Main Dealer Servicing...Another Cautionary Tale!
Discussion
In 2014 I had the Superleggera serviced and was told a significant amount of work was required which wasn't. That post is here.
Despite an apology from that dealer (after I sought a second opinion), I decided to go with another Lamborghini dealer this year and was encouraged by the fact the car would be 'picked up'. On the day of collection I was expecting a nice warm covered trailer but instead two chaps turned up in a BMW with barely any ID and no clue where the car was going. So off went the car for a service, a thousand miles since its last, on a 100+ mile drive...
I was then told a significant amount of work was needed beyond the £2.5k service. The brakes, in their view, were so bad that they wouldn't even return the car unless I had them done - so I picked the bloody thing up instead. Again, like last year, the brakes were fine - slight pitting around the drilled holes. As I drove home I discovered the air-con no longer worked...
Having, again, spoken to third parties (two actually) this is the outcome of what I was asked to pay and, in bold, what actually needed doing:
A/C service: Labour: £55+VAT, Parts: £18+VAT (As no gas in system after service?!)
Tyre inflator kit: Parts: £119.25+VAT (I didn't need two!)
A/C condenser: Labour: £440+VAT, Parts: £320.88+VAT (Fins damaged by stone chips but good condition)
Front discs and pads: Labour: £165+VAT, Parts: £824.16+VAT (Fine)
Rear discs and pads: Labour: £220+VAT, Parts: £791.49+VAT (Fine)
Steering rack mounts: Labour:£110+VAT, Parts: £225.45+VAT (Fine - actually as new!)
Oil pump feed pipe (From oil tank): Labour: £220+VAT, Parts: £433.58+VAT (Showing signs of corrosion - fixing)
A/C drain pipes: Labour: £82.50, Parts: £14.90 (Fine)
Handbrake cables: Labour: £137.50+VAT, Parts: £152.54+VAT (Fine, however, they'd missed the fact a handbrake pad was binding and needed to be replaced)
Sadly I know my experience isn't unique but hopefully this post will make others question 'necessary work' before having their trousers pulled down.
Despite an apology from that dealer (after I sought a second opinion), I decided to go with another Lamborghini dealer this year and was encouraged by the fact the car would be 'picked up'. On the day of collection I was expecting a nice warm covered trailer but instead two chaps turned up in a BMW with barely any ID and no clue where the car was going. So off went the car for a service, a thousand miles since its last, on a 100+ mile drive...
I was then told a significant amount of work was needed beyond the £2.5k service. The brakes, in their view, were so bad that they wouldn't even return the car unless I had them done - so I picked the bloody thing up instead. Again, like last year, the brakes were fine - slight pitting around the drilled holes. As I drove home I discovered the air-con no longer worked...
Having, again, spoken to third parties (two actually) this is the outcome of what I was asked to pay and, in bold, what actually needed doing:
A/C service: Labour: £55+VAT, Parts: £18+VAT (As no gas in system after service?!)
Tyre inflator kit: Parts: £119.25+VAT (I didn't need two!)
A/C condenser: Labour: £440+VAT, Parts: £320.88+VAT (Fins damaged by stone chips but good condition)
Front discs and pads: Labour: £165+VAT, Parts: £824.16+VAT (Fine)
Rear discs and pads: Labour: £220+VAT, Parts: £791.49+VAT (Fine)
Steering rack mounts: Labour:£110+VAT, Parts: £225.45+VAT (Fine - actually as new!)
Oil pump feed pipe (From oil tank): Labour: £220+VAT, Parts: £433.58+VAT (Showing signs of corrosion - fixing)
A/C drain pipes: Labour: £82.50, Parts: £14.90 (Fine)
Handbrake cables: Labour: £137.50+VAT, Parts: £152.54+VAT (Fine, however, they'd missed the fact a handbrake pad was binding and needed to be replaced)
Sadly I know my experience isn't unique but hopefully this post will make others question 'necessary work' before having their trousers pulled down.
Pioneer said:
Can you say who the third parties were?
PSR Automotive - they work on both private and track day (experience) Lamborghinis, Ferraris and other exotica. The other, a close friend, looks after private collections, and works on everything from racing bikes to prestige brands - email me if you want his details or want an intro to PSR. If either offered a Lamborghini stamp it would actually be worth something...
Rocco1 said:
This is how i found my car parked up whilst awaiting to be serviced at a main Ferrari dealer
Wonder what their workmanship was like??
Urgh, that shows the problem - these guys just don't care. With the Morgan I was lucky enough to find a dealer who cares - for the benefit of all dealers this is the level of service they offer:Wonder what their workmanship was like??
1. Coffee on arrival
2. Walk around car and discussion about issues, kind of use the car gets, what I would like improved, upgrades I might be interested in - they show genuine interest in the car and customer. Includes tour of their premises and discussion about what they do during your first visit.
3. Car is serviced and I'm kept informed of progress/issues etc.
4. Dealer uses their common sense, knowledge and experience to fix issues - for example removing surface rust from a wishbone and then protecting appropriately at no cost.
5. Dealer test drives car once.
6. Dealer fixes issues found on test drive (usually leaks and creaks on a Morgan).
7. Dealer repeats 5 and 6 until happy - they treat the car as if it is their own.
8. Dealer calls to say car is ready.
9. I arrive at dealer and I'm again offered a beverage.
10. Car condition and work is discussed at length.
11. I pay a mere pittance despite their expert and trustworthy service.
12. I drive home with a huge smile realising that every single issue - not just those mentioned to them - is resolved, every bolt has been tightened and every part of the car has been cleaned inside and out as part of the service.
It's not rocket science and given what we pay we should expect the same from Lamborghini, Ferrari et al.
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