My 02 coupe is closing in on 30,000. I'm out of warranty - should I still take it to the stealer or an indipendant? Cost of each option in your experience?

What lies are most common?

Thanks!!

 

I don't find indepent to be much cheaper but you do get direct involvement with the shop owner which is often the mechanic. They are often more straight foward with you. Some indept shops are open on Saturdays by appt.

Dealer offters loaner, car wash and are not open during weekend.

If you are handy, you can do it yourself. It's very easy to change oil, air filter, cabin filter. You'll need to flush the brake lines if that's not done in last 3 yrears. Many people do not do the full 30k service but merely oil changes. I recommend the full inspection which includes brakes, suspension, belts checks. Changing oil alone isn't enough.

 

out of warranty=indy

 

I did mine at the dealer. It may help with resale depending on the buyer. Competent independents are only marginally cheaper.

 

All depends on the dealer. We are open from 8-3 on Saturdays, and are very involved with the customer if he/she opts to be. We will show them under the car if they would like, and anything we recomend, we would be happy to show why.

 

Why can't all dealers subscribe to such ideology? What should a 30K service cost?

 

I just had the 30k service done on my 2002 before it goes out of warranty (only 21k miles). Rack rate was $584. With 15% Porsche Club discount plus sales tax, I was out the door for $534. So it was no bargain.

It included oil change & filter, air filter (I have K&N, got no discount), pollen filter, brake fluid flush, and radiator flush. They supposedly run through a checklist of things including brakes, electronics, suspension (including
grease/oil points and torqueing bolts), etc.

Hope that helps.

 

Is $584 the going rate then?

 

Why don't you just do it yourself? Other than a couple of fluid changes, all that's involved is a visual inspection of a lot of things. Here's a list of what they do:

• Diagnosis system: Read out fault memory
• Polyrib belt: Check condition
• Change the engine oil and oil filter
• Replace the spark plugs
• Vehicle underside and engine compartment: Visual inspection for leaks (oils and fluids) and abrasion (lines and hoses)
• Underbody panels: visual inspection for completeness, installation and damage
• Coolant hoses: Check condition;
• Radiators and air inlets at front: Visual inspection for external contamination and blockage;
• Coolant: Check the level and antifreeze protection
• Air cleaner: Replace the filter element
• Particle filter: Replace the filter element
• Fuel system: Visual inspection for damage, routing and secure fit of line connections
• Power steering: Check the fluid level and bellows
• Parking brake: Checking the free play of the parking brake lever
• Brake system: Visual inspection of the brake pads and brake discs for wear
• Brake hoses and lines: Visual inspection for damage, routing and corrosion. Checking the brake fluid level
• Clutch: Check the play and pedal end position
• Throttle actuation: Check smooth operation, check the full throttle position with the Tester
• Steering gear: Visually inspect the bellows for damage
• Tie rod joints: Check the play and dust bellows
• Axle joints: Check play, visual inspection of dust bellows for damage, check screw connections of running gear adjustment facility, front and rear, for secure fit
• Drive shafts: Perform a visual inspection of the boots for leaks and damage
• Exhaust system: Visual inspection for leaks and damage, check suspension
• Tires and spare wheel (collapsible wheel): Check the condition and the tire pressure
• Check the door locks, lid locks and safety hooks of the front lid to ensure that they are secure and functioning properly:
• Check lid lock, front and rear; Check safety hook, front lid; Function test, check door lock; Check door and lid tightening torques
• Seat belts: Check function and condition
• Vehicle lighting: Check function; All headlights: Check adjustment; Horn: Check operation.
• Windscreen wiper/washer system, headlight washer: Check fluid level and nozzle settings, pay attention to antifreeze protection in the winter months.
• Electrical equipment as well as warning and indicator lights: Check operation.
• Test drive:
• Remote control, front seats, foot and parking brakes (also actuation travel), engine, clutch, steering, transmission, ParkAssist, automatic speed control, TC/PSM switch, heating, air-conditioning system and instruments: Check operation.