Opinions please

[wolfy689]

Gents I will try to keep this short and to the point,

Sorry I posted this into the wrong section earlier not using the forum enough[]

I took my car to a well known geo specialist to have him work some magic on my car a 2007 997C4S 13800 miles full OPC history, after chat and a test drive a pre inspection was done to make sure all is ok prior to any adjustments. The following points were noted,
1 O/S inner track rod arm worn and knocking.
2 N/S front tyre nail in the shoulder.
3 N/S rear damper leaking oil.
4 RMS slight weep.

He advised that the tyre and RMS would not stop any geo alteration but the other two points would, I explained that I have the extended Porsche warranty and hopefully 3 points will be covered so on that basis we shook hands and I agreed to return once the suspension and tyre issue were sorted.

When I got home I spoke to my OPC who advised that the track rod end is not covered, not sure if the damper is but the RMS most definately but all they will do is take some pictures to send to Porsche GB to grade on a scope of 1-5 to ascertain what will be done if anything at all to use their words. I explained that I was most disappointed at this reaction and agreed to them to have an inspection next week to either clarify or dismiss these points.

What can I expect from my OPC and Porsche GB this is my first Porsche and at the moment I think it will be the last! [&:] I have cars and vans in my business that have basic warranty 5 times the mileage and none of these issues that I have with my car!!

Best regards
JP

 

[glamdring]

Given the length of time you've had the car and the mileage, I would fully expect both track rod end, damper and RMS to be covered, and I would be kicking up a storm if they weren't.

I don't think it's fair to compare a 997 with cars/vans. If your car was taken on a track or hooned round rough B roads, then it's fair to say that it might well have had more 'hard' wear than those vehicles, but it should still be okay at 14k miles imo.

 

[Alex L]

Pretty standard as far as I have heard.

Isn't all suspension a wear and tear component on any car? Thus not covered under any Porsche warranty? So that would be #1 and #3 out. Ironically if you fit aftermarket upgraded Bilsteins dampers (the OEM ones are Bilstein) then you get a lifetime warranty with them!

#2 I assume is also not covered under warranty unless you have taken out some kind of special tyre insurance.

#4 As per my understanding is at Porsche GB's discression depending on how bad the leak is.

 

[wolfy689]

Thanks for your reply but would you expect both of these suspension issues at the mileage stated? Bearing in mind Matts comment that I neither track or drive my car in the manner that may indeed wear these components quickly? I respect that the tyre is my issue but would have hoped for some compliance from the OPC who have yet to see the car anyway, at this point it is speculative on my part what their reaction to these points will be.

Best regards
JP

 

[glamdring]

ORIGINAL: wolfy689

Bearing in mind Matts comment that I neither track or drive my car in the manner that may indeed wear these components quickly?

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting it was your driving, but perhaps the previous owner.

Personally no, I wouldn't expect those kind of wear and tyre at that mileage. FYI My old C2 was also a 57 plate and had done @19k miles when Chris @ CG saw it, and he said it was in perfect working order with no noticeable wear on those very same components (hence my comment about how it may possibly have been driven previously)

 

[Alex L]

Yes #1 and #3 would require some serious driving abuse to occur at such low mileage. Do you know the cars full history? 10k+ miles over cobbles at 70mph?! Perhaps it's hit a lot of pot-holes?!

 

[Rodney Naghar]

3. The damper can be refurbed. Get your geo guy (Chris?) to replace yours when you arrive with a refurbed one from stock if he has one.

 

[wolfy689]

Hi

I purchased the car from OPC with 5000 miles on the clock in May 2010 ,I have covered the rest since May 2010, I mentioned that since the 111 point check was done June 2011 that I have inceased the miles by 2800 in the same manner as normal which is simply weekends an odd trip to wales on motorway and a and b roads. I do not use the car as it should maybe that is half the problem!

So I am a little concerned by these points that have been thrown up thats all.

Best regards

JP

 

[maxtraeger]

I am with Alex on this one, but can also confirm if the OPC warranty is valid, the OPC had done a 111 point check on the car. Thus you can ask for that as well and it will most likely be provided to Porsche GB in their assessment. Nowadays, the OPC tend to be supportive of the customer in their negotiation with Porsch GB - has not always been like that. If the OPC is waivering just be a bit more firm in your demands to see what happens. Regarddless the items need to be fixed independent on who covers the cost as this may well take some weeks to be sorted through your OPC.

I am planning to go the Bilstein upgrade route as per Alex's set-up whilst also replacing a lot of other items once my warranty runs out at the end of the year.

