OPC Not interested.... - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

So, had my first OPC experience on Saturday, have to say I'm not impressed. Looking at new Cayman, salesman friendly enough, even said would arrange 24hr test drive. Took all my details and said he'd call on Monday. Emailed him Tuesday and still heard nothing. Fair enough, I'll go elsewhere, I thought. Emailed next nearest OPC on Tuesday aft, who got back to me in a couple of hours. Said they had two cars available for test on Saturday, but someone would call me back today. Heard nothing. I've read enough reviews /opinions on Cayman that would suggest they could almost sell themselves, but lack of interest / response from sales depts suggests they cannot be bothered. Just wondered if this was normal and people just put up with poor service as the cars are worth it? It is making me think twice if it is this difficult when buying, what happens when something goes wrong. Maybe scared of selling more cars before they sort the emissions debacle out... Interested in others' experience

Zebra, can I suggest you try OPC Leicester. Great people and service. On my third Porsche from them and cannot fault them. No connection by the way only a satisfied customer.

I have had a good experience with OPCs so far. Maybe try a third?

Thanks, wouldn't be too much further for me. Might give them a try if no joy tomorrow.

zebra_3 said: So, had my first OPC experience on Saturday, have to say I'm not impressed. Looking at new Cayman, salesman friendly enough, even said would arrange 24hr test drive. Took all my details and said he'd call on Monday. Emailed him Tuesday and still heard nothing. Fair enough, I'll go elsewhere, I thought. Emailed next nearest OPC on Tuesday aft, who got back to me in a couple of hours. Said they had two cars available for test on Saturday, but someone would call me back today. Heard nothing. I've read enough reviews /opinions on Cayman that would suggest they could almost sell themselves, but lack of interest / response from sales depts suggests they cannot be bothered. Seems pretty standard across most brands.

I had the same experience from sales @ Edinburgh OPC a year ago. I ended up buying one that Leeds had in stock and must say that the sales there were much more welcoming.

I was looking around for a GTS and encountered the same complete apathy from two OPC's before travelling further afield to find one that seemed to recognise me as someone looking to buy a £65k car. Having never spent anything like this on a car before but having owned Porsches for years, this was shocking to me. This made me start widening my search to used cars and I eventually bought a Cayman R which is a stunning car. Still in the Porsche brand but Porsche had the opportunity to convert me to a new car buyer after which it is likely I would have bought a second or third car in time. Gives out an impression of arrogance which is not a brand virtue in my opinion. Shame. Great cars, shame about the salesmen. I must add, servicing and parts have always been very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to deal with.

stuartmcg said: I had the same experience from sales @ Edinburgh OPC a year ago. I ended up buying one that Leeds had in stock and must say that the sales there were much more welcoming. Same for me, Edinburgh not inspiring and also bought from Leeds (Kevin Jones who was excellent). Servicing set up in Edinburgh also left me suspicious and feeling cheated.

Had the same issues with a BMW dealer I had arranged a 24 hour road test with. Was let down three times , then the next time the salesman rang up I told him to get lost , funnily enough about a week later they were advertising on the radio the very same car . This was enough for me to pen an email to BMW HQ , why waste your money advertising on the radio when this particular dealer seemed to be unable to organise something as simple as a road test ? Had the DP on the phone about an hour later asking for full details , then he rang back and apologised and offered me the car over a weekend , I told him politely that there was no chance I would buy any more cars with his dealership . Funnily enough I got a road test in the car and didn't like the damn thing and ended up with another 5 Series. From a different dealer of course.

zebra_3 said: So, had my first OPC experience on Saturday, have to say I'm not impressed. Looking at new Cayman, salesman friendly enough, even said would arrange 24hr test drive. Took all my details and said he'd call on Monday. Emailed him Tuesday and still heard nothing. Fair enough, I'll go elsewhere, I thought. Emailed next nearest OPC on Tuesday aft, who got back to me in a couple of hours. Said they had two cars available for test on Saturday, but someone would call me back today. Heard nothing. I've read enough reviews /opinions on Cayman that would suggest they could almost sell themselves, but lack of interest / response from sales depts suggests they cannot be bothered. Just wondered if this was normal and people just put up with poor service as the cars are worth it? It is making me think twice if it is this difficult when buying, what happens when something goes wrong. Maybe scared of selling more cars before they sort the emissions debacle out... Interested in others' experience I had a similar thing recently with booking my car in for £2.5k worth of service and work. One OPC didn't call me back after my initial enquiry to book the car in, so I called another and they were more than helpful (OPC East London). I got a feedback form from Porsche on an email for something else, so I filled it in and told them I hadn't been called back, cue about half an hour later I have the service manager on the phone apologising etc. That form must have gone somewhere relatively important to get him on the phone so quickly and he was ready and willing to help. I told him he had lost the business and it's going to a different OPC. I can't find a link to this form on google, but maybe an email to Porsche customer services will be the same. Really depends how bothered you are, but it's not just OPCs that are different, the people working there are also different, so you may catch someone good/bad, or on a good/bad day. They should be consistent and give a good service 100% of the time but unfortunately they dont, not so dissimilar to other brands to be fair, and it always seems to be the German marques that have the crap reputations, maybe due to arrogance their products have less rivals and strong brands so they sell themselves. Wrong attitude, but it does exist.

