Our Insight
Looking for a Porsche service of the correct type? … Aren't we all!
Well, read this, let the bells ring and then get in touch with John Holland co-owner of Unit Eleven, Kingsland Grange, Warrington.
Yes, owning a Porsche brings you into a paradise/hell situation service-wise irrespective of model, type or age of the car. In many ways it does not matter if you are a competent self-made Porsche Mechanic who carries out your own work or a Porsche driver with no mechanical know-how at all, sooner all later you will need assistance with your Porsche and that is where the problems can start.
After 30 years of Porsche ownership I can reasonably say that I know quite a bit about both the 356 and 911 series, good and bad. These days I have less opportunity to work on the cars and concentrate really on two Porsches, both 356's, for the 911's I have only time for cleaning and general work such as oil and brakes etc.
No, a good service partner is needed.
Official Porsche service centres are out of line with the real world in terms of overall costs, both labour rates and parts being … lets say "generous", sadly not in the customer's favour! Their quality, by which I include both interest and enthusiasm in non-current models, of work can also be unknown since their main focus is shifting to the newer models with less interest in the pre 996 and Boxster cars.
The choice therefore moves to non-official Porsche centres, often spin-offs from the local main dealer. There are many spread across the country, probably many are offering expert service, but of the ones I have tried in the North West are all lacking in some significant way.
It's true that I am fairly fussy, resulting from both working professionally in the field of engineering and from a considerable amount of Porsche hands-on time over the years. I would prefer to say "correct" rather than "fussy".
Anyway, when I get a car back with parts missing, unmentioned cosmetic damage, original problems not quite sorted (!), new problems suddenly appeared etc etc I do get pretty angry, pretty quickly!
Want an example?? Try this … 1972 911E, very nice car but with engine oil leaks, engine out obviously required, so go for a new clutch as well as anything else needed during the job, oil pipes etc. Result, car returned with new clutch, good … but also same oil leaks, damaged heat exchangers, anti-roll bar fitted upside down, missing gearbox front rubber boot and other various items installed incorrectly or just missing! I have many examples!
No, I was looking for an extra ingredient, the fuller meaning of "service" - a service partner who knows his stuff, has a high personal standard of quality, has the contacts and price and has the missing items of … COMMUCIATION and PRIDE IN THE WORK!
If you are in the same way of thinking then follow my example and contact John Holland at Unit Eleven. He has the above attributes, has a full awareness of the importance of finishing the job with a high level of attention to cleanliness and cosmetic correctness and he delivers.
So far he has worked on our …
a) Previously mentioned troublesome 911E, which he has fully sorted out despite its previous ravages by others. John did a real top end rebuild, tensioner conversion, gearbox rebuild, sorted out the clutch and replaced a lot of engine trim items, rubber parts and even used the correct clips on various lines. High attention to the cosmetics also means that the engine looks new. The car feels and looks much better after the work by Unit Eleven. Happiness!
b) 1981 930 3.3 Turbo, full service, also corrected a poor starting problem that was the legacy of another service partner, sorted out the aircon and finished an unfinished steering job by yet another service partner …. "Sorry, did not have quite enough time to finish it, Sir! Bring it back and we'll just finish it!"
Anyway, after leaving Unit Eleven the car starts and drives perfectly . Happiness! c) 1977 911SC, tappet adjust and tune up following a not too impressive top end rebuild by yet another service-partner. Unit Eleven sorted the problems out plus also solving a long-term clutch problem, some electrics and then gave me a comprehensive list of items for future attention.
The car will be back at Unit Eleven following its bare-metal respray and body restoration currently underway (for an engine out solution, gearbox rebuild and front end strip and rebuild. Future Happiness!
If you are not getting my message yet, allow me to summarise …
- Unit Eleven do a good job
- Unit Eleven do not short cut or bullshit the customer
- Unit Eleven tell you what they are doing
- Unit Eleven tell you what also needs doing
- Unit Eleven are proud of their work … a rare commodity
- Unit Eleven charge reasonable prices
- Unit Eleven meet their promised deadline
We are very satisfied customers. Feel free to contact us on 01686 626 385 if you need more convincing about how good John Holland and Unit Eleven are.
- Phil and Nora Sewell September 2001
- Members Porsche Club Great Britain No. 1026
- Porsche National Concours Winners 2001
- www.supercup90.co.uk
