I think you've got a rock solid position. You were acting conscientiously to get an early oil change -- write that up to pride of ownership. The Porsche dealer didn't say "don't waste your money" so it's on them to be accountable. You acted responsibly when the fire erupted. Porsche should be thanking their lucky stars you're not conducting this from a hospital bed or nursing permanent injuries. Given the sealed engine compartment, there's no way you're to be suspected of being some over zealous shade tree mechanic. The only issue now is the speedy resolution. I know there's a customer satisfaction guy at PCNA who handles these extended vehicle-off-road situations. I'd suggest encouraging the local dealer to reach out to PCNA not through the field service channels, but through their customer relations. They could easily spot you a loaner and expedite ordering a new replacement. Once that's the way forward that you choose (if you choose, I can't say, each to his own) then they have to actively obstruct that path and I don't think that's their game. At least in my limited experience of having a car off road a couple of times (in each case, Porsche recognizing it was their problem) they were reasonable and accommodating. It's just a matter of keeping the local guys from feeling like the bad news is going to hit their fan. So long as blame isn't your purpose, and you just want the car you paid for, I think Porsche can move forward without fear of things spiraling into litigation, liability and negligence -- none of which helps anyone. After all, since it's now just a matter of a shop rag and not a vehicle defect, there's no risk to any other owner. It's not like the wheels are going to fall off ... that only happens with centerlocks ... : )

 

Agree 100%. This is practically a new car that was partially destroyed as a result of a Porsche dealership's shoddy maintenance work. Just stunning that you're not being offered a new car.

 

Wait, so the initial investigation did not find any towel in the engine, and then the second investigation conducted by Porsche they did find a towel in the engine? I apologize if this is incorrect (too lazy to go read back every post).
If that is correct, doesn't that sound a little fishy?

I would ask the insurance carrier to put in an order now or pick up a new car from a dealer lot now. If they say no then I would threaten with a lawsuit or go straight to a lawsuit. Then again I'm not in your shoes so I don't know all the info.

Good luck either way.

 

As a Porsche service tech at a dealership, I look at this from a different angle than most. First, I appreciate the OP's lack of finger pointing and assumptions throughout this process. That being said, its ridiculous how many people that had very little information pointed fingers at PCNA, made uneducated guesses as to what was wrong and posted them as likely failures. I am especially offended by the post by another that made generalizations about dealership techs leaving bolts loose, drain plugs loose, etc. That is a prejudice remark. People are who they are and I have yet to see a dealership advertise an opening for someone who doesn't take pride in their work. These types of people do exist in all professions, and all types of service facilities, dealership or independent. My best advice, if you find a tech that you like, request them when you make your appointment. That means alot to the tech and he will go the extra mile for you. It's the best compliment you could give and management sees this.
Assuming the vehicle is repaired instead of totaled, which is up to the insurance Co, I would pressure the dealership at fault for a very nice trade in value and your replacement at invoice. Best of luck

 

Thanks for support and encouraging feedback. A great forum!

I'm really torn about the future course. I loved that car and I had spent some money making it my own. IE. Expel film, Chrystal film (or whatever it's called, I forget) on the windscreen, clear markers, colored center crests and many hours treating, waxing and caressing. I had a number of road trips planned and a few DE and fun events thru the local PCA chapter on the calendar.

At this point the estimate is nearing 35k and the engine has yet to be dropped out. QC's body work estimate is not yet in either.

As I have said, I'm trying to remain neutral with my expectations and will not engage in "mud-slinging". I do, however, have a good attorney...

 

I should say I'm shocked (but I'm not) how many folks here suggest going straight for the lawyer. Does anyone ever really consider the cost of that? I feel pain for the OP, but realistically the costs of litigation could very conceivably go well beyond the costs of fixing the car if that's what is ultimately decided to do. From the sounds of the last couple of posts, the insurance company might still decide not to.
The idea that a dealer or PCNA will just give out a new car whenever there's a problem is ludicrous. A car almost burning to the ground from a shop error IS a pretty big deal and a unique one, but I hear on this and other car forums the same suggestion over and over, that if there's any problem with a new car, you should automatically get a new one and the world just doesn't work that way. pilotmcc, thanks for keeping us informed on your saga, but I personally urge you to tread lightly. You've already been patient, and I truly believe the outcome of this will be good for you.

