Just bought my first Porsche and want to keep it in good mechanical condition of course. So, do you DIY, go to the Porsche Dealer or use a good Independent? I'm not a great mechanic, so DIY is out for me. Two Porsche dealers are not too far from me, and a couple of good quality Independents (I'm told) not too far either. It is my first Porsche and I want to do it right, so I'm thinking dealer. But, maybe a good Independent relationship might work out well also. RJ

 

If its something you think you can do, do it (light bulb change....oil?) If money is no object, go to Porsche. If you want to save some money, go to a trusted independent.

 

I go to the dealer and always have. Talk to the service Manager and find the best tech they have and have him ONLY work on your car. That's what I do and have always done for 4 911s for ver 20 years. Used an independent once and they f'd it up and this was an independent everyone raved about!

Tom

 

Limited DIY skills. Add gas, replace windshield wiper fluid, pretty much taps out my skill set. So, it's Porsche dealer for scheduled maintenance. Ferrari dealer for tires, as they let me order/drop shift from Tire Rack, and then they install...T

 

Sounds like good advice. The best tech is something I wouldn't have thought to do. Nice car color. Thanks. RJ

 

Get a recommended Indy. All my cars (German) have gone to my Indy since new. If something broke during warranty they went to the dealer but when it switched to extended (3rd party), off to the Indy.

All maintenance, Indy. My wallet has been pleased so far after 12 years.

 

I Diy anything I can do or use a top independently specialist in Torrence, CA (driving an hour away) when I can't or don't have the time. I've heard too many dealership horror stories. I took my Prius Prime for its free service last week, they couldn't even put the tire valves caps back on after their inspection. They just forgot about it I guess!

 

I get it. Joined PCA and my regional president swears by a German car only Indy. RJ

 

Thanks. Lived in Torrance for 20 years Shred. RJ

 

Where are you in SoCal? I can recommend my Indy if you like.

 

Good question.

I do all my own maintenance on my classic 911. The old air-cooled cars are fairly easy to work on if you have a basic knowledge of mechanics & a good set of tools.

My 997.2 is worked on by the dealer because it is under a CPO warranty for another 3.5 years. The only exception is oil and filter changes. As long as I document that I used Porsche A40 approved oils and OEM Porsche filters. Once the warranty runs out, I will probably do more of the maintenance myself. The work that I can't do myself, will be done by a very good indie in my area.

 

East of Riverside in Beaumont, 92223. RJ

 

How handy with tools are you? I've found that wrenching on the 911 isn't much different than it is on other cars. things I've done myself include plugs, filters, serpentine belt and replacement of the motor in the passenger side rearview mirror. Not difficult at all. One thing I had done at my local indy was the PDK fluid swap.

 

If Costa Mesa isn't too far Sleepers Speed Shop is fantastic.

http://www.sleepersspeedshop.com/

 

Dealer or Indy. Neither are perfect. You are ultimately responsible financially for your vehicle.
My indy has always been fair with me. But I have researched pricing and hours. I always ask for an estimate, and approval before work commences.
Same with the dealer. And I always asked for the used parts back. Feathered rotor? Worn out brake pads? Down to the backing plate, rivets exposed.
Cool. Here is my money.
.6 of an hour to change the cabin filter on my BMW X5? YouTube in your friend. My 12 year old helped me, took ten minutes with clean up and tools.
$30 amazon part. Not worth the $2oo+ the dealer wanted.

"It's not your ability? It's your desire."

Wait until they quote you $4oo for a battery.
Rennlist is your friend.

$125 to put the snow tires on my car? AND an hour to drop off the cars, and another hour to pick it up?
Twenty minutes in my driveway. And the filthy dirty rims are clean and polished, ready for next season.
One year they didn't tighten a few bolts. Wheel almost fell off.
I can not tighten a wheel myself, at home. I don't need to pay for incompetence.