I've owned since new, a 2008 GT3. I've got 16K miles on it driven exclusively on 2 lane country roads, no highway miles. Oil changes every 3K miles and that's it. The car runs great never a problem. I need an inspection and the dealer I bring it to says I'm due for a tune-up($1,850) because Porsche recommends 30K miles or 4 years. I don't feel I need it but I don't want to neglect the engine by holding off on the recommended tune. Advice anyone???

 

I did oil change and tranny oil change myself. I will not pay them to do the flash light inspection for this mileage

 

A stamped service book is usually important for the buyers, there might come a time when you will sell the car?
If you do your own maintanance, make sure to do all the work at each service interval and document it to prove that the car has been maintained properly. engine oil is not the only thing on a car that needs regular changing.
Lots of threads on forums about great cars with low milage and no service records - lots of buyers back out.

 

This^^ AND if you don't have this, at least have proof of oil/filter changes, transmission oil change. (receipts/photo's) Also, I would think that you may want to if you have not already, replace your brake fluid. (of course if you never plan to sell it...it just may not be that important to you).

 

what does the stealer propose to do for $1850?

IIRC you would be due for spark plugs at 20,000 mi.

 

why not do the bulk of the service items plus big ticket items (plugs etc) and just get the dealer to do the check over, change the oil and filter which you can supply to them to keep costs down further. keep all receipts.

That way you keep a Porsche service history but avoid the cost.

Jay

 

Oil changes every 3k miles is a waste of time, $ and a disservice to the environment!

 

Car is almost 6yrs old. Due, if it hasn't been done:
spark plugs
fuel filter
drive belt
brake flush

Personally I'd also change the tranny/diff fluid also. If you're even slightly handy all of these can be done yourself, it's not hard.

Porsche maintenance is time or mileage based. Your manual has this listed. PM me your email address and I can send you the factory maintenance schedules.

BTW, to the poster above who said it is a waste of the environment, given his car is almost 6yrs old, 3k miles translates to about 1x per year, which is the factory recommendation.

 

~3k mile (one year) oil changes are prudent and cheap(ish) maintenance. Can you do 15k on modern olis?... yes... wise...No, choice made by lease companies not engineers. Its a choice. Porsche recommendation is maximums, you decide if its prudent to push to the maximum miles/age, same with pads, brake fluid, plugs, filters etc.

I change oil before winter and then in the spring and change oil weight to match temp. Cold weather and short journeys mean fuel wash into oil breaking down its properties. I can afford it, its prudent and I enjoy the interaction with the car. Its a safety thing as well as car gets looked over often which will pick up on tyre faults, oil or coolant leaks, worn bush's etc.

Jay

 

Mine's not a DD and I also change the oil & filter every 3K miles for my own peace of mind. Which at the rate I'm driving it, is once or twice a year.

 

A few things you need to consider.

The 4 year service is highly recommended.. Depending on your use and you environment there maybe other things the car needs.
Having the service book stamped and the service work done does help desirability of the a car when it's resold. While its not indication of condition it is an indication that the owner did maintain the car as specified by the factory.

For example our 4year comprehensive service we do at GMG is more involved than what the dealer recommends but costs about the same.

Manufactures recommend extended oil changes due to the requirements set forth by the feds when selling cars in the usa and around the world. Its governments which are mandating these extended changes to lessen environmental impact.


We recommend oil services of 4-5k miles under normal use.


I am not sure where you are at in NY but if you are close to the city I can recommend Bergen Imports in Cliffside Pk NJ - 5 min from the GWB... 201-943-2915 for service outside of the dealer network.

The dealers are not all bad.. Many of the Porsche techs who work at dealers are enthusiasts who will treat your car as there own.. I would recommend talking to the dealer and seeing who is "Porsche fanatic" at the store and perhaps talk to them about your car.. Many dealers will involve you in the service process, this way you build a relationship with the guy working on your car.. You just need to ask. If you cant find someone at the dealer to help there are always great independent shops who are willing to help.

Good luck....

 

Thanks to all that replied. It's a tribute to the site to have such a great source of information that's so helpful. Thanks again gentlemen.

 

Thanks for your reply to my query. It's guys like you that make this site so invaluable.