OPC experiences

[Gap]

Hi,

I'm booked in for my 6 year service in Kendal. At the recent Bolton meet I decided to get some upgrade work done by them as their pricing was significantly keener than Kendal's for the same, very simple job. It came up in conversation with Bolton that I was due for my service in Kendal soon and they are now trying to improve on Kendal's price.

Kendal is closer for me and frankly I don't like messing people around and understand the value of longer term relationships. However, I'm expecting a call back from Bolton soon and depending on price, may need to consider my options.

It's not all about the money, so I'm keen to hear about experiences that people have had at either OPC that might swing it for me. Happy to be PM'd if that's more appropriate.

So, thoughts anyone?

Thanks

 

[Peter_Bull]

There are pros and cons with each and every PC and some will offer differing experiences than others.

I agree that relationships with any PC are important but the bottom line is to be happy with your own choice and cost may well be a secondary consideration.

Please bear in mind the forum rules when answering this thread as naming and shaming is against these rules >>here<< see section 3.0

 

[stephenbailey]

Hi Gap
My position is probably slightly different to yours
i run a 2006 Cayman s. I've bought parts etc from Pc Kendal & prices have been reasonable. My Cayman is due for service in the new year and after talking to Pc Kendal they told me they can be fairly competitive with servicing costs of older vehicles (not sure of the age etc of your car so may not be the same). For myself running an older model my decision is more about Opc or Indy rather than which Opc to use.
im sure that whichever you go to will give you good service
hope you get sorted
cheers steve

 

[keiththo]

Until recently I drove a 7 year old Boxster and I did discuss with my local OPC how necessary it was to maintain a full OPC history. To retain my custom the after sales manager adjusted their labour rate to be competitive as well as discounting the parts, thus securing the work.

Each dealer may be different but I was impressed by this effort to remain competitive and remained loyal to them. This in turn may have served me well as they always found time to 'look at' my car immediately whenever there was an issue.

 

[MartinRS2K]

I find Andrew at Kendal is excellent for pricing when I need parts, but they seem less keen to do 'reasonable rates' for Classic Porsches compared to Newcastle, Glasgow or Bolton. Maybe it is because their ramps are always full so don't need to offer discounts for older cars when they can charge full price (£112.50 + Vat an hour) for modern Porsches or maybe they don't really want to work on the older cars?

i would like to use Kendal more as Shaun the head mechanic enjoys working on the older cars and his reputation and experience is excellent but at twice the price of Unit 11 in Warrington or D & G in Newcastle I think my visits to Kendal will stay mainly as parts purchases for now.

 

[Frenchy]

^^^^^ Echoed ^^^^^

 

[Gap]

Thanks for all your feedback. Good to see some balanced views as opposed to rants and whinges [].

It's also good to hear that relationships and loyalty do seem to count for something in an increasingly detached, pressured commercial world.

As as it turns out it's likely I'll be visiting both and I'm happy with that. Of course, "the proof of the pudding..." and all that - I'll no doubt be able to start forming my own opinion in a few weeks...

The good news is that, given the very mixed feedback that you hear about the various PCs round the country, from the recent feedback I've had I seem to be fortunate to be surrounded by some good ones.

Thanks again all

 

[zeb]

I've used both but tend to stick with Kendal these days as I've built up a relationship with them. Unsurprisingly I always try and negotiate on price and have to say they are pretty good (or they're used to me now!)

 

[vitesse]

Jeremy is so honest about his dealings as we all know:-"So ,you want £350 a tyre for the rears on my Turbo,my boy--I'll give you £175 ea or I'll scrap it & buy another car instead!"[]

 

[zeb]

Jeremy is so honest about his dealings as we all know:-"So ,you want £350 a tyre for the rears on my Turbo,my boy--I'll give you £175 ea or I'll scrap it & buy another car instead!"[]

[][][].....fairly accurate there colin.....!!

 

[Gap]

Though to be fair the 997 Twin Tango has lasted a good few months - maybe just hasn't needed new tyres yet - it's on borrowed time....

 

[zeb]

must be those new fangled bridgestones......[]