I have a 2009 997.2 S Cab. Car has 17,000 mi. I don't get to drive her as much as I'd like. The other day the service light came on. I dropped the car at a new dealer that opened by my house.

It's my understanding the service light comes on automatically after 10k miles or one yr. Dealer called to inform me that the service is complete as well as inspection and new cabin filter ($175). Bill was $838.

The $$$ aren't going to kill me but I hate getting ripped off. Does that price seem excessive?

 

while im not porsche service expert i would like to see the justification for how

- an inspection
- cabin filter

cost practically 4 figures

 

What services were performed?

 

they don't call them "stealerships" for nothing. the dealer near me charges $146/hr labor and i think $350 for the diagnostic process. few hours labor & the parts markup, plus taxes, you get to $838 pretty quick. Best to learn how to do as much DIY as you can.

 

I have done that myself. Once, and only once.
I now, never drop off a car, Porsche or Subaru, without a clear understanding of the cost.
It is no longer, "do what you want, charge me what you want?"
Wife's MDX was up on the hoist for an inspection. Oil filter, A1 service.
Tech called me. Vehicle will need front brakes machined and pads. $375?
I made one phone call, machine $80 and pads 120. Dealer crumbled and did the brakes for $250.
I understand that it is a business, and they are there to take as much money out of your pocket as possible, but hey, be smart. Ask questions, post here, compare pricing. Don't be afraid to negotiate.
I just did my cabin filter, it was $93 plus instal.
If you don't like dealer pricing, find a good private shop. Or change the cabin filter yourself? I'm new-ish here, I'm sure there is a sticky.

I would hope the extra 663 was an oil change?

 

"Annual service" I suspect that's an oil & filter change and multi point inspection. Seems like BS to me

 

what were the exact documented services on the statement?

normally it's, oil change, set tire pressures, etc etc (all super super basic stuff)

 

Do question what is being done, and don't be afraid to do some work yourself unless the car is still under warranty.

Cabin air filter takes 3 minutes to replace and it is $12 part.

 

There are a number of service items that are age dependent, regardless of miles. Examples are brake fluid flush (every 2 years), spark plugs (depends on model year, but every 3-4 years), and replacement of the fix-a-flat canister. If the dealer did some or all of these, then it may not be as bad as it sounds.

Cabin filter change, oil changes, and brake work are all really easy on these cars. I'm still under warranty, so I do all I can and then have the dealer check the inspection items, reset my maintenance warning, and stamp my book.

If you aren't into wrenching, find a good Indy shop.

 

That's really expensive ... unless they looked at the service history and decided it has been four years and you needed a brake flush, gearbox oil change, coolant flush ... maybe a battery too

 

Wow...

 

Weren't you given a written estimate that you were asked to sign when you left your car?

 

If you ask any dealer what their service intervals include, they will always say "100-120pt inspection"..etc.

This is how they are able to throw in 2-4 hours of labor and drive your bill up. I look at some of the money the previous owner spent on my car and think of how insane he was but at least he took care of it.

I talk to my tech about exactly what he is doing before he does it, and then I always negotiate price. If my CEL light came on I would pull my own codes, Google them, tell the tech what I think is wrong but ask for assistance, get the exact solution done and that's it. Luckily, I have a GREAT relationship with my tech and my service advisor is an old friend.

For example though, the guy who sold me my car paid $1,500 for a new air filter, cabin filter, and "inspection"

 

No vasiline?

 

Ouch +1