Why do we pay so much?

[lee fulford]

Tispkj

haven't touched a nerve have we?

lee

See you tonight.

And while we're on it beer's dearer too.

 

[Guest]

Good Points Tispkj!!!

I bought my first 996 (almost brand new, 6 months old) in Nov. 2001 (AFN Reading), then I part-exchanged it in June 2003 for a brand new 996 Cab (Porsche Centre Reading). The Cab was available in the show room (a cancelled order). So no waiting list...

I know in France brand new 996s are available with an average delivery time of 3 months (for LHD). Now, the French Spec. are different: no leather, no metallic paint, no 18" Wheels, no rear wiper (coupe) ...

So, for me, it's much more convenient to purchase them in the UK.

I do believe we can get our Service Costs lowered if we act properly... After all, PCGB could (should?) act like a Pressure Group...

Same story with Quality Issues (RMS, CD players, ...). We pay big money for our Toys, so we should receive Top Class Service...

What do you think All?

Cheers,

Fab

 

[TISPKJ]

Fab your right regarding spec for french cars, I am refering to prices for UK spec cars ordered in france ............... still loads cheaper.

Regarding service costs the dealers will tell you that a lot of the cost is due to the rent etc they have to pay for there premises, and the wages they pay there staff compared to costs in europe.

Regards

 

[Guest]

PKJ

You raise some interesting points that are worthy of further consideration.

Can you clarify whether your reference to the PCGB relates to Porsche Cars GB or our very own Porsche Club GB please - I get easily confused these days![8|]

 

[TISPKJ]

Nigel, I have no problem with the Club or anyone in it.

Having just read my thread again I see what you mean, I am refering to Porsche UK, and I am sure as I say that they will justify the £90 ph they charge by breaking it down and I am sure that a big slice of it will be for rental on the site etc, However Im not sure what the set up is but if Porsche AG own the franchise do they own the building ?

Lee you can help on this one, who owns what and what % is profit approx.

All Im saying is that as good as it sounds to all get together via the club and get decent service and servicing for the cars I would suggest that it would be almost impossible unless Porsche AG picks up the tab for the property.

I agree that the club should put pressure on Porsche to offer a fair price to members, and while they are at it lets have the cars at the best possible price, not the most people will pay for them !!

Yours bitter and twisted
Paul

 

[Guest]

Hi All,

Interesting Feedback, indeed!!!

"Regarding service costs the dealers will tell you that a lot of the cost is due to the rent etc they have to pay for there premises, and the wages they pay there staff compared to costs in europe."

Premises Costs: Do you, really, believe a Dealership based in the suburb of some UK Cities cost more than a Dealership in dowtown Paris (Paris 16, one of the most expensive part of Paris)?

Wages / Unemployment Laws / Taxes: in all cases lower in the UK than in France.

Have a Great Weekend!

Cheers,

Fab

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: Fab

Hi All,

Just one question: Why do we pay so much to get our cars serviced in the UK?

Any thoughts are more than welcome.

Cheers,

Fab

***************************************************************************

I think its because Brits are too quick to part with the ca$h no questions asked.

I have managed to get my 1st Service on my 4k mile Boxster S done & dusted tomorrow morning for £89.00 Labour + VAT, supplying my own Mobil 1 £4.50 odd per litre from Costco.
I did my homework and discovered unless you have done the miles ie 12K you can get away with oil change only even if it takes 3 years like me to complete that 12k []

I was amazed at how few OPC would admit to this being the case but when push came to shove I found 4 willing to play ball and do what I wanted and what according to PCGB was required to keep my car in full warranty etc.

Today my brother had his first service on his 320SLK ... 1st service and just under 2 years old total cost at Mercedes Hampstead £188.34 incl ... They charged him £8.90 per litre Mobil 1 and service cost him 1 Hours Labour £76.00 .. Parts came to £12.00 odd.

NO Brake Fluid Change until 4 year service, unlike Porsche change every 2 years!!

Seems Mercedes and BMW are getting real shame Porsche haven't caught up yet []

 

[Guest]

Hi Daro911

I completely agree, only way to get the message accross is to vote with your feet and wallet. Only when they get the message that people will differentiate on cost and service will they be willing to do something to improve.

I try to spend my hard earned wisely and enjoy it as best I can. I always try to reward good service and value with my loyalty which hopefully helps them out too.

I think customers can put more pressure on Porsche than they imagine.

 

[garyw]

My BMW needed a brake fluid change every two years, have I been had in by them.
I am due a big service and yet I have only covered 8000 miles this last 12 months , I am 10,000 miles away from the big service yet they haven't offered a 12 month service. Thanks to the thread I will push for that or take my business elsewhere.

 

[TISPKJ]

Like I said guys, I have always had my car serviced in France at an official OPC centre so I get the stamp, I havent got the receipt in front of me but from memory cost was about £250, the only item that seemed excessive was the mobil 1 at about £15 a litre, so this accounted for £150 of the bill or something like, I could have taken a couple of cans of £25 Mobil 1 with me to reduce the costs further but this of course would not show on the bill and could lead to complications trying to prove I had it changed etc.

Still a result compared to the £450 that UK OPC wanted.

I know where the 996 is going in August, that's for sure !

Something else worth noting was that the mechanic was more than happy for me to watch him, talk to him etc (so I know that the job was done ) whilst he was working on the car.