I'M SCARED - DO I NEED A WARRANTY ?

[IainCameron]

ORIGINAL: GOOFY
I was always under the impression that one would be paying for engineering excellence when purchasing a Porsche. Engineering excellence should also imply reliability.

My surprise is how Porsche have got away with this for so long!

GOOFY,

As Nic Doczi has said to you ... calm down.

I have run my Boxster now for 3 1/2 years & 30,000 miles and the car runs like a train. I have another car that I use most weekdays but take out the Boxster when I can, rain or shine! It's a fantastic car. Starts every time, first time and just runs and runs even if the car is not used for a few weeks.

Why would we all still be here in this forum and Porsche owners if we did not feel these cars were builitproof? OK so there will be a minority of cars with their problems just like all manufacturers.

To answer your original question ... "Should I take out warranty for engine failure and RMS ?" I would NOT do it. I have not extended my warranty but put the cash into the bank and hopefully I will use it for a nice holiday when my new Boxster arrives some time next year.

When I discussed the topic of extending my car's warranty my local Porsche dealer said that in his opinion it was not worth it as they never see any Boxsters in for works requiring costly work..... and without quoting him he did suggest that if I was very unlucky and got an engine blow up Porsche would look at it very favourably. I know that doesn't mean that they will automatically give me/you a free engine/labour but something would be forthcoming.

Happy Boxster Motoring

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: IainCameron
.... that if I was very unlucky and got an engine blow up Porsche would look at it very favourably. I know that doesn't mean that they will automatically give me/you a free engine/labour but something would be forthcoming.

Iain, please understand I am not trying to contradict you here, or pouring scorn on my local OPC for that matter, but my experience was somewhat different.

When I enquired about the need to extend my warranty, I specifically asked about the out-of-warranty situation in the unlikely event of a blown engine.

I went away with the impression, formed on the basis of what I was told at the time, that since I had been given the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty, and if I had subsequently chosen not to take advantage of that opportunity, then Porsche may take this into account when giving consideration to any so called 'good will' claims!

From my own experience, and from what I've read elsewhere, a goodwill offer from Porsche is typically around 50%. That's assuming they'd give me even that in respect of the aforementioned consideration!

I don't know the cost of a new 986s engine, but I do know it would be c£14k all in for a 996 and I'm sure I won't need to tell you which option I plumped for!

Conrad.

 

[philippe]

I think that there is always a lot of mixed opnions over this and like i have done when buying second hand Porsche once you have had the inspection done build the £750 extended warranty into your negotiating and put it on the car, It does not mean that you have to renew it every year but you can run it for the 1st year and when you no the car well and can see how relaible it is then you do not have to renew it.

Enjoy it and i am sure you will say that the warranty was a waste of money.

Phil

 

[Mikomotor]

I guess a lot of this decision just comes down to factoring in what you know about your car......when deciding whether or not to splash out the £725 in April, I took account of the fact that , in 2 years, I had had two new air filters fitted, which I think costs about £250 a throw to fix. And guess what? my 'engine check' warning light has just popped up again! Will find out tomorrow if it's same old problem or something new (car only has 13K on clock).

So it was a case of glum face followed by smiley as I considered the warranty decision!

Whilst on this point - has anyone else had air filter problems? (I think that there are three on the engine). Wonder if it is a common weakness?

Mike.

 

[Mikomotor]

Just thought I'd share what I found re. the air filter issue (for anyone who's interested):

"Here is the answer. My 97 boxster is pushing 100k miles and I fixed this problem years ago. Your problem is not a mass air sensor or any 02 sensors.

The cause is an air leak in the intake system in 1 of 3 places. With the exception of the main air intake which runs from the air filter to the throttle body, there are 3 separate vacuum sources on the engine that are located on the right hand side of the engine. #1 connects the top of the oil separator (a plastic round object mounted vertically on the right rear of the motor)to the top of the throttle body with a hard plastic 'j' shaped hose. Make sure it is not leaking (sucking air). If this hose is broke in any way, it will cost $45 and any monkey can replace it. This will cause rough idle, engine light, ect. #2 is unfortunately hard to get to. It is under the right side intake manifold. I remove the right side intake to get to this one. It is a small hard plastic vacuum hose that is likely broke and IS the cause if you are getting the secondary air injection failure. #3 is a vacuum line that connects to the front, right side intake manifold near the center of the manifold, almost behind the alternator. This line becomes disconnected VERY easy and just simply needs to be put back in. The line is distinguishable because it has a white round boot at the end of it. It simply plugs back into the hole on the intake manifold."