Porsche Dealer Experience ($100 Cert.)
08-19-2002, 08:51 PM
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Porsche Dealer Experience ($100 Cert.)
First time I ever drove into a Porsche Dealer lot in my life. I have driven by the one in Newport Beach 100's of times and always been too intimidated to go inside. I figure if I haven't got $50K to throw at a car, what should I be doing there?.
Anyway, closest dealer to me was in Riverside, Walter's Porsche-Mercedes. They support the local PCA and run ad's in their newsletter. . . I spent $240 (well, ok $140) on rear hatch pins, A/C orings, misc. seals, a thermo-switch and a Super-Cup shirt. Some of the seals were very reasonable, some, well. . . were not. $11.00 for a seal the size of a dime, and you need 4 of them! I think they also charged me for breathing the rarified air, although not listed on the invoice.
I was generally disappointed in the parts counter flunky and the parts manager. Very appathetic and kinda "O.K., waddaya want" disposition
. I was under the understanding that the certificate was to interest Porsche enthusiasts to get into the dealerships and start ordering parts through them, possibly cull interest in upgrading to a Boxter <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
It just seemed to them a tedious inconvenience.
I'm prob. never going back seeing as how I can get all this stuff online from Paragon or Suncoast w/ no tax. - especially since Jason P. NEVER gives me the impression I am wasting his time. I just hope all dealerships aren't that elitist.
Anyway, closest dealer to me was in Riverside, Walter's Porsche-Mercedes. They support the local PCA and run ad's in their newsletter. . . I spent $240 (well, ok $140) on rear hatch pins, A/C orings, misc. seals, a thermo-switch and a Super-Cup shirt. Some of the seals were very reasonable, some, well. . . were not. $11.00 for a seal the size of a dime, and you need 4 of them! I think they also charged me for breathing the rarified air, although not listed on the invoice.
I was generally disappointed in the parts counter flunky and the parts manager. Very appathetic and kinda "O.K., waddaya want" disposition
. I was under the understanding that the certificate was to interest Porsche enthusiasts to get into the dealerships and start ordering parts through them, possibly cull interest in upgrading to a Boxter <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> It just seemed to them a tedious inconvenience.
I'm prob. never going back seeing as how I can get all this stuff online from Paragon or Suncoast w/ no tax. - especially since Jason P. NEVER gives me the impression I am wasting his time. I just hope all dealerships aren't that elitist.
08-19-2002, 10:25 PM
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They're not all alike. I've spent many a dime at Momentum Porsche in Houston, and although the prices are never cheap I'm always treated with respect. Johnny is the parts guy and Rose is the parts manager - sad that I know their names, even sadder that they know mine! 
I've never once felt that I was wasting their time, even if I don't "want" to afford a new Boxster (or want one for that matter <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" /> )!
I've never once felt that I was wasting their time, even if I don't "want" to afford a new Boxster (or want one for that matter <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" /> )!
08-20-2002, 03:06 AM
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I stopped going to the parts counter at my local Porsche Dealership. The guys there could give a **** about what I need and always seem to get it wrong. I always go to Parts Heaven now to order all of my genuine Porsche parts. Those guys are knowledgable and super cool.
I still can't decide what to use my certificate on!
I still can't decide what to use my certificate on!
08-20-2002, 04:10 AM
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I recently bought a right lower control arm for my '86 951 from Sunset Imports Porsche/Audi in Portland, Oregon. <a href="http://www.sunsetimports.com" target="_blank">www.sunsetimports.com</a> Not only did they have the part on-hand for $300 (the next cheapest price I found for a new genuine Porsche part was $374), but I was able to utilize my $100 certificate from PCA. I dealt with Jeff in the parts department and he was knowledgable, patient and polite! Just the way it should be! 
08-20-2002, 06:24 AM
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Have to say I have always had excellent dealings with my local Porsche Dealer (The Porsche Store). As a matter of fact just last week the parts guy, Josh, went out of his way to help me out. I needed a part for my sunroof and would not make it to the dealership for it so he put it in a safe place outside for me to pick it up. All of this after I had ordered it on Monday and had been told it would be at least Thursday, but he air freighted in and I had it by Tuesday night . They have always seemed close on their prices and willing to work with me. Even the service department has always been nice, but at $85.00 an hour they should be. If I cannot do the work myself I have at least found a great Porsche certified mechanic that works on it for $60 an hour.
P.S. Matt...love that Big Bear Lake area. Been up there several times when we come into LA.
P.S. Matt...love that Big Bear Lake area. Been up there several times when we come into LA.
