So, now I understand the cost of Porsche ownership :-O Options

[Amphicar770]

Although I have had my 914 for several years, I have done all work on my own so have not had to use any dealers or specialists. Following the removal / reinstall of my engine along with new clutch, rebuilt trailing arms, brakes, fuel lines, etc. I brought it to a respected shop to have them do the wheel alignment, set the timing, and give the car a general going over.

The good news is that they just called and it is at last ready for pick up (has been about 3 weeks). I'll admit that I was glad to be sitting down when I asked for the total damages .... wait for it ... $2,200 and change.

In fairness I can not yet say if I got a great deal, a fair deal, or got hosed. The person who called said there is a pretty long list of things they attended to. So, until I see the list and see how everything came out I can neither praise or criticize the shop. I am however going, OK how do I split the payment so that the spouse does not know what I just spent. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

Will be picking her up tomorrow.

[0396]

Sticker shock! A few months ago I too experience a similar situation.
I dropped my Avant S4 at my local Audi dealer.
For what I thought was going to be a pleasant experience...really never used the dealer that much.
Talked to my friend the service mgr to just fix a few items.
I wanted a new thermostat, water pump replace ..due to age and miles. They came back and mentioned that the coolent tank was leaking and the serpentine belt needed changing...funny as I had that replaced two years ago..oh then they mentioned that the oil pan was leaking...I used to do all the oil changes and never experienced any oil in the driveway....
Never again! I this little experience cost me $4200

[Chris914n6]

Sticker shock! A few months ago I too experience a similar situation.
I dropped my Avant S4 at my local Audi dealer.
For what I thought was going to be a pleasant experience...really never used the dealer that much.
Talked to my friend the service mgr to just fix a few items.
I wanted a new thermostat, water pump replace ..due to age and miles. They came back and mentioned that the coolent tank was leaking and the serpentine belt needed changing...funny as I had that replaced two years ago..oh then they mentioned that the oil pan was leaking...I used to do all the oil changes and never experienced any oil in the driveway....
Never again! I this little experience cost me $4200

There is 2 types of work at the dealer. The warranty stuff that pays crap that goes to the newbies, and the paying customers that the seniors keep and know how to get themselves paid. NEVER approve additional work unless you see it in person, but it is 90% of the time a stretch of the truth to fatten up the paycheck.

Our "best" tech would straight up lie. An old leaking radiator cap would be a cracked radiator. An oil drip from spillage would be some seal, and we had extra seals to show the damage and "replacement". The Service Writer would profile the customer and tell us to fatten or blow off the 40 point inspection.

An independent specialty shop is the way to go. A good mechanic will stick to one make because it's easier to fix things you've seen before. The generic shops usually hire the ones not qualified for better places.