Porsche Extended Warranty

[Chris D]

Warning. This is a bit of a rant. 

Car is an MY 2014 Cayman GTS with 41k on clock. All service history is OPC.

So, I bought this car end Jun 22. Through Sytner Group BMW in Tamworth. It was sold to Leicester (Sytner Group) OPC but due to the age they sold it via BMW Tamworth - Common thing for this group. e.g. My car was sat next to a 911, a Bentley and a McLaren etc when I viewed it. 

Unexpected but it turned out the car came with a little bit of Porsche Extended Warranty when I bought it. It expires tomorrow (29 Sep). It was £1160 for another 24 months at the time I was looking.  I'd have been content without it but in hindsight and for piece of mind it seemed a bit of a no brainer to extend it. So I tried to renew it late Aug. Point to note - if you renew after it expires you need to pay for a 111 inspection, at ~£300. Might as well get it in early then yeh?

Called my local OPC, which happened to be Leicester. This is also where the car originated from new. Should make it easier yeh? Or so I thought.

Sent them all the documents as requested. Got a phone call back later in the afternoon saying I couldn't renew it. One of the criteria for renewing is that I need to have owned the car for 90 days. At that point i was only 67 days in. Meh! Also, to add salt into the wounds, their price for 24 months jumped to £1260 on 1 Sep.

Did the math and worked out I could call back today (28 Sep) which would be either day 90 or just after. Phew. Close one. Saved myself £300 at least!

Sent all the docs again yesterday. i.e. Maint book with stamps. V5. New photo of mileage plus some service invoices and a Porsche service history print out that the dealer gave me when I bought it.

Email back. Service stamps missing from book. Yes, I know. I told you this before because I picked up on it when I bought it from you (Sytner Group) 3 months ago. Hence the Porsche service history print out YOU provided for me. I've literally given you everything I have / you gave me. Last service stamp was Jan this year btw (minor service so it turns out).

So, off they go to Porsche GB. They come back and say the service history is a bit erratic (some late, some early- but all OPC!) and they therefore won't extend it. This is despite the warranty being extended every 2 years since new. The Porsche history print out has all the data to back this up. I point this out to them. They said it shouldn't have been renewed. WTF!

So. Turns out I can renew it, BUT, it first needs an 8 year Major Service (at £1,800) to be carried out. This is made up of:
 

• Major service - £900.
  Plus:
• Plugs - £350
• Brake fluid change (just done, with RBF660) - £170
• Tyre sealant replacement - £95 (I'll never use this!)
• Covers off and check belts - £80 
• Visusal insp of mounts - £90
• Check drains - £110

Seems a bit pricey yeh?

Then £300 for the 111 inspection, because my warranty will have run out.

Then pay for the extended warranty.

Incidently, it's booked in next week for a diganosis for a PSM Failure dash warning (likely failed coil(s)). I ask is this still covered or not and if not can I used the approved used 6 month warranty that came with the car from Sytner Group.

Yes to the diagnosis. But nope to the Sytner Group Approved Used warranty. Plus, having that would have also stopped you extending the Porsche extended warranty too. Seriously, I told you this already. But now you tell me???? 

Arggghhhhhhhh FFS!

Suffice to say. They can fcuking do one now. 

Rant over......


I'm using my local Porsche indy from now on. Closer and probably a better service. Nottingham OPC trained him and he gets all his parts from them too.

Edited September 28, 2022 by Chris D

[Happy Days]

Absolutely.

[Carmine]

Sorry to hear of all the aggro you’re having - I can understand your anger and frustration.

can’t help but wonder if the Leicester OPC knew the service history didn’t meet the requirements and that’s why it was moved to and ultimately sold by a BMW dealer in the group. I don’t think it was too old to be sold by an OPC - they can sell whatever they want but it would have raised eyebrows if a new-enough car didn’t come with a Porsche Approved used car warranty.

why is the PSM repair not covered by the Sytner warranty - are coils excluded?

How did Sytner word the status of the car’s service history - was it misleading or even wrong?

 

[Davey P]

39 minutes ago, Chris D said:

Incidently, it's booked in next week for a diganosis for a PSM Failure dash warning (likely failed coil(s)). I ask is this still covered or not and if not can I used the approved used 6 month warranty that came with the car from Sytner Group.

Yes to the diagnosis. But nope to the Sytner Group Approved Used warranty.

I don't understand this bit ^  Surely if it's got a 6 month warranty you should be covered?

