How do you determine a good indy Porsche shop?

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by evo-r

Thanks for all the suggestions.

So I visited both Porsche specialist shops and both seemed very knowledgeable and friendly, but now the issue is one shop charges about the same hourly rate as the dealer, and the other is actually 15% higher than the dealer. I'm looking to have my wheel bearing replace (3~5 hrs) and in this case I think it's more logical to go to the dealer as it cost about the same as the indy (or 15% higher at the second indy). I was hoping to built a relationship with a good Porsche indy shop but with them charging the same or more than the dealer it's a hard sale. What do you think?

Question for you: Is the hourly rate they charge actual time spent on the job or a book rate?

Dealers always charge a book rate. If the tech gets the job done faster (and he usually does if he's a seasoned tech) then the price is not discounted.

My indy mechanic charges $100 an hour (same rate as dealer here in Houston), but he charges me actual time if less than his estimate. Very honest way of doing business if you ask me. I can also supply my own parts, but he doesn't warrant the parts or the labor if I do that. Fair enough.