Newbie - New 996.
Discussion
Hello everyone - I'm just about to pick up my new car, a 2002 996 and...to be bruteally honest, though I'm really excited about it i'm slightly cr4pping myself about the running costs, thats if the engine doesn't blow up! I'm new to 911's and though, like many out there, it's been a childhood dream, it is a bit daunting!
Has anyone got any idea of running costs if I was to do around 15,000 to 20,000 a year. It's only done 30,000 now and is from a Porsche dealer, with 12 month warrenty. does that mean I have to service it at a OPC?
I've been reading the forum with interest and am amazed by how you guys help each other out - though I'm a mechanical muppet I'll do my best in the future!
Has anyone got any idea of running costs if I was to do around 15,000 to 20,000 a year. It's only done 30,000 now and is from a Porsche dealer, with 12 month warrenty. does that mean I have to service it at a OPC?
I've been reading the forum with interest and am amazed by how you guys help each other out - though I'm a mechanical muppet I'll do my best in the future!
you sound like me.. I was in the same boat a few months ago. I was undecided on the warranty and in the end opted for it. The 3.6 seems more bullet proof but I sleep better at night.
It seems like you have to 'manage' the OPC if you choose to have them service your car. I'll probably opt for OPC servicing but have any major work done by indies (ie brakes etc)
You don't need to use OPC for servicing but it will affect the resale value I would have thought if those stamps are not there.
Also find a good OPC. I'm developing a relationship with Colchester who seem very good and have good reports.
It seems like you have to 'manage' the OPC if you choose to have them service your car. I'll probably opt for OPC servicing but have any major work done by indies (ie brakes etc)
You don't need to use OPC for servicing but it will affect the resale value I would have thought if those stamps are not there.
Also find a good OPC. I'm developing a relationship with Colchester who seem very good and have good reports.
WingedTiger said:
Thanks for that - when you say 'manage' do you mena keep a close eye on them and make sure I authorise any work? This will be my everyday car so it needs to be pretty well maintained. Do you know if an non OPC service invalidate the warrenty?
Thats exactly what I mean. I had a long conversation with a very helpful chap at Porsche UK who very delicately explained there were two types of people who own porshes. Those who are enthusiasts who do actually know something about cars and maintenance and those who are just buying a fashion accessory. There's no other car marque like this IMO and the OPC tends to lean towards the later in my (very limited) opinion.
As long as they know your fair but firm I'm sure you can establish a good relationship. It would be foolish to consider them cheap to run but I wouldn't blindly trust them unless I was sure I had a good relationship.
Edited by Rawhide on Wednesday 2nd May 17:31
I was told by 2 separate OPCs, if you were to get servicing from a non-OPC, then I believe you have to re do the 111-point inspection when it comes to renewing the warranty.
By 'manage', it makes sense to go for the fixed menu price system that OPCs have. in short, OPC stamp for the service and brakes and the like replaced by independent garage.
in the event that you choose to have a 111 point inspection each time you renew your warranty, then you also run the risk of pre-warranty work needing to be carried out before they'll warranty you again.
OMG how many times can I mention the word 'warranty'. surely vesuvius should be here - this is his job.
By 'manage', it makes sense to go for the fixed menu price system that OPCs have. in short, OPC stamp for the service and brakes and the like replaced by independent garage.
in the event that you choose to have a 111 point inspection each time you renew your warranty, then you also run the risk of pre-warranty work needing to be carried out before they'll warranty you again.
OMG how many times can I mention the word 'warranty'. surely vesuvius should be here - this is his job.
Edited by SNDa on Wednesday 2nd May 17:31
Rawhide said:
Also you don't need OPC to service to car to keep the warranty provided you use porsche parts and maintain to the schedule BUT.. if you fail to show loyalty to the brand they will look less favourably on goodwill gestures.
They are in business afterall which is reasonable.
They are in business afterall which is reasonable.
really?
vesuvius996 - we newbies need help Edited by SNDa on Wednesday 2nd May 17:32
Managing them means making sure you make it clear that when you get a service you ask them for the menu service for the menu price.
They then call you with anything else it needs. This is usually discs and pads (£1600.) I have had this at the last but one service. Needless to say I politely declined.
The last service the brakes didn't even get a mention
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Wednesday 2nd May 17:33
SNDa said:
Rawhide said:
Also you don't need OPC to service to car to keep the warranty provided you use porsche parts and maintain to the schedule BUT.. if you fail to show loyalty to the brand they will look less favourably on goodwill gestures.
They are in business afterall which is reasonable.
They are in business afterall which is reasonable.
really?
vesuvius996 - we newbies need help Edited by SNDa on Wednesday 2nd May 17:32
Yeah. Sounds right.
You can service elsewhere using OEM parts and specs, and the warranty should stand.
BUT if something breaks which isn't covered then you'll whistle for it.
I've had LOADS of stuff done under goodwill, but I always service at OPC, and renew the warranty every year. So they get their pund of flesh.
See profile for details.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Wednesday 2nd May 17:36
In my experience Porsche dealers at service time ALWAYS find something that needs replacing. And how come no-one has mentioned the fated rear main oil seal??? Or is it just me that's had 3 out of 3 NEW cars with it go within the first 2 yrs???
