I just bought a 911, my first Porsche, and like many of you, it's been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old. However, my first few weeks as a Porsche owner has been disappointing.

Within two weeks of picking it up I've had three separate CPO warranty issues that needed to be corrected, on three completely separate occasions.

First Trip:
- Battery cable replaced - battery wasn't charging due to corroded cable
- Spoiler lubed/cleaned - groaning/creaking when activated
- E-brake adjusted - sticking badly

Second Trip:
- Check engine light - cracked ignition coils replaced

Third Trip:
- Check engine light - software flash (misfiring when engine is cold)

I know these aren't serious issues, and the dealer (Pfaff Porsche) has been great to fix everything under the warranty. I even had a Cayanne S loaner for three days while they checked into the Check Engine issue the 2nd time... But finding these issues so soon after buying my very first Porsche has definitely taken a toll on the joy & excitement I initially had just after bringing my new baby home for the first time. I know this car isn't immune to technical faults and the like, but on a CPO car with only 20k miles I guess I just expected everything to be "perfect".

Now that the car has been fixed and sits home in the garage, I feel as if the days that it spent in the shop (while it should have been home, with me!) wore me down, and now the magic feels as though it has faded. I love the car, but just feel somewhat disappointed. Will this disappointment melt away? How do I get the feeling back that I had the day I brought her home?

 

That is what the CPO is for. These issues are minor. They were fixed. You got to drive a Cayenne S for three days. Drive your car the way it was intended to be driven and the magic will reappear. Really the magic never left it was just separation anxiety. After the drive give it a nice bath and polish her up. Always does me good.

 

Did any of these issues get mentioned during the PPI?

 

You raise a good point.... I did take it out for a quick spin tonight and I quickly felt the adrenaline surge through my body once again (even on the main street zipping across a few lanes of traffic @ 40mph)... That feeling of disappointment still lingers but I'm hoping it subsides sooner than later!

Separation anxiety - I like that And as if winter's not long enough, the wait for nicer weather is drawn out even longer with the P-car in the garage, and summer tires & rims stacked in the corner staring back at me every time I pass through!

 

Just like you, I just purchased my first Porsche 911, my dream car, two weeks ago. I've already taken it to the dealer once to have the HPFP replaced under a warranty recall that the prior owner for some reason never performed. Similarly, I purchased a CPO car that has 3 years or almost 80k left on it. Regardless of any warranty issues that may arise over the next 3 years, I've got piece of mind that major issues will be covered. Having owned MANY brands of cars over the years, none are immune to problems. I'm sure Porsches are no different. What is different, is the huge grin I can't wipe from my face when driving this car. Don't be discouraged and let $0 cost issues frustrate you.

 

They had just replaced the battery (presumably due to the lack of charging) but nothing else was part of the 111 point inspection... But I have to say I have peace of mind knowing there are two full years remaining on the warranty. That will help me sleep better at night

 

Congrats! Look at this as getting some very minor issues sorted out. You have an '05 so there are bound to be issues. In the end, it's just a car so things do go wrong. Just be happy your have a warranty covering the work. Do you have the original tire pressure sensors? If so, that may be the next thing to take care of.

 

I can understand losing some of the excitement with the little issues that seemed to have come up and it's great that the CPO is there to take care of it.

Honestly, they do sound like minor issues and they soon will be a distant memory as you get more chances to just enjoy the vehicle. It truely is a great vehicle. A pure sports car that can be driven daily but also taken on the track and no worse for the wear. Maintenance is very reasonable for the performance you get. It puts a smile on my face every time I get to take it out. Mine is covered in the garage until it warms up here in Minnesota and I'm dying to start her up and get her back on the road!

 

Just keep driving it.
This year I will have over 100k Miles sitting in a 4s seat (not the same 4s). Sure they have issues yet the more you drive it the more you will like it.

 

No car is perfect, and with the cost and expectations these cars do generate more anxiety. The CPO warranty certainly provides peace of mind and before it runs out you may want to consider investing in an extended warranty. Before the factory warranty expired on my 07 C2 last August I purchased a 5 year warranty. Already been down the path from hell with a previous sports car (not a Porsche), it's a path that I can certainly tolerate, but my wife wasn't too impressed.

 

sounds like maybe the car did a little sitting around for awhile.
Just drive it and work the gremlins out while you have CPO left.

 

1. You have an 2005 and this is 2012. The issues you have had I would dare say are not abnormal even for a low mileage car. It comes down to "exposure" to the world.

2. You have a CPO warranty and that's what it is for. Cudo's to you for getting a car with it!

3. I dropped 85k on my car and have had it in for a squeaky top and recalled HPFP replacement. That and the default leaky coolant cap. So what? I have a CPO warranty until 2016. The only stress I feel is when she's not in my garage.

Porsches are like fine women. You could spend a lifetime with one yet still experience excitement every time you see her. Don't let anything steal the joy you have in owning her. Life's too short to worry about the little things.

 

I've had mine for 6 weeks and I still sometimes sneak a peak out the garage door and smile. Buying any used car comes with some maintenance headaches, it's the sacrifice you make for the money you save.

 

Be happy you have a warranty! And drive!

 

Thanks folks, I suppose I had the expectations that this would be just like a brand new car... Just a little stressful having to take it into the shop three times after making such a big purchase, and having to leave it there for service without knowing the diagnosis, etc.. I just built it up so high in my mind over the last 18 yrs that I found it pretty tough to take it back! And I suppose not being able to drive it much over the winter months up here in Toronto makes it even harder. Heck, the week between the purchase & delivery was probably the loooooongest week in history (although that's debatable with my wife who carried my daughter for 41 weeks )