Rebuild the engine or get a refund?

Ian.Mc · Jan 20, 2018

Good evening all.
I have a dilemma and would appreciate some thoughts and advice please:
I bought a 987 Cayman S from a Porsche specialist 5 months ago. I have found out (using boroscope) that there is borescore in cylinders 4,5 & 6, 4 being severe. Fortunately having bought from a good dealer he has given me the option of taking the car back to him for a full refund or his workshop will remove and re-install, with it going to Hartech for the rebuild.
Its a lovely car in great condition (apart from the engine) with 58000 miles.
What would you do?
Cheers Ian

terry993 · Jan 20, 2018

If you are happy with the rest of the car and it will be a proper rebuild I would stick with the car. Better the devi you know than the devil you don’t know.

Also so the dealer sounds very honest and reasonable from what you have said

Terry

GeoffB · Jan 21, 2018

For me get the Hartech rebuild. If I was looking and had choice of standard car or one with rebuild by Hartech I would choose the Hartech car

C2dweller · Jan 21, 2018

If you like the Cayman and your budget puts you in the gen 1 price bracket, then a rebuild is a great answer. Arguably a car with a rebuilt engine is worth more than one without.

You might want to find out more about the liners which he proposes using. Steel liners are a lot cheaper than aluminium (Hartech). Even if you pay the difference, I think you are in a better place with these.

Kind Regards Lee

Motorhead · Jan 21, 2018

Ian,

I'd have to agree with the others' comments. A Hartech rebuild should be considered a bonus when you come to sell the car too.

Jeff

Briggy · Jan 21, 2018

If I were looking to buy one and 2 identical cars came up for sale, one with a Hartech rebuild and one without, I'd even pay more for the one with the rebuild. On that basis, your car would be all the better for having the work done, so you're in a no-lose position.

Would you be able to tell us who you bought it from? I'd love to know the name of such an honest dealer.

Cheers,

Bryan

Ian.Mc · Jan 21, 2018

Thanks for the feedback. Having the engine rebuilt def seems to be the vote.

My first reaction was to get my money back and move on. My original plan was to have and enjoy the Cayman for a few years and then change to a 997 (I owned a 996 a few years ago and want to return to owning a 911). To do it now having given the car back would mean a big financial stretch which is not ideal right now.

Bryan - I would like to hold on a bit before mentioning the dealers' name as it is still early days. Certainly if all works well will be keen to recommend.

Cheers

Ian

Peter_Bull · Jan 23, 2018

Ian.Mc said:
Bryan - I would like to hold on a bit before mentioning the dealers' name as it is still early days. Certainly if all works well will be keen to recommend.

Cheers

Ian

There is no problem naming this specialist as they are doing a really good job looking after you. If other people are looking to buy then positive feedback can only be helpful.

Of course its early days for you and I will leave you to decide.

Ian.Mc · Jan 30, 2018

Hi Guys. Thought you may like an update:

All good for me with regards the dealer, as I took the car back last Wednesday 24th Jan in exchange for a cheque (for the full amount paid when I bought). Wanted a clean break so no engine rebuild just money back. Cheque cleared in the bank today so I'm a happy bunny.

Then............. I thought I would have look at the same dealers stock online as I am now searching for another car - guess what........... the same Cayman is now advertised with no mention of the engine problem, and £1400 more than I paid. They have been working really hard over the weekend and rebuilt it ???????

Be very careful if you are going to buy from: especially if its a Seal Grey - Cayman S - Reg: BB55 MCL

tscaptain · Jan 30, 2018

Previous post edited to comply with forum rules.

Ian.Mc · Jan 30, 2018

I don't understand why you have removed the dealer name? Peter (forum admin) who posted just before suggested strongly that I should post the name?

Or is this a case of crazyness that we can say when something is good but not bad?

Think of the person who spends good hard earned money and ends up with an 8 grand bill. I consider myself to be quite careful and paid extra to follow the guidance - Porsche specialist etc. and still fell foul.

Ian

tscaptain · Jan 30, 2018

Hi Ian

Forum rule 3.1.2 I'm afraid. Peter assumed you were going to say all good and yes, you are right, there is effectively a no name and shame requirement where allegations of less than proper conduct are concerned.

I fully understand and share your concern that someone may end up buying this car but the Club forum doesn't let go us around saying don't buy this car from this dealer.

However, there is absolutely no problem should you wish to convey that information privately by email or PM etc.

Peter_Bull · Jan 31, 2018

Ian.Mc said:
Peter (forum admin) who posted just before suggested strongly that I should post the name?

Or is this a case of crazyness that we can say when something is good but not bad?

Ian

My apologies if I was not clear.

Alan is correct in stating that I was happy when you were praising the company. Unfortunately you later statement was a breach.

Best of luck with your search.

Geoff_Fields · Jan 31, 2018

Pistonheads forum has same rules. However they do allow naming cars to avoid with e.g. crash damage, just not where they are for sale.

Ray · Jan 31, 2018

Just as an aside : Other peoples opinion of the garage in question could be totally different. Others may have had a great experience in dealing with them. So for me it is best to leave it to the individual to make their own mind up.

Ian.Mc · Jan 31, 2018

Ian.Mc · Jan 31, 2018

This is not just an opinion, this is fact. A garage knowingly selling a vehicle that is not fit for purpose.

This sort of behavior does no good for the retail and hard working honest Porsche specialists, and for the Porsche ownership generally. Its disgraceful.

Those that have had a 'great experience' may not even know that they have been sold a defective motor. Without knowledge how can an individual make their own mind up properly.

Ray - I'm gobsmacked that you/anyone can have such a sweep it up under the carpet attitude.

Sorry guys if I am annoyed about this. I had a very close shave with this and its difficult to not try and stop this to happening to someone else and the perpetrators get off free.

Cheers Ian

Ray · Jan 31, 2018

Ian,

I am not sweeping it under the carpet. My attitude is that I may find some people in life not to my liking but others do. So until I use a service I cannot make a judgement on that service or their performance. Simple as that Ian.

Ray

pauljmcnulty · Jan 31, 2018

Hi Ian,

All forums have the same rules over "naming and shaming", but we have to be doubly careful as we are so large, and so prestigious.

The rules are both to protect the Club from legal action, as this forum is owned and operated by PCGB, but also to protect the person posting. We've seen in the past where matters have escalated to court action, and comments made in public about the case have jeapardised the outcome.

It's just a sad fact of life that you are allowed to praise a company, but it's difficult to publicise complaints. I would have a word about it to the region and register officials: they are often best placed to get a balanced picture about a supplier, and this can then be passed on to future buyers.

pjb1962 · Jan 31, 2018

Always surprised me that one can sing a suppliers praises & basically encourage others to use by positive feedback but you cannot do the reverse when you get rubbish service !

I appreciate that people go more onto forums when they have a problem than they do when everything is trouble free, but 20 people complaining about a dealer would make me look elsewhere, one bad review would not.

Can the OP put the registration number of the vehicle in question ?

At least you know you did the right thing