[Ben.]

Just had my water pump and cam belt changed on my GTI.

400 quid at the main stealers..

And they didn't even clean the car..!

Do I have high expectations or is this bad..?

 

[leetdi22]

i would expect it from vw

 

[Merlinman]

That'll be Arthur Prince, then Ben?

Sadly, family business that's got sucked into the VW 'corporate pot'

?70+/hr labour FFS []

I think I've had my last visit there after 30 years, following a dreadful recent experience involving replacement of discs/pads at 48k on my TDi without contacting me.

Whilst I drove the price down after complaining - once is enough....

 

[GeordieLife]

?300 at our local stealers...and they cleaned her twice!

 

[enigma1992]

Quote: posted by Merlinman on 09/10/2004 18:51:18

That'll be Arthur Prince, then Ben?

I was considering using them instead of my local in Nuneaton (work is close to Loughborough). Are they not reccomended then? [?]

 

[Ricardo]

One in Durham always cleans others in Newcastle never do for warranty work. For the money hsould expect higher.

 

[david_h]

I noticed in the fine print on the back of an invoice from a stealer in the Cambridge area, that they reserve the right to charge for cleaning necessary to do the work!

Customer service & going the extra mile eh?

 

[Ben.]

It wasn't Loughborough this time, I was stuck up in Sunderland so had to get it fixed there.

Had my car serviced in Loughborough last year, usual expense but the service was good.

It's just a shame to pay so much money and not be temped to go back. Will try another garage next time.

The RAC however were grate. Best 40 quid I have ever spent!

 

[enigma1992]

ah ok then. Thanks. []

 

[Merlinman]

AP have just 'grown' into the VW Corporate 'rip off' mode - after being a friendly customer focussed family business - I blame VW.

No place to buy a car if you want a deal....they've hundreds of old biddies that never even question the price...

Different staff every time I've been recently - NOT a good sign?

 

[GeordieLife]

Ben,

If you don't mind me askin, which stealer in Scumderland? Mill?

 

[Gti Fly]

Quote: posted by Ben. on 09/10/2004 15:26:36

Just had my water pump and cam belt changed on my GTI.

400 quid at the main stealers..

And they didn't even clean the car..!

Do I have high expectations or is this bad..?

You ever seen that TV advert when the bloke goes into the post office and buys a 1st class stamp?

Once he gets the stamp, he then asks where is his freebie.. says, oi what are u gonna throw in for free?

A rubber band, an envelope! he says...

You pay them to fix your car, not wash your car. If you want your car washed, take it to a car wash!

 

[wilkins76]

I just bought Cam belt kit, new pulley and water pump cast ?111 genuine from Vw dealer but mate is fitting it at his own garage for a few bears []

 

[GeordieLife]

A few bears?? Like Paddington? And Pooh? :O)

 

[RS2002]

Perhaps he meant hugs?(!)

But on a serious note ? job well done for taking matters into your [and your mates] hands; at least you can avoid any VW incompetence in the process of the change!

 

[enigma1992]

that's a scary-assed mechanic that needs hugs for doing repairs []

 

[Ben.]

Yer it was Mill Garages.

Anyway, I dont want anything for free, I was only after a good customer service! Will I go back next time and give them more work - probably not..

 

[GeordieLife]

Try Pulmans if you're stuck up here! Although they quoted me a daft price for my pump etc...

I went to BenFOOLd Silverlink, i hate them, but they were the cheapest, closest and fitted me in straight away.