Independent Dealer - Cambridge (ish)

[Gadders]

Hi all
last year I bought my first porsche, 2003 996 turbo cab manual. Delighted with it and allegedly going up in value, according to insurers.
I’m obv looking to keep up the service history with a reputable independent. I am Cambridge based and wondered who would be recommended?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[jdpef356]

Hi Gadders
Pleased to hear you are enjoying your car in these difficult times.
Service
If the service history on your car is full Porsche you may wish consider still using the Harston based Porsche Centre. You may think a PC more expensive for service but you can always get a quote to do a comparison. If you are a paid up PCGB member you should be entitled to a 10% reduction.
Some club members I know use Barr Tech and others go further afield to Dove House. There are plenty of indies out there and you need to be happy when you hand over your money, your happy with the quality and service provided.

Values
A quick look at Autotrader and a lot of variation in prices. Much depends on Service History and Mileage.
Of course we would all like to think our pride and joy was a sound investment[]
Your investment, as is mine, is two part:-

1. In the money spent buying, servicing and running your car.

2. In the enjoyment on ownership, driving, polishing and caring for the car.

At the end of the day if you decide to part with your car, if you make a few bob, loose, or break even number 2 above is far more important than 1.

 

[FLAT-SIXY]

Hi, I have to admit up to now, my car has a full Porsche service history with regards to oil changes etc, but I’ve had a lot of work also done at independents in the Cambridge area. My car is currently at Jaz Porsche in St Albans having the front differential & torque tube repaired. They have been great to deal with & have pointed out some anomalies which have probably been on the car since I brought it in 2004, so very impressed with Jaz. As far as other independents go Nick at Auto 2000 in kempston near Bedford knows his stuff. My car I feel now is old enough where I feel that a future potential buyer won’t hold it against me if I don’t have a full PSH, plus I’ve run out of stamp space in my service book.

 

[kasspa]

Hi, I have to admit up to now, my car has a full Porsche service history with regards to oil changes etc, but I’ve had a lot of work also done at independents in the Cambridge area. My car is currently at Jaz Porsche in St Albans having the front differential & torque tube repaired. They have been great to deal with & have pointed out some anomalies which have probably been on the car since I brought it in 2004, so very impressed with Jaz. As far as other independents go Nick at Auto 2000 in kempston near Bedford knows his stuff. My car I feel now is old enough where I feel that a future potential buyer won’t hold it against me if I don’t have a full PSH, plus I’ve run out of stamp space in my service book.

As John mentioned in his post, quite a few of us use Dove House in Rushden.
For me it is no further than OPC in Cambridge & a fun drive there..... Tony knows his stuff, owns a 996 Turbo & his knowledge of the marque is excellent.
Read his bio on DH website.
There comes a time when does an OPC stamp really sway buyers or are they more interested in seeing any paperwork that suggests that a vehicle has been thoroughly looked after!
It's a stamp & says nothing about the technicians knowledge or experience [s1]
As for stamp space, I'm sure you can purchase an additional service book or just photocopy someones blank pages & insert.....

Enjoy your car []

 

[Gadders]

Good input from all so far, many thanks.

With cars that are 'classic' status I'd agree that the quality of the work is paramount. This will be judged by others from the reputation of the stamp. I guess this is what Im trying to judge. Of course OPC ought to be bulletproof for selling on but I'm expecting a v expensive quote. ohh and is it worth it cf a solid indie with great Porsche experience ?

I find we have better known and well reputed indies - Jaz, RPM techniq and DH [quotes ca £1000-£1200 inc drive belt].
(Seemingly) Lesser known or perhaps smaller specialists, but profess to have time served experienced technicians - Auto Umbau, ADH Porsche, AMS Porsche, JGC Porsche [£600-£800]

Priority is to avoid a 'whatever you do don't go there!'

Then aim for a 'yep they're a solid bunch' with a reasonable price and not too far away, sub an hour would be great.

@JD - totally agree it's about enjoying your drive!!
@dongawoy - Jaz have good rep for sure, slightly higher price and perhaps on the limit of travel from Cambridge??

@kasspa, perhaps DH are a good alternative and as you say - its a bit of a blast through Kimbolton to get there.

Anyone know the smaller guys?

Thanks all again

 

[twinny]

Nick and Steve @ Auto 2000 in Kempston for me. They’ve looked after all the Pork I‘ve owned, both air and water cooled. Have ventured just 3 times elsewhere, each time it was messed up and had to be put right by Nick and Steve. They treat your car like their own. I won’t go anywhere else. The 997 service is due in a couple of months so it’ll be a day trip to Bedford for me.