[Shark]

While there's no question there are some repairs that should be directed to a dealer or specialist indy, I would point out that changing the oil in a Macan is no more difficult than a Ford Taurus. That being said I would not trust most fast lube places if I owned a Taurus

 

[grim]

"Price of entry" is making excuses for crooks. I wonder how many people in this camp inherited all their money. The rest of us didn't get to afford a Porsche by getting the worst end of it.

There is nothing new here and the OP noted that. Its as old as the marque. Its just being rehashed because of new group of buyers into the marque. I don't know anyone, literally anyone, who says "Wow, I just love going to the dealer and paying their prices", but it is the price of entry "if you use the dealer". That's your choice.

I used to build ramps and use them in communal parking, drive up them, and change my oil in the street. Today people have lifts installed in their garage. Anyone is free to do the maintenance themselves. Try to do that for a 911. You have to take the back end off. It's not 1965 anymore nor 1985. Everything is computerized. All the campaigns are logged in Stuttgart. Data is sent back and forth on your vehicle. And pricing is value based pricing. Anyone is free to use an indy that has leased PIWIS (I don't think you can buy it). Or you can take your chances with that 20 year old at Jiffy Oil Change or you can buy the parts try to do the simple stuff yourself. Go to a PCA Tech session. They teach this kind of stuff. Your very lucky as you are near PCA hq and have a nationally recognized premier indy near you. Maybe they will take Macans.

There is nothing in the warranty that says you have to use a dealer. This is a new thing, maybe because of leasing or people bought "maintenance" wrapped into the cost of the car (e.g., BMW). Besides being trained in the special tools and things being computerized, PCNA also has a hand in dealerships. They grade them, clipboard in hand, to ensure everything meets their standards, unlike Joe's Quick Porsche repair with his two employees renting a few bays. Any dealer who sold a Carrera GT or 918 needs to buy the equipment required to maintain them. Don't forget besides $48,000 Macans they also sell $1,000,000 918s. The equipment is so expensive that to make profits, they need to sell several of the halo cars. All this stuff adds up. But MM also protects consumers who are free to also go to Joe's Quick Lube and Mufflers too provided their level of service and parts meets Porsche standards.

 

[Shark]

Try to do that for a 911. You have to take the back end off.

I've never taken my 996 to the dealer, other than to visit the parts department.

Oil changes are "as easy as a Ford Taurus" as I mentioned before. Just back onto the ramps instead of forward like the Macan

But spark plug changes...yikes, I removed the rear bumper cover and exhaust system.

I have a cabriolet, and the seals in the hydraulic cylinders that lift and lower the top routinely fail after 5 to 10 years. Dealer parts and labor for new cylinders would have been more than $4000. Found a guy in Oregon who rebuilds the cylinders with seals that will last longer than the factory ones for $350 for the pair, and had to buy a specialized tool for about $40, and wildly overpriced genuine Porsche hydraulic fluid for $40. Turns out Mercedes sells a much larger bottle of the identical fluid for $10-$15. Instructions to remove and reinstall the cylinders are on Youtube

 

[grim]

I've never taken my 996 to the dealer, other than to visit the parts department.

Oil changes are "as easy as a Ford Taurus" as I mentioned before. Just back onto the ramps instead of forward like the Macan

But spark plug changes...yikes, I removed the rear bumper cover and exhaust system.

991 tech session. Watch to get to the air filters. I'd scratch that bumper in two seconds!

 

[WHT TGR]

I don't like to overpay for things but then again, we all overpay for choosing a brand like Porsche. So I knew the cost of admission ahead of time as well. Would I like to pay less for maintenance on my Porsche ? Yep. Do I trust anyone with my Porsche besides a Porsche specialist? Nope . I'm sure there are good alternatives but I'm too dang busy ( ahem lazy) to find one.

Whatever works for you and keeps your vehicle in good shape is good.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[Platinum Jeweler]

I would not quibble over a few hundred bucks for a Certified Porsche Mechanic to work on my Turbo. They changed the oil, updated the computer with current updates and did my State Inspection. Cost me about $275.00.

Thankfully our area Porsche Dealer is reasonable.

 

[Shark]

991 tech session. Watch to get to the air filters. I'd scratch that bumper in two seconds!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnfp6eoI14Y

Enjoyed the video. Oh boy, things have become even more challenging

 

[Got F?]

Sounds like some of us just didn't do all of our homework prior to our Porsche purchase. Cost of ownership should always be part of the equation.

And for all those who espouse the idea that this is the "price of admission" to be a part of the Porsche family, your local dealership will be sending you a gift basket.

 

[jzwu]

Somehow the Porsche specialists in my local area are as expensive as the dealer.

