La Rose

clrboxster · Apr 30, 2022

Hi,

does anyone have recent knowledge of Porsche servicing at La Rose nr Sevenoaks. I know they changed hands in March 2021 and I have seen some not so complementary reviews BEFORE that, but am interested in anyones comments with the new owners.
Also, do you know if they give any discounts to Porsche Club members

MatHaz · May 1, 2022

I used them recently for a oil change service & other work. Their hourly rate is reasonable & they do give a 10% discount for Porsche Club GB members. You need to book quite a long way in advance if you want to have a courtesy car. The work was done to a good standard & the car came back cleaned in & out. The owner Dean will try to suggest alternative solutions to problems encountered to save money. My car did come back with the oil overfill light intermittently triggered after driving around 150 miles suggesting it was slightly overfilled but not a major problem. On the whole I’d recommend them.

clrboxster · May 2, 2022

MatHaz said:
I used them recently for a oil change service & other work. Their hourly rate is reasonable & they do give a 10% discount for Porsche Club GB members. You need to book quite a long way in advance if you want to have a courtesy car. The work was done to a good standard & the car came back cleaned in & out. The owner Dean will try to suggest alternative solutions to problems encountered to save money. My car did come back with the oil overfill light intermittently triggered after driving around 150 miles suggesting it was slightly overfilled but not a major problem. On the whole I’d recommend them.

Thanks for your comment. Surprised they over filled as that is really not good on the 981.

malarcy · May 2, 2022

MatHaz said:
I used them recently for a oil change service & other work. Their hourly rate is reasonable & they do give a 10% discount for Porsche Club GB members. You need to book quite a long way in advance if you want to have a courtesy car. The work was done to a good standard & the car came back cleaned in & out. The owner Dean will try to suggest alternative solutions to problems encountered to save money. My car did come back with the oil overfill light intermittently triggered after driving around 150 miles suggesting it was slightly overfilled but not a major problem. On the whole I’d recommend them.

each to their own but i would consider that an issue myself and whilst as you say likely not major, it would (does) make me question their competence.

MatHaz · May 2, 2022

I think they filled the oil right to the top of normal/ possibly slightly overfilled as the warning message is not constant. I asked them about this & they said they fill, run the engine & top up a little more. They have offered to drain a little if I take it back but I haven’t been near the garage during the times they’re open.

malarcy · May 2, 2022

As I say Each to their own. I can see it’s probably an easy mistake. and mistakes happen, at best they resolve it and learn from it. But i would have expected them to have refined the oil change process on these cars by now.

Everyones circumstances are different, for me having to take time off work again would make it an expensive error, even if I could make it a convenient time

and. I would have the nagging doubt If they didn’t quite get that bit right? What else didn’t quite get done ?

its a minefield and as long as you are happy with what you got and onwards remediation then great. For me. its a negative.

clrboxster · May 2, 2022

malarcy said:
As I say Each to their own. I can see it’s probably an easy mistake. and mistakes happen, at best they resolve it and learn from it. But i would have expected them to have refined the oil change process on these cars by now.

Everyones circumstances are different, for me having to take time off work again would make it an expensive error, even if I could make it a convenient time

and. I would have the nagging doubt If they didn’t quite get that bit right? What else didn’t quite get done ?

its a minefield and as long as you are happy with what you got and onwards remediation then great. For me. its a negative.

I had the same issue with a Mercedes, long way from the garage up pops a message saying the oil was over-filled and must be reduced before driving. Not helpful, main dealer said they were following the published capacities, but hadn’t considered any oil left in the engine, truly amazing.
as previously said a bit of a schoolboy error and makes you wonder about the rest.

Mjonzo · May 3, 2022

i had my Cayman R serviced there recently and also had the aircon pipes overhauled. Did a decent competent job as far as i can tell (as everything is hidden on modern cars!).
They are always busy with numerous Caymans and Boxsters etc so must be doing something right.

I am debating using them for my aircooled 3.2 but a little wary as concerned they mostly seem to work on the modern stuff. Anyone got experience of taking their classic pork to them?

Lotus17racer · Aug 15, 2023

Hi. I have used La Rose Kemsing for the past 6 years when we moved here from Bucks. JZ Machtech looked after my 993 turbo and did a good job. La Rose have impressed: I was slightly nervous after Dee sold up a couple of years ago but needlessly so. I am impressed with the knowledge and service levels and the costs are manageable. Recommended.

Lowey5 · Aug 15, 2023

My 06 Cayman s is booked in with them next week for an exhaust upgrade as they have a performance center next door. They are very professional on email and communications, ill let you know about next weeks visit.

kevinl · Jan 17, 2024

I’m not so sure.

Firstly I must say, they did work long hours I’m told to get the car back to me before Christmas, I thought it would be with them for a week but it turned into 3 weeks based on the work I agreed too. They also kept me up to date on progress, plus did on some components the did manage to release them and reuse as opposed to avoid the expense of new.

However, whilst the gearbox was out, they diagnosed the prop shaft coupling and the IMS bearing seal needed replacing. What I found extremely disappointing was they actually did the prop shaft coupling 4 years and 5k miles before for a previous owner. They also did the IMS bearing as part of that same job but apparently not the bearing seal.

When I questioned this, I was told the coupling definitely needed doing and they could not comment on the quality of previously used parts. Also, apparently, the IMS seal is not always part of the IMS bearing kit when replacing. Begs the question of why would you not do it anyway as it was 2.5hrs labour to replace seal that costs a few quid.

I am aware the business changed hands probably between the 2 jobs but if you want to trade under the same same on the previous owners reputation, you can’t just go no comment on the quality of parts. Yes it was 4 years ago but I’d have expected some good will consideration for both these issues.

I also note, the aftermarket rear parking sensors I fitted are no longer working so I’ll have to investigate that too.

For me, I won’t be going back.