Hello All,

Working on some potential purchase detail options and was wondering the plus or minuses of CPO versus after market warranty for the same dealer. Can possibly get the same car sold either way. "After market" doesn't cover clutch or brakes where as the CPO does. I'll never see more than 5k a year so brakes and clutch will easily surpass the CPO timeframe anyway. CPO requires the dealer to do any needed work and offers 2 years, 50k miles. "They" say their other customers have preferred the after market for more years (3) at the same cost to me. Options for 4, 5, or 6 for a bit more. These cars have been (essentially) inspected for CPO certification (all new tires, over rev reports, brake and clutch check, etc.). The longer term appeals but wondering if I am giving up CPO to easily. Any informed thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well, I for one favor CPO. As an example, my former 996 C4S after 6 months suddenly stopped at a red light and would not restart. Long story short after being towed to a dealership, diagnostic was broken chain guide, engine kaput. Porsche replaced the engine with a 2008 reman'd engine and gave me a Panamera S for a month while waiting. No problems since. Cost 0. No hassles, no arguments. To me this was worth the extra 3-4k I paid for the car bought with 9.7k miles.

I can't speak for or against 3rd party warranties.

 

My aftermarket has been great. No complaints.

 

CPO does not cover clutch and brakes, no wear and tear items. CPO will be better as it's a warranty by PCNA. you have to really read the fine prints of aftermarket warranties, depending on which one, some are harder to make claims than others.

 

x2......

 

The info you left out are year, how many miles are on the car already and how hard was it driven (DME report). You're not looking to put a lot of miles on it and if it is really good mechanical shape (per a PPI) then probably you need neither a CPO nor aftermarket warranty. But it's really about insurance and the peace of mind that offers. If you can, put a price tag on the insurance (CPO/Aftermarket Warranty) and the likelihood of using it, then determine if your peace of mind is worth that sum. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the responses. Not sure what the "x2" means. As to what I left out, I am comparing an '09 Base PDK to an '08 S Manual. Both with similar miles (mid 20's) and in (apparently) excellent condition. Dealer is offering to sell either one "CPO'd" or with an after market warranty, my choice. The '09 actually will cost less because of their trade in value. Details are, my first P car. Originally wanted "S" because of the hype, and a manual, just because. Considering the new tech of the PDK as a good thing, along with the new console and nav (not big to me), similar power, both with sports chrono (might never use?), liked the white gauges but black not a deal breaker. One mature owner on the S, two on the 09 base. Seems I'm off topic, but it's challenging to pull the trigger for the first time. This is a big purchase for me. Thanks again for any additional input.

 

X2 means I second the opinion... times 2.

 

Thanks for the clarification on the x2. Makes perfect sense.........now. Still wondering on the CPO 2 year limit though. I can go 4 years for a few bucks on the after market which is transferable if I have to sell the car. Maybe the value of CPO is in it's credibility.

 

Well, with the '08S there is always the RMS/IMS concern. It didn't bother me too much when I had an '08 S. if you are one of the unlucky ones and your engine decides to give up he ghost that CPO will look pretty good. If I were buying an '08S and I had the extra cash I'd get the CPO. RMS/IMS issues are rare but they do happen and 20K for a replacement engine is painful. As for the '09, well the early PDK did have some hiccups. Obviously, your financial situation dictates but I'd probably opt for the CPO and just be done with it if I were buying a used car - then I'd just go and enjoy without any nagging concern. (And I would choose the CPO because the really big ticket items that you'd want covered likely would be under a CPO with minimal hassle.) In the spirit of full disclosures, however, I bought my car new and have no plans to extend the original warranty. I'm sad to say I just don't have the opportunity to drive it more than about 6K miles a year.