HA HA!! PCNA basically told me where to go...

Most of you may recall the woes I had with a lemon transmission in my C4S. The dealer transplanted a C4 tranny into mine, after a 2 week delay. So I wrote PAG and PCNA about the endlessly frustrating series of events, something IMHO no $86K car should suffer. PAG said take it up with PCNA. James Stasky at PCNA wrote me back. He said he was sorry about the tranny thing, but "it is our understanding the vehicle is fully operational". He turned down my requests for a 2 year warranty extension, a Porsche Catalog (clothing) credit, and they won't take the car back if it has another major failure. ZERO for 3 I was. To those of you who told me to write a nice, pleasant letter since honey catches more flies then vinegar....well, it didn't work Now I'm gonna write how I really feel to Porsche. They told me to "get bent". They basically wrote off "satisfying" this customer. So... I joined this board for 2 years, paid by check. I'm going to hang out here while I have this car. But I seriously doubt I'm ever gonna get another P-car. Say what you will about who has the best sports car out there....but when you sell every car you make and you don't give one crap about consumers, that just sucks. urb out

FWIW, I still think you took the safest approach. It's too bad things didn't work out. What troubles me the most is the fact tht PCNA won't "take the car back if it has another major failyre." Unless I misunderstood something, the car is still on warranty. They have got some nerve. As an aside those of you who are familiar with Bill O'reilly's nightly program on FNC saw the power of persuasion yesterday when he complained about the Pepsi Co. using a foul mouth rap artist for a commercial. O'reilly asked his listeners to write Pepsi. Within 24 hours Pepsi had cancelled the offending commercial and severed relations with this artist (don't know the name) If only we had the power of persuasion in our group.....

I'll let PCNA know that I will use my power of persuasion to turn potential customers away from them. I work at several very large hospitals, hint, hint...

One question: did you ever meet with your District Service Rep during this time?

No idea..... The GM from the dealer called me once. Is he my district manager? Nobody from PCNA or PAG ever once talked to me, until I wrote this letter. When I called PCNA they told me to take it up with me dealer....

Bad things like this typically go from the dealer to the DSM. He's your primary contact, and he can lobby on your behalf with PCNA. Worked for me a few years back on some minor issues. Call the dealer back and find out if you can get time with the DSM when he's in town. That's his job.

URB... do you remember what I told you early on? GET YOUR MONEY BACK AND RUN LIKE THE WIND!!! Scott

Well I got mine back today. PCNA have been pretty good and the last I heard from them was that the district managaer would be calling to follow up with me. I have put them on notice verbally and will be writing a letter notifying them officially that they have consumed 9 days into the 31 days out of service in the first 24 month period with respect to the Georgia Lemon law.

Why should you get anything other than a new transmission? Every car comes with a warranty, not a gaurantee... Frankly, I don't understand the mentality that "my car broke so I deserve something beyond what I was promised". btw, maybe Georgia lemon law has changed, but when I lemon lawed my 99 chevy truck the case was based on the number of unsuccessful repair attempts in the warranty period. Good luck. Roy

That's what I have been saying. I've been through it too. After my conversation with the Regional Service Manager PCNA, I can now see their position.--We fixed it..so what. When the warranty runs out its your problem.There has been numerous posts by members politely saying "Get over it", " Its just a car", yadda yadda yadda. I hope they don't experience any problems.All I know is that I have purchased 15 cars in the last 21 years and this MY996 is the biggest piece of s%^t I have ever had the opportunity to own. (Actually,its leased and I'm soooo glad I resisted the temptation of buying it.) In northern N.J., 996's are a dime a dozen-its seems the values have bottomed out. Don't even think about trying to trade one in. Yeah, I know some of you guys think Porsche can do no wrong--I used to think the same way-NO substitute and all the other nonsense.FACE IT-quality control isn't a priority now. The company made TON's of money in the last 5 or so years--in fact its an awesome success story. Instead of racing and improving the breed they took the money and built another upper class soccer mom's status symbol. From a business standpoint-its sheer genius! They will sell every single unit they make. They certainly sell every 911 too--you tell me why they should be concerned about these nagging little problems.As long as they are selling, nothing matters.Its easy to forget the lean years isn't it?

[quote]Originally posted by RWO: <strong>Why should you get anything other than a new transmission? Every car comes with a warranty, not a gaurantee... Frankly, I don't understand the mentality that "my car broke so I deserve something beyond what I was promised". btw, maybe Georgia lemon law has changed, but when I lemon lawed my 99 chevy truck the case was based on the number of unsuccessful repair attempts in the warranty period. Good luck. Roy</strong><hr></blockquote> Actually, the GA Lemon Law is basically three unsuccessful repair attempts or 30 calendar days out of service within shorter of 2 years or 24,000 miles, with 1 repair or 15 days out of service within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles, or 1 unsuccessful repair of a serious safety defect in the braking or steering system within shorter of 1 year or 12,000 miles. However, there is an exception for American made vehicles, particularly Harley-Davidsons. They're not covered as almost every one would have to be replaced.

Darn it should be nice to have some kind of list of people who's car gone completely ape in the early time of the car much like the one you see on the e46 M3. I'm kinda curious how many 996's encounter total engine replacement. Regards. Mike

[quote]Originally posted by 996FLT6: <strong>Darn it should be nice to have some kind of list of people who's car gone completely ape in the early time of the car much like the one you see on the e46 M3. I'm kinda curious how many 996's encounter total engine replacement. Regards. Mike</strong><hr></blockquote> huh?

