Let's start that I'm aware of some horror stories that I heard from The Collection Porsche but since they are the only one in Miami and closer to me, I've used them for 4 years... Now, I keep hearing good things about Champion and since they are close to my work I decided to give them a try for a quick and easy job as a test...

The job:

After installing my Dension 500 unit, I needed my PCM to be programmed for a CD changer that my car didn't have or came without one from the factory (in order for the PCM to see the CDC in the FO loop) So, all you need to do, is to connect the PIWIS and check the box that says CD Changer and click save. done. all 5 minutes if you are slow.
Yesterday, called the service center at Champion and make an appointment for the afternoon. I explain what I want to be done to two guys over the phone and they kind of say... ooookkkey, just bring it.
Showed up at the time, explain to the service guy what I want it, he replied: why you want it? did your car came with a CDC? I told him the whole story. He says he doesn't know, that he has to wait for the shop foreman to come. 30 minutes later, the shop foreman arrives and ask me why I want that. Proceed to explain it for the fourth time and it was like talking to cats. They produce eye contact and move their heads but you know they are not understanding. (I thought Champion was mod friendly) After a lot of back and forth, reluctantly they say they will do it, but no guarantee... oh and that is going to be $150. **** you very much, but no thanks.

Left there and drove all the way back to Coral Gables. Went to The Collection... that place was packed. I told myself, oh well, just say hi to my service advisor make an appointment for next day and check the ferraris while you are there. I told my service advisor what I wanted, he said "Can you wait few minutes?" I say sure, and I will be at the lobby (btw, the service lobby at Champion is a joke.) while I was there, he came back and I was thinking... "something is wrong as usual" He had my keys and said: "the car is done"... they activated the CD changer, took some warning icons next to my PCM and System menus, checked the Dension connections to make sure they were correct inside the FO loop and tested the iPod for compatibility. All that under 8 minutes and he said, if you are not in such a hurry, they could wash the car too... I say, how much? nothing... enjoy your car!

Maybe Champion is used to Mom's dropping their Cayennes for service and asking no questions; or maybe they got scared that I was asking the right questions and mentioned PIWIS and PCM 2.1 in the same sentence... one thing for sure, it's going to be a while until I go back there again... I still don't know why they tried to charge me 1 hour of labor for a 5 minute job... So if you take your car to Champion to get the tire pressure checked, will they charge you $150?

 

I've been to a few dealers for various service (and learned to avoid it unless absolutely necessary). In my experience, if you don't have a previous strong relationship with a dealer, you can expect the following:
1. If they charge you at all, it's always going to be minimum 1 hr. no matter how long the actual service.
2. A dealer told me that service times are listed in a manual from PCNA (and you can be darn sure they are over, not under-estimating). For example, PCNA says a brake pad swap is 2 hrs. I told him you and I both know that a 997.1 brake swap takes 0.5 to 1 hr tops (if you take a break to watch an episode of Top Gear). He said he agrees and feels sheepish but they go by the book and don't charge customers different fees.
Now, if you're checking your pressures at the dealer, you should probably spend your next $150 getting your head examined! :-)

 

You are referring to a flat rate book. True the guys can make out on some jobs but they can really get bent over on others. If the job says 5 hours and the tech ends up with 10 hours in the job the tech eats the 5 hours. It does happen.

 

They must have been in a charitable mood today....I was in with the wife's Audi today and they delivered way beyond what I had hoped. Top-notch service. Wonder if I saw you in the lobby, though there was more than enough eye candy (automotive and otherwise!) to keep me distracted.

 

hi JCGMS,

I was early in the AM, maybe you saw me. jeans and dark blue shirt. eye candy, Ferraris and great coffee!

 

[QUOTE=JoelPirela;3422043]


Left there and drove all the way back to Coral Gables. Went to The Collection... that place was packed. I told myself, oh well, just say hi to my service advisor make an appointment for next day and check the ferraris while you are there. I told my service advisor what I wanted, he said "Can you wait few minutes?"

Who is you service advisor? I've called and left messages and no one returns my calls.

thanks

 

I replied to your other post... Michael Armenteros...

 

Paid $300.00 for an oil change at Champion. Thank God for the 10% off Coupon from Porsche. Total $272.00 - now I can eat tonight!!. But on the bright side I got to see my original salesman and many other wonderful people over there. Also got to go for a ride in a 700HP Turbo S. Yes we launched and did a 3.0 0-60, lost traction at start- 4 wheel burn-out. Right tires does a 2.4 0-60. My internal organs are still at Copan's and 95. So far my $272.00 I had lot of fun and got to hang for a while with Great People!! Love Champion!!!!!