OPC over-charging ?

[Guest]

I recently booked my 996 in for its yearly service and told the booking girl that I'd only done 5,500 miles this year and she said "oh, you only need the minor service then - ok".

I picked up my car today and was in a real big hurry so just paid and left but was concerned that the bill was quite high, however put this down to the air-con re-gas that was needed.

When I got home, realised that the invoice detailed a "12,000 mile service" and I'd been charged £100 for oil alone when I was expecting the standard yearly check as detailed in the service book.

I called the OPC and they stated "well we did what was on the job card and you requested the 12,000 mile service - many customers want the oil change regardless of the mileage". They then told me that if I was unhappy to call back on Tuesday as there was no one to deal with my complaint.

The question is - are they taking the mick and over-charging me? Opinions welcome.

 

[Bull996]

It seems that you wanted the annual service-but they carried out the minor service-which by reading your post they said they were going to.
To be honest, the annual check is pointless. From what I can gather all the y do is look at it! You are much better off having an oil change.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If you pointed out the fact it had done 5,500 miles, it's quite clear - the Maintenance and Service Handbook states that an "Annual Check" is done. It doesn't say "if the OPC feels like it" or "if the customer remembers the exact correct name, then grudgingly do what it says in the book", it says do an Annual Check.

Not a leg to stand on.

 

[Bull996]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

If you pointed out the fact it had done 5,500 miles, it's quite clear - the Maintenance and Service Handbook states that an "Annual Check" is done. It doesn't say "if the OPC feels like it" or "if the customer remembers the exact correct name, then grudgingly do what it says in the book", it says do an Annual Check.

Not a leg to stand on.

True...

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

If you pointed out the fact it had done 5,500 miles, it's quite clear - the Maintenance and Service Handbook states that an "Annual Check" is done. It doesn't say "if the OPC feels like it" or "if the customer remembers the exact correct name, then grudgingly do what it says in the book", it says do an Annual Check.

Not a leg to stand on.

Wish I was as assertive as that in real life...[&:]

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: Bull996

It seems that you wanted the annual service-but they carried out the minor service-which by reading your post they said they were going to.
To be honest, the annual check is pointless. From what I can gather all the y do is look at it! You are much better off having an oil change.

Annual check is everything you get in the minor service minus oil, oil filter and pollen filter change. I got this done at the OPC (for the stamp) and got the oil and filter changed at an indi. The pollen filter didn't need replacing...

 

[Rodney Naghar]

In my experience OPCs hate doing the annual service (I wonder why?), you really have to push for it in order for them to accept it. One OPC even told me 'Sorry sir, we don't do the annual service'. So I'd never expect them to carry it out of their own accord.

I'd follow Kish's advice (THX911) as the annual inspection is pretty much worthless unless you're just about to sell your car and not that bothered.

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: Rodney Naghar

In my experience OPCs hate doing the annual service (I wonder why?), you really have to push for it in order for them to accept it. One OPC even told me 'Sorry sir, we don't do the annual service'. So I'd never expect them to carry it out of their own accord.

I'd follow Kish's advice (THX911) as the annual inspection is pretty much worthless unless you're just about to sell your car and not that bothered.

Just to bring the focus back to Gavin original post:
So yes, it is good your car has had a full minor service but no, it was wrong for them to have done it despite you telling them not to do so and as outlined by Porsche for low mileage cars... I would go and ask for a refund on the difference...

 

[Rodney Naghar]

The Guarantee and Maintenance book states 'Yearly maintenance must be performed on vehicles driven less than 15,000km (9000 miles) per year'

The booking girl gave you the incorrect information, and I'd complain on that basis. However, it wouldn't surprise me if they told you that you agreed to what the booking girl said, and so that's why they carried out the minor service, but as a gesture of 'goodwill' they will give you a discount on your next service or something.

 

[Guest]

Cheers for the comments (even if some contradicted themselves [])

Will speak to the OPC tomorrow and see what their service manager has to say. My concern is I've argued with them before about over-charging (quoting 2 hours for a job and then charging me for 4 as "it took a bit longer than we thought").

 

[Guest]

Well the OPC aren't doing themselves any favours as they've not had the courtesy to even call me back.

Porsche customers services for an official complaint it is then.