[AFJuvat]

First off. let me state that I am not trying to start a flame war, and am certainly not trying to be a 911 elitist. (for those of you who don't know, I have one of each)

My other post got me to thinking this evening about the future of 944s, and asked myself what the hell is wrong with 944 owners lately

Obviously, I am excluding those here that meticulously maintain their vehicles. Overall, sadly, I am convinced that we represent a very small minority of the owners

Does the 944 have much of a future left?

Let me cite some examples from the last two weeks.

1 1988 951. Owner wants the exhaust leak fixed and the belts done. Belts get done, front end seals are leaking, water pump bearing is in its death throes - replace. Previous repair shop broke bottom waterpump bolt, neglected to remove it. drill and timecert. Exhaust leak is a result of DIY repair - head was removed previously, exhaust studs broken, drilled out and tapped, studs too long and bent, nylocks used to fasten headers to head.....
Bill: $1900 with tax, needs another $5K to fix everything on the car

2. 1988 Turbo S: Yes, a real turbo S, silver rose metallic, plaid interior, the works. AC is not working, someone had converted the system to R-134. We refuse to work on converted systems. Owner agrees to convert back. Compresor, clutch, expansion valve are shot. Replace all of them, recharge with R-12. Owner refuses to have leaking power steering rack and lines replaced. Oil pan gasket actually has a hole in it. Front seals are questionable. Car is currently on its way to Hershey PA for the Porsche parade.

3. 1987 951: see my post called "Guilty Mechanic" for this one.

4. Today, person calls up asking for tips about buying a 944. found one about 30 miles north, only $1800! Car is owned by a mechanic, but does not run, mechanic cannot get car to run. Condition of belts, AC, clutch, differential is unknown. Do my utmost to convince person that his money would be much better spent on a used hyundai based upon what he is telling me. He makes appointment for next week to give the car a tune up after he buys it. I initiate a conversation with the wall - get about the same response.

I realize that I could just be having a bad week and all, but I am seeing more and more 944\951 coming into the shop that could charitably described as "cockroaches", that have me fix the absolute minimum to get eh car back on teh road and then come in screaming two weeks later that the car still has problems.

Example conversations:

Customer: "you changed my belts and my seals last month, the car is still leaking!"

Me: Yes, the car is still leaking, do you see where I wrote on the bill that your rear main seal is leaking and that you declined the repair?

Customer: Yes, but my car is still leaking, I paid you $1000 to fix my leaks! For that kind of money I want a leak free car. Can't you put some kind of goop on it to make it stop?

Me: **pound head on desk**

So, I put this to you, the community,

1. Are the cars really starting to show their age?
2. Are the new owners just cheaper with a buck
3. Am I just being a crabass?


Discuss

AFJuvat