Looking for a mechanic/dealership in Balto/Wash area

[CindyLouWho]

I hate to sound like the stereotypical girl, but... I recently bought a 2006 Boxster S and this thing on my dashboard is telling me it's time for routine service. My car is still under the factory warranty. Does anyone know of a decent mechanic and/or dealership in the Baltimore/Washington area where I can take my car for service? Also, I have a problem shifting once the transmission is warmed up. I have the tiptronic transmission. Any ideas what the problem could be? Please tell me it's not going to cost a fortune to fix it!

[kpm]

Welcome Cindylou ! Try this thread...

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24177

I just bought a 2001 S and will be searching for a tech also.

[gwoodburn]

Anything I cant do myself, I go to Ralph's Auto Service in Reisterstown. He is a great guy and has been working on Porsche since around the '70s so he knows a lot. I think before that he worked on Mercedes, building race cars or something. Even if I have a simple question about something or I'm stuck in the middle of a repair, I call him for advice and he is always very willing to help. His prices may be a bit higher than you will get elsewhere, but it's still not as bad as the dealership and i dont think you can do much better for someone with so much experience.

By the way, I have no direct affiliation with Ralph other than I am one of his customers. This is just from my personal experience and opinion on his work.

The number on yellowpages.com i think is incorrect. It will connect you to the shop next door. Ralph's number is 410-526-2500.

[CindyLouWho]

Thanks very much, fellow Porsche owners! I appreciate the advice!

[nylart]

I go to At Speed Motorsports in Hanover. The owner, Bob Miller, is a long-time Porsche racer has a number of well qualified Porsche mechanics. They are always helpful and have done some things for me while I wait. Their number is 410-712-4290.

If your car is still under warranty, you should probably go to the dealer for the transmission issue. There are two or three in the area.

[kpm]

Don't go to Tischer in the Auto Park in Silver Spring. They wanted $2555.00 to do all 4 CV boots on a 2001 S.

And it took them 2 hours to call me back with that quote. Everywhere else I checked said between $800 and $1250.00.

Porsche of Annapolis has a pretty good reputation. 443-837-2635 ask for Rick Brewer. 10% discount for PCA members.

[stephen wilson]

What sort of shifting problem are you having?

[kpm]

I was pleasantly surprised by Porsche of Annapolis. I was quoted 1263.00 for the cv boot replacement and scheduled an appointment for Wed. I waited for Rick to call but had to step out for an hour and was afraid I missed his call.

I called about 1:30 or so and he told me the car would not be ready that afternoon. I think it was a parts issue but since this a very small dealership it might have been an over booking deal...doesn't matter.

I finally picked up the car Friday morning and the final price was...are you sitting down...lower.

$1094.00

I will be doing non-major maintenance myself but PoA will have my business from now on.