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I am just plain disgusted.
When I bought my 57k mile car two years ago the PO had just completed nearly $5k in repairs - primarily timing belt and pinion bearing. This was one of the main factors in choosing this car (along with Damian's inspection report and that Amazon Green paint!). I assumed that I would have no concerns about the pinion bearing and that the next belt change would be around 85-90k. I was sooooo wrong.
Last week my mechanic identified a severe front end oil leak that had come on in the past 3000 miles. I had asked him to check after noticing a few drops on the floor of the garage. When we reviewed the NJ shop's parts list it became apparent that they did not charge the PO for a front end seals kit - what my mechanic calls "the 'o' rings." That is exactly where the leak is. Fow whatever reason, be it incompetence by the shop (a well respected establishment that I will not besmirch here) or possibly a decision by the PO not to spend the extra $$, I am now stuck with at least $1,200 in repairs.
The moral of the story: Porsches are expensive to keep. No matter how careful or safe you are, they are eventually going to cost you big money. I know this. This is my third Porsche and I have been here before. It just sucks - particularly when an extra $150 would have probably made the difference.
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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Quote:So ask yourself, are a few drops of oil worth $1,200?
Quote:... my mechanic identified a severe front end oil leak that had come on in the past 3000 miles
Much more than a few drops - the car lost over 2 quarts in 2500 miles, and this in a car with no previous leaks that burns no oil and only 'consumes' oil in very small amounts.
One thing that I
know about Porsche ownership: deferring maintenance is a really bad idea... you wind up paying the price anyway and often it is much more. This is why a thorough PPI is so crucial when buying a used Porsche. People think they can afford the car and then learn otherwise, defer maintenance, and then sell the car to someone else who thinks they can afford a Porsche... who defers maintenance, blah, blah, blah...
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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You would be amazed what can accumulate in the undertray! I was surprised myself as I figured it was a slow leak that I would eventually have to deal with. No such luck.
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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I think doing much of our own work on these cars is the best way to go if you don't like spending lots of maintenance money. I'd suggest you get a 911 but that's expensive too...or a 928 (more expensive yet to maintain)...or a Farrari...WAY MUCH MORE to maintain and less reliable!
It's the price we pay. The purchase price is only the beginning.
Harvey
I like cars whose eyes pop up...
'94 968 Double-Black, 72K Miles (Weekend Queen, Heavenly Handling)
'88S4 928, Polar Silver, 41K miles (Daily Driver)
'85S 928, 32V, 5 spd (SOLD to an enthusiast. I miss this great car)
'02 Audi TT, Turbo, 6 spd (SOLD. Porsche is better in about every way)
