The oldest trick in the book?
Discussion
I had my car booked into a main dealer recently for a slight oil leak from the sump gasket.
I was informed that the oil filter would be replaced as part of their normal practice for such jobs as they would be replacing the oil anyway - fair enough.
After returning home, I was dismayed to find that despite being charged for a new oil filter, the original one was still fitted.
Call me a suspicious bu88er, but I had marked the old filter 'just in case' (I have been around a bit you see), although I didn't think that a TVR main dealer would resort to the oldest trick in the book!
I called the dealer immediately and complained about my discovery, and received a verbal apology and a refund for the cost of the filter.
But what really angered me was that after putting me on hold in order to speak to his mechanic, he said that he had probably removed and refitted the same filter by mistake! Highly unlikely as the old one would have still been warm, not to mention being covered in oil!!!
I might have been placated if he had said the mechanic had genuinely forgotten to replace the filter, or that he didn't think it needed replacing, and by way of a goodwill gesture, they will loan me their T350C for a day! Or, that they will give me a substantial discount off my next service - but if that mechanic was so inept at his job as to fit an old oil filter, I wouldn't want him working on my car anyway!
I was informed that the oil filter would be replaced as part of their normal practice for such jobs as they would be replacing the oil anyway - fair enough.
After returning home, I was dismayed to find that despite being charged for a new oil filter, the original one was still fitted.
Call me a suspicious bu88er, but I had marked the old filter 'just in case' (I have been around a bit you see), although I didn't think that a TVR main dealer would resort to the oldest trick in the book!
I called the dealer immediately and complained about my discovery, and received a verbal apology and a refund for the cost of the filter.
But what really angered me was that after putting me on hold in order to speak to his mechanic, he said that he had probably removed and refitted the same filter by mistake! Highly unlikely as the old one would have still been warm, not to mention being covered in oil!!!
I might have been placated if he had said the mechanic had genuinely forgotten to replace the filter, or that he didn't think it needed replacing, and by way of a goodwill gesture, they will loan me their T350C for a day! Or, that they will give me a substantial discount off my next service - but if that mechanic was so inept at his job as to fit an old oil filter, I wouldn't want him working on my car anyway!
plus if he's like any other mechanic he'd have stuck a screwdriver through the original oil filter to unscrew it instead of using those pain in the arse chain things. I think they tried to have you buddy!!
I've decided recently to go independant instead of using TVR dealers/approved, I think they put a bit more effort and care into the work.
I'd think about looking elsewhere.
I've decided recently to go independant instead of using TVR dealers/approved, I think they put a bit more effort and care into the work.
I'd think about looking elsewhere.
dannyboyo said:I've decided recently to go independant instead of using TVR dealers/approved, I think they put a bit more effort and care into the work.
Agree with this but as I've got a Tamora and need to keep up the warranty I don't have the same choice.
The good news is that my local dealer has closed so I've booked the Tamora into TVR Power next week.
I visited them last week and instead of a fancy showroom/reception it was just a load of blokes working on engines!
Not only that but Dom came outside for a quick look at my car and asked me to list any niggles I have for next week.
I feel far happier to take the car there next week and in future!
Cheers.... Andrew
ALT's now defunct local main dealer did the same to me - only they hadn't changed the oil either. They'd stamped the service book very diligently though.
Unfortunately it still seems to happen. I'd suggest doing two things - 1) change your dealer - I doubt you'll feel you can trust them aftyer this and 2) write to Peter Wheeler and Ben Samuelson at the factory and tell them.
Even if it was an error, it is inexcusable.
Unfortunately it still seems to happen. I'd suggest doing two things - 1) change your dealer - I doubt you'll feel you can trust them aftyer this and 2) write to Peter Wheeler and Ben Samuelson at the factory and tell them.
Even if it was an error, it is inexcusable.
Or supply your own oil and filter next time, making it clear that the filter is marked and will be identifiable. At the end of the day, you've paid for a full service to be done by qualified professionals, they should do the service to the best of their ability and take pride in their work. If they don't, find a better dealer and make sure someone in authority at the bad dealer knows why you're moving.
Main Dealer's and there employees are always going to be doing this, whether it's a little hatchback or a performance car, the number of dodgy experiances people I know have had with main dealers will mean I will have to be very desperate before one gets my business 
Sometimes it's just little things like being charged for washer fluid when it was full when you took it in so you know the stuff you've paid for is in the boot of the mechanics car
Sometimes it's more important stuff like this oil change, I know one chap who paint marks vital bolts in order to check work has been carried out, and has caught them out more than once, and this is when dealing with a large prestige car dealer
Some dealers seem better than others if you can find a good one well done
if you can find a good independant who you can trust (Hows the car coming along Joolz? ) stick with them 9 times out of 10 you'll get a much better service and probably pay less 
Sometimes it's just little things like being charged for washer fluid when it was full when you took it in so you know the stuff you've paid for is in the boot of the mechanics car
Sometimes it's more important stuff like this oil change, I know one chap who paint marks vital bolts in order to check work has been carried out, and has caught them out more than once, and this is when dealing with a large prestige car dealer Some dealers seem better than others if you can find a good one well done
if you can find a good independant who you can trust (Hows the car coming along Joolz? ) stick with them 9 times out of 10 you'll get a much better service and probably pay less Raceboy has a good point - you need to find a good
dealer or specialist with a good reputation.
I've used a few specialists and sometimes been disapointed and I've also used a TVR main dealer
(now an ex main dealer in Surrey) who is superb.
Sometimes it worth asking others you know who are
good and how they have handled them selves when
un-expected things have happened.
I thing not changing the oil filter is in-excuseable
though... time to find someone else.
