Discussion
I had a fiat once, stupid mistake. Most Alfa places are Fiat too.
Out of the 7 authorised Fiat garages I used, not one was any good, in fact, most were incompetent.
I'm sure there are some good ones, but other fiat/alfa owners say the same about the garages they (have to) use.
Sparks
Out of the 7 authorised Fiat garages I used, not one was any good, in fact, most were incompetent.
I'm sure there are some good ones, but other fiat/alfa owners say the same about the garages they (have to) use.
Sparks
From SniffPetrol.com:
Fiat UK has moved swiftly this week to punish one of its dealers who was repeatedly found guilty of offering good service. Bella Fiat of Frotting in Wiltshire has been accused of a number of unacceptable practises including completing major services on time, ordering the correct parts for customers' cars, returning interested car buyers' calls and employing salesmen who actually know something about the models they sell. "This just won't do," spluttered Fiat spokesman Ridley Quack. "We pride ourselves on giving the most inept service of any mainstream brand in the UK, fighting off very competitive incompetence from Peugeot, Renault and Rover. When someone lets the side down like this we have to take action."
Sources say the last straw came when an unnamed Bella employee happily agreed to lend a customer a courtesy car after a standard cock-up in a regional warehouse meant the garage received the wrong parts for his car, resulting in a delay in repairs.
As yet it is unclear what action Fiat will take against the unforgivably not-rubbish dealer. Apparently they had ordered some appropriate action direct from Italy but when it arrived it turned out to be for a left-hand-drive market. Then the second one was scratched, and then there was a strike in Turin, then it turns out that someone had forgotten to order the clip assembly for the action and then……
Pete,
That sounds like the dealer my father-in-law went to. Complete bunch of twats that couldn't give 2-shits about serving customers / potential customers.
Shame really, since Alfas aren't bad cars these days (sorted the rot out!!). However, theres a few in the MK / Northants area that are equally shite.
Unfortunatley most of the alleged 'prestige' marques are the same; Audi, BWM (innit), Mercedes. Seems that unless you wander into the aforementioned garages with a tatty Next suit, and a sign that says "I'm a sales rep" these places aren't interested.
I went through this experience last year when I bought the wifey's saab (since they seem to rise above this childish eliteness).
Hope you get yours sorted in the end.
Steve
That sounds like the dealer my father-in-law went to. Complete bunch of twats that couldn't give 2-shits about serving customers / potential customers.
Shame really, since Alfas aren't bad cars these days (sorted the rot out!!). However, theres a few in the MK / Northants area that are equally shite.
Unfortunatley most of the alleged 'prestige' marques are the same; Audi, BWM (innit), Mercedes. Seems that unless you wander into the aforementioned garages with a tatty Next suit, and a sign that says "I'm a sales rep" these places aren't interested.
I went through this experience last year when I bought the wifey's saab (since they seem to rise above this childish eliteness).
Hope you get yours sorted in the end.
Steve
Thanks all you guys for responding to my cry for help. Looks like I will have to soldier on with the Alfa wops that I am currently cursed with. As soon as I do not need warranty work I will be off to a specialist who cares!!!!
I am still puzzled as to how such a crap corporation can make such addictive cars. They are not the fastest, or ....est in any category, but once hooked logic goes out of the window.
I am still puzzled as to how such a crap corporation can make such addictive cars. They are not the fastest, or ....est in any category, but once hooked logic goes out of the window.
TWO things here
one ... wop is an unecessary and derogotory term and not really what I expect from PH land. Can't we restrict ourselves to insulting the germans and french
High class Italian. Stands for "With Out Papers." Started when there was a big Italian emigration to the U.S., and many were coming in illegally (with out papers).
Second - I have a 147 - great car no reliability issues in 18 months - drinks oil mind - no electrical faults
Epsom and guildford dealers both excellent - however that may be because I haven't had a fault yet !
one ... wop is an unecessary and derogotory term and not really what I expect from PH land. Can't we restrict ourselves to insulting the germans and french
High class Italian. Stands for "With Out Papers." Started when there was a big Italian emigration to the U.S., and many were coming in illegally (with out papers).
Second - I have a 147 - great car no reliability issues in 18 months - drinks oil mind - no electrical faults
Epsom and guildford dealers both excellent - however that may be because I haven't had a fault yet !
Dear Gargamel
It is the Guilford dealer that is giving me such grief! I have Alfa UK on the case.
I previously had a 156, an import through a specialist in High Barnet. They ensured that the car was properly screwed together prior to delivery. I did 30,000 miles in one year without any problems. The dealer in Newbury was pretty good, and attentive.
If its any consolation all twin spark engines drink oil
It is the Guilford dealer that is giving me such grief! I have Alfa UK on the case.
I previously had a 156, an import through a specialist in High Barnet. They ensured that the car was properly screwed together prior to delivery. I did 30,000 miles in one year without any problems. The dealer in Newbury was pretty good, and attentive.
If its any consolation all twin spark engines drink oil
Done over 70,000 miles in a 156 Twin Spark, no problems been a superb car, I will be sorry to see it go. Keep a check on the oil though, engine failures are common due to drivers running them dry. I drive 500 - 700 miles a week and top up 0.25 litre every second week. Sterling Alfa Romeo in Ipswich have provided excellent service and I have no complaints.
>> Edited by piper on Friday 10th January 19:58
>> Edited by piper on Friday 10th January 19:58
I also went to BTCC to watch the "New" 147, having in previous years seen the 156 kick ass both in BTCC and the European series. What a disappointment! the cars were under developed and under prepared, and when they did get on the track, could onlt compete with the privateers.
What puzzles me is that until the 156 got the new common rail injection, the 147 had the same engine with the same output. However, it is more than a second slower to 62mph; 7mph slower on top; slower through the gears; and worse economy. Have Alfa made a real banjo of the gear selection? Having said all that, the car is a delight to drive, although I do wish it had a bit more bottom end grunt.
On a general note, congratulations to Piston Heads for a thoroughly enjoyable forum. My wife has a MG TF, and through this site has achieved a real result with her dealer putting a steering problem right. Thanks to all out there with some very practical tips.
What puzzles me is that until the 156 got the new common rail injection, the 147 had the same engine with the same output. However, it is more than a second slower to 62mph; 7mph slower on top; slower through the gears; and worse economy. Have Alfa made a real banjo of the gear selection? Having said all that, the car is a delight to drive, although I do wish it had a bit more bottom end grunt.
On a general note, congratulations to Piston Heads for a thoroughly enjoyable forum. My wife has a MG TF, and through this site has achieved a real result with her dealer putting a steering problem right. Thanks to all out there with some very practical tips.
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