Tour of dealerships.

[ralphmusic]

Don't forget Exeter, my local...

 

[PaulJ]

Having recently been in the Yorkshire dales to see the early stages of 'Le Tour', we decided to take the advice of a Yorkshire PCGB member we met at Chatsworth to check out a larger selection of cars at the Leeds Porsche Centre. It certainly lived up to expectations and in addition to friendly, knowledgeable staff, offered a good chance to see more colour combinations/options in the flesh than most dealerships. I always think this is much better than looking at colour samples and swatches of material.

At this point a plan started to form, and we decided to have a look at the other easily reachable dealerships from our Belper (Derbyshire) base. Having been a happy, satisfied customer for the last 14 years and 5 cars at Nottingham Porsche, we went a little further south and called at the Leicester dealership. More friendly, attentive staff and some superb older and motor sport models to drool over when we were there.

Next up was Sheffield, where super salesman David Llewellyn quickly got into the old routine of complementing my current car (Cayman R) and finding out what we were after next - potentially a Cayman GTS. At this point he took us around the back to se a customers GTS, to be collected shortly. This was the first time Alison and I had seen one and now I need one even more! David effortlessly cruised through the configurator speccing my ideal car whilst securing contact details, and has followed up our visit with a couple of helpful e-mails. Top marks.

Today's target was Sutton Coldfield, which we visited after a coffee stop at the ever reliable 'Heart of England'. This was approached through a suburban area with numerous speed bumps, so be warned all owners of the lower is better persuasion. The staff again were first class and the showroom, though compact and bijou, was perfectly formed.

We are off to Devon in September so I think that a detour to see the new Tewksbury showroom and the Bristol dealership will be on the cards too.

I'll certainly give Nottingham a chance to retain my custom, if they match the best deal offered, but so far Sheffield is shining, and has impressed Alison by being so close to Meadowhall"¦

I love the smell of new cars in the morning, as Robert Duval didn't say in Apocalypse Now!

Thanks for the Sheffield recommendation Kevan.

Paul

 

[Buddy]

But Paul if heading to Exeter remember to stop before hitting the Channel! But of other dealerships I have been impressed with: Hatfield near Hertford is well worth a visit, I have stopped off in passing a couple of times usually on my return from the channel crossings but also as my youngest son was at University there. Parker & Parker in Kendal, small but perfectly formed as it were. Yes, Leicester is very good I had the plugs changed there a few weeks ago no shopping unlike Hertford with the Galleria or Sheffield with Meadowhall but an impressive dealership, for the Midlands there is Solihull although I haven't been there as yet. But I have been to Wilmslow just the parts counter many years ago and their attitude etc was well up to standards expected. An important factor.

 

[ian harvey]

Paul, It would be interesting to see how the GTS compares with your R as, in some ways - weight, power, option of lowered, none-adjustable suspension, they see very similar indeed. Looks-wise, they are miles apart, the new one is growing on me and I still like the old one. Ian

 

[PaulJ]

In terms of performance I suspect they are going to seem pretty even. (The sports exhaust will make it sound quicker though - I have a standard system on my R). I personally love the new shape and am looking forward to the slight interior quality upgrade. Given a choice I would have kept the hydraulic power steering, that said I've driven cars with the electric system and find nothing to complain about really. The only thing I suspect I'll hate forever is the stupid electric parking brake!