If garages want to take short cuts - they can easily
skimp on the hours spend 'checking this, check that'
but the oil & filter change is in-excuseable.
dealer or specialist with a good reputation.
I've used a few specialists and sometimes been disapointed and I've also used a TVR main dealer
(now an ex main dealer in Surrey) who is superb.
Sometimes it worth asking others you know who are
good and how they have handled them selves when
un-expected things have happened.
I thing not changing the oil filter is in-excuseable
though... time to find someone else.
If garages want to take short cuts - they can easily
skimp on the hours spend 'checking this, check that'
but the oil & filter change is in-excuseable.
Careful though - we can be judge and jury on this site.
The facts dont always speak for themselves.
We have the power to influence the livelihoods of dealers and indies by dishing them. Not that names have been mentioned though.
I am happy to speak highly re the indie that looks after my cerb. I have nothing bad to say about the dealers I have used in the past either. I am sure I did have problems with them at times and that I might have problems with my indies service in the future. But I wont be dishing them publicly as I am sure they will just be minor niggles , misunderstandings etc and that I can sort these things out with a little bit of communication.
If I was clearly being ripped off and they were given every opportunity to repair the situation then I might be more likely to spill the beans though!! BUT the other 90% of their customers will remain happy I am sure.
Also - some customers can be very unreasonable and unfair with garages. They can tell their end of the story but it is difficult for dealers to defend themselves.
The facts dont always speak for themselves.
We have the power to influence the livelihoods of dealers and indies by dishing them. Not that names have been mentioned though.
I am happy to speak highly re the indie that looks after my cerb. I have nothing bad to say about the dealers I have used in the past either. I am sure I did have problems with them at times and that I might have problems with my indies service in the future. But I wont be dishing them publicly as I am sure they will just be minor niggles , misunderstandings etc and that I can sort these things out with a little bit of communication.
If I was clearly being ripped off and they were given every opportunity to repair the situation then I might be more likely to spill the beans though!! BUT the other 90% of their customers will remain happy I am sure.
Also - some customers can be very unreasonable and unfair with garages. They can tell their end of the story but it is difficult for dealers to defend themselves.
If you do paint mark stuff, take pictures of it before the car goes in for its service.
a mate just did this on his new car after he was sure they hadnt done anything on the last service. after he complained they threatend to sue him
so this time photographed everything, made 3 copies and gave on to his solicitor...
car gets services, nothing done, but now he has lots of proof...
Main dealer shitting it...... offering loads of stuff
p.s. Not a TVR DEALER or anything to do with TVR's
a mate just did this on his new car after he was sure they hadnt done anything on the last service. after he complained they threatend to sue him
so this time photographed everything, made 3 copies and gave on to his solicitor...
car gets services, nothing done, but now he has lots of proof...
Main dealer shitting it...... offering loads of stuff
p.s. Not a TVR DEALER or anything to do with TVR's
gazzab said: Careful though - we can be judge and jury on this site.
The facts dont always speak for themselves.
Also - some customers can be very unreasonable and unfair with garages. They can tell their end of the story but it is difficult for dealers to defend themselves.
gazzab - agree with you in more complex cases, particularly where there is a difference in opinion about what work needed to be done v what work was done.
This somewhat straightforward case sounds at best to be incompetence, or at worst fraud. Whatever the reason that the filter wasn't changed, it is not acceptable.
This thread is not, nor should it become, a 'good and angelic independents' versus 'nasty evil main dealer' debate. However it is worth saying that it is particularly disappointing to have something like this happen at a main dealer - after all, you pay the premium price for a premium service - not to have to check up on them afterwards.
As you say, no names have been mentioned, so no livelihoods threatened.
As an aside can I just say that I'm still really p1ssed off with Kings Sports Cars of Warwick* for the consistently poor service I received from them, including the service that never was, all of which tainted my few months of owning a TVR.
* Kings Sports Cars no longer exist. Livelihood not at threat as already extinguished. Pity.
Interesting to see if this one gets binned.....
Sorry about not replying sooner - I've been out in the sun for a drive!
pistolar said: so how sure are you that they even bothered to change the oil. I would take it back and get them to change the oil and filter free of charge
They had to change the oil as they removed the sump in order to reseal it (I hope!). Maybe they're used to people just signing on the bottom line without bothering to check, but I've not got deep pockets - I've had to save and budget for this car and do not like being ripped-off. I'll just vote with my feet about this - it's a pity, as they have certainly done themselves out of some business over this, and it's a long way to drive to Devon just for some minor fettling. I have a local garage which I know very well, though the concern over stamps in the service book worries me as to whether I should take the car to them. But it is apparent from my experience that just 'cos you have a dealer's stamp in the book, it doesn't necessarily mean they have done a good job.
I'll think about the suggestions to write to PW or trading standards office, it seems rather petty just for an oil filter - but you have to ask yourself whether it's a common occurrance.
>> Edited by wolosp on Tuesday 15th April 14:36
wolosp told me about the oil filter incident just after it happened, and by coincidence my chim was booked in for a service at the same dealer a few days later. I also marked the filter (wouldn't have thought of it otherwise), and when I collected the car it definately had a new filter and clean oil. This may mean the dealer has learnt his lesson, or perhaps is just laying low for a while.
Hi Wolosp - out of interest, what was the cost of getting the gasket replaced - I suspect mine needs similar treatment?
BTW on the subject of main dealers, I took my Griff to one the other day to see about chopping it in for something else and the dealer said - 'nice Chimaera you've got there'!! Old Griffs don't die - they just get forgotten about...
BTW on the subject of main dealers, I took my Griff to one the other day to see about chopping it in for something else and the dealer said - 'nice Chimaera you've got there'!! Old Griffs don't die - they just get forgotten about...
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