For the most part the dealers are lazy when responding to emails; you are much better going into the dealerships in person and sorting there and then, or phoning up. When I was enquiring about a GT4 with all dealers, I had to email them to save time; I'd say only a quarter replied, but those that did have been consistent with communications. Like anything sold, unless there is a significant downturn in sales, salesmen don't seem willing to chase customers.

miroku said: Zebra, can I suggest you try OPC Leicester. Great people and service. On my third Porsche from them and cannot fault them. No connection by the way only a satisfied customer. Bought my Boxster from Tom there - if you can get hold of him he's great to deal with.

My OPC have been really good to me and been quite fair with prices. drop me a PM with your contact and I can introduce you if you want.

Thanks for all the replies, sure you are right about getting more responses phoning or going in, but when they've told you they'll call you, you expect them to do it (premium product should include better service) Just called the 2nd one back (Leeds) now waiting for a call back, but sounding like they haven't made any arrangements for a test drive. Receptionist very helpful/friendly so maybe will get somewhere. Trying to avoid going to ends of the country hence first one I tried was Sheffield. Unfortunately I think they are same dealer (JCT600) as Leeds.

zebra_3 said: Thanks for all the replies, sure you are right about getting more responses phoning or going in, but when they've told you they'll call you, you expect them to do it (premium product should include better service) Just called the 2nd one back (Leeds) now waiting for a call back, but sounding like they haven't made any arrangements for a test drive. Receptionist very helpful/friendly so maybe will get somewhere. Trying to avoid going to ends of the country hence first one I tried was Sheffield. Unfortunately I think they are same dealer (JCT600) as Leeds. had the same experience as you, ended up dealing with Bolton OPC who were excellent, dealt with a guy called Dan - given the distance (as im in coventry) they ended up shipping the car to me - always called me back and rather than my initial experience at Solihull who made me feel like I should feel honored to be allowed to buy a car, Bolton made me feel like it was an exciting journey and what i expected (as this was my first porka)

That's is shocking to find 2 OPCs that are so disinterested in an enquiry. I have had nothing but good experiences from Sales & Service at Tonbridge.

MrLizard said: zebra_3 said: Thanks for all the replies, sure you are right about getting more responses phoning or going in, but when they've told you they'll call you, you expect them to do it (premium product should include better service) Just called the 2nd one back (Leeds) now waiting for a call back, but sounding like they haven't made any arrangements for a test drive. Receptionist very helpful/friendly so maybe will get somewhere. Trying to avoid going to ends of the country hence first one I tried was Sheffield. Unfortunately I think they are same dealer (JCT600) as Leeds. had the same experience as you, ended up dealing with Bolton OPC who were excellent, dealt with a guy called Dan - given the distance (as im in coventry) they ended up shipping the car to me - always called me back and rather than my initial experience at Solihull who made me feel like I should feel honored to be allowed to buy a car, Bolton made me feel like it was an exciting journey and what i expected (as this was my first porka) +1 for Dan

billzeebub said: That's is shocking to find 2 OPCs that are so disinterested in an enquiry. I have had nothing but good experiences from Sales & Service at Tonbridge. I can completely agree with this.

Fully agree with billzeebub. Can't really comment on OPC Tonbridge sales guys as I bought my 981 privately. (it was supplied new by them). However, their service department have been excellent in my dealings with them. Long may it continue.

Pete @ Sheffield by any chance Zebra? I turned up to collect a Cayenne for a 24h test drive I had arranged with him, no one at the dealership knew anything about it! Still drove the car away but it hadn't been cleaned which didn't give a great impression. Decided to place an order with Solihull who found me a new Cayenne S Diesel that fit the bill in stock at another OPC. I put down a deposit but they forgot to notify the stocking dealership meaning the car was sold to someone else the following day leaving me high and dry! To be fair they were very apologetic and gave me some money off a new factory order as recompense, though I'm still waiting for it as it's been delayed by four months :/ I work in IT sales and I'm pleased to say that my team are of a much higher standard!

