[Traum]

I can't remember the exact details anymore, but the offer I was given was really rather enticing. The package that the local Porsche dealership offered was something along these lines:

• Cdn $2500 - $2700 + tax
• includes wheel damage repair & wheel replacement if wheel is unrepairable
• tire replacement for punctures
• dent repairs
• annual whole wash + clean + detailing inside and out
• can't remember whether it was good for 2 or 3 years

From my own research (haha~) and from talking to the finance manager who was pitching it to me, it seems to me that a lot of their customers get this "protection package", and I am under the impression that their service department will be rather lenient when it comes to replacing your tires -- it almost seems like they are going to replace at least 4 tires for you over the course of that coverage period even if it comes down to a matter of tire wear. Of course that wasn't explicitly stated or said anywhere, but that was the vibe I was getting.

For people who would rather keep to OEM specs, I can certainly see the appeal. Assuming the tire replacement thing happens, I'd even go as far as to say that the dealership isn't really profiting all that much from the package. Of course, they are probably also banking on how a lot of people don't really drive their Caymans all that much, so replacing those tires because of wear may not happen all that often anyway.

As enticing as the offer was, I turned it down because the Cayman was my weekend car. I don't plan on parking her on the street (where there'd be curbs). I'll rarely take her to the mall where dents might happen. And most important of all, I plan on getting some better wheels and tires myself. So I really couldn't justify $2k+ for a few car washes. But if she was a daily driver, I can see the appeal in that, and likely would have gone for it.

 

[Traum]

OttawaSteve, I didn't say tire replacement would be routine, and the finance manager certainly didn't say that either. But it is the sort of impression that someone would get from the way the sales pitch was given -- I came away thinking that the tire replacement bit would be lenient up to the first 4 tires. I could be completely off base -- I won't rule out that possibility.

Before purchasing my car, I've looked at a lot of used Caymans and their CarFax reports as well. Esp for the local BC cars, it seems to me that tire replacement as part of dealer servicing in the first 2 years is kind of common too. This observation was made prior to me getting offered the wheel & tire protection package.

 

[Traum]

You know, Raaizin, I've always wondered how well it'd work if both of my rear tires on the Cayman magically get punctured at the same time when the tread wears down to 4/32". If I have that warranty, then the dealership would cover it, right? 😬

I would think if it didnt say specifically it would be replace worn tires I wouldnt count on it. That is the salesmans job to sell you something. By implying something he would get someone who is on the edge to commit to purchase. He can always say he never said that and the contract would prove him correct. Glad you didnt take the bait.

 

[Traum]

I guess you could game the system as long as you are comfortable with that decision.

I'm not saying self mutilation (of my tires) is something I'd do just to score some free replacements, but what I'm saying is, if you have a good relationship with your service department, and if the service department manager is smart, I'd say the dealership would have an incentive to replace some worn tires for you, assuming you haven't used that tire warranty much. By tossing the customer a gesture of good will, they may well earn more future business from the customer in the future.

If I were a business owner / business manager, I would definitely prefer having a return customer than one where I can only milk once.