Porsche Independent Servicing - JZM, 9e, RPM, Paragon - Page 3 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

I'm looking for some advice on how to pick an indie to take care of my car. I'm looking for good customer service, high standard of worksmanship and attention to detail. I don't want my money to be going into maintaining shiny OPC showrooms. I've got the following independents within reach: JZM, 9e (Nine Excellence), RPM Technik, Paragon. How would you go about picking one of them?

RPM Technik. Apart from them I’ve only tried JZM from the list but they’re not for me. They’re more a sales outfit I’d say and most of their best techs seem to end up at RPM.

Two are north of London; two are south. Are they really all within reach? I would give them something simple to do - if it gets complicated, or they charge too much, you have your answer.

From that list I'd say Paragon or 9E, also worth considering Precision Porsche near Haywards Heath who are good.

PGNSagaris said: RPM Technik. Apart from them I’ve only tried JZM from the list but they’re not for me. They’re more a sales outfit I’d say and most of their best techs seem to end up at RPM. I’ve only tried these two from the list and would 100% agree with RPM over JZM.

Another vote for RPM- Ricky in particular is a great technician. He used to work at JZM and then moved over to RPM- can’t recommend him enough.

I'm working from RPM Technik this morning whilst they change my tyres and give me a geometry change on the car. I bought it from them almost 3 years ago and they continue to be a pleasure to deal with. I live in Bristol so it's a bit of a trek to get here, but the service is worth it.

I've used Paragon, Parr (Crawley) and Precision (recently moved near to Lewes) and all have been excellent. Precision look after a number of friends cars and everyone is very happy with them.

Paragon and RPM are roughly the same service pricing, I'm booked into Paragon next month as it's 10min drive away. Would not use JZM anymore, not great previous experiences.

Another vote of confidence in Precision Porsche from me.

I have used 9e for years, even when my 991.2 was still under warranty. No hesitation recommending them.

Paragon rebuilt an engine for me and dragged the rear bumper across the workshop floor before fitting it. It was repainted by them but a load of faff for me and a repeat visit which was not really compensated. Wouldn't use them again but I may be the only one complaining…

Probably out of your preferred area but I've used Litchfield Motors for a few years as they seem to actually give a damn which is not the impression I ever got from the OPC. LIttle things like putting plastic sill protectors in place so the door thresholds don't come back with boot marks, actually seeming to listen when you ask them to do a specific job etc. They all seem to be car people and understand that what to some is an aging slightly undesirable Porsche, might be a prized possession to another.

I’ve used RPM, JZM and also Jaz (St Albans) that you haven’t mentioned but are fairly close to the first two so I’d have thought should be on your list. I had an issue with JZM so either RPM or Jaz would be on my list and you shouldn’t go wrong with either. You can get a lift from both to a station and get a train in to London if you happen to work there too.

I’ve recently used 9e for an exhaust upgrade on my 991.2 GTS. Very happy and will return.

Big E 118 said: I've used Paragon, Parr (Crawley) and Precision (recently moved near to Lewes) and all have been excellent. Precision look after a number of friends cars and everyone is very happy with them. I’ve used Parr and bought from them. Decent.

Sid at Porsche Torque in Uxbridge gets my vote. Looked after my 993 for at least 10 years.

I have a Turbo and use 9e. Great service. Can't fault them and see no reason to change.

J Chitty said: Paragon rebuilt an engine for me and dragged the rear bumper across the workshop floor before fitting it. It was repainted by them but a load of faff for me and a repeat visit which was not really compensated. Wouldn't use them again but I may be the only one complaining… I went to see them looking for an early . .ish Cayman. They never called me back, I assume because I was looking for a budget priced car. I bought privately, and despite Paragon being nearer, I used Precision for the first service, was very impressed, and will continue to use them in the future.

My vote would be 9E. Ken and his men have built a solid reputation and bear in mind they upgrade a lot of cars so know these cars inside and out well . JZM sell some very good stock but I'm not sure about servicing although Steve Mchale started that business and again first class technician. RPM I'd also suggest are good so wherever you go you're in good hands . It might be a good idea to use one that best suits your car if that makes sense.

CanAm said: Another vote of confidence in Precision Porsche from me. Me too. Been running modified high performance cars for nearly 20 years and am not averse to getting my hands greasy, so have a good idea of what good work looks like. I had a minor issue with 9E and my understanding is that Ken was working in IT 15 years ago and outsources some of the stuff they imply they do in house (e.g. mapping). Plus they're not far off dealership prices. They look after a huge number of older Porsches, so are clearly doing something right, but I got the impression that you're certainly paying for their premises and clean look. Very happy with Precision, much more of a back street garage type vibe, but Angus knows the older cars inside out, having run them in race series. I asked them to do a lot of non standard stuff on my car and they were very accommodating and professional, despite being very busy. Prices are reasonable too.