I have the oil changes done at the dealer with free comprehensive inspection and whatever software updates needed. I do the cabin air filter and brake fluid flush (if needed) myself.

 

[ken35806]

Porsche mechanics here are not trained in Germany. Every marque has special technician training, and any ASC Blue Seal mehanic is at least the equal to Porshe's. Damned if I am going to be ripped off if I can avoid it. I can spend the difference on my grandkids. I love my Macan, but I will not buy another Porsche and be some kind of cash cow.

 

[tlp]

I love and accept paying the Por$che tax at every opportunity.....said no one ever.

 

[Maitre_Absolut]

Can you buy the prepaid maintenance within a certain period after buying the car? Is it a dealer thing or Porsche Canada / USA?

Not looking forward to 500$ services unless I get a 911 for a day lol

 

[Rosmoss]

Can you buy the prepaid maintenance within a certain period after buying the car? Is it a dealer thing or Porsche Canada / USA?

Not looking forward to 500$ services unless I get a 911 for a day lol

It's a Porsche thing. I got it at Pfaff and Downtown saw it registered on my VIN when I had the car there. I think you need to sign up before the first service is due but don't quote me on that.

http://www.porsche.com/canada/en/ac...cessoriesandservices/porscheservice/vehicleinformation/schedulemaintenanceplan/

 

[santastico]

I find interesting that prices vary according to the location. I did the 2nd year maintenance on my Macan and I paid $254.28 for the maintenance (which was basically bunch of checking points + oil change) and a break fluid flush which cost me $220.21. In my opinion, maintenance is not cheap but also did not break the bank. I am not sure what the implications are regarding warranty but don't think that for just maintenance you need to always go to the dealer. I have a very good and reputable shop in my area that only works with high end cars including Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, etc.. and when I feel the quote from the Porsche dealer is too high I will quote with them and decide where to go.

 

[Sgparnes]

10k service at Hennessy Porsche, Atlanta...$235. Not as bad as I expected. Performed while I waited, so no loaner needed. They lend base Macan's or Cayanne's anyway.

 

[Skinsfan]

Looks like some folks did not do their homework before they purchased their Macan. Because of that, now they are unhappy about their maintenance cost. A solution...go look in a mirror and start complaining. Now, don't you feel better?

Folks...guess what? Your $19.95 oil change days are over!

 

[RidgeRunner0207]

I did mine for under $75.00

I have my own shop, 2 lifts, all the tools I need.

Same oil and filter Porsche would supply, took a hour or so.

Took pictures of the Macan on the lift, mileage, have the receipts.

With the $500 dollars I saved I almost paid for the tool to reset the oil life/service reminder !!

I can do most of what needs to be done as long as I have the proper tools, diagnostics are easy with the proper tools, but some things a dealer must be visited to get done !

 

[K-A]

I would not quibble over a few hundred bucks for a Certified Porsche Mechanic to work on my Turbo. They changed the oil, updated the computer with current updates and did my State Inspection. Cost me about $275.00.

Thankfully our area Porsche Dealer is reasonable.

Is there a new software update out? I called my dealers before I took mine in and they said no new updates pulled up for my car (it's been over a year since they released one from what I know).

 

[lippy]

I bought the Durametric cable, so I can easily do my own oil changes, as well as brake flushes, filters, and spark plugs. The only think I don't think I can do myself is the PDK trans fluid. I understand you may need a special pump. Has anyone been successful doing that service themselves?

 

[RJMcInnis]

Of course this outrage has been slapped around quite a bit. I challenged my local Porsche service department over a $325.00 oil change and a $360.00 brake flush, and here is how he replied, "We do not apologize for our prices being more than other local shops here in town because we are the only shop with certified Master Gold technicians. We also only use Porsche genuine parts and offer a 2yr/unlimited mileage warranty on all parts and labor. We are the only facility in xxxxxx that has the Porsche PIWIS 3 tester that will communicate fully with your Porsche Macan for proper service and full diagnostics."

What, it takes a master Porsche mechanic to do the oil change or the brake flush? No way. And the PIWIS tester is unique to Porsche service departments why? Because if they weren't proprietary, other companies could reproduce the system.

Anyway, I got my oil done at Oil Express for $110.00, same Mobil one and filter, and my brake flush at Christian Brothers for $130.00, thus saving me $435.00. Porsche refused to reset my reminder on my instrument panel, but I got that taken care of elsewhere for free.

I wonder what others have experienced in this matter.

@ken35806 Two words -- Due Diligence -- You didn't do yours. As @Skinsfan said, go look in a mirror to find the appropriate person to blame.


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