Almost two years ago; I had good test drive experience at Porsche Silverstone (aka Towcester) and Solihull. Silverstone have provided good aftersales service, I'd happily buy from there next time.

I got good service from Bolton. Was a 200 drive to collect the car, but well worth it.

Buster73 said: Had the same issues with a BMW dealer I had arranged a 24 hour road test with. Was let down three times , then the next time the salesman rang up I told him to get lost , funnily enough about a week later they were advertising on the radio the very same car . This was enough for me to pen an email to BMW HQ , why waste your money advertising on the radio when this particular dealer seemed to be unable to organise something as simple as a road test ? Had the DP on the phone about an hour later asking for full details , then he rang back and apologised and offered me the car over a weekend , I told him politely that there was no chance I would buy any more cars with his dealership . Funnily enough I got a road test in the car and didn't like the damn thing and ended up with another 5 Series. From a different dealer of course. BMW are by far the worst although this lethargy seems to now characterise the industry. Snows BMW Eastleigh never return calls; they are far too busy and important to answer emails. So we thought we would try Portsmouth. Same. Then Southampton; It seems that BMW just down give a rats arse about customer service. So, after years of rubbish service we gave up with the dealers and in fact finally gave up with the cars completely as even if you went outside the network you ended up having to get parts from them and it was always a challenge. So we have gone for a different brand completely now. If they dont care we dont. As for OPC - Bournemouth seems ok although they have taken 13 months to order be a new service book for my 993 but apparently that is Porsche Germany's fault!

CayenneWkr yes it was. Seemed nice enough at on Sat, but that obviously stopped when we left. My wife was even worried she hadn't dressed smartly enough for us to be taken seriously FFS!

he did say he was previously at BMW, perhaps that's the issue. Got sorted this aft for Leeds, they didn't have anything booked in as he'd passed it onto someone else who was "too busy", but am now trying base Cayman and a BGTS on Saturday :-). They even emailed to confirm, so bit more hopeful now.

miroku said: Zebra, can I suggest you try OPC Leicester. Great people and service. On my third Porsche from them and cannot fault them. No connection by the way only a satisfied customer. +1

Timbo_Mint said: miroku said: Zebra, can I suggest you try OPC Leicester. Great people and service. On my third Porsche from them and cannot fault them. No connection by the way only a satisfied customer. +1 Wasn't too impressed with their sales staff but the service department is top notch!

Tried to book my 997 c4s into the opc local to me for some work,I wont name them but onbridge missing the T called me back 5 hours after I called them,Too late for them as I got bored and got my local indy to sort.Recieved great service from Paragon, very polite and professional.

Just bought my BGTS from Silverstone who were good I had a few problems with the purchase and they kept me informed along the way and were helpful I would buy from them again. Bristol are very good I have had 2 cars from them Jeff Wong there is top notch. I currently use Nottingham for service and warranty work and they are really good although not so impressed with sales.

I would be useful if the OPC was named. That way more feedback might be possible both good and bad with respect to the site that is being moaned about.

i emailed 20+ OPC a few months ago, trying to order a 981 boxster spyder. about 50% of them never even had the decency to even email back, around 25% said no chance at all, only 2 or 3 of them seemed even half interested in my custom, only one stood out from the crowd, spoke to me honestly and told me what the chances were of getting me one. this is obviously who then got my money for the deposit and is now supplying me with a car. I can recommend adam at bolton porsche centre if anyone wants a straight talking knowledgeable salesman.

zebra_3 said: CayenneWkr yes it was. Seemed nice enough at on Sat, but that obviously stopped when we left. My wife was even worried she hadn't dressed smartly enough for us to be taken seriously FFS! Sounds like a near identical experience. I really liked the guy based on our meeting in the dealership, he wasn't pushy in the slightest, which, not having bought a new car before, I was worried about as I'd much rather deal with someone who knows their onions and can answer my questions, rather that trying to get me to put a deposit down on something I haven't even decided upon. My emails/voicemails went largely unanswered too. I didn't get the impression the dealership was overly busy, I don't think anyone else was in on the Saturday afternoon I went in.

miroku said: Zebra, can I suggest you try OPC Leicester. Great people and service. On my third Porsche from them and cannot fault them. No connection by the way only a satisfied customer. I would 2nd this. The first time my son came in with me was to order some wing mirror glass from the parts dept. While we waited we went and had a good look round all the cars outside then had a good nosy round a GT2 and GT3 in the showroom. Once I'd ordered the glass we got up to leave, but a lady stood behind the 2 girls on reception said "don't go anywhere yet, we've got something for you". As she saw the look of childlike glee on my face, she laughed and said "not for you, for him" pointing at my son. A very happy little boy left 5 minutes late with a goody bag full of models, books, and brochures (I imagine the latter were probably for me!), but I did think what a lovely thing to do. Don't get me wrong I work in sales, so I'm not completely naive as to their intentions, but it worked and I will go back. And I have no doubt that my son at 10 years old and car mad will remember it as well. Will it influence his buying habits when he gets older, who knows....

