Porsche Realiability Put in Doubt
If we are to believe the bimonthly U.S. magazine Autoweek, the revered Porsche brand is in hot water and its reliability is in serious doubt after engine trouble on Boxster and 911 models sold between 2001 and 2005. The major problem affects cars with the 3.4 litre 6-cylinder engine that is chronically ill causing a needed replacement at a cost exceeding $15,000.
After having long denied the existence of the problem, Porsche has finally capitulated to the growing complaints dealing with damaged engines. Following a class action lawsuit in the United States, several owners have received compensation provided they can prove that the car met certain criteria, including use not exceeding 10 years.
Those who exceeded the established conditions were to be told curtly that nothing could be done for them.
At Porsche Canada, no special measures have been adopted and according to spokesperson Patrick Saint-Pierre.
"Any request for assistance outside the parameters of the guarantee is assessed individually to determine if Porsche Canada will cover the cost of repairs."
As for the class action in the United States, the response of Porsche Canada is: "We cannot comment on a class action suit outside of Canada."
The moral of all this is that we must absolutely avoid buying a used Porsche equipped with this engine, showing no manufacturer is perfect, regardless of its name or reputation. If the seller cannot provide proof that the engine was replaced, buyers must refrain from buying the car. Beware of Porsches sold at bargain prices because there could be a nasty surprise at the end.
To quote the old saying, a motorist warned is forearmed.