 

I was talking to my wife about this last night. I would hate the idea of having a rebuilt, brand new Porsche that had nearly burned to the ground. Based on this story, I told my wife that if my engine ever catches fire, I am going to be roasting hot dogs and marshmellows over the inferno as I watch the da*n thing burn completely to the ground. No good deed goes unpunished.

Kevin

 

In my limited experience in the past, sometimes getting a good lawyer involved prevents the need for litigation. No corporation or person takes anything you say seriously until it is on letterhead of a law firm. Then they seem to transfer your complaint over to their legal team, whom generally wants to settle out of court as soon as possible, for the least you will accept.
Then again I have never had an issue requiring legal assistance with an insurance company. I figured the dealership should be responsible for covering anything in between total cost of replacement and what insurance is covering.

Good luck pilot. Your patience is certainly being tested here. It would be cool if we could all digitally sign a document and send it to pcna saying nothing more than that as owners, we are all watching and interested in how pcna and the dealership work this out in an amicable and equitable manner. That is probably my unrealistic rise up mentality kicking in

 

Pilotmcc, you have shown immense patience. I hope this ends well and soon.

 

Why is it again that PCNA has any responsibilty in this? I dont see how in any way they are liable for a mistake by the dealership's service employee??
PCNA did not build the car, sell it to the customer, burn it to the ground or decide what course of action should be taken...

 

This is where I would start at. Too bad they are not writing the car off.

 

As I had shared in a PM from a "knowledgeable" source: We'll see if it is accurate:

He should be covered by insurance for everything except what directly caused the fire. So, for example, if a fuel line failed and sprayed gasoline on the manifold which then caught fire, there is no coverage for the failed fuel line. Everything else, however, would be covered under the comprehensive portion of his insurance.

On the other hand, if the cause of the fire is covered by the warranty, then everything is covered, both direct and consequential damages.

The first question here is whether the car is a total loss from the perspective of the carrier or Porsche. The answer could be different for either. If the repair exceeded 60% +/- of the car, the carrier might total it and pay fair market value, subject to that new coverage in some policies relating to damaged cars that are new. On the other hand, if the damage is covered by the warranty, I suspect that Porsche would fix the car as long as it was fixable.

Whether he could persuade Porsche to replace the car is an interesting question. Probably need an attorney to answer that one.


This could take quite some time, especially if Porsche wants to try to diagnose the fault. One question will be how much damage was caused by the heat to all the plastic and electrical bits in the engine bay.

Too bad; sounds like a nice car.

 

My experience is that even the best techs will occasionally make mistakes, and that includes myself when I'm working on my own cars and other toys. Some industries have processes to catch those mistakes before something like this happens, but car buyers aren't willing to pay for those processes. So in this case, what's important -- all that's important -- is what happens next.

What's happening next is that the OP bought a new car, has a ton of money tied up in it, and is not getting to drive it, despite the fact that the dealership that is now known to be responsible for the event has a lot full of Porsches that no one else is using at the moment.

I agree that PCNA doesn't seem to have a dog in the fight, assuming their conclusion with regard to the shop rag is correct. If Larson doesn't make it right for pilotmcc -- and soon -- then their future customers in the PNW and elsewhere deserve to hear the story. (Always keeping in mind they will never hear more than half of said story unless a dealership rep shows up in the thread, of course.)

 

This. And we, as Porsche faithfuls, will make sure this is heard...

good luck.

 

Bottom line is your vehicle insurance company should have immediately stepped in, provided a loaner and within a few days agreed to replace or repair the car (depending on extent of damage and your policy terms). Your insurance company should then have investigated / fought with the other parties on your behalf to conclusion and unless you were somehow found to be personally at fault, your premiums should not change. You should not have been put into waiting mode, who's going to pay mode or any other mode other than driving mode. That's how the system is supposed to work and that's what you paid for. You should not have been required to deal with this process in the manner you've described.

Again best of luck.