Beachproducer

Need front suspension replaced…
I wanted to source the OEM shocks from RockAuto & hand those parts off to the indy shop I’ve used for a few other things in the past…

However, the shop quoted me $900 per side for the shocks, refused to let me source the exact same part I can get from RA for less than $300 each.

The car 100% needs the work done since it’s something I’ve let go too long, and although they refused to let me supply my own parts they did knock a couple of hundred off each, so it’s only a little over 2x the cost for each of them for me.

And so dropped the car off there 2 weeks ago (5/22) — I stopped in last Friday (week +1 day) and they hadn’t started, was told they’d get it turned around by Wednesday (today) for me since my wife was going out of town.

Reached out today to see when I could get the car & got a “sorry we’re backed up won’t be until Tuesday” response.

So. Here we are.

After they finally get this done do I cut & run, or do I go take my car in the A.M. and start from scratch with another shop?

BillB128

I'd certainly be upset being charged a premium and then essentially being blown off. To me, your current shop is taking your business for granted.
Unless they walk on water, I'd take the car and find another shop. It's not like the car is not drivable in its current state. Also, suspension work for the 997 isn't a
difficult job for a professional. A good alignment is likely to have the biggest impact to the job after the work is complete as long as the same components
are being replaced, like for like.

The big question to me would be if you have another Independant Shop that you can turn to.

Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S 200K miles

Find another indy. Ones that will allow you to supply parts are out there. Typically, in my experience, a "speedshop" is usually very freindly to enthusiasts. Are there any shops near you that race-prep cars? Seek them out. Typically these shops will work on Porsches but that is not a requirement especially for suspension parts... they just bolt off and on.

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)

PV997

What's their reason for not letting you supply your own parts? The only reason (and I mean only one) that a shop is entitled to parts mark-up is that they warranty the parts. If a part they supplied is bad, they'll cover both the part and the labor to replace it. That's what that mark-up buys you. If you supply your own parts, then they only warranty the labor. If the part is bad you are on the hook for everything.

Some shops won't do it because they've gotten burned by bad customers that supplied garbage parts. But if you are providing OEM quality parts, and acknowledge the limits on the warranty, then what's the problem? The particularly applies if you are a long-time customer with a track record with the shop.

I'd DIY it as it's a pretty easy job and requires minimal tools. But if for some reason I must have someone else work on it, then it wouldn't be these guys. They jerked you around on the parts, and are now they are jerking you around on when it will be done. That's two bad signs regarding their integrity, I wouldn't need any more.

Beachproducer

Thanks @BillB128 @Bruce In Philly and @PV997 - appreciate your insights and advice. And PV you’re correct - they were concerned about the warranty & didn’t want to let me agree to a labor warranty.

yelcab

I don't have a problem with a shop making a markup on factory parts. They are there to make a living and markup is one way to make money. If they do supply the parts, they are on the hook for warranty. Therefore, they are less likely to supply junk parts. As far as Rock Auto is concerned, I don't think they sell quality Porsche parts for 1/3 the price. It's probably something much less robust.

If you really want to save money, DIY the job.

I do have a huge problem with not doing the job timely as promised. For that alone, take the car someplace else tomorrow.

Beachproducer

RockAuto do actually (often) sell OE parts when available, and they have the Bilstein B4 Original Equipment DampTronic struts for $265.79 a side... I don’t have a problem with paying a fair premium above available pricing for the shop warranty, but not three times what I could buy them for. That’s just expected acquiescence to Porsche tax pricing.



Same dude collecting at lunchtime.

carguy999

Man I know the feeling. I am almost at the point of getting rid of my car because so far I have had such bad luck with shops; there is one guy that I am excited to work with but I am starting to get the feeling he doesn't want to work with me. Maybe it's a me problem but honestly I am more than fair, to the point where I feel like I am being taken advantage of. Porsche shops here are few and far between so I am kind of stuck.

groovzilla

Once you establish a long term relationship with an excellent Porsche Specialist Indy, it is a no brainer that they will allow you to supply OEM parts.
I've been doing this with my 35 year Indy and always smooth sailing. Saves a lot of money and also the hassle of Indy having to order parts.
Find another Porsche Specialist Indy.

Also I highly recommend fellow RL Sponsor Rennpart.com
Aaron Elsner owner is great to work with, They have excellent quality OEM parts and prices & usually includes the shipping costs in the orders and ships out extremely fast.

Bruce In Philly

Maybe there is some sweating here that the indy must be a Porsche specialist... for most things, this does not matter.

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)