[donv]

For the basic maintenance (filters, oil change, etc.) there is no need for special (ie: Porsche-specific) tools. Basic tasks (plugs, oil, filters, brake pads, etc.) can be done fairly easily - an oil change is a breeze and requires no covers/panels removal.

L-B, I can guess when the salesman was unwilling to go to the effort of showing the engine -- there was a period of time where the Porsche dealerships virtually had to be begged just to deign to take your order (~early CY2001). Of course, they could have just walked the person over to the service area if they didn't want to strip out the cover in a showroom car... but that would have been too much work then! They could sell any car they had/wanted to sell at the time as they were in short supply.

Luckily, the dealers are much more amenable these days...