When I bought my Cayman from RPM they were brilliant, and did all the paperwork to transfer the OPC warranty to my name (it only had a few weeks left to run) plus they also gave me their usual 6 months approved warranty as well. Typically, (or perhaps thankfully) it didn't need any work during that time, and has been faultless ever since, but I'd like to think they would honour their warranty if it did have any problems.

[GTSMarky]

Forget OPC and go Indie - that's what I've done, well apart from the recent recall work that is...

As our cars get older it's just not worth it. 

[daz05]

Oh dear not a good story. I have run my 981 without warranty for almost 4 yrs now but I still service at the OPC just to keep the history up. Slush fund in place just in case.

[GTSMarky]

7 minutes ago, daz05 said:

Oh dear not a good story. I have run my 981 without warranty for almost 4 yrs now but I still service at the OPC just to keep the history up. Slush fund in place just in case.

Yep I also run a slush fund to ease the pain that includes my daily too.

[Chris D]

55 minutes ago, Carmine said:

why is the PSM repair not covered by the Sytner warranty - are coils excluded?

How did Sytner word the status of the car’s service history - was it misleading or even wrong?

 

Sytner Group Porsche (Leicester) won't honour the approved used warranty as issued by the Sytner Group BMW (Tamworth). I gave up asking questions. It was like banging my head off a wall.

I've since contacted the dealer from where I bought the car ref warranty work. Awaiting a response.

Their (leic OPC) explanation of the service history status is as above. Erattic. Services completed but either early or late. I have 3 pages of history, from new. Proper Porsche print out. All the recalls, warranty work. 111 inspections, warranty renewals etc. Service locations & dates too.

Late / Early - No consideration for c0v1d either. They say it's due a major (8 year) service. Incidently, the dash display in the car states next service due in 30k miles or Dec 2023, whichever occurs first. Last service (minor) was Jan 22 at Chester OPC, so they bloody reset it!

Proper fed up with both Leicester OPC and the lack of support from Porsche GB.

Edited September 28, 2022 by Chris D

[iborguk]

I hear the pain and feel for you. The Porsche warranty is an insurance product and they set the onboarding and running rules with it.

I’m currently running mine on the third party warranty which came with the car but may try and convert to the Porsche extended warranty in the spring.
 

I did convert in a previous car and had to basically repeat a service an Indy had performed to onboard.
 

Good luck whatever you decide.

Edited September 28, 2022 by iborguk

[Carmine]

If you’re going to push back you need to do it through Sytner in Tamworth - that’s who you have a contractual relationship with. You’re pretty much a nobody to OPC Leicester when it comes to down to it.

[andygo]

Porsche do seem a bit hard to get a result out of.

 

I was in Belgium last week and one morning, in very slow traffic, my wife noticed an odd noise coming from the NSR. Once over 10mph it stopped. My wife drove the car with me outside and the noise seemed to be coming from behind the wheel. I had visions of a driveshaft disintegrating or similar and being several hundred miles from home and not wanting to be stuck in a foreign land with a broken Cayman decided to proceed with caution to the neares Porsche OPC in Liege, some 25 miles away.

After a couple of miles of thinking about it, and now pootling down the motorway, I realised that the NSR TPMS had stopped connecting and was displaying a warning. I deduced that the TPMS must have broken off inside the wheel and was rattling about the wheel at slow speed, stopping as centrifugal force held the bits against the tyre as I sped up, like a washing machine on a spin cycle.

Got to the OPC and told thenm what I had deduced and could they replace the broken part under warranty.  After an hour they handed me the broken bits (see pix) and as it was broken, coudn't replace it under warranty and also they didnt have one anyway. They also gave me a bill for €77 which I had to pay or walk as they refused to honour the warranty or even accept that they had commenced work on the car without the bits to fix it.

I emailed my suppling OPC who have taken 3 days to authorise a fix. Booked it in with local OPC who said initially could I leave the car with them for a couple of days to diagnose the issue. I sent them the photos and told them there wasnt anything more to diagnose for goodness sake.

 

It's booked in for next tuesday but I have to still leave it for 3 hours at least for them to sort. When i mentioned that its a 30 minute task at worst and tha Kwik Fit could change all 4 in less than an hour, I was told that they still hve to hook it up to diagnostics before and after, blah blah.

I think the fix still isnt under warranty as my supplying dealer are paying for it apparently, but to be fair to them, are also reimbursing my €77 from the Belgian stealers.

Most odd carry on and apologies for the ramble.

Edited to add my cars supplying dealer is a Sytner group member as is my Silverstone centre. Hope it turns out ok for both of us!

