday 29th May 13:18
Silver993tt said:
nickd01 said:
I didn't realise that as long as the schedules were stuck to, and OEM parts used, then I could go independent. That's interesting.
If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
Give GT One a call and discuss the warranty concerns you have. Then give Porsche Reading a call and see what they say. It's EU law now (from a couple of years ago) that states you are not tied to a main dealer network for servicing (including extended warranties) in order to keep a warranty valid as long as the independent uses OEM parts and services as per the recommended Porsche schedule.If I did that, do you reckon I'd have more "issues" trying to claim anything under warranty? i.e. - an OPC would claim that as it wasn't serviced by an OPC then it might not have been done correctly?
Edited by Silver993tt on Tuesday 29th May 13:18
They have to honour the warranty, but you can kiss goodbye to any goodwill claims.
EK993 said:
Never again for OPC chiswick for me. Have tried them at varying times over the years. Last visit form me was when I took my 993 Turbo in for a service. Will never be returning again.
I am extremely easy going, and get on with most people. Their arrogance and disinterest in dealing with me on my last visit was quite staggering.
Just as a small example - the car went in a few weeks before the service was booked to have a new intercooler pipe replaced as mine was split. During the service they they then advised the pipe was split (eh, they just replaced this a couple of weeks back surely??).
I queried with the service adviser (same one I saw a couple of weeks earlier), asking very politely 'does he remember I came in a couple of weeks ago to have it replaced' at which point he cut me short and replied in a very matter of fact way 'Do you think I remember every persons car that comes in here?'. OK fair enough point, he does see a lot of cars, but he was very rude and condecending with the way he said it. Anyway, they realised that they had replaced the pipe, however the computer had flagged it up as a fault from an earlier visit, hadn't been updated, and therefore they thought it still needed doing.
Then when picking up the car, the same guy kept me waiting on that damn couch of 45 mins whilst he made 4 separate phone calls, and went to have a chat with one of the other guys working there for 5 mins - none of which looked like he was dealing with an urgent issue to me. He could see me sitting there from his desk. Not even an apology for keeping me waiting.
Then I won't even go into the c0ck up they made when servicing the car.
You get the idea!!
Dont want to breach 'name and shame' rules but that's nothing compared to the 'service' I received from OPC Chiswick... Never again.I am extremely easy going, and get on with most people. Their arrogance and disinterest in dealing with me on my last visit was quite staggering.
Just as a small example - the car went in a few weeks before the service was booked to have a new intercooler pipe replaced as mine was split. During the service they they then advised the pipe was split (eh, they just replaced this a couple of weeks back surely??).
I queried with the service adviser (same one I saw a couple of weeks earlier), asking very politely 'does he remember I came in a couple of weeks ago to have it replaced' at which point he cut me short and replied in a very matter of fact way 'Do you think I remember every persons car that comes in here?'. OK fair enough point, he does see a lot of cars, but he was very rude and condecending with the way he said it. Anyway, they realised that they had replaced the pipe, however the computer had flagged it up as a fault from an earlier visit, hadn't been updated, and therefore they thought it still needed doing.
Then when picking up the car, the same guy kept me waiting on that damn couch of 45 mins whilst he made 4 separate phone calls, and went to have a chat with one of the other guys working there for 5 mins - none of which looked like he was dealing with an urgent issue to me. He could see me sitting there from his desk. Not even an apology for keeping me waiting.
Then I won't even go into the c0ck up they made when servicing the car.
You get the idea!!
I am interested by those of you who beleve they have had bad servive from an OPC.
I guess my question is how have you tried to resolve it? Did you explain your point of view or throw your toys out? Did you ask to discuss the matter with the Service manager? Did you ask for a talk to the dealer principle or did you just vent anger on forums/ sulk and feel generaly agreeved?
Im not tring to anoy anyone Im just very suprised to hear your experiances are so far from mine.
I guess my question is how have you tried to resolve it? Did you explain your point of view or throw your toys out? Did you ask to discuss the matter with the Service manager? Did you ask for a talk to the dealer principle or did you just vent anger on forums/ sulk and feel generaly agreeved?