I also had a 996 C4S brand new that within three months had go oil seal (see above), wheel bearing, el seats packed up and so did sensor thingy to the fuel cap. Someone was obviously having a bad day building that one! Naughty naughty Porsche!
What bugs me is when a component at £1.15 needs replacing but it takes 3hrs to fit.... at £150 an hour! And when you ask for a discount, you get 10% off parts.
That said guys, you've got the Porsche warranty ~ don't be afraid to drive it briskly, they're built for it! Victoria.xx
I also had a 996 C4S brand new that within three months had go oil seal (see above), wheel bearing, el seats packed up and so did sensor thingy to the fuel cap. Someone was obviously having a bad day building that one! Naughty naughty Porsche!
What bugs me is when a component at £1.15 needs replacing but it takes 3hrs to fit.... at £150 an hour! And when you ask for a discount, you get 10% off parts.
That said guys, you've got the Porsche warranty ~ don't be afraid to drive it briskly, they're built for it! Victoria.xx
What model is it Winged Tiger?
The best experience I've ever had with main dealers is with OPC Cambridge, they are polite, efficient and understand just because you love your car, it doesn't mean you will pay for things that may need replacing in years to come!
The next best was BMW in Bedford (can't remember their name).
The worst ever was VW/Audi in Luton (BASTARDS, KILLED MY BEAUTIFUL CORRADO) but it's ok, I'm over it now (BASTARDS)
Oh back to topic, depends how you drive really, if you're going to drive it hard, expect higher bills than if you treat it with kid gloves (unlike a ferrari)
The best experience I've ever had with main dealers is with OPC Cambridge, they are polite, efficient and understand just because you love your car, it doesn't mean you will pay for things that may need replacing in years to come!
The next best was BMW in Bedford (can't remember their name).
The worst ever was VW/Audi in Luton (BASTARDS, KILLED MY BEAUTIFUL CORRADO) but it's ok, I'm over it now (BASTARDS)
Oh back to topic, depends how you drive really, if you're going to drive it hard, expect higher bills than if you treat it with kid gloves (unlike a ferrari)
A car doesn't need ANY history to pass an OPC 111 point check to get the warranty and cover everything. So, if they were to specify a re-inspection a year later they would only have to do the required repairs (if any) under the current cover. If the car has become due a service during the 12 months you should quite rightly be required to prove it has been done - not sure this has to have been at an OPC though.
Valid points about goodwill and OPC servicing going hand in hand too though. Obviously really - you show your good will giving them your business - they show you theirs by doing stuff for free that they're not obligated to.
Valid points about goodwill and OPC servicing going hand in hand too though. Obviously really - you show your good will giving them your business - they show you theirs by doing stuff for free that they're not obligated to.
Rawhide said:
you sound like me.. I was in the same boat a few months ago. I was undecided on the warranty and in the end opted for it. The 3.6 seems more bullet proof but I sleep better at night.
It seems like you have to 'manage' the OPC if you choose to have them service your car. I'll probably opt for OPC servicing but have any major work done by indies (ie brakes etc)
You don't need to use OPC for servicing but it will affect the resale value I would have thought if those stamps are not there.
Also find a good OPC. I'm developing a relationship with Colchester who seem very good and have good reports.
It seems like you have to 'manage' the OPC if you choose to have them service your car. I'll probably opt for OPC servicing but have any major work done by indies (ie brakes etc)
You don't need to use OPC for servicing but it will affect the resale value I would have thought if those stamps are not there.
Also find a good OPC. I'm developing a relationship with Colchester who seem very good and have good reports.
ive said it before and i will say it again. there servicing dept at colchester opc is excellent. they always give an honest apprasial of what needs replacing and have no problem whatsoever when you tell them an indy will do the simple work. in fact, often they have commented "i dont blame you - i wouldnt pay our rates...."
as all the previous posters have said including His Soovyness, get the opc to do the servicing and warranty work and an indie or your local spanner man to do all the simple work like brakes etc. just make sure genuine porsche parts are fitted.
As for the rear main oil seal comment made by Jess Wabbit - all the carrera engines leak a simple fact of life. as far as I am aware the 997 is doing likewise.
as for colchester, the two service guys are mike and andy. they are both brilliant and very helpful
Thanks for that - I'm sure there's a few people in my position by the sounds of it. I'm about to become the proud owner of a 996 Targa, its the 2002 model, 1 owner from new with 29,000 miles. I know the Targa's aren't for everyone but the 2002 onwards is based on the Coupe so it drives well. Summing up it seems I should basically buy cakes at the OPC every service, but know a man with a spanner, extend the wrranety every year.....oh...and reading a couple of other threads...buy a PSE!
WingedTiger said:
Thanks for that - I'm sure there's a few people in my position by the sounds of it. I'm about to become the proud owner of a 996 Targa, its the 2002 model, 1 owner from new with 29,000 miles. I know the Targa's aren't for everyone but the 2002 onwards is based on the Coupe so it drives well. Summing up it seems I should basically buy cakes at the OPC every service, but know a man with a spanner, extend the wrranety every year.....oh...and reading a couple of other threads...buy a PSE!
Here is a % discount servicing offer from an OPC ! if that helps
www.911uk.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=15&TopicID=10184&PagePosition=1
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