OPC Upselling on MOT?

[63304B]

I would really appreciate any views on the call I have had from my local OPC today.
I have a 2011 Boxster, a 987 Gen 2 and I have it booked in for it's first MOT on the 18th. I had a call today from the centre reminding me of the booking, and also reminding me that when they last had it in (a couple of months ago for a minor matter done under warranty) they pointed out that the rear tyres were getting close to needing replacing, and did I want them to change them while thay had it in.
I had in fact already had new tyres and saved over £200 on what they had quoted, and the lady who had rang seemed a bit disapointed at this, however she then went on to say that they "recommended" that I have the air conditioning serviced and filters replaced (£175) and the underside of the body cleaned and the engine sprayed with a sealant, to help protect it over the winter period and stop corrosion (the Boxster is used all year round as it is my only car) and for this they want £89.
My question is can anyone advise if this work needs to be done (the air conditioning seems to be working perfectly) as I cannot see any reference to these items in the service booklet. To me it seems a bit of trying to get extra work on a (hopefully) routine MOT.
I await any comments with interest, as I said the car is going in on the 18th November
Cheers
Steve.

 

[Red981]

My view is that OPC's will say anything to get as much
money out of you as they can -

As a Porsche owner you are seen as a proverbial cash cow.

You don't need to go to an OPC for a simple MOT I would find a
good indi

 

[Glyn]

This practice is not restricted to Porsche - every fu****g business in the world is out to make a buck, all presented as "customer care" The only value any of us have in the world is how much we have to spend and each company is out to extract as much as possible - they don't give a toss if you need it or if its beneficial - the bottom line is profit.

Of course your car doesn't need the engine "sealing", it doesn't need the air con servicing either but its just so easy for any company to offer winter protection - which amounts to doing very little but maximises their profit.
Come the spring they will offer you a "special" pre summer checkover - to make sure you car is ready for spirited use you will undoubtedly give it, They would even offer you a "super special" pubic hair polish to ensure you have a very comfortable drive if they could find a way to market that - and all done whilst you wait.

And just wait for the list of advisories they will find when doing the MOT, Disks and pads are favourites.

 

[Rocket Man]

a lot of what has been said is true but as we are not allowed to name and shame i thought i might coment on my visit to OPC Bolton. i took the car in for a 4 year and a clutch microswitch, whilst in they lent me a Boxster GTS. when i got the car back, there was a fault with the clutch sensor and a chip in the windscreen. without any fuss, they said we will collect the car when we get a screen in stock and fix both items. my MOT was due also so they said they could do the MOT for me. they collected the car, brought me a Cayman to use, did screen, clutch sensor and the MOT. NO CHARGE sir we will stand the cost for any inconvieniance to you. they did not try to sell me anything, first class service and would highly recomend OPC Bolton

 

[Robin M]

I can sell you pubic hair polish its currently marketed as Hair conditioner..... Obviously costs a little more for the lower regions use! tee hee.

 

[Boxstercol]

Similar issue with my Volkswagen Golf.

Over the last 2 years, when the car has been in for a service, they have advised that different suspension bushes are worn & need changing.

Not got a problem with spending if necessary, however my trusted MOT station has passed the car for a MOT without even an advisory. Plus, the worn bushes they identified in 2013 miraculously got better as they were apparently fine at this years service. However they found other bushes that were worn....

'Shall we book it in to have them changed sir, labour is only £75 per hour', Er, no thanks!