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by andygo

[GTSMarky]

1 hour ago, Chris D said:

Sytner Group Porsche (Leicester) won't honour the approved used warranty as issued by the Sytner Group BMW (Tamworth). I gave up asking questions. It was like banging my head off a wall.

I've since contacted the dealer from where I bought the car ref warranty work. Awaiting a response.

Their (leic OPC) explanation of the service history status is as above. Erattic. Services completed but either early or late. I have 3 pages of history, from new. Proper Porsche print out. All the recalls, warranty work. 111 inspections, warranty renewals etc. Service locations & dates too.

Late / Early - No consideration for c0v1d either. They say it's due a major (8 year) service. Incidently, the dash display in the car states next service due in 30k miles or Dec 2023, whichever occurs first. Last service (minor) was Jan 22 at Chester OPC, so they bloody reset it!

Proper fed up with both Leicester OPC and the lack of support from Porsche GB.

Time for you to call &/or write to the dealer Principal and don't hold back.. In my experience they don't like the bad PR and grief - worked for me ages ago!!

 

Like I say - get out of the OPC nonsense unless you have a new/nearly new car.

[Stuno1]

2 hours ago, daz05 said:

Oh dear not a good story. I have run my 981 without warranty for almost 4 yrs now but I still service at the OPC just to keep the history up. Slush fund in place just in case.

Have decided I’ll do the same now. Paid for a aftermarket warranty for my first year just for peace of mind. Will take it to Colchester OPC for servicing and Indy for any repairs needed. 

[iborguk]

2 hours ago, andygo said:

Porsche do seem a bit hard to get a result out of.

 

I was in Belgium last week and one morning, in very slow traffic, my wife noticed an odd noise coming from the NSR. Once over 10mph it stopped. My wife drove the car with me outside and the noise seemed to be coming from behind the wheel. I had visions of a driveshaft disintegrating or similar and being several hundred miles from home and not wanting to be stuck in a foreign land with a broken Cayman decided to proceed with caution to the neares Porsche OPC in Liege, some 25 miles away.

After a couple of miles of thinking about it, and now pootling down the motorway, I realised that the NSR TPMS had stopped connecting and was displaying a warning. I deduced that the TPMS must have broken off inside the wheel and was rattling about the wheel at slow speed, stopping as centrifugal force held the bits against the tyre as I sped up, like a washing machine on a spin cycle.

Got to the OPC and told thenm what I had deduced and could they replace the broken part under warranty.  After an hour they handed me the broken bits (see pix) and as it was broken, coudn't replace it under warranty and also they didnt have one anyway. They also gave me a bill for €77 which I had to pay or walk as they refused to honour the warranty or even accept that they had commenced work on the car without the bits to fix it.

I emailed my suppling OPC who have taken 3 days to authorise a fix. Booked it in with local OPC who said initially could I leave the car with them for a couple of days to diagnose the issue. I sent them the photos and told them there wasnt anything more to diagnose for goodness sake.

 

It's booked in for next tuesday but I have to still leave it for 3 hours at least for them to sort. When i mentioned that its a 30 minute task at worst and tha Kwik Fit could change all 4 in less than an hour, I was told that they still hve to hook it up to diagnostics before and after, blah blah.

I think the fix still isnt under warranty as my supplying dealer are paying for it apparently, but to be fair to them, are also reimbursing my €77 from the Belgian stealers.

Most odd carry on and apologies for the ramble.

Edited to add my cars supplying dealer is a Sytner group member as is my Silverstone centre. Hope it turns out ok for both of us!

 

Ouch. Wonder how that happened ?!

Edited September 28, 2022 by iborguk

[daz05]

I think you've done the right thing, you bought the car from a BMW dealer and they have supplied you with a warranty product if the car breaks then it's on them to cover as per your warranty.

I know you said it had Porsche warranty on it but that does not transfer if you buy the car via a dealer (or at least if they find out). You made the error of using a dealer in the same network and that meant they couldn't help you because it was known to them.

The service history issue I can't comment on because you haven't shared but Porsche are friendly because they allow you to forget the past and pay for a big service so they have confidence of maintenance before insuring the car. BMW and the likes won't sell you a policy if you don't have the history they require.

You'll get very different treatment from Porsche if you buy approved used and keep a good relationship, have your services done and good scores in their feedback system. I enjoy going to my local dealer, i'm treated very well always get nice cars to drive and get great prices on my parts.

What is the service history out of interest maybe another dealer can help you but because you have another warranty on it I don't think they can insure you anyway, it will be in the small print.