Each car is different despite using the same components and we all know how different we drive on different occassions and roads. You can only get consistency when buying new, or doing a re-set of parameters like Chris does for a lot of us. Don't be disappointed as the verdict on what will be replaced/reimbursed is still out.

Good luck,
Max

 

[wolfy689]

Thanks Guys

Yes until the OPC has a look then I really cannot comment as to what will happen, as I explained in first thread this is my first Porsche compared to a lot of you guys on here therefore I have no experience of what may lay ahead re the OPC thats why I asked the question.

All I can say is the car is my pride and joy that I worked hard for therefore it is treated with respect and not driven like a lunatic!

Best regards

JP.

 

[garyw]

Wolfy, take note of our visit to Center Gravity on the 10th March- somewhere to consider looking at the suspension work on your car.- nice local one for you too []

My cars done 40K and I've inside track rod replaced.
I think everyone given you the answers to the other questions.

Sadly with any used car there's something that needs sorting to get the car 100%, although you'd of hoped the OPC had spotted some of in the 111inspection..[]

garyw

 

[wolfy689]

Hi Gary

It is Chris at CG that I went to see after all the great reports that I have read on here, I will wait and see what happens next week at the OPC either its going back to Chris to be sorted!!

Best regards

JP.

 

[unclewinks]

I think Tanya and I have been lucky with our car
The car has now covered 61000 miles with no previous issues with the previous owner
apart from 2 recalls,pcm upgrade and aircon gas ghanged
with us 2 side light bulbs
Paul

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: unclewinks
with us 2 side light bulb

Hopefully upgraded to the LED version []


garyw

 

[unclewinks]

Sorry no,can you e-mail me a picture of yours,need to see if it is the same colour as the headlights
Just ordered new wheel nuts(black) £129.60inc of vat and 10% discount with lockers no more painting[]

 

[yan]

The Porsche Extended Warranty document (of little words) states that wear and tear items, e.g. shock absorbers are not covered. This is not clear: having spoken to a couple of dealerships in the past few days (with an interest in whether to continue with an extended warranty) they follow a decision path based on age/mileage/condition of vehicle. I suggested the example of a weeping shock absorber and both suggested that a high mileage vehicle would be wear and tear, i.e. reject claim but a low mileage vehicle would be covered in their experience. Unfortunately this whole business relies on experience rather than a rule book and ultimately is referred to Porsche for approval so there is a risk that no one assessor will make the same judgement, but as per a previous post expect the OPC to support the customer rather than Porsche.
Please do post the outcome one way or another!

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: unclewinks
Sorry no,can you e-mail me a picture of yours,need to see if it is the same colour as the headlights

I did an article in Porsche Post and thought I'd put it on the forum too... however I can't find it!
I'll do the article again and post it in the technical articles.. just updated the other thread- http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=641784

garyw

PS emailed you some images[]

 

[wolfy689]

Just an update,

The car went into local OPC yesterday for an inspection. They believe that the observstions made by the geo company are far too picky. They tell me that all is within Porsche tolerances, the track rod is a no no, the rms only a weep and nothing to worry about the damper has signs of leaking and they advised on renewal of the warranty in June that they may be able to get it changed then!

I explained that I was most disappointed, many of you have indicated the wear and tear and I would expect it if the car was a daily driver and covered say 40000 miles but mine has only 13000?

The OPC were more interested in getting the business for the 4 wheel alignment check, I am very disappointed by this stance not a great deal of customer support. It has done nothing to encourage me to stay loyal to the mark, in 15 years of driving german cars and having small issues either in or out of warranty I have always been treated fairly maybe I was just fortunate!

Best regards

JP

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: wolfy689
It has done nothing to encourage me to stay loyal to the mark,

Thing is the thing with opinions - everyone has one..[]
Better to be aware of issues than them surprise you later... If the issues are not making any issues to the operation of the car then I'd drive it and be happy to wait.

Every time I feel like this I go out for a drive and it reminds me of why I bought the car...[]

garyw

 

[Lancerlot]

You need to dial in to these high-end motors and, as Gary suggests, enjoy the driving experience.

My previous Ferrari needed 2 TRE's with just 8K on the clock. One was replaced, the other was maginally within wear tolerance and not replaced.

You might think that with a visit to the dealer involving a 100 mile round trip and, as this is a genuine 200 mph high performance sports car, replacement of both track road ends would be routine and the safest and most cost effective repair.

Sometimes you've just gotta bite your tongue! []

Regards,

Clive.