Why do we pay so much?

Hi All, Just one question: Why do we pay so much to get our cars serviced in the UK? When I compare UK OPC Prices and French OPC Prices, French are 50% cheaper... I do my service @ Porsche Centre Paris (Paris 16), quality of service and value for money are great, really!!! Any thoughts are more than welcome. Cheers, Fab

My OPC does free 'collection and delivery'. Does the one in Paris offer this? I'm near Tetbury.

I guess they don't offer this kind of service for UK Customers [ ][ ][ ][ ] But I know they offer this service for their Customers in Paris [ ] Cheers, Fab

Because most of us pay it without a whimper. Because the OPC network have managed to convince everyone an OP stamp is required or the car is worth nothing. Because...

"Because the OPC network have managed to convince everyone an OP stamp is required or the car is worth nothing." I do agree!!! When I part-exchanged my 2001 996 (Coupe) for a brand new 2003 996 (Cab), it was very funny. My coupe got a full Porsche (OPC) Service History, not UK but from France, even I bought this car from AFN Reading and I live in the UK. So, when the Porsche Reading Sales Rep had a look @ my Service Book; I told him so, sorry full Porsche France Service History. He had a smile, and said: " it doesn't matter!!! most important is to get a Full OPC (whenever) Service History!!!" I guess they're very aware of that and they play on this lack of knowledge. Funny enough because with the savings you do on Service you can fund a nice weekend in Paris [ ]. By the way, as the Paris OPC Rep. told me, more and more Brits come to Paris for the Service... The only way to solve this issue could be to use our Club and his Power. Just another way to deliver good value for money to PCGB Members. Cheers, Fab

Well done Fab for the information and yes I think you have the answer as above - now who (and how) do we convince those at the centre of our Club to start a dialoque with Porsche?

Dear Nigel, This is a part of PCGB Statement: "There has now been a Porsche Club in the UK for over 40 years. Founded by a small group of enthusiasts, its aims today are still the same as they were then - principally, to provide a focal point for Porsche owners and those interested in the Porsche Marque; to further interest in motoring and motorsport, and to provide Members with information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars. Since then, the Club has gone from strength to strength, and over that time, many thousands of Porsche owners and enthusiasts have gained much enjoyment and practical assistance from their Membership of the Porsche Club Great Britain." So, I guess we represent a pretty large force throughout the U.K. I'm sure if we start some actions / contacts with Porsche UK and UK OPCs they'll listen to us. 2 ways to start this lobbying: Globally (PCGB - Porsche UK) and Locally (PCGB Region - OPC). FYI, Porsche Centre Reading is a subsidiary of Porsche UK, which is a subsidiary of Porsche Germany... What do you think? Cheers, Fab

IMHO not much chance in changing 'rip off britain' even the ferry to leave costs more from this side. I don't fancy taking my car to Paris any other convenient options? Tony

The two biggest Porsche organisations in the UK are Porche Cars GB (with its OPC network) and Porsche Club GB, with some 16,000 members. With Porsche's ambitious growth plans, there will be an increasing number of owners who will be reliant on the OPC network. Perhaps the Club should appoint a Director with the sole responsibility of liaising and negotiating special terms and arrangements with OPCs and, perhaps, independents. Take the RMS issue as an example. Surely the Club should assess the extent of the problem and try to negotiate a clear solution with Porsche. I.e., cars under manufacturer's initial warranty are fully covered, thereafter there should be a sliding scale of contribution by Porsche depending on age/mileage.

Fab & Oliver Thanks for yours and the clarification on PCGB and PCGB! I concur with the sentiments that if we are all in the one club - which is the premier Porsche Club for UK owners - then through the Club we ought to have a closer liaison with the manufacturer than I feel is the case at present. The examples of servicing costs and RMS are both topical and relevant which must affect many fellow owners. Before going any further I would like to better understand the arrangements that exist for liaison presently by our Club with Porsche - it may be that someone is already working on the issue - can anyone name the contact? That followed by how to make the liaison more transparent and user friendly for us all - without of course expecting Porsche to come up with answers to mundane issues of little significance - is the next step as I see it.

