If you own an exotic SUV, such as a Porsche, you want to make sure you have the right technician to regularly work on the vehicle. Choosing a Porsche mechanic or repair shop can sometimes be as difficult as choosing your doctor or dentist. You want someone with experience and knowledge, while developing a personal connection to you and your vehicle.
In this month’s blog, we review four key considerations for choosing a technician for your Porsche Macan, Porsche Cayenne or any other high-end foreign or domestic vehicle. While we provide some ideas, we always suggest that you thoroughly research your options to make an informed decision.
One key decision will be in choosing between an independent auto repair shop, like Shade Tree Garage, versus a Porsche dealership. Despite what vehicle owners may think, independent auto shop mechanics can be just as good as, if not better, than bringing your Porsche Macan or Cayenne to the dealership.
Consideration # 1: Warranty
When you purchase an exotic vehicle, make sure to fully understand your warranty. Many vehicle owners use the dealership because they are under the impression if they don’t, it will void the warranty. This is not true. Legally (see our article on the Magnus Morrison Act), a dealership cannot require a purchaser to use their repair and maintenance services. It is advisable to ask your dealership about any restrictions on your vehicle warranty. When you bring your Porsche to our auto shop in Morristown, if we find something that’s covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, we will let you know so you can get it replaced by the dealership at no cost to you.
Consideration #2: Expertise
One of the main factors in the consideration of a mechanic for your Porsche Macan or Porsche Cayenne is experience and knowledge. While dealership technicians work with a specific make of vehicle, much of the work is in more of an assembly line type of operation. Dealership technicians do have access to the latest information and training from vehicle manufacturers. But many independent auto shop technicians also complete ongoing training and certifications. Our technicians possess certification credentials with Bosch and ASE (Automobile Service Excellence). Another advantage of an independent auto technician like ours is that our mechanics are exposed to a diverse set of mechanical challenges across various makes and models. When it comes to vehicles, a great deal of our experience also comes from servicing more cars once the warranty ends. As such, we contend that our technicians will be much better able to diagnose problems and repair your Porsche than any dealer on the planet.
Consideration #3: Parts
Dealerships have access to and exclusively use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Dealership service departments are obligated to use these parts but they can be more expensive – mainly because there’s a middleman involved. An independent auto technician not only has access to OEM parts, but they also will use aftermarket parts. We can offer you more choices for replacement parts. We can also buy the OEM parts from the original supplier, but because we cut out the middleman, we can buy the parts less expensively. You can trust us to recommend the best replacement parts for your vehicle.
Consideration # 4: Relationship
Whether you choose a dealership or an independent auto shop for your vehicle, both can maintain a service history of your vehicle. Many vehicle owners expect a history of their vehicle for warranty purposes and resale. What you may not have with a dealership over the independent shop, is the same technician working on your vehicle. There’s a benefit to having that consistency – the technician will get to know you and your vehicle well and will operate with a holistic view of your vehicle. Not only will you have that consistency, but you will develop a relationship with the owner and Service Advisor at Shade Tree Garage. You can even discuss your vehicle repairs directly with the person responsible for fixing it.
In the end, the decision you make for your Porsche mechanic should be based on the right amount of research and your comfort level. Ask yourself what’s important in the selection process, and use those items as the criteria for evaluating an auto repair shop.
If you would like to learn more about how we can work with you as your auto repair shop of choice for your Porsche Macan, Porsche Cayenne or other exotic or high-end vehicle, contact us today at Shade Tree Garage. We will be happy to explore your needs and address any questions you may have about our service professionals, our process, and our business standards.