I live quite close to a Porsche dealership in the South of Birmingham. March 2014 went in to talk about ordering a Boxster GTS wondered around for about 15 mins before anyone would talk to me, I asked if any deals were on offer as I had my spec on a memory stick with most of the options ticked. Off he went asking the sales manager but nothing could be offered, I was in my T short and jeans so maybe I was not serious. Off I went to the Porsche dealership in North Birmingham, entered salesman shook my hands sat me down and we went through the spec, 30 mins later all sorted decent discount and car arrived in July 2014. I would not dismiss the South Birmingham dealership as the salesman I bought my Porsche from now works there I hope the rest of the salesman follow his lead. Thread Hijack:- If any OPC are reading this and have a spare Boxster Spyder slot and want to P/X with Boxster GTS reply to me Edited by SHIFTY on Friday 6th November 15:14

[ arrogance [/quote] THAT'S the key word in all of this. Arrogance has been my experience when dealing with BMW & Mercedes EXCEPT as per your experience when dealing with the less toffy-nosed genuine persons behind the scenes. This I witnessed only yesterday experiencing absolute charm & helpfulness from the service personnel department of my local Mercedes dealer, It's as though salespersons adopt the personality & delusions of importance of their employers rather like those snooty ladies who serve behind the perfume counters of department stores. Having to consider my initial foray into Porsche ownership at a fairly humble level (used Boxster no more than 2 years old) I made my only visit so far to a main dealership in the mid-south of the UK. Pathetically I was actually somewhat in awe of it all & did not feel at all comfortable surrounded with fabulous new cars, the used stock naturally out of sight & outside somewhere. Was ignored even by the female receptionist going on 50 but trying to look 20 & more interested in checking her make-up. I finished up by going to an independent specialist premium brand sports car dealer & buying a six months old Mercedes.

In the end, I had a great experience at Leeds yesterday. Friendly welcome from reception, and great service from Neil. Despite initial glitch in booking in last week, whole experience was a world away from that in Sheffield despite both being JCT600. Had a couple of hrs test driving base Cayman on our own, then accompanied drive in BGTS. At first my wife thought it was Ok, but just like sitting in any nice car. Then she drove it.... Suffice to say she had no objections to me placing an order. Thanks for everyone's help/advice, offers of introductions etc. Will be on here a bit more as I work out my spec!

Hi Zebra, I placed my order at Sheffield. I have to be honest and say that my first dealing was with Peter. Organised a test drive, on the day I was to turn up, he called and and said the car was out. He said he would call back to arrange another day, never heard a peep. I left it about a month until I had sold my car, then went back again. This time I dealt with Oliver Cooke, this was a totally different story. Oliver has been great. What did you decide to order? Cayman/Boxster, GTS or S ? Jay.

Forgot to add, I had a few dealings with Leeds about a used BGTS. Salesman was really good, his name was Will Crick. Leeds is a really nice showroom with loads of good stock. Unfortunately, the BGTS they had was not for me and I didn't go any further.

CGTS, providing can get allocation

Good luck, I know they were pretty thin on the ground. Wilmslow did have a slot 3 weeks ago for a Jan build.

Don't think about spending any money in Wales or the South West.... here they are only concerned in moving cars over list (greedy beggars) or making strong moves on your partners !!! whilst purchasing. Bring back dealer principal's and salesmen with some sort of 'Pride'

Bought my GTS in Sheffield and live in Cardiff !

