Opinion on Service

I had the radiator replaced on my DD. I did a sway bar drop links, serpentine belt and oil change yesterday. When I got under it I saw the cover that encases the serpentine belt was hanging loose in such a way that the belt could have been compromised by said cover. That cover integrates with the front cover which needed to come out for the radiator. Three fasteners were missing , two 10’s and a push plug . No way I did this so the question is do I tell them? I like this shop they are fair and straight so I probably won’t, with the Porsche I’d inspect every repair, do you guys do that on your DD’s?

If possible, I always double check any work I've had done to any vehicle. I almost always find something amiss, even from a dealership service. The Porsche dealer I bought my new 2010 from in St Pete FL seemed easy to work with for warranty repairs but I always found something left half-assed. Sometimes parts/bolts were just hand tight and literally falling off. Im not a complainer, I complain by going elsewhere. In my case I never intended to go back there after the warranty was over. In your case, if you want to maintain a good relationship, I'd let them know in a friendly way you found something lacking. Maybe just knowing you're watching their work will get you better service next time.

I treat my DD with the same care as the Porsche . I use a couple indie shops for certain things that I don’t have the time, skill or equipment to do. I’ve been fortunate in that these shops do a good job. I often see the work they’ve done when I’m working on the car later. There have only been a couple times over a period of many years when I found some problem with their work. In some cases I’ve let them know, but it depends. It’s always in the context of a working relationship. They are human just like me. And they have found stuff I’ve messed up too. Once I was picking up my Porsche and I had left a magnetic flashlight connected underneath the car. My guy handed it to me and said “I think this is yours”. 🤣🤣🤣

Great responses, it’s not a big deal and coming from that business I don’t want to embarrass or accuse in any way, these things happen. In fifteen years it’s only been in three times because I’m like Greg, I do it unless I cannot. My guess is they forgot to tighten them and they rattled out, I’m not sure though on the push pin.

Those experiences are always disheartening. You pay good money and expect good workmanship. My Land Rover dealership for my Defender has twice now failed to replace the engine cover properly, found that out when I went under the hood a few days later. I rarely use them but next time I’ll check under the hood BEFORE I drive away. Just replaced the battery on my Defender, third one in just over four years, and found that the one they replaced 18 months ago, they did not reinstall the vent tube to the battery . And it didn’t wiggle free, the replacement battery did not have a port on that end of the battery so they left the vent tube flopped across the top of the battery . Funny, when I sourced the replacement it had the vent port exactly where it is supposed to be. Apparently, they slapped in whatever they had lying around even though it was not an exact replacement. Precisely why I do any work myself when able. Because I check, then double check my own work.

Someday when I sell my Spyder I’m sure the buyer is going to say, “ why did you do all of that yourself, including the brake flushes”? To which I’ll reply, “ because I trust me and this car is family not just a car to me”. I know I got a problem.. 😎

This topic defines where I am at with my Porsche . I have gone to the dealer for everything I cannot do like belts, transmission service, rear shaft boots, next visit will be a water pump and eventual AOS . I will do those at the dealer. I figured the money I save on doing what I can do, installed my PCCM+, 2025 pdk paddle sport steering wheel and PDK sport shift knob, I do all fluids, break pads, mostly will balance out the extra cost of the dealership. I joke I have 911 money but fell in love with a Boxster . There is no spirit of the "Number One" or the 550 in a 911 , although it has its own amazing spirit, but that back seat -Hard Pass. I have always loved the style and design of the 987.1 Boxster because of the iconic 550. The roundest headlights ever on a Boxster , as close to the 550 as modern gets. Even the 987.2 got the triangle light pods and the Boxster never returned to the round headlights of the 550. So I will continue to use the dealership, despite not having the best dealership, it's alright. Dealer techs could not turn off the DRL the previous owner had tuned on. I used a foxwell tool off Amazon to turn them off myself, my dealer just could not figure it out and they have PIWIS - so I say it's an "alright" dealership here is San Diego.

I am in agreement with everyone else. When I use a Porsche mechanic instead of DIY, I have confidence that the mechanic wants to do a good job or I wouldn't be using him. Constructive feedback is valuable to the mechanic. Not criticism. On the next job I might say something like "Last time I noticed that some of the screws on the cover were loose. You must have been distracted that day." His response would either strengthen or challenge my confidence in him. If he is in business for himself, he wants to know how he is doing.

If they're "fair and straight" then it sounds like they'll take it as constructive feedback, and they might even be grateful if they have a continuous improvement mindset. The other thing to consider is that you might not be unique. Perhaps others have reported similar issues. This will help the management build a picture - perhaps there is a particular mechanic whose attention to detail is tarnishing the business's reputation. I think that it's fair for feedback to be provided for a paid service, and it shouldn't jeopardise your relationship if it is fair and measured.

If I'm paying someone to work on any of the cars I check the work. I always retorque lug bolts if there was any work involving the wheels. Otherwise I visually inspect as needed.

If this is a shop you've been dealing with for a while and like their work, I would absolutely tell them. As noted above, people sometimes miss things. I'd expect a reputable shop to welcome feedback about a problem with their work, especially if done in a non-accusatory way. If they would be hostile or defensive about it, that would be a red flag for me.

Hey, the prices we pay for service; $800 oil changes including $99 shop supplies. If I see something not done right, I am all over that. If they aren't treating me right; it's a post about it. You will then get to know all the top dogs there and you get treated with due respect and in my case reimbursement for a rental I had to get when they didn't loader available for 2 + weeks. Also, some dumbass I know, traded their 2016 Spyder in for a 2019 C7 Vette Grandsport and $15K. What a double dumb move on his part (he will remain nameless). This car won the Porsche Parade in 2019; it still hurts.