 

[andygo]

1 hour ago, iborguk said:

Ouch. Wonder how that happened ?!

The Belgian dealer said it was by the fitting of a tyre improperly, but seeing as it was 2500 miles previously by my selling dealer. All four wheels had been refurbed and brand new N rated Michelin 4s's fitted in 20" size. They are unmarked.

To be fair, Mid Sussex OPC have been good.

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by andygo

[Chris D]

13 hours ago, daz05 said:

I think you've done the right thing, you bought the car from a BMW dealer and they have supplied you with a warranty product if the car breaks then it's on them to cover as per your warranty.

I know you said it had Porsche warranty on it but that does not transfer if you buy the car via a dealer (or at least if they find out). You made the error of using a dealer in the same network and that meant they couldn't help you because it was known to them.

The service history issue I can't comment on because you haven't shared but Porsche are friendly because they allow you to forget the past and pay for a big service so they have confidence of maintenance before insuring the car. BMW and the likes won't sell you a policy if you don't have the history they require.

You'll get very different treatment from Porsche if you buy approved used and keep a good relationship, have your services done and good scores in their feedback system. I enjoy going to my local dealer, i'm treated very well always get nice cars to drive and get great prices on my parts.

What is the service history out of interest maybe another dealer can help you but because you have another warranty on it I don't think they can insure you anyway, it will be in the small print.

 

Thanks. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I thought sticking with the same franchise dealership might have worked in my favour. Clearly, in this case, it had an adverse effect. Live and learn.

According to the print out, in summary:

26 Sep 14 at 1282km - VTS, PDI supply and fit plates. 9714 Tech Insp.

9 Aug 16 at 11816 mls - 9711 Minor Maint. 20k mile service & brake fluid

23 Nov 17 at 20644 mls - 9711 Minor Maint. General Minor Service

7 Jan 22 - at 38377 mls - 9711 Minor Maint. General Minor Service inc air & pollen filter, drive belts & BFC (this is the ONLY stamp in the maint book).

In between these it's had plenty of warranty diagnosis / repairs and 111 inspections for warranty renewal. Last 111 Insp was Feb 2020.

All done at a Porsche Service Centre.

As above, the PCM is stating next service due in 30k miles or Dec 2023. Either the previous owner(s) has gone cheap or Porsche have cocked up the service scheduling?

Irrespective of whether or not it needs an 8 year major service right now I think the quote I've been provided is overpriced. Will make some calls today. See what options I have. Having slept on this I've not totally discounted extending the warranty yet. Just a bit taken aback by their service costs based on searching through threads on here alone  (I'm fully aware of the brand I've bought into and the costs associated with that - I've come from owning a BMW).

 

Regardless of all of the above, the car is bloody mega and I love it. Just need to make sure I don't get fleeced along the way.

Edited September 29, 2022 by Chris D

[daz05]

@Chris D thanks for sharing, I see the problem you have a large gap between services, maybe I'm missing something but that gap is 4.5yrs, you have no chance of the OPC putting a warranty on that and you are lucky that Porsche would entertain it with 4.5 yr old oil.

In your position I would pay for the big service because it's due and get it covered when the time is right, no need to do it now maybe when your own warranty expires.

Out of interest was that sold to you as full service history because it most certainly isn't, service requirement is within 2 yrs maximum.  It's likely been sold via BMW because it didn't meet the OPC standard. Always ask yourself why a dealer group with a Porsche franchise wouldn't retail it directly.

Edited September 29, 2022 by daz05

[Patt]

especially when Porsche are openly advertising for stock now upto 6 years old on social media - they'll have nothing on their forecourts soon when quoting 70 week lead times !

[Tony Daniel]

@Chris Dmy quote for 8yr service with Preston OPC is £995 including plugs and brake fluid

[Carmand]

As others have said your first recourse is against the warranty provided by the seller for your current issue, using the 6 month warranty you have from them.  

If what you have described above is the complete service history for the car then that goes towards explaining why an OPC would choose not to retail the car in a time of short used supply.  In normal circumstances they would have serviced the car if required to meet the warranty standard along with anything else required e.g. tyres etc.

How was the car represented by the seller?  It looks like having a far from complete history.  Of course the selling price should have been less than if retailed by an OPC so you’ve had some benefit there hopefully.

The previous Porsche extended warranty is not transferable on a sale through a non OPC dealer - that’s a clear term, which the seller should have known.

If you can’t get a new Porsche extended warranty or don’t want to jump through the hoops you can go down a third party warranty route of course.

