Main Dealers - experience

Main Dealers - experience

Author
Discussion

Moonhawk

Original Poster:

10,730 posts

218 months

Thursday 16th July 2015
quotequote all
Bought my V8 Vantage a couple of years back from an Aston main dealer - and had a bit of a mixed bag experience with them. Great when you are spending money - but less than enthusiastic when you have an issue.

To top it off - I put the vehicle into them for some work around christmas (vehicle now out of warranty) - and was informed that as well as the repair I needed doing (which is a whole other story) - the front grille on the vehicle was damaged and would cost £X hundred to replace.

The damage isn't that obvious if you don't know what to look for - but now I have seen it - it looks like the vehicle has lightly shunted a towbar or something - deforming the chrome grille. Neither me or my wife remember pranging the car - so the damage comes as a mystery.

I have just been going back over some old photos and found one I took of the vehicle whilst it was still on the forecourt before we bought it - and have noticed that the damage was present even then.

The vehicle went in quite a few times whilst under warranty and nothing was ever said. The first time the vehicle goes in out of warranty - the service centre notice the damage and suggest repair (at my expense).

Has anybody else had this type of thing happen. What are my chances of getting them to fix it given the elapsed time and warranty - or do I chalk it down to "Caveat emptor".

Edited by Moonhawk on Thursday 16th July 22:17

Jon39

12,782 posts

142 months

Thursday 16th July 2015
quotequote all

Moonhawk said:
The vehicle went in quite a few times whilst under warranty and nothing was ever said. The first time the vehicle goes in out of warranty - the service centre notice the damage and suggest repair (at my expense).

Surely the warranty would be irrelevant in this instance, because it is bodywork damage.

You mention that it is not very noticeable, so presumably that is why it went undetected for so long.

Your original photo is of course important, particularly if it is clear from the picture, that it was taken before delivery at the dealers premises. When we buy used, any imperfections that we do not notice before 'doing the deal', is our responsibility, but you could try a polite letter to the dealer principal, with your photo.

It is a shame that these grilles cost so much. I wonder how much a Ford Focus grille costs? It might fit. - smile


JonV8V

7,175 posts

123 months

Friday 17th July 2015
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After so long its tricky but then if the dealer can spot it now but couldn't spot it before you bought it (given the zillion point check they do on approved used cars) and the photo clearly shows it was there before then a tongue in cheek conversation with the dealer would be interesting asking them to explain. I'd then probably settle on splitting the cost.

sooty61

686 posts

170 months

Friday 17th July 2015
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I"m still waiting for my zillion point check to come in the post, but it didn"t pick up the fact that 800 miles after I bought the car at its first service the rear tyres needed replacing. When I asked them to check the wear on the report they replaced them FOC. It obviously keeps getting lost in the post...

jonesof63

947 posts

136 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
In my search for a suitable late model V8V , I have visited two dealers in the past two weeks, one in the North West, the other in West Yorkshire, in short, the reception I received, the interest in finding me what I wanted and the overall experiences were miles apart. I feel that within the 'golden triangle' of Cheshire if one isn't immediately recognisable as some kind of sporting 'hero', soap star or cosmetics surgeon to the plastic pretenders, your money isn't good enough. Refreshingly over the Pennines the reception was warmer, the staff more informed and the overall experience less 'stiff'. Unfortunately as yet I haven't found my perfect chariot, it potentially sits some distance from home in West London, I intend to make arrangements to view this coming week, meteorite, with black interior, some nice extras and even red callipers ! Tally-ho

Jon39

12,782 posts

142 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all

jonesof63 said:
In my search for a suitable late model V8V , I have visited two dealers in the past two weeks, one in the North West, the other in West Yorkshire, in short, the reception I received, the interest in finding me what I wanted and the overall experiences were miles apart. I feel that within the 'golden triangle' of Cheshire if one isn't immediately recognisable as some kind of sporting 'hero', soap star or cosmetics surgeon to the plastic pretenders, your money isn't good enough. Refreshingly over the Pennines the reception was warmer, the staff more informed and the overall experience less 'stiff'. Unfortunately as yet I haven't found my perfect chariot, it potentially sits some distance from home in West London, I intend to make arrangements to view this coming week, meteorite, with black interior, some nice extras and even red callipers ! Tally-ho

Your 'mystery customer' comparison work, fits with many previous comments on here about that dealer which include, don't dare to negotiate price.