Nigel, you are absolutely correct.

Oliver , Nigel, 100% OK!!! Cheers, Fab

the recent call for directors proposed a Director of Member Benefits; there were no nominations so the post remains vacant.

The Chairman (David) is the 'official' link with both Porsche GB and Porsche AG; part of my new role (Communications Director) is to ensure that links with third parties are dealt with in a consistent manner and to the benefit of members; I am planning (subject to Board agreement) to collate issues that members have with Porsche GB, Porsche AG, and/or any OPC so that the overall picture can be seen and, if appropriate, matters taken up with Porsche. I do not plan to deal with individual complaints (!). I hope this answers your question?

That sounds promising, and I agree that the Club should not appoint anyone in a role that could be seen as a potential 'ombudsman'.

That sounds great!!! Jeff, when will you take delivery of your new toy? Please keep us posted!!! Cheers, Fab

Fab Saturday this week at the latest! Should have some pictures on line by the weekend and plan to bring to the R19 meeting in May (if not raining of course!)

Jeff, Great!!! I remember when I took delivery of my new 996 Cab... It was in June last year and the weather was gorgeous!!! Hope you'll enjoy the same kind of weather when you'll take delivery of yours!!! Do you believe that the issues raised (RMS, Cost of Servicing, ...) could be addressed / solved by PCGB? On the another hand I'm pretty sure we can get some nice discounts from third-party suppliers (tyres, tools, accessories, ferry crossings, hotels, motorsport activities ...). What do you think? Cheers, Fab

I am proposing in my new role (Communications Director) to collate information regarding relationships members have with Porsche AG, Porsche GB, and/or OPCs. I do not think that the Club can intervene in individual cases, but can and should monitor the overall relationship and take steps to keep it at the optimum level. it was planned to have a Member Benefit Director on the Board but there were no nominations so the post is vacant; this is an issue of concern to the Board and I am sure we will take some steps to improve the overall package of benefits that members enjoy.

Just when I thought that I would have a nice quiet lunch I read this thread .......... FAB your right, service costs are approx half in europe, I had mine serviced in Monaco and Lille, at approx £40 an hour as opposed to £90 that my OPC center wants. It's the same old story of rip off britain, you only have to look at the car prices, it has all gone a bit quiet at the moment due to the euro sterling rate coming off by 20% but they are still cheaper in europe Porsche have combated this as you probably no by both delaying delivery, instucting there european agents to try and put off UK clients, stating 1 year delivery no matter what you order, and charging a RHD premium on top off approx £2500 for the boxster, and £4000 for the 996 even though all the RHD bits are the same on both cars ........ how does that work then ?? Youve got me going now, as for PCGB or the factory doing us a favour, no chance, Porsche make approx £10K a car more for units sold to the UK, x what was it 3000 units last year, you can do the maths ........No chance of the factory or PCGB giving up that little baby without a fight !! Only thing to do is buy LHD and have serviced abroad. As a matter of interest why did you only half do the job and buy your car here ? P.S next idea order a LHD 996 in the UK at £4500 discount ..... (ie what they charge for RHD in europe) they cant have it both ways Regards PKJ

Tispkj haven't touched a nerve have we? lee See you tonight. And while we're on it beer's dearer too.

Good Points Tispkj!!! I bought my first 996 (almost brand new, 6 months old) in Nov. 2001 (AFN Reading), then I part-exchanged it in June 2003 for a brand new 996 Cab (Porsche Centre Reading). The Cab was available in the show room (a cancelled order). So no waiting list... I know in France brand new 996s are available with an average delivery time of 3 months (for LHD). Now, the French Spec. are different: no leather, no metallic paint, no 18" Wheels, no rear wiper (coupe) ... So, for me, it's much more convenient to purchase them in the UK. I do believe we can get our Service Costs lowered if we act properly... After all, PCGB could (should?) act like a Pressure Group... Same story with Quality Issues (RMS, CD players, ...). We pay big money for our Toys, so we should receive Top Class Service... What do you think All? Cheers, Fab

