First post, second Porsche, thirdhand support

Guest · Jan 28, 2005

Hi there (I'm new to forum) I have been through most of the posts on the 997 board, catching up what's been said and add my contribution to what hasn't been said. So here goes it then"¦"¦"¦..
It's all been said.

I'll give you a little info on my car.
Ordered in Aug 04 for delivery in Nov 04, which is a bit of a close call because I had booked my Cannonball 8000 trip in my previous 996 C2 (to run in Sept04) however all worked out in the end after selling it within two weeks via e-bay. Pretty pleased with the short order/delivery window though

. Guards Red, it looks fantastic in this colour, black interior. Tiptronic, sunroof, Sat Nav, telephone, Bose, sport seats (superb) heated bum warmers, park assist and Multi Function steering wheel (v good option)
I use the car every day, rain, snow, salt, traffic, motorways. I have completed 3500 miles, and it is just about loosing up. The thrill, after the running in, listening to the engine note scream when the go peddle is depressed fully. Worth every penny.

Question: Why are the OPC's generally not as welcoming as other manufacturer's facilities. This was a serious consideration for me NOT to buy another Porsche. Everyone who has spoken to me recently about the new car has asked about the mundane things in life, how fast, is it that good etc..but when it comes to the dealer I have not really had a good word to pass on about OPC's, more a word of caution than singing high praise. I am not alone. We have 6 Porsches in the family here and there, and a number of work colleagues have them, or expecting to buy one, and they all say the same thing. I would love to hear that I am fundamentally wrong here"¦.

Sundeep · Jan 28, 2005

they like your money...

sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't...... although now it's a big corporation that personal touch is somewhat lacking..

but it very much the same across dealers, I found with my last car (Audi TT) because my car was an import (and not bought from them!) the dealer took that as reason to not like me ! but if I was buying at the 'full price' they like me

btw.. 6 porsche's in the family !!!

sotoole · Jan 28, 2005

I think the UK dealers have trouble with communications with HQ. An example is the confusion and lacking information over certain options availability - sports exhaust still not available and no idea when. Aftersales in my experience is not bad, not excellent though as they dont seem to fix problems first time every time.

Guest · Jan 29, 2005

Well here is the catalogue of events,

Purchase of a 1 year old 996, treated with utter contempt at all dealers.
Engine blow up 1 day after warranty, eventually agreed to coughed up.
Windscreen seal broke, agreed under warranty with dealer. Then charged me £550 with out my permission. 6 months to fight to get my money back, after contacting solicitors.
Purchased new 997, and hey presto, same sort of customer service. Better buying a Focus in terms of customer service.
Ordered two chrome exhaust pipes for the 997, still waiting after a month.

They like our money, I agree. Well, so will other manufacturers when this gets replaced.

Such a great product, with such poor support

Shane, are you planning to retro fit the sports exhausts?

sotoole · Jan 30, 2005

I wanted sports exhaust from day 1 and having heard the pre-production demo cars when driving one I thought the 997S was too quiet. But now I've got the car I'm please with the sound quality so won't bother with the expense of the exhaust as it won't contribute to resale price.
The standard tail pipes are not good quality (mine are corroding only after 3 weeks) so I will order the chrome ones when they are available (am told this is likely to be March). Will just WD-40 the standard tailpipes for the time being.
Looks like it is easy to fit them ...

Guest · Jan 31, 2005

When I get the chrome ones I will let you know what they look like. I agree about the standard fit ones, I've cleaned mine with Auto Glynn metal polish, look OK but nothing special. On the hunt for colour wheel centres and chrome wheel bolts.

harry · Jan 31, 2005

The OPC at Glasgow gave me a good impression when I visited them. Very courteous and helpful. If I had that kind of service that you describe I will never buy from that dealer again.

Harry

sotoole · Jan 31, 2005

So Nick, do you find other drivers flash lights at you at night as they are being dazzled too much by the xenons? I get it all the time and its starting to drive me mad. The lights are supposed to be auto level adjustment but mine seem to be blinding other drivers!

Guest · Feb 1, 2005

sotoole

Same problem with the lights, flashing them back on full beam to prove that my lights are dipped just makes them worse.

Guest · Feb 1, 2005

I have had the flash once. I am aware though on motorways the poor guy on the inside lane to me, gets the full monty of white light as I pass. (Hence my planned statement goes like this.... NE to Police Officer: "I was traveling at a fair rate of knots so not to blind the other road users")[

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I do notice the lights are self leveling when you turn them on, do they adjust on the move then?

eastendr · Feb 1, 2005

Nick, nice to chat with you last night at the Ace.

Pictures are HERE

Your car look much better in the flesh than in the pics. Next time when it's lighter ....