J Chitty said: Paragon rebuilt an engine for me and dragged the rear bumper across the workshop floor before fitting it. It was repainted by them but a load of faff for me and a repeat visit which was not really compensated. Wouldn't use them again but I may be the only one complaining… I went to Paragon once- never again, I found the service appalling. And, their cars for sale always seem considerably over market price, not sure how they make a living……

donutskidmark said: J Chitty said: Paragon rebuilt an engine for me and dragged the rear bumper across the workshop floor before fitting it. It was repainted by them but a load of faff for me and a repeat visit which was not really compensated. Wouldn't use them again but I may be the only one complaining… I went to Paragon once- never again, I found the service appalling. And, their cars for sale always seem considerably over market price, not sure how they make a living…… Similar here. Also, given their high pricing for their used cars, I thought I'd see what they could offer for mine - it ended up (after the usual "market's down for that era of car at the moment...") with an offer massively lower than I got from another dealer. Their mark up must be significant.

BandOfBrothers said: Me too. Been running modified high performance cars for nearly 20 years and am not averse to getting my hands greasy, so have a good idea of what good work looks like. I had a minor issue with 9E and my understanding is that Ken was working in IT 15 years ago and outsources some of the stuff they imply they do in house (e.g. mapping). Plus they're not far off dealership prices. They look after a huge number of older Porsches, so are clearly doing something right, but I got the impression that you're certainly paying for their premises and clean look. Very happy with Precision, much more of a back street garage type vibe, but Angus knows the older cars inside out, having run them in race series. I asked them to do a lot of non standard stuff on my car and they were very accommodating and professional, despite being very busy. Prices are reasonable too. Interesting. I used Precision who are local to me for the first time last month after my OPC messed a couple of things up at a (quite expensive) service last time, and have been very happy with their work. I’ll be going back to Precision

Who in the SW would be recommended for a 987.2? Closest to me are Porschemode, SCS Porsche, JMG, Bahnsport. For an inspection, service, tyres and possible gear linkage cables.

What were the issues with JZM service ?

I'd recommend Jaz in St.Albans. It's a 20min train to Kings X if you're in London. I've used them for 20 years on my cars (2x 3.2 Carrera, 993 C4 and 996 turbo). I have also used RSJ, JZM.

I've used 9E for air cooled stuff. They always did a good job, but my wallet always felt the pain.

I used JZM last year for a 'major' service; the bill was eye watering. It would have been cheaper to go to an OPC. Suffice to say I won't be going back for any other work; although I may go to look at the showroom as they do have some serious metal there.

There is also RennWorks in Stevenage. Matt knows his stuff.

Friends Green Porsche (Hertfordshire) seem to be fastidious about their work... I watch some of their YouTube repair videos.

Roman Moroni said: I used JZM last year for a 'major' service; the bill was eye watering. It would have been cheaper to go to an OPC. Suffice to say I won't be going back for any other work; although I may go to look at the showroom as they do have some serious metal there. My experience with JZM was similar in cost terms. Felt like it was OPC minus 10%

Cheib said: My experience with JZM was similar in cost terms. Felt like it was OPC minus 10% It was the same for me even 20yrs ago!

purchased a 1 owner 991 c4s with full OPC history, long list of issues so went to 9e, been excellent and have had the car 5 years and every year they look after me. The chap mentioned before about his wallet being hit but that would apply to any specialist!! a good friend used Parr but had a few issues and will nto go back, maybe a 1 off but 9e gets my vote

Cheib said: Roman Moroni said: I used JZM last year for a 'major' service; the bill was eye watering. It would have been cheaper to go to an OPC. Suffice to say I won't be going back for any other work; although I may go to look at the showroom as they do have some serious metal there. My experience with JZM was similar in cost terms. Felt like it was OPC minus plus 10% Fixed that for you

garypotter said: purchased a 1 owner 991 c4s with full OPC history, long list of issues so went to 9e, been excellent and have had the car 5 years and every year they look after me. The chap mentioned before about his wallet being hit but that would apply to any specialist!! a good friend used Parr but had a few issues and will nto go back, maybe a 1 off but 9e gets my vote Since then I have found an excellent Specialist much closure to home

garypotter said: purchased a 1 owner 991 c4s with full OPC history, long list of issues so went to 9e, been excellent and have had the car 5 years and every year they look after me. The chap mentioned before about his wallet being hit but that would apply to any specialist!! a good friend used Parr but had a few issues and will nto go back, maybe a 1 off but 9e gets my vote Some specialists are considerably more expensive than others and in my experience cost isn't a good indication of the level of service.

Are 911 Virgin still considered good? They read like a good outfit and are very handy for anyone West London based.

rawenghey said: Are 911 Virgin still considered good? They read like a good outfit and are very handy for anyone West London based. Spoke to Tom at 911V last week about mechanical work, and I thought the labour rate he quoted seemed very reasonable. What are RPM Technik, JZM, Parr and Jaz’s labour rates for servicing/mechanical work these days ?

Copse automotive all the way. Based in Woking, David and his team are nothing short of exceptional and transparent. Used a few of the others mentioned and not had great experiences. Some act like corporates, others have made mistakes and time down to put right again which some of us don't have with busy schedules.

+1 for RPM. As others have said, I too haven't had the best experience with JZM and now stay clear.

Charles Ivey in Surbiton, whether modern GT. classic or race car. They care about all aspects of their work and customer service.

Another here for RPM , I particularly like the 24hr security which allows you simply to drive up and post the keys through the letterbox secure in the knowledge that the car is completely safe .