Cambridge/Hatfield OPC - Page 2 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Hi, does anyone have any experience? Good sales people recommends on these two OPC's? I see that Cambridge is currently being redeveloped into the new larger centre. I live between the two so any info would be welcome. Thanks M

For service I prefer Cambridge. For sales I've used both a little and Lee Prendergast at Hatfield is good so I'd probably speak to him, but honestly Cambridge has some good sales people too. Overall I much prefer the Cambridge experience, but I've had no dealings with Cambridge in over a year. Hatfield, recently, for a small enquiry, were bloody hopeless though.

Same for Hatfield experience

Lee is helpful at Hatfield - bought my last C2S cab from him. Always found Cambridge a bit sniffy TBH. Never bought from them or used them for service

Scott from Cambridge is great if he is still there

Both average

Hatfield, without fail, have been useless. Awful. Silverstone ftw. Never dealt with Cambridge.

Have never used either and many years ago Silverstone would indeed have been the answer. Solihull used to be ok but probably bit far.

Thanks for all the thoughts, I actually work near Mayfair OPC since they moved so could be another option. Looking for a place to build a relationship over time (if that's still a thing?)Thought the out of town OPC's might be better for that. Thanks

Then probably don't bother with Hatfield. It used to be a place where you could do just that - before Porsche GB took Chariots from HR Owen. Now it's just a processing facility.

IMI A said: Both average Where do you recommend then in the south?

alscar said: Have never used either and many years ago Silverstone would indeed have been the answer. Solihull used to be ok but probably bit far. Solihull were not good at all for me.

We use Cambridge for parts and they are very good, much better than Leicester and Silverstone.

I'd say Reading if thats South enough for you. Bought a car from Swindon too. Both better than the two you mentioned. Perhaps Cambridge if I had to be pushed on one out of the two you first asked about. Hatfield you can see the other comments and you reap what you sow its unbelievable Reading and Hatfield part of the same group. Perhaps they'll improve one day.

I use Silverstone…haven’t bought a car for a while from them but the sales guy I use is still there and always says hello when I am in getting cars serviced etc. Seems to have been a lot of turnover in staff though…which is never a good sign. Service Dept is excellent although I think part of that is the girl who always looks after my cars….she is just superb at her job.

Great thanks for the replies, super useful. Anyone at Reading worth talking too? Thanks

I deal with Muriel but she is not in sales. She is more after sales and seems to cover everything. Top notch. I'd just call switcboard in your shoes and ask to speak to the sales / sales manager. One thing I will say is tha even the most ordinary cars to my eye are on VIP lists. I enquired about a Cayenne turbo GT and was informed by Reading that it was a wait/VIP list car last year. Mind boggling as there were zillions for sale in the classifieds horridly specced most of them too. Same with 992 GT3s - more for sale than both 996 GT3s and 997 GT3s put together why if they're selling to genuine GT lovers? Interesting times as OPCs are going to be holding most of this stock when the carnage inevitably ensues. A huge peak always followed by a huge trough.

Cheib said: I use Silverstone…haven’t bought a car for a while from them but the sales guy I use is still there and always says hello when I am in getting cars serviced etc. Seems to have been a lot of turnover in staff though…which is never a good sign. Service Dept is excellent although I think part of that is the girl who always looks after my cars….she is just superb at her job. Turnover of staff has been huge as you say. Tbh it’s never been the same since Robin left as DP.

I’ve bought two cars recently from Hatfield OPC. The individuals there are great, they are horribly understaffed though. I had to wait almost two months for a routine service, and when I picked up my last new car my salesman was in the middle of other handovers. I think most dealerships across all brands are suffering from cost cutting and the resulting hit on customer service. I had an OK experience though and would use them again, but if you’re expecting “white glove” vibes you need to take a left and go to HR Owen.

I've had 4 cars from Cambridge and can highly recommend them. By the way, the excellent Scott has moved on to greater things within the company.

My issue with Cambridge are well documented on here. But the biggest deal breaker is that the service department is now in Royston, but you cannot go there as no reception. You have to drop car at Harston, and they take it to Royston. And they wont tell you anything about this until you spot your tracker is miles from where you left your car...

To be fair, is this only the case whilst the new building work is on going.

Another vote for Lee at Hatfield bought three cars off of Lee. Servicing wise I am using Silverstone at the moment as that is who I bought my last car from so far they have been great

Just come across this thread. I have just purchased my first Porsche 911 C2S. I live near Porsche Hatfield and was planning to use them (the car has a 2 year warranty). Given the comments above I am having second thoughts. Has anyone used Porsche East London?

RedNick said: To be fair, is this only the case whilst the new building work is on going. Apparently not, they confirmed on social media that this is their ongoing setup.

I've used Porsche East London for over 15 years both for purchase and servicing, originally because they were nearest to me and thereafter because I get well looked after by the service team, especially Neil Haddow. They've often gone the 'extra mile' for me when I've had problems and I value the relationship which is characterised by stability of staff contrary to the OPC experience others have described above. Martin

Also used East London in the past - preferred them to Hatfield.

And another vote for Lee Prendergast at Hatfield - a really great guy, professional and always calls you back. That said, if he is not there, then good luck getting a call back from anyone else, as they don’t…..

I’ve used Mayfair and Silverstone - current car from Silverstone and the service team are great. Sales are average IMHO.

Martcouz said: I've used Porsche East London for over 15 years both for purchase and servicing, originally because they were nearest to me and thereafter because I get well looked after by the service team, especially Neil Haddow. They've often gone the 'extra mile' for me when I've had problems and I value the relationship which is characterised by stability of staff contrary to the OPC experience others have described above. Martin Thanks for feedback Martin - you have helped me make my choice. The key thing is stability of staff

Actus Reus said: Also used East London in the past - preferred them to Hatfield. Thanks for the feedback Actus.

I bought my used 911 from David Fokes at Reading, very good. I think he is now at Porsche High Wycombe. Have dealt with after sales at both Reading and Swindon, both are best avoided if you can is the politest thing to say.

15plus years ago Hatfield were brilliant. I bought my first Taycan from them in 2022 - the sales chap was an absolute tool, he now works for Ferrari in Hatfield, I won’t buy from them as a result! Servicing is mediocre - many years ago they did some work on my first 911 - they didn’t secure the undertray properly and it nearly departed the car on the motorway. East london were good on the single occasion I used them Reading are dire too. Sidcup are great. Guildford were very good with dealing with issues post purchase. Birmingham used to be good but I haven’t dealt with them for all years. I’ve just bought from Cambridge so hope they are decent. Edited by W12GT on Sunday 5th November 15:54

gerryfrost said: And another vote for Lee Prendergast at Hatfield - a really great guy, professional and always calls you back. That said, if he is not there, then good luck getting a call back from anyone else, as they don’t….. And another for Lee Prendergast.

Anyone been to the newly developed Cambridge centre yet?

Miami_v said: Anyone been to the newly developed Cambridge centre yet? Yes it’s pretty nice but there’s zero parking as they are still waiting to knock down the AM building to create the car park and EV charging area.