Collecting New Car- What I need to know

Manxviking · May 8, 2006

Hope to take delivery of my new 997 4S by the end of the week and as this is my first Porsche I would like to get advice from real drivers rather than rely OPC. I am sure that in all the excitement I will forget something vital!!

Checklist
1) Insurance is sorted. Admiral came in 50% cheaper than the "specialist" brokers and didn't require a Tracker!
2) Do I need to keep the revs below a certain level until the engine is run in?
3) Does the oil need changing after first 1000 miles?
4)I have gone for Zymol. Is it worth it?
Anything else I need to know?

Ronnie C · May 8, 2006

Checklist
1) Insurance is sorted. Admiral came in 50% cheaper than the "specialist" brokers and didn't require a Tracker!
You may well find elephant.co.uk and bell.co.uk (both of which are Admiral owned) will be cheaper for exactly the same quote... their online quote systems are exactly the same except for colour, ie exactly the same questions asked, etc.

However, as I understand it, Admiral, whilst price competitive, will only pay out for the base cost of the car if you ever need to claim and won't pay for optional extras you have, so you might want to consider GAP insurance which your OPC will try to sell you. You'll probably be able to find GAP elsewhere for half the price an OPC will try to charge you.

2) Do I need to keep the revs below a certain level until the engine is run in?
You will get a different response depending on who you talk to. Some OPC technicians will tell you to run in by the book, others will tell you that its not good for you baby the engine too much during the first 1800 miles. Up to you who you listen to as it's your car; but what ever you do, make sure you warm the engine properly (oil and water temps) before you drive it like you stole it. Also, probably best to bed in your brakes (200-400 miles) first before you do go crazy in it.

3) Does the oil need changing after first 1000 miles?
No, although personally I wouldn't leave it till 20k or 2 years either. I did mine at about 4.5k

4)I have gone for Zymol. Is it worth it?
I found Zymol good quality, but not very long lasting. I now use RejeX which I'd highly recommend.

Dapster · May 8, 2006

Norwich Union certainly cover the replacement cost of the car rather than the base cost....

Don't forget to go over the car with a toothcomb, checking for any scratch, ding or dent which will be impossible to get sorted by the OPC once you drive the car away. Additionally, if you haven't got Sportchrono you can ask the technicians to programme the central locking to lock the car once you've exceeded 5mph if you are so inclined (I did and feel a bit more secure that my wife or I will be driving around in a locked car).

I drove my car like a baby for the first 500 miles and from then on, once fully warmed up, ALWAYS drove it like I stole it. I did the same in the previous one - 55k miles from new and not so much as a missed beat.

On a positive note, take your digital camera, a fist full of CD's, your new sunglasses and take a day off work!!

burrow01 · May 8, 2006

There is a really comprehensive checklist here:

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=202593&mpage=1&key=&#202593

Enjoy the day [

]

Pete

Manxviking · May 8, 2006

thanks, its certainly a comprehensive list.

sidicks · May 8, 2006

ORIGINAL: Manxviking
997 C4S

Great choice - same as mine !!

ORIGINAL: Manxviking
2) Do I need to keep the revs below a certain level until the engine is run in?

I was advised to keep below 4,000rpm for the first 500 miles, and then 5,000rpm for the next 500miles. Thereafter just follow the usual common sense - keep below 4,000rpm until the oil is properly warmed through (80-90 degrees C?)