Car Servicing

[italiastar]

Took our Golf to Nationwide Autocentre for a service and MOT - not too bad considering the price, however it's obvious that they make up the money with remedial work - quoted

[Guest SA Intruder]

They used to be Lex?

 

They HAD to change their name/ownership due to excessively poor image.

 

And now you know why. The one in Oldham has a reputation for damaging engines and inducing scratches.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

The ones in Guildford and Camberley have reasonable reputations - maybe it depends on the staff in each individual outlet. Mind you, I did hear last year that they are on a bonus system for bringing in more work.

 

(Incidentally I first mis-read the title of this thread as "cat servicing" - and after what our cat did on the floor last night, I thought maybe it could help me, but thereagain......)

[djacks42]

I have always had good service from my local Basildon branch - same chap every time who seems to know his stuff and is helpful for quick looksee's/advice.

[Guest gritrash]

had the same wheel cylinder "scam" at the lincoln branch about 8 years ago (when it was still Lex). Never been back and taught me a valuable lesson in questioning everything when it comes to servicing and repairs.

On a similar theme, just had my 04 Gal in to my local Ford dealer to have them look at excessive vibration and wobble through steering wheel at load and under speed. I had already looked at the TIS and noted that there is a known fault with excessive tension between the front cross-member and the chassis that can cause the symptoms i was experiencing but was prepared to accept more simple explanation eg badly balanced wheels etc. Anyway, i go back at the end of the day to collect the vehicle and have a chat with the nice chappie on the desk. He informed me that the wheel wobble was "being caused by a lump of tar stuck to the front tyre". As he was telling me this, i was reading (upside down) the notes from the mechanic in front of him, and picked out the words "front cross-member".

This incident imediately cast a doubt in my mind over the integrity of my local dealer (my first dealings with them).

Was it:

- a genuine attempt to not cause me any worry by mentioning big words such as 'front cross-member'?

or

- a cynical attempt by the dealer to cover up the fault?

 

The fault was there for all of the 4500 miles now on the clock and was resolved, which confirms in my mind that they did a bit more than pick some tar out of the tyre tread!

 

I really would prefer the honest approach - yes there was a fault on your vehicle, we have identified it and reapired it, not some paper-thin excuse.

 

I feel better now that is off my chest :ph34r:

[Guest SA Intruder]

Probably straightened the front crossmember with a large pry-bar!