Oil change at trusted mechanic vs. Dealership - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

woody3260 · 04-13-2021, 09:26 AM

I'm a brand new Porsche Boxster 986 owner (2001 Base, 76k miles). Apologies if this question has been asked a million times before.

I want to get the car's oil changed for a fresh start. Local Porsche dealership quoted me $340 for a straight-up oil change. My normal mechanic, whom I explicitly trust, has saved me tons of money over the years, and has worked on every car I have owned, said he was more than comfortable doing the job. Even said his shop did an oil change on a Porsche a week ago. His price was $75. I've watch the DIY videos on how to do it - it's not difficult (but something I am not going to do myself). Question is...do you think it is OK to use a third-party mechanic for an oil change in a Porsche? Thanks for honest feedback.

Blue99 · 04-13-2021, 09:33 AM

An indie is MORE then capable of an oil change

blue62 · 04-13-2021, 04:49 PM

A Porsche is just an automobile.
Any shop or mechanic can change oil on it.
If they can't I wouldn't let them put air in my tires.

Qingdao · 04-13-2021, 04:55 PM

Ok, as long as they have a torque wrench... Shots fired, shots fired... LOL

dghii · 04-13-2021, 06:18 PM

Your indy should have absolutely no issue changing your oil and filter. My only question is weather its too cheap! Verify the oil he's going to use (need synthetic) and that he's aware the car takes about 9 quarts.

I do my own changes and the best I can do is about $60 for the 8 quarts (I use Castrol Edge) and the filter and new crush washer runs me ~ $10.

Our local indy is at about $110.

paulofto · 04-14-2021, 05:06 AM

I do my own oil changes but as long as your guy uses approved oil, filter, crush washer AND knows the proper torque setting for the drain plug, well, $75.00 is a steal.

PS..... make 100% damn sure he doesn’t overfill the oil. It takes a bit of precision and time to ensure the proper fill. The sump rarely empties completely when draining so dumping in 9 quarts without checking the level as you add each quart could lead to overfill.

husker boxster · 04-14-2021, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulofto

I do my own oil changes but as long as your guy uses approved oil, filter, crush washer AND knows the proper torque setting for the drain plug, well, $75.00 is a steal.

PS..... make 100% damn sure he doesn’t overfill the oil. It takes a bit of precision and time to ensure the proper fill. The sump rarely empties completely when draining so dumping in 9 quarts without checking the level as you add each quart could lead to overfill.

As I was reading thru the thread I was going to make both points, but no need to since Paul said it perfectly.

willw · 04-14-2021, 06:13 AM

I second the concern about the price being too low. As was stated, make sure he knows quantity and quality of oil required. It is actually one the easiest oil changes to do.

woody3260 · 04-14-2021, 07:23 AM

Excellent helpful feedback everyone. Thank you!!

I actually already purchased an approved replacement filter, o-ring and crush washer that I intend to give to him just to ensure he uses the correct ones. As far as approved oil, I live in Maryland and I think I am just going to go with whatever is listed in the manual for the temperature of this regional area.

BruceH · 04-14-2021, 10:57 AM

If I could find someone to,do,it that cheap I would be all over that! I’m just wondering what oil he is including with that price?

Starter986 · 04-14-2021, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody3260

Excellent helpful feedback everyone. Thank you!!

I actually already purchased an approved replacement filter, o-ring and crush washer that I intend to give to him just to ensure he uses the correct ones. As far as approved oil, I live in Maryland and I think I am just going to go with whatever is listed in the manual for the temperature of this regional area.

Yes... but what brand of oil are you going with? That's what everyone wants to know.

mikefocke · 04-14-2021, 04:57 PM

Gotta understand that religious wars are safer than discussions here on what oil to use.

ddruker · 04-14-2021, 07:19 PM

Deleted, accidental post

paulofto · 04-15-2021, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starter986

Yes... but what brand of oil are you going with? That's what everyone wants to know.

Starter, you’ve been a good boy lately, why are you stirring the s#it now?

JFP in PA · 04-15-2021, 05:35 AM

john12312 · 04-16-2021, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody3260

Excellent helpful feedback everyone. Thank you!!

I actually already purchased an approved replacement filter, o-ring and crush washer that I intend to give to him just to ensure he uses the correct ones. As far as approved oil, I live in Maryland and I think I am just going to go with whatever is listed in the manual for the temperature of this regional area.

I agree $75 sounds way too cheap. I get 2 five QT containers of Mobil 1 SYN 10-40 from Walmart shipped free for 22.37 each, a Mann filter from Amazon for $10.95 and the Porsche dealer in Rockville sells the crush washers for $2.50 which is the cheapest I've been able to find.

woody3260 · 04-16-2021, 03:09 PM

Wanted to update everyone. The quote over the phone was a little low. I got it done today and the final tally came to $142. He said he forgot the Porsche engines take 9 quarts of oil. So there ya go. Still pricey, but a heck of a lot better than $340 the local Porsche dealer quoted me. Thanks all!

Starter986 · 04-17-2021, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulofto

Starter, you’ve been a good boy lately, why are you stirring the s#it now?

Boredom.

The car has been down 6 months now.

Car finally goes into the shop May 3 for the Tip repair. Mechanics in the Palm Springs area... then entire Coachella Valley: Weak. No one wants to touch the Tip. Had a few guys who were days away from helping me pull, repair, and reinstall... but their balls shriveled up when they talked to their pals.

I'll be having it towed to Riverside... found a 5 Star guy. Looking forward to getting back on the road.

To really answer your question: I'm getting old and soft. :dance:

husker boxster · 04-17-2021, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody3260

Wanted to update everyone. The quote over the phone was a little low. I got it done today and the final tally came to $142. He said he forgot the Porsche engines take 9 quarts of oil. So there ya go. Still pricey, but a heck of a lot better than $340 the local Porsche dealer quoted me. Thanks all!

DON'T let him willy-nilly put 9 qts in. Have him start checking level after 7. It will probably only take 7.5 to fill. If he just dumps 9 in you'll be overfull, which is just as bad as underfilled. When too full, the oil needs to find a way out, so it will blow out the membrane in your AOS and fill your intake manifold on it's way into the combustion chamber to foul your plugs. On the way out, it will coat your cats and put soot on your exhaust tips.

To paraphrase Pedro Cerrano from 'Major League', it is very bad to overfill your Boxster, very bad!

Frodo · 04-17-2021, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husker boxster

DON'T let him willy-nilly put 9 qts in. Have him start checking level after 7. It will probably only take 7.5 to fill.

Is that really the rule rather than the exception? Mine's always taken pretty close to 9 qts. Is there a lot of variability from one car to the next?