Complimentary Service Clinic - why do they bother?
Discussion
I enjoyed the time I spent with my 993 turbo at OPC Reading - always nice to get underneath as someone in the know has a look. The chap who gave mine the once over certainly allayed my concerns that OPC's were only interested in exotics or new stuff or lack experience in dealing with older models (as forum contributions usually trot out: "because they only see new ones"). A failed primary resistor on the engine fan was picked up as failed (it tends to blow at maximum for quite some time after switching off - could be a contributor to a draining battery issue), so he showed me exactly how to change it myself. The broken tabs on my undertray were pointed out and a unconstrained brake sensor wire was popped back into its clip. No hardsell, but of course the idea is to highlight their £75/hr (+VAT) labour rate for older vehicles. It was raining so I declined the complimentary wash; had coffee and pastries - very agreeable.
I enjoyed my afternoon at Guildford OPC too. Savoury snacks? Only sweet when I arrived, but I didn't go to eat!
I got on very well with my technician (Kev). He was extremely knowledgeable (been there 13 years) and answered all my questions. He pointed out badly corroded exhaust flange nuts, but otherwise couldn't fault it - phew! I was amazed to see all the flat under tray covers and he showed me how the air flows over and under, cooling the front diff and gearbox along its way out the back.
I raised my concern about the oil-level gauge being off the scale whenever they change the oil and he showed me the automatic oil dispenser on his bench which convinced me that it puts the correct amount of oil in!
I spotted a piece of the plastic under tray (near-side front) that hadn't been put back correctly before, and he quickly unscrewed it and put it back properly.
He also showed me that my front tyres were wearing correctly - 4mm inner edge increasing to 5mm in the centre. Had they been equal or 2mm difference then he would have looked for a problem with geo (they corrected it about a year ago, but despite thumping it down holes in Surrey's third-world roads, it seems to be OK).
He then spent just as much time showing me their beautiful red project 964 restoration. Lifted the ramp to show me underneath too - it's amazing, and does't have its under tray covers on so you can see all the new copper brake lines etc - an amazing machine for some luck person!
The only hint of a sale was when Kev pointed out a set of discounted Sport Classic (Fuchs) wheels that he thought would look great on my black car (I really do believe it was his opinion and not an up-sell!). And then there was the paint shop manager... He asked who washed the car because it does show some swirls on the bonnet. He went a bit pale when I explained I'd paid £145 to have it Swissvaxed by Guildford! So he offered to correct it for me, but not for the normal price but discounted due to the previous treatment - a token anyway.
Overall a very enjoyable and informative afternoon - for FREE! (And I had my car washed and vacuumed.)
I got on very well with my technician (Kev). He was extremely knowledgeable (been there 13 years) and answered all my questions. He pointed out badly corroded exhaust flange nuts, but otherwise couldn't fault it - phew! I was amazed to see all the flat under tray covers and he showed me how the air flows over and under, cooling the front diff and gearbox along its way out the back.
I raised my concern about the oil-level gauge being off the scale whenever they change the oil and he showed me the automatic oil dispenser on his bench which convinced me that it puts the correct amount of oil in!
I spotted a piece of the plastic under tray (near-side front) that hadn't been put back correctly before, and he quickly unscrewed it and put it back properly.
He also showed me that my front tyres were wearing correctly - 4mm inner edge increasing to 5mm in the centre. Had they been equal or 2mm difference then he would have looked for a problem with geo (they corrected it about a year ago, but despite thumping it down holes in Surrey's third-world roads, it seems to be OK).
He then spent just as much time showing me their beautiful red project 964 restoration. Lifted the ramp to show me underneath too - it's amazing, and does't have its under tray covers on so you can see all the new copper brake lines etc - an amazing machine for some luck person!
The only hint of a sale was when Kev pointed out a set of discounted Sport Classic (Fuchs) wheels that he thought would look great on my black car (I really do believe it was his opinion and not an up-sell!). And then there was the paint shop manager... He asked who washed the car because it does show some swirls on the bonnet. He went a bit pale when I explained I'd paid £145 to have it Swissvaxed by Guildford! So he offered to correct it for me, but not for the normal price but discounted due to the previous treatment - a token anyway.
Overall a very enjoyable and informative afternoon - for FREE! (And I had my car washed and vacuumed.)
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