I'm a girl, own a Porsche 944 seem to get screwed on repairs, of course. Is there any way to avoid this?

Question

As much as I like to think I know a lot about cars, I can't fix Porsches. I don't have the know how to not screw it up, and I no longer have access to a shop with the equipment I would need to bring help.
So I take it to a shop (few claim to be able to fix porsche here so options are sparse). They all talk to me like I don't know what the hell is going on. Even when I explain to them I understand what they're saying without the dumbing down. I don't take crap for easy stuff like "rotating tires has nothing to do with the tire wear, you have to get it aligned and we're the only ones who can do it, for $150". Cause I'm not dumb. But when I know the clutch has to be fixed and I end up with a new one AND master & slave cylinder for $2800 instead of "a max of $1600" theres not much I can do about it. it isn't driveable, I need it asap, they did the work & can claim any amount for it .
Is there Anything I can do to avoid getting raped on repairs?
P.s please no smartass "sell it" answers!

Answer 1

Shop around for the best quote. And agree on the price before they start work on your car :)


If they don't then go elsewhere.

Remember they are working for you.

Answer 2

Owning a porsche and being a girl/guy does not matter, the problem is that they are expensive. I have owned everything from Ferrari's to Rolls Royce's to Honda's, when you decide to drive something different from the crowd (ie. honda/ toyota) you pay the price. Here is the dose of reality, I have a 2003 porsche turbo, yes a twin- clutch replacement was 7000.grand, and I am a guy! When comparison to the price of repairs on a Ferrari it is a huge bargain, if you want reliability and looks and go fast, I also own a Acura NSX- it is a great everyday beater, only expensive on mine is tires about every 20kmiles..a cheap price of admission for such a fun car to drive. When I was younger I owned a Porsche 914, I actually luved the car (unpowered) it was quite reliable, enjoyed the driving characteristics of the car- not very refined vehicle as the 944, I might suggest moving up to the 3.0 litre 911 built during the 80's or trying a Acura NSX they are undervalued, and lots of fun for daily driver.

Answer 3

I suggest a Porsche club or forum. When you have a problem research it with other people that has had the same. Then you will know a little bit about what it will need and price from others. Porsche's are great cars. Yes, expensive to maintain but has it rewards. Take it and enter it into a local Porsche Club auto cross event and have some fun with it. Let the car pay you back for all the maintenance.

Answer 4

I'm not trying to be a smartass when I say, "sell it."

If you choose to own a Porsche then this kind of thing comes with the territory. You are going to pay out the *** for every little thing. From parts to tires, insurance to servicing. There is no way around it. This is why a Porsche will hold its value for a number of years and then suddenly the value will plummet like a stone. Once this car gets to a certain age there is a good chance that one of the previous owners will have driven it like a psychopath and thrashed it half to death. By the time you pick it up relatively cheaply you are going to be raped on repairs. Sadly, a lot of places will also go out of their way to rip off women too, which doesn't help.

I'm not sure what you paid for your Porsche (and I am a fan of Porsche BTW), but I think you could find something a little less exotic that is still sporty and fun, without the headache of the ongoing repair bills.

Answer 5

Go to alldata.com. They provide a technical, diagnostic and cost of repair service, including a full repair manual. ALLDATA can provide you with answers and technical help. Give them a try. Another good source of information is the Porsche club of America, they also have a technical section. Also the many Porsche news groups may be help full. The idea is to get information on the subject. Get yourself a shop manual from any of the auto parts stores. They are limited in their explanations, but they will give you the idea. I also own a 944 and I can tell you that the 944 is difficult to work on. In the case of the clutch for instance. The motor has to come out of the car to replace the clutch. The difficulty lies in the fact that the motor has to come out from underneath. I personally have signed up with alldata it is well worth it. I hope this helps.
Cheers Gunter
If you have a specific question email me. I will try to help.
[e-mail]

Answer 6

Hi,
This is D&D and since I got my answer answered, I can help you, see your Iphone and a place like Rennlist where you can join and upload an estimate and let the pro's work it over.
So obviously get estimates and share them with others to get the best deals.
Also don't say," this thingy and that thingy" while asking Q's
Be somewhat articulate with YOUR Porsche!

Answer 7

The turbo bolts rust solid and the complete exhaust has to be removed to get the bell housing off to see the clutch. The technician who works on 944 will have specially cut down wrenches to get exhaust bolts out. Porsche cars parts are like gold. Overpriced and hard to get. The technicians do not want to have to tow your car back because either the slave starts leaking or master cyl leak makes the clutch stay on the floor. Actually a good car back in 1988 the 944 today has its share of things like a 30/60 thousand mile clutch and engine coolant and turbo oil leaks. Overly complex drive line design has you paying a lot for clutch work. Fix it and find it a new home.

Answer 8

Well, I hate to say this but selling the car might be an answer. Porsche parts and repairs are some of the most expensive in the auto industry. Now, you are probably getting jacked around some by the repair shops, but quite a bit of the cost is coming from the fact that a Porsche is expensive to fix and maintain.

Answer 9

Get qoutes from different places, and if the person there acts all "Girl customer=stoopid" or "Ooh! A girl! I can rip her off!" just walk out. Resufe to do business with a place that operates that unethically. I do. Fortunately I've found a place in my new home town that may charge me a little more than average, but I know they wouldn't try to pull a fast one on me, they respect me and treat me equally, and they contribute to the community they're in. Ask around other porsche owners in the area and see if there's any places that people recommend. Maybe even get their name and use it. Something like "So-and-so said to come here. They said you'd treat me right."

Answer 10

The non-faster isn't an exceedingly efficient motor vehicle and for what you're doing it would not make it properly worth any better or perhaps possibly lower than a established motor vehicle because you're deliberating making it a song motor vehicle. when you're making plans on doing some thing like that it would want to be better for a activity or recreation. Paint, stripping the interior, roll cage, fireplace extinguisher and the likes is extreme priced alongside with engine, brakes, grab, suspension, tires/wheels yet no one ever stated racing develop into low-cost. when you're searching to fix a motor vehicle your ultimate wager might want to be to seek for the 951 (faster) form. completely restored w/low miles receives you about $12,000 yet probability is you'll finally end up putting way better into it than what you'll come again, distinctly in this economic equipment.

Answer 11

Listen to the Nissan Guy.... I too have had experience in working
on 944's and unless you have a really good reason for wanting
to own this unreliable money pit....... The parts for your Wanna
be Porsche are way overpriced and not readily available and tech's that know how to repair it are far and few between... I know how to work on them and refuse to do so...get the picture.
Not trying to be mean or rude... good luck