Car damaged during shipment

[ExVolt]

We ordered our highly optioned car in March. We were due to pick it up next week. As you can imagine, we were a bit excited.

Unfortunately, Porsche just called and said our car was damaged during shipment. They couldn’t /wouldn’t provide specifics.

They explained that they have to have whatever panel(s) were damaged shipped in from Germany (we are in California). Maybe 3 weeks, maybe longer.

We’ve never owned a car that has had bodywork done on it so this makes us a bit nauseous.

I’m curious what others in this forum would do in our situation. Any sage advice will be welcomed.

 

[MFitz]

I would thank them for their honesty and tell them you will not accept a repaired Porsche. Why take that chance? I think most people would opt out and ask for a new car.

 

[tmrqs]

That really sucks…

If it’s indeed just cosmetic and they are swapping a dinged/scratched/something panel for a brand new one… the car will still be brand new, not like there will be any records of it being in an accident.

I would use that repair and additional delay as leverage to ask for a discount, either on the car itself, accessories or services.

The alternative is to walk away from this car, get something in stock elsewhere (but goodbye specs you dearly chose) or get a new allocation (and wait a while again).

I’d go with option 1 personally - assuming they confirm it’s strictly cosmetic damage.

 

[PanameraFrank]

Demand specifics. What was damaged, how it was damaged, what exactly is being done. Hard to say before we know all of that.

It's not uncommon for cars to receive minor damage in transit and have pre-delivery repairs. But it's extremely disappointing and I'd be highly concerned as well.

 

[Fun TC Driving]

On average, regardless of brand up to an including Ferrari, 1% of vehicles are damaged in transit. Ferrari has a special facility at the Port of Baltimore where they can fix anything, is only the second place in the world (factory being the other) trusted to re-match to perfection custom ordered/created colors.

Sorry your was damaged but the end result of it being fixed would most likely be that you would not be able to tell what was even the originally damaged area.

Hopefully time-wise, you will be yours delivered to you in less than three weeks and be perfect!

 

[Awaz]

I think you need to find out what kind of damage it has, and the dealer should really tell you this, and go and check it yourself.
If indeed its cosmetic where a panel or something needs changing, then it's no big deal.

If its a major damage, then walk away and order a new one. That might take longer, but another positive is you get a newer 2025 version.

 

[ExVolt]

I think you need to find out what kind of damage it has, and the dealer should really tell you this, and go and check it yourself.
If indeed its cosmetic where a panel or something needs changing, then it's no big deal.

If its a major damage, then walk away and order a new one. That might take longer, but another positive is you get a newer 2025 version.

Our SA told us the car has been updated with a port release date of 10/27. She feels the only way it could be this fast is very minor damage. She is reaching out to higher ups to find out the exact issue and will get back to us shortly.

Many thanks for the guidance. I’ll keep you informed when we know more.

 

[Throb]

It's a cheek if they "wouldn't" provide specifics. I'd tell them "no thanks" and go elsewhere.

 

[ExVolt]

It's a cheek if they "wouldn't" provide specifics. I'd tell them "no thanks" and go elsewhere.

The dealership told me this morning they should have the details by Monday morning. They are trying hard, but Porsche North America isn’t very transparent with the dealers. Your dealer needs good contacts to get the scoop.

 

[Alex74]

I saw it also at a dealership, haven’t informed the client. They just repaired it.

 

[Diego]

It can happen BUT they have to exchange the part not repair it!!!!

 

[tmrqs]

It can happen BUT they have to exchange the part not repair it!!!!

I’m sure the repair in this case meant replacing the part… at least I hope!

 

[ExVolt]

We were told that Porsche North America (PCNA) inspects all cars before they leave the port of Benicia. If damage is detected, the car is not released from the port to the dealer. Rather PCNA orders the parts from Germany and they are replaced at the port by PCNA staff. When the damage is corrected, the car is shipped to the dealer. That’s why our dealer is having to work to find out the damage to our car (they don’t have it yet).

You’re in Belgium, so no port between the factory and the dealer. I wonder what the process is in Europe when this happens? Probably something similar but maybe up to the dealers?

 

[Diego]

For what I know (my specific dealer) all the cars go from the factory to a storage lot and then from there to the dealer.

 

[Alex74]

We were told that Porsche North America (PCNA) inspects all cars before they leave the port of Benicia. If damage is detected, the car is not released from the port to the dealer. Rather PCNA orders the parts from Germany and they are replaced at the port by PCNA staff. When the damage is corrected, the car is shipped to the dealer. That’s why our dealer is having to work to find out the damage to our car (they don’t have it yet).

You’re in Belgium, so no port between the factory and the dealer. I wonder what the process is in Europe when this happens? Probably something similar but maybe up to the dealers?

This happened at the dealers parking lot. One of the employers moved the car and didn‘t see the dc charger or pole. So new parts will be put on, and will be repainted by local workshop. Because of colours.