Looking around last year for something to replace my BMW, I contacted Robinsons Mercedes in Cambridge and arranged a test drive at a specific time a few days ahead. When I arrived my appointed salesman was with another customer. I waited 17 minutes before asking reception if someone else could help. After a minute another salesman approached me and said "So, you want a quick look at an SLK?". I replied, "No, I've arranged a test drive." He then said "OK, take a seat and let's find you a car..." Me: "Eh... sorry? Find me a car? I need to test drive one first to see if I like it." Him: "No, no, we need to find you a suitable car first and then sort out the finance." Me: "I'm a cash buyer, I don't want to discuss finance." Him: "There's bound to be a better way of buying than cash, so have a seat..." Me: "Take me to your dealer principal please..." So, off we went into the principal's office. He greeted me with a sneer. I explained that his salesman seemed to have things the wrong way around. I want to test drive, THEN find a car, then buy with cash. DP: Ah, no, that's not the way we do things here..." Me: Stood up... walked out...

What a joke ! Why on earth do some of them think they are so special?

My recent experience with Porsche has been different. Three OPCs visited, NONE asked me to sit down so they could draw diagrams about the advantages of finance. All Merc dealers did this, even after I explained I'm a financial adviser AND that if they are making money from finance I must be losing it! Leicester OPC were the first I phoned to say "I'm vaguely interested in a Cayman" - those were my exact words. I asked for a test drive and the salesman swiftly phoned me back to say they had no base Cayman demonstrators but he could let me have a Boxster for a day. In the end I had it for almost a day and a half. No pressure applied at any time. Solihull OPC very good at another test drive (they did have a Cayman). A little tardy coming back to me with answers to specific questions. Sutton Coldfield OPC great for my enquiry on retro fitting Cruise. Avril in service really friendly and so is the Service Manager David. Booked in next week at a reduced price, and a free box of mints!!

Sales is a results industry. If the result is potential customers walking out of the showroom unhappy and without a new car I think I'd start to question the way I do things!

DJMC said: My recent experience with Porsche has been different. Three OPCs visited, NONE asked me to sit down so they could draw diagrams about the advantages of finance. All Merc dealers did this, even after I explained I'm a financial adviser AND that if they are making money from finance I must be losing it! Leicester OPC were the first I phoned to say "I'm vaguely interested in a Cayman" - those were my exact words. I asked for a test drive and the salesman swiftly phoned me back to say they had no base Cayman demonstrators but he could let me have a Boxster for a day. In the end I had it for almost a day and a half. No pressure applied at any time. Solihull OPC very good at another test drive (they did have a Cayman). A little tardy coming back to me with answers to specific questions. Sutton Coldfield OPC great for my enquiry on retro fitting Cruise. Avril in service really friendly and so is the Service Manager David. Booked in next week at a reduced price, and a free box of mints!! So you've been to Mercedes and Porsche, have you bought yet?

RVVUNM said: So you've been to Mercedes and Porsche, have you bought yet? Bought an E350 cab last Feb, drove it 5 months, then Merc UK bought it back for what I paid due to "forgetting" to do their 120 point check. They missed 15 things! Then into a TTS for the last 15 months. I'll NEVER buy a petrol turbo car again! Last Friday, bought this...

DJMC said: RVVUNM said: So you've been to Mercedes and Porsche, have you bought yet? Bought an E350 cab last Feb, drove it 5 months, then Merc UK bought it back for what I paid due to "forgetting" to do their 120 point check. They missed 15 things! Then into a TTS for the last 15 months. I'll NEVER buy a petrol turbo car again! Last Friday, bought this... Correct choice, nice car.

RVVUNM said: Correct choice, nice car. +1

I'd recommend porsche centre Cardiff might be a drive but best customer service 👍🏼

I was in at OPC Tonbridge the other day. I had phoned up the day before needing no.plates for MOT. I would have understood if they were too busy with minimal notice. However, the experience from the phone call to arriving the next day and having plates fitted whilst I waited was superb. I had expected to just be given the plates to take away and fit myself. However, they found the time to get it done for me. The staff have been efficient and polite in every dealing I've ever had with them. I don't think they could have been any better in manner if I had been buying a brand new 911 GT3. That is the ethos a good dealer needs to foster, that everyone you deal with is a potential future customer for your high end profit. As and when I purchase a new Porsche it will be from them

bompey said: I can completely agree with this. that's not my experience. called, spoke to reception 'all salesmen busy, i'll take your number and someone will call back' 2 weeks later and I have bought a boxster gts from another dealer..... however, their service department have been excellent! Edited by 49neil on Monday 30th November 14:03

Geoff39GL said: Just bought my BGTS from Silverstone who were good I had a few problems with the purchase and they kept me informed along the way and were helpful I would buy from them again. Bristol are very good I have had 2 cars from them Jeff Wong there is top notch. I currently use Nottingham for service and warranty work and they are really good although not so impressed with sales. Ive been dealing with Jeff Wong he seems to be a top bloke and i will be seeing him end of January to final spec on my car.