Main dealer or independent servicing

[Stewart Rix]

I've got my 1997 C4 service coming up next month and have a dilema. Do I go with an expert independent like Northway or stick with a Porsche Centre? The issue arises because my car's got a full main dealer service history to date. Would I therefore be better off paying the extra couple of hundred pounds more to keep that FMDSH going and maintain the car's value in the longer run? At least Porsche Centre allow me to use my own sourced oil which saves a bit. Your thoughts would be appreciated!

Stewart

 

[968er]

Use an indie.

As long as it is a well known independent, it will have no impact on your cars value.

You will also probably have a higher standard of work carried out at an indie as well.

 

[Guest]

Agree.

 

[oliverjamesthomas]

Totally agree. I have had excellent service from my indie in Leeds. I think they're often a bit more enthusiastic than an OPC and the service given is a little more personal. My car was similar, in that it had OPC stamps and I don't really see the argument that OPC stamps are worth more come resale time.

Regards

 

[968er]

If someone comes along and tries to knock money off your car because it does not have OPC stamps, either educate them or send them on their way with a kick up their backside as they obviously fall into the 'Porsche for Prestige' buyer[][][]

 

[968er]

The best thing is to satisfy yourself with the Indie which can only be done by actually visiting the place and talking to the owner. If they don't have time, or don't want to talk them walk away. Also get referals from people who have used the prospective garage.

Re lower costs against OPC, quite simply overheads and profit margins are a lot lower. If you are put off because of what the premises looks like from the outside an indie may not be for you and stick to an OPC, which can sometimes be like the emperors new clothes.

 

[Shane Hodges]

Stewart, I agonised long and hard over this decision earlier in the year and came to the conclusion that an OPC stamp is not necessarily nirvana. Proof of yearly servicing from a reputable indie and all the bills since you bought the car is all you need to convince a buyer you have looked after the car.

As for which indie, I looked for recommendations and then checked who would be responsible for the car - then checked I liked/trusted them!

 

[Greg Park]

"Beautiful car it's just a pity the last couple of stamps are from an OPC", it's been said to me in the past and is always said to try and knock the price down.

As others have said as long as you pick a reputable indie such as JZ Machtech, Jaz, Northway etc you'll probably get better service and as long as you can show you've looked after the car and kept it in top condition that's all that should matter.

 

[jmspear]

Stewart, agree with above sentiments but be VERY careful with your indie, I went from indie to OPC because they were cheaper (On my 944S2)!! The indie had a lower man hour rate but my experience was they loaded the labour hours and it ended up costing me more, when you added in OPC service and coutesy car plus lower bills because of less hours and a bend over backwards attitude, and no hassle (arguing) over the bills my local OPC was best, interestingly, now with 993 ownership I have gone back to an Indie, much further away (very near the Queen in Datchet ;-)) - I live near Swindon - who is truly excellent, low hourly rate, no hour loading and a better deal than my local OPC who is still very very good - found the indie by personal recommendation. Moral, check with other owners of your marque before deciding where to go Indie or OPC it is all down to the garage. Also don't forget that your bill is made up from Hours X hourly rate (plus parts) and a low hourly rate can be more than outweighed by large number of hours, plus you don';t want too much of the standard book rate crap, which is were mechanics earn their bonus (by doing jobs quicker than the book rate yet charging book rate)

Hope above helps, you can't beat personal recommendation

John

 

[968er]

The thing is to go by personal recommendation.

 

[Stewart Rix]

OK guys, you've convinced me. I'm booked in with Ray Northway - always used to take my 944S2 and 968 there, so very happy with his service. I guess I can put the £300+ saving into my 'turbo' fund!