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Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 1:55 pm
by R1Samurai
I'll be coming up on my annual oil change in January and I'm wondering if those with cars still under the factory warranty take their car to the dealership for oil changes. I have a 2020 992 as my first 911 and I'm wonder if there are any compelling reasons to not use a reputable Porsche specialty shop. There are plenty of great shops local to me that charge half the price of the dealership. Last year I paid for my first dealership oil change and it cost $390.00. A buddy has the same car and he took it to a Porsche specialist that comes highly recommended in the community.

Thanks

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 2:02 pm
by Larry C
I am new to the Porsche world. I took my 2022 Cayman GTS to the dealership for the first complimentary oil change. I plan to take it to a local independent shop for subsequent service. Not only is it about 2/3 the price of the dealership, but all the mechanics are ex certified Porsche mechanics and they take better care of you car.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 5:33 pm
by 911R
I take my cars to the dealership. It's mostly because I am retired today.

I always did my own oil changes for many years. I would also adjust the mechanical values in an air-cooled car. I also raced and was the main mechanic on a vintage race car during this time.

My working on my cars was a great time to relax on the weekends. My work during the week was a big pressure to me. I'd say the better you do; the more pressure to do much better. It can screw with you.

Some guys went to drugs. I never did due to my car hobby.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 6:26 pm
by Tom
While the car is under warranty, I get peace of mind taking cars to the dealer for four reasons. 1) If I ever need to rely on the warranty, I don't want to be in a position where I have to 'prove' the car was properly maintained. 2) With the endless computerized systems on these cars, Porsche has electronics tools/diagnostics, software updates, and other resources that independent shops can't generally replicate, especially on brand new cars. 3) Literally every time I take my car into the dealer, they have some 'campaign' or recall to swap out a sensor or update some firmware, etc., which I don't want to miss. 4) I am lucky to be near Porsche of Fremont, and they are the best dealer service department I've ever used, hands down.

If I didn't have such a great dealer, I might be inclined to get simple things done elsewhere and just visit the dealer once in a while for the first 3 points.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 7:31 pm
by 911R
No argument here. After the first free service, I still use an authorized Porsche dealer.

I have Jim Ellis Porsche 5 miles south of me with Hennessy Porsche 5 miles north of me. This is rare. I also live in the same area of Porsche North America.

I have good friends at Porsche N.A. which is also a plus. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the guys at Porsche HD'Q's in Germany.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2022 6:45 am
by R1Samurai
All great feedback. Tom hit on a lot of my concerns which centers around peace of mind when it comes to warranty issues. I guess for an extra $200 a year it might be worth not having to worry about it.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2022 8:25 am
by audi4t
911R wrote: Thu Nov 03, 2022 7:31 pm No argument here. After the first free service, I still use an authorized Porsche dealer.

I have Jim Ellis Porsche 5 miles south of me with Hennessy Porsche 5 miles north of me. This is rare. I also live in the same area of Porsche North America.

I have good friends at Porsche N.A. which is also a plus. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the guys at Porsche HD'Q's in Germany.
Any preference for service Perimeter or Hennessy ?

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 12:47 pm
by 911R
audi4t wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 8:25 am Any preference for service Perimeter or Hennessy ?
I say no. They change service managers and service tech guys on a regular basis, and it's more notable today.

I told one that I hated to see him leave. He told me the new package was too good to turn-down. He said he was already making $100K/year. I say they are worth $150K.

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 1:06 pm
by audi4t
When is your turbo scheduled to arrive ?

My cabriolet is at port in Jacksonville - hope to get it next week.

Bought it at Perimeter.

BTW - I'm in Gainesville

Re: Oil Change: Porsche Specialty Shop -VS- Dealership

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 1:48 pm
by 911R
audi4t wrote: Sat Nov 05, 2022 1:06 pm When is your turbo scheduled to arrive ?

My cabriolet is at port in Jacksonville - hope to get it next week.

Bought it at Perimeter.

BTW - I'm in Gainesville
My new turbo is arriving (maybe) later this month.

I bought my first two water-cooled cars from Jim Ellis Porsche. I always got great customer service. My last two were from Hennessey Porsche. I doubt either one is better. We are lucky to have two to deal with.