Dealer Stamp in Owner's Manual

[craig2148]

The owner's manual suggests that the 30K, 45K, 60K etc. mile services be performed at Porsche dealerships to receive the approved stamp in the owner's manual that supposedly preserves the value of the car. On the surface this looks to me like a scam for dealerships to squeeze money out of Porschephiles. My experience has been that dealer service departments charge anywhere from 25% to 33% more than a qualified independent mechanic for any service work, and their work isn't any better. Can anyone provide any reason how this dealership service stamp is any better than plain old service records and in what way a dealer could provide better or more competent service than a skilled independent Porsche specialist? I'm getting ready to have the 60K service done and I'm inclined to have my trusted Porsche mechanic (ex-dealer mechanic) do this and forego the dealer stamp in my owner's manual.

[stargate823]

Keep your records and receipts and anyone looking at the car in the future worth his salt will find that satisfying enough. Either that or purchase the parts yourself and document the service to become more intimately familiar with your car.

I think most people know the dealer charges well above and beyond what is necessary. With all of the money you save doing the work yourself or having a reputable independent mechanic do the work, you would more than make up for the negligible difference in asking price (if any) if it came to the point of sale. Just remember these cars aren't exactly know for holding their value.

[mikefocke]

The arguments for the dealer doing service I've heard:

1. You are under warranty and thus not paying.

2. If the car has always been dealer serviced and that is documented, it has been said that Porsche MAY treat you better if you have an out of warranty engine replacement need.

3. That have the latest diagnostic equipment, latest recommended techniques training and a superior rarely used parts inventory that allows you to complete the service faster (not cheaper, just less waiting for parts). This last is a bogus argument IMHO as everyone now gets the parts from the Porsche parts depots overnight. Nobody can afford to stock too much in the way of parts at the dealership for all the models Porsche has produced.

I have all routine service done where I trust the independent mechanic or I do some myself but there are problems and locations where I take it to the dealer. I do keep all paperwork in a file for next buyer's inspection. I never looked at the service book when buying either of my Boxsters. I looked at the stack of receipts and got them when I bought.

[kang]

[QUOTE=mikefocke;4419061]1. You are under warranty and thus not paying./QUOTE]

Helllloooooo?

Not paying?

I think not, my friend, you most certainly do pay for service while under warranty. A warranty repair, no, but service, absolutely yes. And way more than with an independent, I might add.