Servicing at an Independent

[Rooose]

Bit of an odd one this.

I am due a 6 year service on my 981 in the next couple of months and given the experience of my limited engagement with OPC's and costs that are at least 50% more than any local Indy, I think it will be taken out of the OPC network for the first time - I trust an indy to do more thorough job and to take a little more care of my pride and joy.

I have a trusted Indy who looked after my 987, he is an ex-senior Tech at Porsche and is super knowledgeable, trustworthy, helpful and accommodating. I would normally use him without a second thought, however, the business is not particularly well known within Porsche circles and they also do other general mechanics (so not an exclusively Porsche specialist but the stamp in the book will state Porsche specialist). The 987 was 12+ years old, so it didn't seem to matter so much, the 981 will be 6 in June and that is probably why I am questioning this.

I have other local options, such as Northway, who in terms of exposure and public opinion are probably the obvious choice but I have never used them so don't have an opinion, I am just going on what is in the public domain.

I am not looking to save money here - I cherish the car and will lavish it with whatever is needed but my questions is this:

Will taking it to a little known Porsche specialist devalue it vs a well known one? I don't think I will ever be selling it, but you never know!

If you were buying, would you want the stamps to be from a very well known indy or would this not make a difference (I am not suggesting the other option is Kwikfit or the like)

Personally, I look for something that is well maintained (more regular oil changes/preventative maintenance etc) but I wondered what others thought.

Thanks

[Ringmaster999]

My car is in two weeks having a major 8yr service and it’s leaving the OPC network for the first time. I’m taking it to CPS who I’ve used before and are a well respected Indy. Also a site sponsor. Lee is very helpful and what I like is the detailed receipt listing everything that’s be done just like an OPC.

So for me a well documented history is what I’d be interested in as a buyer. A receipt that just shows for example service cost is not worth the paper it’s written on. I like to see a breakdown of exactly what’s been done along with the cost for individual tasks. 👍

[Nobbie]

You’re overthinking this, just get it done at the garage you’re happy with. Any future buyer will be delighted with any comprehensive service history which I’m sure you will have, invoices for all work etc. As you said, it’s not about money and you’re unlikely to sell.

[map]

1 hour ago, Rooose said:

a trusted Indy who looked after my 987, he is an ex-senior Tech at Porsche and is super knowledgeable, trustworthy, helpful and accommodating. I would normally use him without a second thought

...and building on @Nobbie's point - keep using people like this ☝️then sharing their details with forum and they'll quickly get a wider and seemingly well deserved reputation.

[dpg123]

Who is your Indy btw? 

[GTSMarky]

My BGTS is 7 this September and I'm out of anything OPC thankfully.

I had mine booked into Dovehouse, but with Covid have cancelled it twice and again now without a new date.  I may just take it to my local garage who are very good & have worked on my wife's cars and MOT'd my classic.

They are proper petrol heads, love Porsche (some 911 history) and furthermore I trust them.

As said above it's continued service history and in my experience OPC stamps are worthless judging by the OPC techs I've experienced.

[Rooose]

1 hour ago, Nobbie said:

You’re overthinking this, just get it done at the garage you’re happy with. Any future buyer will be delighted with any comprehensive service history which I’m sure you will have, invoices for all work etc. As you said, it’s not about money and you’re unlikely to sell.

I think you are more than likely right - the voice of reason!

 

1 hour ago, dpg123 said:

Who is your Indy btw? 

Autocraft Kingsclere are the Indy I use - not only good at what they do but about 15 minutes away so convenient too.

 

[Scubaregs]

Use who you have always trusted, you know them and their work.

[Bayernlarge]

I don’t need it yet, but at some point I’ll need to find a good local-ish Indie. I’m not that far from you and have read good things about Autocraft Kingsclere - can’t remember where, could have been on here.

I guess what I’m saying is that I’m new to Porsche ownership, but I’ve heard of them, so they can’t be all that unknown.

It’s great to hear you saying good things about them - puts them higher up my list.

[robporsche]

I do everyone wouldn't bother me as long as I could check on the indy and, Ive had a S3 and a rs3 before the 981 and all have been through a indy for servicing and never had any issues with selling the cars.  My 981 is the same all gen parts with garages that looks after cars. I've had bad experiences with every dealership, honda, Audi and Porsche I've had little confidence that they actually care , well anything other than money. I actually caught Audi lying because I had a tracker fitted which had a app on my phone and the car was never started or moved, they told me they had taken it for a test driver for 20mins each time, then spoke to the manager and showed him the app.  I got a a7 for 1 week while they replaced the thermostat housing. 

[Paul P]

Trust is key.  
 

Cost is not equal to value. 
 

Most services these day have a long list of “check” and a short list of “change” so easy to do a side by side of what you are getting for your money, and if they are transparent about parts and you know what you are paying for then no issue.  

[RickLS7]

The service book has a section to sign off for the 10? year corrosion guarantee.  

An Indy isn't going to be able to sign that.

[Patt]

Had all my work service done by an Indi (Revolution), even when under warranty.  OPC service gives me a headache and stress every time I had to return for warranty claims.

Personally I tried Northway on the first ever Porsche minor service many years ago - bill had an extra digit before the decimal place when I got it back and oily boot marks in the carpet.

AS others have said, use who you trust.  Many Indi's actually know the cars and will fix, rather than replace parts until the computer is happy.

Don't forget to ask them what extras also should be included, eg gbox oil/brake fluid/aux belt etc as OPC won't quote those until it's invoice time.

[highway]

IMany OPC’s price match specialists who are reasonably close to them. If you ask. You get a Porsche product as a loan car. OPC every time.

[highway]

I would add some of the better known specialists have taken people I know for five figure rides with older cars. Bonkers to think these guys are your friends. They want your money.

[McDonald]

1 hour ago, highway said:

Bonkers to think these guys are your friends. They want your money.

Absolutely right & completely understandable. The best ones recognise the value of repeat customers. You're a better revenue stream if you keep coming back.