Top service from Aston Martin Works

Top service from Aston Martin Works

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L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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There tends to be a fair bit of dealer and factory/ product bashing at times so just to balance things out I thought I would share this.
Just got back from Works after collecting my DBS that has spent the last 5 weeks there. I didn't realise - until driving home - how much I had missed the car being there and consider myself to be a lucky bd to own such a wonderful piece of machinery. The drive up the A1, heading home through the rain leaving two VERY big rooster tails of spray, made me contemplate what would I replace this car with....... seriously do not know what could give the emotion and feeling of owning such a special car - other than owning two of them biggrin

The car was due it's second annual service but I had reported a brake issue earlier in the year that had recently deteriorated along with an intermittent cooling fan fault when in traffic. Service wise she was all done and sorted with no fuss the day after I had originally dropped the car over to them with further diagnostics needed to narrow down the brake fault and trace why the fan worked when it felt like it. A decision was made by Works, after consultation with Gaydon, that new front discs and pads were needed...gulp. No big dramas, no trying to wriggle out of anything - just a straight forward "following inspect and consultation with Gaydon we need to replace the front dics and pads which will be done under warranty" Top result!!! Unfortunately there was no available stock hence the wait for parts from Brembo for a few weeks. No issues for me - I was happy for Works to look after the car until everything was done.

Sterling service from the Service Department at Newport Pagnell especially Martyn Rummery who explained the whole procedure to me and was in contact every week with any available updates he could give. The car was handed over this morning, looking as resplendent as when I left it there, by that likeable rogue in Sales, Simon Stanton, who it's always a pleasure to see and chat to. Simon always has time for everyone and is dedicated to the brand through and through and even managed to try and sell me a car for Mrs Lotto to fill the empty parking space we have in our garage - bless him, he never misses a trick biggrin

So next time you think that your dealer is a letdown and that the factory are no good and no one cares and you wish you never brought the infernal damn car in the first place - actually they do care and if you deal with and respect people in the same manner you would expect in your own life then help is out there. I know Works are probably a touch more expensive than other dealers but I can only praise, yet again, the service I have been afforded - Some 'other' dealers could do with taking a leaf from their book when it comes down to the 'customer care and service' experience - I am sure they know who they are yes

Whilst at Works a young boy and his mum came into Reception and asked if he may look at the cars. He was then shown around the cars in the main showroom and the Olympia building by the receptionist - something I'm sure not only made his day, week, month, year but possibly even the most awesome moment of his young life - His mum genuinely was so grateful for the opportunity smile That to me is what caring about the brand is all about and restores your faith in human nature - It just goes to show how lucky we all are to own these cars

NB Other dealerships are available along with some damn good Independants too. No kids, cars or animals where harmed during the writing of this biggrin Now off out again to replenish the cars thirst driving

V8 Animal

5,914 posts

209 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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I throughly enjoyed my recent visit there and they came across as a professional outfit.

johnxjsc1985

15,948 posts

163 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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most car forums are for people to complain or moan.
Its so important to mention great service like this.

cayman-black

12,625 posts

215 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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LOTTO what was the problem with the brakes and was that factory warranty or extended? TIA.

L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
My DBS is one of the last - end of September 2012 - so it's still under full factory warranty. The decision to replace discs was as I have said made by the factory as opposed to an underwriter as I believe happens when using extended cover.
I was suffering from a brake pulse/ judder when they were hot. Efficiency was still good as ever but over time the issue was getting worse and felt, to me, like a warped disc that occurs on steel ones. An inspection procedure/ report was sent to Gaydon and the decision was made.
I had CCM's on my V12V and did 16k with no issues whatsoever other than wearing out a set of pads - even though I drive like a girl - allegedly. Current owner ( sukh ) has now had the car since early this year and continues to have no issues I believe - Other than getting lost on roundabouts biggrin

downr

3,803 posts

127 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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I think it's important that the likes of Work Service take the time to show kids around - after all how many of us have got the Aston Martin bug from seeing one as a kid, I know I certainly did.

It's one reason I'm always happy to indulge parents with their kids who want photos taken with either car

cayman-black

12,625 posts

215 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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L0TT0 said:
My DBS is one of the last - end of September 2012 - so it's still under full factory warranty. The decision to replace discs was as I have said made by the factory as opposed to an underwriter as I believe happens when using extended cover.
I was suffering from a brake pulse/ judder when they were hot. Efficiency was still good as ever but over time the issue was getting worse and felt, to me, like a warped disc that occurs on steel ones. An inspection procedure/ report was sent to Gaydon and the decision was made.
I had CCM's on my V12V and did 16k with no issues whatsoever other than wearing out a set of pads - even though I drive like a girl - allegedly. Current owner ( sukh ) has now had the car since early this year and continues to have no issues I believe - Other than getting lost on roundabouts biggrin
Thanks LOTTO always good to know about these ccbs.

hashluck

1,611 posts

274 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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What was the issue with the fan?