Fab your right regarding spec for french cars, I am refering to prices for UK spec cars ordered in france ............... still loads cheaper. Regarding service costs the dealers will tell you that a lot of the cost is due to the rent etc they have to pay for there premises, and the wages they pay there staff compared to costs in europe. Regards

PKJ You raise some interesting points that are worthy of further consideration. Can you clarify whether your reference to the PCGB relates to Porsche Cars GB or our very own Porsche Club GB please - I get easily confused these days![8|]

Nigel, I have no problem with the Club or anyone in it. Having just read my thread again I see what you mean, I am refering to Porsche UK, and I am sure as I say that they will justify the £90 ph they charge by breaking it down and I am sure that a big slice of it will be for rental on the site etc, However Im not sure what the set up is but if Porsche AG own the franchise do they own the building ? Lee you can help on this one, who owns what and what % is profit approx. All Im saying is that as good as it sounds to all get together via the club and get decent service and servicing for the cars I would suggest that it would be almost impossible unless Porsche AG picks up the tab for the property. I agree that the club should put pressure on Porsche to offer a fair price to members, and while they are at it lets have the cars at the best possible price, not the most people will pay for them !! Yours bitter and twisted Paul

Hi All, Interesting Feedback, indeed!!! "Regarding service costs the dealers will tell you that a lot of the cost is due to the rent etc they have to pay for there premises, and the wages they pay there staff compared to costs in europe." Premises Costs: Do you, really, believe a Dealership based in the suburb of some UK Cities cost more than a Dealership in dowtown Paris (Paris 16, one of the most expensive part of Paris)? Wages / Unemployment Laws / Taxes: in all cases lower in the UK than in France. Have a Great Weekend! Cheers, Fab

*************************************************************************** I think its because Brits are too quick to part with the ca$h no questions asked. I have managed to get my 1st Service on my 4k mile Boxster S done & dusted tomorrow morning for £89.00 Labour + VAT, supplying my own Mobil 1 £4.50 odd per litre from Costco. I did my homework and discovered unless you have done the miles ie 12K you can get away with oil change only even if it takes 3 years like me to complete that 12k [ ] I was amazed at how few OPC would admit to this being the case but when push came to shove I found 4 willing to play ball and do what I wanted and what according to PCGB was required to keep my car in full warranty etc. Today my brother had his first service on his 320SLK ... 1st service and just under 2 years old total cost at Mercedes Hampstead £188.34 incl ... They charged him £8.90 per litre Mobil 1 and service cost him 1 Hours Labour £76.00 .. Parts came to £12.00 odd. NO Brake Fluid Change until 4 year service, unlike Porsche change every 2 years!! Seems Mercedes and BMW are getting real shame Porsche haven't caught up yet [ ]

Hi Daro911 I completely agree, only way to get the message accross is to vote with your feet and wallet. Only when they get the message that people will differentiate on cost and service will they be willing to do something to improve. I try to spend my hard earned wisely and enjoy it as best I can. I always try to reward good service and value with my loyalty which hopefully helps them out too. I think customers can put more pressure on Porsche than they imagine.

My BMW needed a brake fluid change every two years, have I been had in by them. I am due a big service and yet I have only covered 8000 miles this last 12 months , I am 10,000 miles away from the big service yet they haven't offered a 12 month service. Thanks to the thread I will push for that or take my business elsewhere.

Like I said guys, I have always had my car serviced in France at an official OPC centre so I get the stamp, I havent got the receipt in front of me but from memory cost was about £250, the only item that seemed excessive was the mobil 1 at about £15 a litre, so this accounted for £150 of the bill or something like, I could have taken a couple of cans of £25 Mobil 1 with me to reduce the costs further but this of course would not show on the bill and could lead to complications trying to prove I had it changed etc. Still a result compared to the £450 that UK OPC wanted. I know where the 996 is going in August, that's for sure ! Something else worth noting was that the mechanic was more than happy for me to watch him, talk to him etc (so I know that the job was done ) whilst he was working on the car.