Roy said: "Why should you get anything other than a new transmission? Every car comes with a warranty, not a gaurantee... Frankly, I don't understand the mentality that "my car broke so I deserve something beyond what I was promised". Then why would you lemon law your truck? Just wait until the dealer fixes it. Mike... I received a new 996 in replacement of my '99 996. I am with tbr623, it is last Porsche I will own.

Scott-may I ask what happened to your '99 996 and what build year it was? Mine is 10/98 build. Other then the TSB's car has been flawless. Sorry to hear it didn't work out. Othello-since were talking about quality issues and customer service on the ROADFLY.COM board under e46 M3 message board they have a comprehensive list of e46 having blown engines-last I saw today list is up to 72 e46 M3's gone afoul so with what's been a bummer for those with problems going on with the 996 - how big of a problem it really is and if it is as big as it is claimed -hope PAG can refocus and improve things . Regards. Mike

Wow. Real bummer to read all these negative posts. And, I grant you, all have their points. Sorry to hear all these tales of woe, but I guess I'm still so enamored with the car, I can't seem to empathize. Best I can say is sorry it didn't work out for you guys. I guess the lesson I've picked up here is: If it's broke, BEWARE!! If it ain't broke, it's GLORIOUS!! And I'm with Roy. It's a warrantee, not a guarantee.

The engine on my 01 996 cab was brought in for replacement on Wednesday and I should be getting it back this afternoon. We'll see if my request for an extended warranty is granted. My engine was damaged at the time of manufacture when PAG tried to force a pipe connection into the engine block and sheared the metal! Where was quality control? Anyway, if they don't stand behind their product, I am selling the car and waiting for the sl500. Who needs the headache. Porsche is a great drive but too high maintenance. Just like those pretty slinky women who may give you a nice ride but have all these other problems that you have to deal with!

I agree with the people who say they owe nothing but a fixed car. The fact that we can pay $80k plus means nothing other than we can. If a person with a $10k car has a major failure, do you think they do not deserve the same things you do (a new car, merchandise, etc,etc) just because the car cost less? I hear so many "I paid $85k and I expect..blah, blah,blah" No diff than the guy with the Saturn.... A warranty, not a guarantee; that's what we all have. So long as they fix the car, that's all they owe you, me or whoever is in that spot (I have been there with an NSX, and Acura fixed the new car trouble...and that was it..and I felt that I deserved nothing else.) People who feel they are OWED something other than what is stated (say in your warranty)are the problem... A dealer who does NOT repair, etc , well, then they fall under all the various lemon laws and need to be dealt with via legal channels. THe gentleman who asked for merchandise, extended warranties, etc was probably written off as trouble the moment he asked for it... I would have... Folks, just my opinion, and no offense to anyone here...it just really frustrates me....\\your mileage may vary... Sam

[quote]Originally posted by samyunick: <strong> THe gentleman who asked for merchandise, extended warranties, etc was probably written off as trouble the moment he asked for it... I would have...Sam</strong><hr></blockquote> That would be me. Sure, they may now simply shred every future letter I write. Still, nobody can take away my right to complain and stand up for consumer satisfaction. Take this example. How many of you have written the airlines after they bumped you, or lost luggage, or somehow screwed up? How many of you got at least one free voucher back, as compensation? I've done this many times. Your meal is cold at "Chez Marie", you send it back. How many times has the dessert been on the house after that? Many! Quality companies WANT your business again... When consumers get screwed, they have the right to complain about it. Having a $86,000 car break down 30 miles from home when it's 2 hours old is the classic definition of screwed...surely anybody can expect some level of quality control from PAG. There seems to be none IMO. Ironic how I asked for compensation in Porsche goodies, but now I'm so disenchanted I'd just E-Bay them had they sent some I respect those who disagree with my tactics. I also hope you don't end up stranded! Oh....and my motor still starts rough and idles low...

its friday afternoon and i'm procastinating on work so here goes.... 1. i don't know how many 996s have had major problems but if its a sizeable number, porsche should in it own interest treat warranties as guarantees. high end car companies that don't ensure quality seize to exist (i have a jaguar...). 2. i love my porsche and in hindsight made the lucky choice of going with a 993 c4s (no flame intended - i know your cars can outperform mine). 3. i would be surprised if porsche is reporting great results 12-18 months from now. see the markdowns at any dealership and its obvious that the economy is hurting them (maybe i'm tainted by living in the bay area). good luck to you guys. my jaguar experience makes me emphathetic towards people with expensive, trouble prone cars. at least with a jaguar i sort of knew what to expect. rohan

Scott, I did a "lemon law" my Suburban after the three repair attempts, and a final repair attempt, to fix the same problem. After 4 failed trys GM bought it back. After the 1st attempt, I did not think I was due anything other than a fixed car... If "Urbanski" continues to have problems, he should have his car bought back, not get a bunch of free stuff because his car broke. Personlly, I think there is a big difference between having one problem and having an ongoing problem. Don't get me wrong, I think Porsche quality is below what is was in the past. My TT left me stranded with a gear change cable coming off at 700 miles. My 16K miles Cab has been in for more service visits (different issues) than my last two jap cars combined (with 200K miles between them). I just think a warranty is a warranty, not a guarantee... Roy

[quote]Originally posted by RWO: <strong>If "Urbanski" continues to have problems, he should have his car bought back, not get a bunch of free stuff because his car broke. Roy</strong><hr></blockquote> That was the point of the letters I just mailed to PAG and PCNA. Take responsibilty for this car which is of shoddy quality control. Stand behind it and buy it back if something else fails. I didn't ask for more "Porsche goodies" or anything, just for a company to back their product like they claim to. urb out