I think as others have found the Porsche extended warranty is an insurance product sold by a third party so it’s not the OPC or Porsche GB who make the rules unfortunately.

[Chris D]

2 hours ago, daz05 said:

@Chris D thanks for sharing, I see the problem you have a large gap between services, maybe I'm missing something but that gap is 4.5yrs, you have no chance of the OPC putting a warranty on that and you are lucky that Porsche would entertain it with 4.5 yr old oil.

In your position I would pay for the big service because it's due and get it covered when the time is right, no need to do it now maybe when your own warranty expires.

Out of interest was that sold to you as full service history because it most certainly isn't, service requirement is within 2 yrs maximum.  It's likely been sold via BMW because it didn't meet the OPC standard. Always ask yourself why a dealer group with a Porsche franchise wouldn't retail it directly.

No problem. You're probably quite right. I may have been blinkered by the quality and awesomeness of the car in general and not dived deep enough into the history as much as I should have done. Lesson learned. I don't recall what the advert stated now. I am where I am now so I'll just deal with it. It had a service (inc oil, belts and filters) Jan this year. During my ownership it'll have oil & filter change annually, regardless.

Incidently, I've just got back from my porsche indy / specialist. He's 15 mins away. Popped over to have a catchup and a good chat. An 8 year service with him is ~£500 taking into account he only literally last week replaced my brake fluid with RBF660. That's with all parts being OEM or direct from Porsche (Nottingham) themselves. With all things being as they are and based on the (mixed) advice from this thread alone I would say I'm likely to cut the strings from Porsche UK and use my indy going forward. Will probably book it in with my indy now, once I've had the warranty issues it's booked in for sorted. Or not 🙄😂

 

[½cwt]

1 hour ago, Chris D said:

No problem. You're probably quite right. I may have been blinkered by the quality and awesomeness of the car in general and not dived deep enough into the history as much as I should have done. Lesson learned. I don't recall what the advert stated now. I am where I am now so I'll just deal with it. It had a service (inc oil, belts and filters) Jan this year. During my ownership it'll have oil & filter change annually, regardless.

Incidently, I've just got back from my porsche indy / specialist. He's 15 mins away. Popped over to have a catchup and a good chat. An 8 year service with him is ~£500 taking into account he only literally last week replaced my brake fluid with RBF660. That's with all parts being OEM or direct from Porsche (Nottingham) themselves. With all things being as they are and based on the (mixed) advice from this thread alone I would say I'm likely to cut the strings from Porsche UK and use my indy going forward. Will probably book it in with my indy now, once I've had the warranty issues it's booked in for sorted. Or not 🙄😂

 

Bank what you'd pay of teh higher service cost and warranty and 'self insure' teh warranty so you ahve a fund if the worst happens.  If not after a period of time I'll have a nice windfall fund, well if the current economic situation hasn't devalued us all to junk stock rating by then.

[daz05]

@Chris D maybe you are right it's a big expense that could go into a slush pot instead. The engines are strong.

 

[BrianJ]

I don't get how indie's and non-specialist sellers sell cars "with Porsche extended warranty" (or similar wording) when the terms of Porsche's extended warranty specifically says transfer isn't possible if you sell the car to a "commercial dealer or reseller that is not a Porsche Centre/Porsche Service Centre".  I can only assume this isn't rigorously checked or can be easily circumvented if the owning seller doesn't report it.  Transfer is possible if you sell to a private buyer or to an OPC. 

Similarly, "a claim for the repair or replacement of a defective system or component shall be invalid to the extent that the defect results from any of the following"... a list which includes...."Service, repair or maintenance has previously been performed on the vehicle by you or a third party who is not an authorised Porsche Centre/Porsche Service Centre". Again, some indie's buy their parts from a local OPC and seem to be able to wobble their way around this, but it doesn't line up with the strict wording of the contract.

I bought my current 981 from Porsche Centre Solihull (a Sytner-owned OPC) which had about 6 months remaining from the previous owner's Porsche extended warranty onto which another 2 years was added as an approved used car.  To contrast with the OP, my Sytner experience has been excellent, both for my used Porsche and for the purchase of new BMW 3 years ago in Sheffield. But the rules on Porsche extended warranty claims certainly don't seem to be consistently applied by Porsche or by OPCs which leaves the whole area a bit of a minefield. I didn't have any extended warranty on my previous 981, which worked out generally about even, but a £3k power steering failure on the last car and concern about PADM failure make me much more comfortable that I now have one.            

Edited September 30, 2022 by BrianJ