Honest answers desired (with poll) - Page 2 - 6SpeedOnline - Porsche Forum and Luxury Car Resource

Sep 25, 2010 | 08:22 PM

#16

jr1966

Registered User

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 569

From: Tamuning, Guam

Rep Power: 43

Used to be a DIYer during my college days. Now, with work and family, plus a lot of other things that I need to do, I have my shop do everything, except for some easy-to-access bulb changes.

Sep 26, 2010 | 03:08 AM

#17

gaspasser19

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 50

From: Woodstock, MD

Rep Power: 20

gaspasser19 is infamous around these parts

For me, doing the routine maintenance on my cars is therapy. Some guys play golf, I work in the garage. When you realize just how easy it is to perform maintenance and repairs on a 911, you will have even more contempt for the dealer.

Sep 26, 2010 | 11:21 PM

#18

Gmax33

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 25

From: Canada

Rep Power: 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by june82000

I hesitate to call myself a noob although I have never owned a Porsche product. I'm currently doing my research on what type I'd like to own (air vs H20 cooled; 3.2 vs 993 vs 996). I constantly hear people saying things like '$3,000 Clutch job', '$1,000 fliuid change', and assorted things like that. I take pride in knowing that I am pretty darn capable when it comes to working on vehicles. I don't do it in order to make a living, but when it comes to it; a Porsche is just a car. All cars function basically the same. So, the question is, I was wondering how many of you here actually do your own maintenance, and how many take it to the shop for absolutely everything (oil changes included). I'm not a gazillionaire so I can't be taking this car in to the shop every week. If that's the case, then I'd say that Porsche has an issue with quality. Am I way off base here? Comments welcomed! Thanks

I beleive that Porsche is a well built car, and as far as doing your own work, no problem if you have some experience with your head under the hood of your previous cars. I bought a 1999 996 last year and have been doing my own work, which has been made a lot easier with the help of people from this forum. The M96 engine does have a few weaknesses, so you should get to know those before you buy. I haven't read through this entire thread, but if these problems haven't been mentioned, here is what to check: clutch & pressure plate, RMS, IMS bearing, Air Oil Separator, and in rare cases a cracked head (Oil in coolant). I unfortunately had the latter, so am currently putting back together my engine after having the 1-3 head repaired. Since the engine is already out, I am replacing all the parts known to fail while I'm in there. Spending about $2000 on parts including the head repair. I estimate it would have been about another $2000 in labour if I had a shop do the work. Before you buy, find out if any of these parts have been replaced. The best advise, as is the case with buying any car, is to buy the newest, lowest mileage car with service records, that you can afford. Porsche make great cars, you will love driving yours everytime you get in it. And don't be afraid to do your own maintenance, read the forums, ask questions, and go for it.
G