And yes top marks for them takng the time with mum and child

sukh_m

1,325 posts

191 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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L0TT0 said:
even though I drive like a girl - allegedly. Current owner ( sukh ) has now had the car since early this year and continues to have no issues I believe - Other than getting lost on roundabouts biggrin
yes tis true, you drive like a wuss biggrin I also couldn't believe my luck when I discovered "lotto's old nail" had never been out of 1st gear, the gear knob is still shiny and "as new" from factory smile

Anyway, about AM works; top marks for sorting the issues with no quibbles. I've used them several times and been very happy with the service. Also had an alloy warranty issue fixed on my previous mota (v8v), no quibbles either (I was expecting some resistance). All 4 alloys refurbished even though only 2 were faulty. The mind boggles whether this would of been done at a different AM dealer without quibble..... Yes they charge a bit extra but at least they are consistent wink

L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
hashluck said:
What was the issue with the fan?
It wasn't operating at a consistent speed when it kicked in and also as it got up to speed it stopped/ slowed again. It was the fan control module fecking about - big black ECM mounted under the bonnet behind the two motors.
The temperature gauge crept just above normal on a couple of occasions but came back down instantly the air flow increased when driving off.

L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
Just as an extra point on this, AM Works didn't supply the car but I chose them to sort a few things when I first bought the car that the supplying dealer had been unsuccessful curing. Needless to say Works sorted it all out to my complete satisfaction

V8 Animal

5,914 posts

209 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
Mines a July 12 I have noticed on slow manourveres and when cold steering judder it's as if the front wheels are skidding.
I didn't have this on my 08 one.
Apart from this no dramas so far.
Sorry to the hi jack lotto but my car is very close in make and build to yours.

AMDBSNick

6,990 posts

161 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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I'm feeling the love between you benders biglaugh

L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
AMDBSNick said:
I'm feeling the love between you benders biglaugh
Feel free to join in

AMDBSNick

6,990 posts

161 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
L0TT0 said:
AMDBSNick said:
I'm feeling the love between you benders biglaugh
Feel free to join in
I'll give The Moose my log in wink

J12KJR

2,860 posts

242 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
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V8 Animal said:
Mines a July 12 I have noticed on slow manourveres and when cold steering judder it's as if the front wheels are skidding.
I didn't have this on my 08 one.
Apart from this no dramas so far.
Sorry to the hi jack lotto but my car is very close in make and build to yours.
If you mean when on full lock then I used to get this on the Tuscan and Sagaris, because it is cold you can feel the tread blocks moving over the road surface. Swapping to winter tyres with their different compound gets rid of it.

SS972

591 posts

182 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
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No real experience of Works quality of service, but during our Aston Passion tour in September we had the chance to be shown around the premises, very impressive with that great mix of tradition and modernity.
A very big thank to Works who supplied free of charge a second hand V8V rear wheel to one of our member whose V8 Roadster had developed a crack and could be a treat driving to the center of France, only paying for the fitting.


V8 Animal

5,914 posts

209 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
quotequote all
J12KJR said:
If you mean when on full lock then I used to get this on the Tuscan and Sagaris, because it is cold you can feel the tread blocks moving over the road surface. Swapping to winter tyres with their different compound gets rid of it.
I don't think it's winter as I've had it 2 months in warmer weather and my old DBS didn't do it but my Vantage did.
I'm guessing it's s georometry set up issue.
Thanks

Greybird

4 posts

112 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
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Good Morning, Just thought I would share my Works experience. The parental visit did not happen to me but I saw an Aston when I was ten (1959) and decided that I would one day own one. It took 53 years! Finally when I felt I could justify it and war of attrition with wife was won, Works were offering a six year old DB9 Volante with 52k miles. I called and spoke not to Simon but a fellow who is no longer there. On asking if the the car was in beautiful condition I was told the interior was good but the outside was very scruffy!!! But that if I bought it they would paint the front of it. Three weeks later I was the proud owner of a very shiny new looking car. They had fixed anything that needed fixing. It was perfect. I was never worried about the milage, I think the V12 will do at least another 50k and I am not going to put high miles on it. And I paid £43k for my beautiful car. Of course I then had to paint the garage, relight it, add the dehumidifier and power points. Every night I have to go there just to remind myself that I own an Aston! Since then Works have serviced it once, Simon Volkes is an excellent chap. Even though I am at the bottom end of the price ladder they treat me like I am the most important customer they have, are always available to answer dumb questions etc. Two friends of mine have since bought older DB9s and have them serviced there, all together faultless.
Now just a brief horror story with a happy ending. Last summer I left my dog in the garden when it was too hot to take him with us. I left the garage door open so he had a cool place to sit, but he got bored! Yep, you guessed it, he first tried getting into my wife's Polo then the Aston. Scratches down the doors, and somehow he managed to get on the bonnet. Of course I was not happy (think British understatement) calm Greybird,calm. Found a man, Charles, they call these people Detailers. Charles said he could fix it all. In short he has done a fantastic job. It took a week and a lot of patience. All scratches now gone and Augustus (that's his name) is looking fine again. The dog ........

L0TT0

Original Poster:

2,465 posts

151 months

Sunday 23rd November 2014
quotequote all
Greybird said:
a cracking first post yes ........
Welcome to the forum David. Great story ....... Pictures of the car are needed - it's the rules. Maybe one of the dog too just so we know he is ok biggrin


Edited by L0TT0 on Sunday 23 November 09:18