08-20-2002, 01:05 PM
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Matt,
I know what you mean. I walked into Walter's needing a coolant reservior cap and was surprised to see that the parts counter guy looked about 17 (owners nephew or something?). My fears were confirmed when after what seemed like forever waitng for him to find the part on his viewer I asked to see the screen. He was looking for a radiator cap for a 911!?
Was also concerned that it took a special order and about 5 days just to get floor mats for my 86 951.
Mail ordering from Paragon ever since...
-Jon
I know what you mean. I walked into Walter's needing a coolant reservior cap and was surprised to see that the parts counter guy looked about 17 (owners nephew or something?). My fears were confirmed when after what seemed like forever waitng for him to find the part on his viewer I asked to see the screen. He was looking for a radiator cap for a 911!?
Was also concerned that it took a special order and about 5 days just to get floor mats for my 86 951.
Mail ordering from Paragon ever since...
-Jon
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08-20-2002, 05:33 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by por951turbo:
<strong>Sorry for going off topic, but how did you guys get a $100 certificate from the PCA?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The $100 gift certificates were mailed to all PCA members and are good for $100 off a $200 purchase at any Porsche dealership.
Also included in the package was a $1000 rebate on the purchase of a Boxster (now who would want one of those <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" /> )!
As I understand it, there will be a second $100 gift certificate mailed early next year.
<strong>Sorry for going off topic, but how did you guys get a $100 certificate from the PCA?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The $100 gift certificates were mailed to all PCA members and are good for $100 off a $200 purchase at any Porsche dealership.
Also included in the package was a $1000 rebate on the purchase of a Boxster (now who would want one of those <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" /> )!
As I understand it, there will be a second $100 gift certificate mailed early next year.
08-20-2002, 05:52 PM
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"As I understand it, there will be a second $100 gift certificate mailed early next year. "
Well, if that's true, it might be worth a trip to Portland . . .
Well, if that's true, it might be worth a trip to Portland . . .
08-20-2002, 08:00 PM
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I live in Portland about 10 minutes away from Sunset Imports. One of the parts guys is really friendly. One is really friendly after you get to know him (I have been in there too much). The last guy is kinda grumpy, BUT THEY ALL KNOW THIER PARTS!!!
The only bad thing about living in Portland is that I still get charged normal dealer prices, not the nice mail order ones.
The only bad thing about living in Portland is that I still get charged normal dealer prices, not the nice mail order ones.
08-20-2002, 08:14 PM
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Walter's Mercedes/Porsche in Riverside, CA SUCK <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />
I have had terrible service from the parts counter before - to the extent that the parts guy refused to look up various parts I enquired about.
I think the service can vary widely - as contrast, I have been to the dealership in Bellevue (Barries Porsche) and the parts guy was extremely helpful.
... just avoid Walter's at all costs!
I have had terrible service from the parts counter before - to the extent that the parts guy refused to look up various parts I enquired about.
I think the service can vary widely - as contrast, I have been to the dealership in Bellevue (Barries Porsche) and the parts guy was extremely helpful.
... just avoid Walter's at all costs!
08-21-2002, 12:32 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by krickmann:
<strong>$374), but I was able to utilize my $100 certificate from PCA. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Why couldn't you use it. My friend ordered stuff from there and sent them the cert, no problem.
Jason
<strong>$374), but I was able to utilize my $100 certificate from PCA. </strong><hr></blockquote>
Why couldn't you use it. My friend ordered stuff from there and sent them the cert, no problem.
Jason
08-21-2002, 02:17 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by jason952:
<strong>
Why couldn't you use it. My friend ordered stuff from there and sent them the cert, no problem.
Jason</strong><hr></blockquote>
If you read a little closer you'll see he was able to use it
<strong>
Why couldn't you use it. My friend ordered stuff from there and sent them the cert, no problem.
Jason</strong><hr></blockquote>
If you read a little closer you'll see he was able to use it
08-21-2002, 03:45 AM
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O.K., Now I'm pissed. . .
I just got my Panorama today and on page 99 and ad for Brumos Porsche. They not only TAKE the coupon for phone in orders AND they take another $40 off. $200 parts for $60 AND perhaps talk to a parts guy that knows what they're doing. I just should have waited one week!
If anyone reads this, please take note: Brumos offers a sweet deal for the certificate redemption.
P.S.: My wife and I made a committment to each other to stop swearing, well I broke it after reading this. . .
I just got my Panorama today and on page 99 and ad for Brumos Porsche. They not only TAKE the coupon for phone in orders AND they take another $40 off. $200 parts for $60 AND perhaps talk to a parts guy that knows what they're doing. I just should have waited one week!
If anyone reads this, please take note: Brumos offers a sweet deal for the certificate redemption.
P.S.: My wife and I made a committment to each other to stop swearing, well I broke it after reading this. . .