If my advice is of any use to you, it would be;

1. Take your time to find exactly what you want. There is always a steady flow of fresh Vantages appearing on the used (Pre-owned don't you know) market.

2. Meteorite is smart, but you might like to know something that put me off. I think it is this particular colour which changes to a brownish tint when wet. Compare with Tungsten, to see if you might have a preference.



Edited by Jon39 on Friday 17th July 13:42

jonesof63

947 posts

136 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
That's an interesting point Jon39, something I will consider, Tungsten is a great colour, I'm keen to avoid onyx black simply because of the upkeep, so the silvers and greys with a dark interior are my preference.....

old phart

404 posts

109 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
I've been to three main dealers. One for service and the other two for parts inquiries. When I joined the 'club' I didn't expect the heavens to open up when I walked through the doors but I've gotten the impression from all three experiences that I was inconveniencing them.

As I've gotten more mature (older) I've begun to really notice customer service in general. In my department my guys know that without the customer they have no jobs so throw on a smile and make their experience a good one. Unfortunately its rare now that you're greeted with a smile and some chit chat. Even the 'Have a nice day' when leaving has faded away.

No wonder us Old Pharts get so grumpy smile

Neil1300r

5,487 posts

177 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
Jon39 said:


2. Meteorite is smart, but you might like to know something that put me off. I think it is this particular colour which changes to a brownish tint when wet.

Edited by Jon39 on Friday 17th July 13:42
Oh no it doesn't!
smile

Jon39

12,782 posts

142 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
Neil1300r said:
Jon39 said:

2. Meteorite is smart, but you might like to know something that put me off. I think it is this particular colour which changes to a brownish tint when wet.


Oh no it doesn't!
smile

Sorry, it must be another of the greys.
Presumably whichever was the colour I saw, must include a brown fleck, which emphasises that hew when wet.


Moonhawk

Original Poster:

10,730 posts

218 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
jonesof63 said:
I feel that within the 'golden triangle' of Cheshire if one isn't immediately recognisable as some kind of sporting 'hero', soap star or cosmetics surgeon to the plastic pretenders, your money isn't good enough.
Yep - i'm getting that distinct impression too.

The silly thing is - they are losing custom. We may be in the market for a V12 at some point in the near future after settling our V8V 3 years early - but i'd be loathed to go back to this particular dealer if they don't buck up.

I have fired an email to them to discuss my "grille" problem - lets see what they come back with - or if they even bother replying at all.

sooty61

686 posts

170 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
It willl cost £2000 but as an act of goodwill they will contribute 50%.

Moonhawk

Original Poster:

10,730 posts

218 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
sooty61 said:
It willl cost £2000 but as an act of goodwill they will contribute 50%.
£1300 to fit a front grille?

old phart

404 posts

109 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
Mine -2009 - had some damage. Got the surround and grill from Aston Martin bits ~$500 and replaced it myself. Weekend project.

Moonhawk

Original Poster:

10,730 posts

218 months

Friday 17th July 2015
quotequote all
old phart said:
Mine -2009 - had some damage. Got the surround and grill from Aston Martin bits ~$500 and replaced it myself. Weekend project.
Yep - that's probably what i'm looking at if the dealer won't play ball.

Guycord

744 posts

172 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
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I received this email a few weeks ago. All, please tell me, how do you guys read this......



"Good afternoon Mr xxxxxxx,

I note that, at no point during your period of ownership of your V12 Vantage Coupe, have we carried out any routine and essential maintenance..?!

You own a very high performance and valuable motor car and I cannot stress too much the importance of looking after it.

Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom. I hope that the car is being maintained by only fully authorised and trained Aston Martin technicians.

I must also mention that, after almost six years of ownership, you might be ready to consider a change to something else – a V!2 Vantage S perhaps..

Best Regards,"




When Company representatives come up with this as a way of impressing customers/potential customers (especially as I never bought the car from them in the first place), I think it is high time Mr Palmer gets out of his office and starts addressing the issues of the loyal customer base. Most of us are not EPL footballers or fashionistas. Were just hard-working mugs buying nice cars to enjoy with the experience marred by useless D/Heads who are so arrogant it is unreal.


Edited by Guycord on Saturday 18th July 04:08

sooty61

686 posts

170 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
quotequote all
Moonhawk said:
sooty61 said:
It willl cost £2000 but as an act of goodwill they will contribute 50%.
£1300 to fit a front grille?
Just my experience - everything fairly minor seems to cost £1000 but if you are negotiating with the Main Dealer they will offer to pay 50% to make you think they are taking some of the burden. You can probably get the whole job done elsewhere for much less than the £1000

hashluck

1,611 posts

274 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
quotequote all
Guycord said:
I received this email a few weeks ago. All, please tell me, how do you guys read this......



"Good afternoon Mr xxxxxxx,

I note that, at no point during your period of ownership of your V12 Vantage Coupe, have we carried out any routine and essential maintenance..?!

You own a very high performance and valuable motor car and I cannot stress too much the importance of looking after it.

Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom. I hope that the car is being maintained by only fully authorised and trained Aston Martin technicians.

I must also mention that, after almost six years of ownership, you might be ready to consider a change to something else – a V!2 Vantage S perhaps..

Best Regards,"

Edited by Guycord on Saturday 18th July 04:08
I am somewhat gobsmacked by this, especially this line

"Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom."

None of their bloody business!

davek_964

8,796 posts

174 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
quotequote all
hashluck said:
Guycord said:
I received this email a few weeks ago. All, please tell me, how do you guys read this......



"Good afternoon Mr xxxxxxx,

I note that, at no point during your period of ownership of your V12 Vantage Coupe, have we carried out any routine and essential maintenance..?!

You own a very high performance and valuable motor car and I cannot stress too much the importance of looking after it.

Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom. I hope that the car is being maintained by only fully authorised and trained Aston Martin technicians.

I must also mention that, after almost six years of ownership, you might be ready to consider a change to something else – a V!2 Vantage S perhaps..

Best Regards,"

Edited by Guycord on Saturday 18th July 04:08
I am somewhat gobsmacked by this, especially this line

"Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom."

None of their bloody business!
Surely an opportunity for some fun though. I believe Kwik Fit claim they can service everything these days - I'd reply and say you're taking it there because you get free brake pads for life if you do, and see what response you get!

bomberh

634 posts

136 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
quotequote all
davek_964 said:
hashluck said:
Guycord said:
I received this email a few weeks ago. All, please tell me, how do you guys read this......



"Good afternoon Mr xxxxxxx,

I note that, at no point during your period of ownership of your V12 Vantage Coupe, have we carried out any routine and essential maintenance..?!

You own a very high performance and valuable motor car and I cannot stress too much the importance of looking after it.

Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom. I hope that the car is being maintained by only fully authorised and trained Aston Martin technicians.

I must also mention that, after almost six years of ownership, you might be ready to consider a change to something else – a V!2 Vantage S perhaps..

Best Regards,"

Edited by Guycord on Saturday 18th July 04:08
I am somewhat gobsmacked by this, especially this line

"Please let me know if the car is being serviced – and by whom."

None of their bloody business!
Surely an opportunity for some fun though. I believe Kwik Fit claim they can service everything these days - I'd reply and say you're taking it there because you get free brake pads for life if you do, and see what response you get!
Please, please do.....I would love to 1. Be fly on the wall when they read it and 2. see how they reply.

Go on you know you want to..great fun in deed.