psuclint

I don't have the invoice handy, but I'll edit original post with part #s in a day or two.

After having the car back for 24 hrs, now my airbag light is on again. This will be 3rd visit for this issue, possibly control unit (or something like that).. :cursing: Time to start searching "airbag" in the forums...

The service mgr said they will start using Caymans, in addition to Cayennes, as loaner cars. I guess that's the upside.

1 convertible top transmission - 597.30

1 AS transmission - 597.30

6 threaded spacers - 75.36

2 AS flexible shafts - 100.58

2 push rod main bow - 177.54

1 drive arm - 66.86

1 folding top pin - 22.57

Freight charge - 175.00

Total parts = $1,812.51

4 labor hours - 474.00

Repair loose connection at top control unit - 59.25

Total parts and labor = $2,345.76

2008 Cayenne for 8 days (including gasoline) = $0.00.

Future cost of purchasing Cayenne for wife who fell in love with loaner vehicle = $50,000

A tech with moderate experience could probably replace all of these parts in two to three hours, and then synchronize the top and make final adjustments in less than an hour. I have no idea what the labor manual allows for in terms of hours of labor for this repair, but you can take the $2,500 that you are being charged, deduct the cost of parts and then figure out how much they are charging you per hour to determine if they are being fair.

My personal opinion is that these top repairs are a big profit center for dealers. I subscribe to Tool Pants' approach.

Regards, Maurice.

Thanks for the opinions. I think the labor rate is approx $115/hr. I'll post the parts/labor breakdown when I get it next wk. Ugh.

I've perused many of the discussions, and appreciate the knowledge base of how, what, and why the tops break down. I didn't notice much commentary on expenses for those without the time, patience, and/or handiness to attempt a DIY adventure. I have a 1997 Boxster with 28K, and the top broke last week when I was attempting to close it. I stopped at the first sign of trouble (it seemed strained, and then I noticed it was uneven about 1/4 of the way up). The red plastic piece on the end of the driver's side pushrod is indeed broken.

After sitting at the local dealer (where I purchased the car in 2006) for a day, I was told that the driver's side top transmission needed to be replaced, and that both sides should be replaced at the same time (transmissions, pushrods, cables, etc.). All for $2500. :eek:

I decided to contact a recommended local independent Porsche shop for an estimate. After two phone calls, an email, and 24 hours later, I still don't have a substantive response. Since I'm tooling around in the dealer's 2008 Cayenne loaner, I gave up and told them to proceed with the work. Of course, the indy shop just called and left me a vmail. Too late.

Does anyone have an idea of a fair price for these repairs?