Am I expecting too much?

mt11bub · Jul 6, 2023

First ish proper post so bear with me.

Have had the car (2019 T) now 2 years and in that tone have had, drivers door lock failure, turbo actuator replacement(mooing noise after turning off the engine) and today was told that theres issues with the turbo wastegate and it’s a German order. To top it off am being told my 2 front wheels have a bit of buckling on the inside of the rims.

My first Porsche and I thought they were supposed to be a quality brand? Are these things made of glass, I have had way cheaper cars with way more mileage and probably driven harder yet never miss a beat?

is Porsche ownership really like this? i love the car but it’s my main one and don’t want to think I could have some sort of failure that leaves me at the side of the road!

geoff lane · Jul 7, 2023

I have had 14 Porsche's and until the last 2 they have been pretty much without fault but the last 2 have had a series of problems.

Unlike yours mine seem to be mainly electrical but I just think performance cars today are more complicated than they need to be and I'm afraid this will only get worse. Hopefully most issues will be under warranty.

Motorhead · Jul 7, 2023

Hi Mark,

It sounds as though you’ve been a bit unlucky with your car, but - as Geoff points out - modern cars are incredibly complex both mechanically and electronically, and you’re in the lap of the Gods as to whether or not your ownership runs smoothly, although unfortunately the turbo engined cars do appear to suffer from a number of turbo-related problems. The main thing is that [hopefully!] you’re covered by the warranty?

I’m afraid that your inner wheel rim buckling is a sign of the times given the dreadful state of our roads. The outer rim is fully supported by the spokes whereas the inner rim isn’t, and this weakness is accentuated by the wide wheels fitted on your car, making them more vulnerable to pothole impacts. A reputable wheel refurbisher should be able to advise you about a possible repair.

Jeff

911hillclimber · Jul 7, 2023

Could not agree more with the comments above.

These cars are weak compared to, say, a Ford Focus that has to be very robust as Joe Public thrashes them.

The Porsche wheels are very cupped and thin to keep them light, so prone to impact distortion.

Having just come back from a French, German, Austria holiday potholes just do not exist so the cars will fly along with both your eyes on the fabulous scenery instead of focusing on the road 20 meters ahead...

Turbos are a very well understood technology, on a zillion Diesel engines, mostly VAG cars so imho no excuse for weak engineering as the vag group engineers are at the top of their game?

My wife would not allow us to have another Porsche due to these stories and my own experiences.

Maybe Porsche need to get some Skoda engineers in their offices!

Scrounger · Jul 7, 2023

The 2.0 turbo actuator is exposed to the elements as its low down and can be seen through the vents in the belly pan. I had the same issue with my 2.0 but managed to free it up and apply some high temp copper grease and didn't have an issue with it after that. The 2.5s don't have the issue with the actuator as it sits higher up in the engine bay.

Agree with others re the alloys. Our UK roads are horrendous.

As Jeff said, at least you're under warranty and I would recommend that you extend it when the time comes, just for that little peace of mind.

Dan

mt11bub · Jul 7, 2023

Cheers all for your comments. Thankfully the car has the extended warranty but it’s just a bit of a faff for me as i got the car serviced in Solihull as Silverstone availability was 2 months after my service was due. (Tried to book it in 3 weeks before it was due) so as they notice it they have to do it they tell me.

I am glad I have the extended warranty as guess it would have been quite expensive and does anyone know any good alloy wheel restorers around Milton Keynes.

I do love the car, just concerned of the fragility of it!