Plugs - To change or not to change

[Throttlesteer]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

[Larry C]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

[P_Coastal]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

For the full four year service, plugs included?

[Tom]

Is your car still under warranty Larry? I'm admittedly paranoid, but I always have my cars serviced at the dealership while it's under warranty. That way no one can claim improper maintenance if something big goes wrong. Dealers also have the latest PIWIS info and 'campaign' repairs that most indies don't. And if/when you sell, Porsche can confirm all maintenance was done on schedule, which helps on the margin.

[Larry C]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

For the full four year service, plugs included?

Yes. When I had my last two Audis, I had all services done at Eurotech, my local indie shop, including the first service that was free at the dealership. I don’t trust the dealerships - I’ve had one too many bad experiences at Porsche, Audi and BMW dealerships over the years.

[blueline]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

Am I correct in assuming that the $3k is for the 4-year "Full" service plus the new plugs, which are not part of that svc interval?

[Larry C]

I honestly don't think there's anything particularly special about spark plugs in Porsches vs. other cars. I struggle to think that one of the best engineered cars in the world requires plug changes 2x as often as other makes. But Porsche service departments also like when you bring in your car and get to pay Porsche tax on whatever the maintenance is elsewhere. Plugs, oil, and brake fluid will likely run you $3k if I had to guess.

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

Am I correct in assuming that the $3k is for the 4-year "Full" service plus the new plugs, which are not part of that svc interval?

Yes, full four year service including plugs. The indie charge is around 2/3rds of the cost which is consistent with other yearly service charges. I would pay the same price to avoid going to the dealership.

[Tom]

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

For the full four year service, plugs included?

Yes. When I had my last two Audis, I had all services done at Eurotech, my local indie shop, including the first service that was free at the dealership. I don’t trust the dealerships - I’ve had one too many bad experiences at Porsche, Audi and BMW dealerships over the years.

That's too bad. I've certainly been there and done that with other dealers, but feel very fortunate to have a great local team. When the key guys moved to Porsche SF, I followed them there. A good service dept is worth its weight in gold. I had a BMW scratch and dent the door on my leased 335is by rolling shop equipment into it. They reluctantly agreed to repaint the door and did a truly terrible job, then refused to make it right. I stopped fighting because I only had a few months left on the lease. When I turned in the car to the same dealer at the end of the lease, the guy inspecting the car added a $2000 charge for the 'unprofessional' body work on the door. I had to go hunt down the general manager who had refused to fix their own damage, and he sheepishly told the inspector to remove the charge, but only after I reminded him of the history, and that his own team called his repair unprofessional. That was fun.

[Larry C]

For the full four year service, plugs included?

Yes. When I had my last two Audis, I had all services done at Eurotech, my local indie shop, including the first service that was free at the dealership. I don’t trust the dealerships - I’ve had one too many bad experiences at Porsche, Audi and BMW dealerships over the years.

That's too bad. I've certainly been there and done that with other dealers, but feel very fortunate to have a great local team. When the key guys moved to Porsche SF, I followed them there. A good service dept is worth its weight in gold. I had a BMW scratch and dent the door on my leased 335is by rolling shop equipment into it. They reluctantly agreed to repaint the door and did a truly terrible job, then refused to make it right. I stopped fighting because I only had a few months left on the lease. When I turned in the car to the same dealer at the end of the lease, the guy inspecting the car added a $2000 charge for the 'unprofessional' body work on the door. I had to go hunt down the general manager who had refused to fix their own damage, and he sheepishly told the inspector to remove the charge, but only after I reminded him of the history, and that his own team called his repair unprofessional. That was fun.

During my three year dealership service, I was informed that my left rear tire had two “nail punctures” and both rear tires needed to be replaced and a wheel alignment performed. Total cost around $1500. I asked to see the nail punctures. I noticed a small nail sitting sideways between the treads which I flicked off with my finger nail. The second “puncture” was a small nailhead flush with the tire in the center of the tire. I asked the service advisor to squirt some soapy water on the nail area. No bubbles were observed. I then drove to my tire place that I’ve been going to for 40 years. They pulled out a small carpet tac that did not puncture the tire. Cost - Zero.

The dealership does have freshly baked pastries in the waiting area

[blueline]

$3,000+ at dealership. $2100 at my local independent shop with ex Porsche mechanics

Am I correct in assuming that the $3k is for the 4-year "Full" service plus the new plugs, which are not part of that svc interval?

Yes, full four year service including plugs. The indie charge is around 2/3rds of the cost which is consistent with other yearly service charges. I would pay the same price to avoid going to the dealership.

I was pretty sure you'd answer in the positive but wanted to be sure.

Anyway Larry, that's a lot of money for a 4-yr + plugs. My GT4 had its 4-yr plus plugs done in Dec '24 and the amount was hugely less than what you're paying at either shop. But, I'm in a different part of the U.S. than you which explains part of the discrepancy.

Like Tom, I have an incredible relationship with my Porsche dealer - sales and service. Great techs too (at least the ones that work on my cars), so it's sad to hear your troubles with your Porsche dealer as well as the other marques you've had over the years. I have worked to establish and maintain that relationship as have those at the dealership. I'm patient and understand what they are often up against so I see all sides. For their part, they see that and do all they can to accommodate. It's a win-win.