Im not tring to anoy anyone Im just very suprised to hear your experiances are so far from mine.
Hi,
I got told in writing (email) by OPC EL that my clutch 'was down to the rivets' I went down there and found both clutch plates in almost perfect condition... not surprising since the clutch was replaced 6 months ago at a cost of £1200.
How's that for starters?
When i complained they backtracked and changed their story now apparently it was a case of the clutch fingers not engaging - I contacted Porsche UK who took my case up with them...
As my car was on a ramp in bits I paid up in the end to just get it back... they had me over a barrel.
I am still pursuing it with Porsche.. I have a perfect Sachs 911 996 clutch on my dinner table should anyone need one.
I got told in writing (email) by OPC EL that my clutch 'was down to the rivets' I went down there and found both clutch plates in almost perfect condition... not surprising since the clutch was replaced 6 months ago at a cost of £1200.
How's that for starters?
When i complained they backtracked and changed their story now apparently it was a case of the clutch fingers not engaging - I contacted Porsche UK who took my case up with them...
As my car was on a ramp in bits I paid up in the end to just get it back... they had me over a barrel.
I am still pursuing it with Porsche.. I have a perfect Sachs 911 996 clutch on my dinner table should anyone need one.
Dreammeister said:
Hi,
I got told in writing (email) by OPC EL that my clutch 'was down to the rivets' I went down there and found both clutch plates in almost perfect condition... not surprising since the clutch was replaced 6 months ago at a cost of £1200.
How's that for starters?
When i complained they backtracked and changed their story now apparently it was a case of the clutch fingers not engaging - I contacted Porsche UK who took my case up with them...
As my car was on a ramp in bits I paid up in the end to just get it back... they had me over a barrel.
I am still pursuing it with Porsche.. I have a perfect Sachs 911 996 clutch on my dinner table should anyone need one.
That's a shocker.I got told in writing (email) by OPC EL that my clutch 'was down to the rivets' I went down there and found both clutch plates in almost perfect condition... not surprising since the clutch was replaced 6 months ago at a cost of £1200.
How's that for starters?
When i complained they backtracked and changed their story now apparently it was a case of the clutch fingers not engaging - I contacted Porsche UK who took my case up with them...
As my car was on a ramp in bits I paid up in the end to just get it back... they had me over a barrel.
I am still pursuing it with Porsche.. I have a perfect Sachs 911 996 clutch on my dinner table should anyone need one.
In a similar vein they told me at the 84k service that the discs were shot to sh1t.
I left them.
A year later at the 96k service, same discs didn't get a mention
Interesting,Do any of you talk directly to the guy who is looking at the car(technician) or do you rely on your service advisor?
From about 5 years ago porsche started letting you talk to your technician which is why his name is on all invoices ie your service was caried out by xxx xxxxxxxx .
The reason I use OPC Chiswick is that in 8 years they have never ripped me off and always provide great service sometimes even comming in at under my expected cost i.e. last service was £540 I was expecting £1200 but I had booked it in for a majour and it only needed a minor.
OK they offer to replace Tyres at there rate but you dont have to say yes, and they are open that they are not competitive in this area but if you dont have time / inclination then I guess its your choice.
I have only hade one fall out with an OPC that was on a sales matter with a new Car 996RS and that was settled eventualy with a full refund
From about 5 years ago porsche started letting you talk to your technician which is why his name is on all invoices ie your service was caried out by xxx xxxxxxxx .
The reason I use OPC Chiswick is that in 8 years they have never ripped me off and always provide great service sometimes even comming in at under my expected cost i.e. last service was £540 I was expecting £1200 but I had booked it in for a majour and it only needed a minor.
OK they offer to replace Tyres at there rate but you dont have to say yes, and they are open that they are not competitive in this area but if you dont have time / inclination then I guess its your choice.
I have only hade one fall out with an OPC that was on a sales matter with a new Car 996RS and that was settled eventualy with a full refund
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