Bought car from dealer 6wks ago - needs service!
Discussion
As per the title - I bought a car (DB9 Volante) from Lancaster Reading, AM main dealer about 6 weeks ago. Got a letter from them a few weeks later inviting me to bring it in for the annual service. Surely some mistake I thought...
Just checked the service book and lo, the car is due it's 4year service right now. Is this a total and utter p**s take?? I have never even bought a car from a back-street dealer that hadn't been serviced let alone an Aston main dealer!
I doubt servicing was even mentioned during negotiations - it shouldn't have had to have been.
Before I ring them and moan, am I expecting too much? Surely paying full price for a car from a main dealer gets you a car with a fresh service?
Advice please!
Just checked the service book and lo, the car is due it's 4year service right now. Is this a total and utter p**s take?? I have never even bought a car from a back-street dealer that hadn't been serviced let alone an Aston main dealer!
I doubt servicing was even mentioned during negotiations - it shouldn't have had to have been.
Before I ring them and moan, am I expecting too much? Surely paying full price for a car from a main dealer gets you a car with a fresh service?
Advice please!
Bit of a s
t situation and yes not something you expect after buying such an expensive car from a main dealer but didn't you go over the service book before making the purchase?
You may now get a small contribution towards the service if you kick up a fuss but I doubt they'll give you a complete complementary one.
t situation and yes not something you expect after buying such an expensive car from a main dealer but didn't you go over the service book before making the purchase?You may now get a small contribution towards the service if you kick up a fuss but I doubt they'll give you a complete complementary one.
Phone and speak to the dealer principle. Explain that you are unhappy. Tell him you didn't inspect the service book because you TUSTED them to provide a fully serviced car. Ask him to go through the benefits of buying a used Aston from them if they don't even service the thing first.
If you don't get anywhere with them pay for the service and write a sternly worded letter to Aston Martin.
On the one hand, yes, you should have checked, however the reason for buying from a main dealer rather than, say, an auction or privately is that things like servicing and preparation are done for you to a high standard. Not the case here.
If you don't get anywhere with them pay for the service and write a sternly worded letter to Aston Martin.
On the one hand, yes, you should have checked, however the reason for buying from a main dealer rather than, say, an auction or privately is that things like servicing and preparation are done for you to a high standard. Not the case here.
Thanks for the replies guys. No, I didn't ask, I assumed. We even went through the service history onscreen and I suppose the dealer steered conversation away where possible. But that's why I went to a main dealer, the last Aston I bought I bought from a regular dealer, they had some issues but they did service it. I have never known anyone not, even on a grands worth of Scirocco.
I will call and see if they'll help me out. They can be dead sure I will never darken their doors again if I don't get some kind of result...
I will call and see if they'll help me out. They can be dead sure I will never darken their doors again if I don't get some kind of result...
edo said:
Assuming it was an approved AM car - then surely like every other manufacturer they have agreed minimum time/miles to service on their cars.
Manufacturers have been stripping this part of their 'approved used' service away over the last couple of years to try and help dealers bolster diminishing profit margins. Take a look at several different brand websites and you'll find no mention of it.A sensible sales manager would take a view on it though, even if it is not written in the terms. For example, while I was at Jaguar (who didn't have a requirement at the time) I would make sure that any vehicle would have at least 4 months/4,000 miles until the next service.
edo said:
Assuming it was an approved AM car - then surely like every other manufacturer they have agreed minimum time/miles to service on their cars.
I'd start with a call to your salesman expressing your surprise, and assuming it was an oversight and you wont be paying...
This will be the plan for tomorrow.I'd start with a call to your salesman expressing your surprise, and assuming it was an oversight and you wont be paying...
Hey Edo, it's Marcos from SELOC! How's life?
yeti said:
edo said:
Assuming it was an approved AM car - then surely like every other manufacturer they have agreed minimum time/miles to service on their cars.
I'd start with a call to your salesman expressing your surprise, and assuming it was an oversight and you wont be paying...
This will be the plan for tomorrow.I'd start with a call to your salesman expressing your surprise, and assuming it was an oversight and you wont be paying...
Hey Edo, it's Marcos from SELOC! How's life?
Good luck! Is this as well as, or instead of the Lotus?!
Bit of a tough one. On one hand I'd say you should have really asked the right questions and reviewed the history yourself closely.. but equally I think your point that you bought the car from an AM main dealer, you'd expect on a car of that kind of prestige that something like this would have been taken care of especially given that it's only down to a few weeks for it needing the service.
Worth griping about I'm sure but as has been said, I don't think they'll give you the time of day.
Worth griping about I'm sure but as has been said, I don't think they'll give you the time of day.
I think all you guys saying 'you should have checked'...blah blah blah are talking ck. Why go to a main dealer if you have to treat them like Del Boy. Anyway, look at the facts. Aston Martin Pre-Owned blurb, note the 140 point check. I guess this should be equivalent to a purchase. Bottom line is even a pdi from a scummy little dealer should ensure you need little more than an oil change for six months at least. Sale of goods act!!!!
I would go to the Sales Manager at Lancaster and just politely point out that they have made a mistake, and since you have had the car for so little time you'll expect a courtesy service and an equivalent courtesy car, at the very least!
It's all very well being a 'savvy pistonhead' who knows all the questions to ask, but if you have to go to an Aston Martin main dealer expecting to be shafted then, well it would be a very sad world, but it's not!
Anyway, from the AM website:
Owning an Aston Martin is a uniquely rewarding experience. We are committed to ensuring every car offered under the Aston Martin pre‑owned programme is prepared to the highest standards, providing peace of mind and an exceptional ownership experience. The programme includes:
A thorough 140 point inspection
Every car offered under the programme comes with the reassurance that it has undergone a comprehensive 140 point inspection undertaken by a highly qualified Aston Martin technician. Should any faults or defective items be found, they are repaired or replaced to ensure that the car meets with Aston Martin’s exacting standards.
A minimum of 12 months Aston Martin warranty
For total peace of mind, your authorised dealer will ensure that the car comes with a minimum of 12 months Aston Martin warranty. This offers you comprehensive protection against unexpected repair costs. Our warranty programme also allows you to renew and extend your cover up to 10 years or 85,000 miles (136,000 km).
As the owner of an Aston Martin you should enjoy trouble-free motoring. However, should the unexpected occur, you’ll reap the benefit of a comprehensive roadside assistance package. Expert technicians, fully qualified to give your car the best possible care, will be on-hand in the case of any motoring emergency.
Note: Roadside Assistance is not available in all countries. Please ask your Dealer for full details.
Expertise
Only the best is good enough for Aston Martin. Manufacturer trained sales and after sales staff are committed to providing you with an expert service. What’s more, your authorised Aston Martin dealer will use only the latest diagnostic equipment and genuine parts.
k. Why go to a main dealer if you have to treat them like Del Boy. Anyway, look at the facts. Aston Martin Pre-Owned blurb, note the 140 point check. I guess this should be equivalent to a purchase. Bottom line is even a pdi from a scummy little dealer should ensure you need little more than an oil change for six months at least. Sale of goods act!!!!I would go to the Sales Manager at Lancaster and just politely point out that they have made a mistake, and since you have had the car for so little time you'll expect a courtesy service and an equivalent courtesy car, at the very least!
It's all very well being a 'savvy pistonhead' who knows all the questions to ask, but if you have to go to an Aston Martin main dealer expecting to be shafted then, well it would be a very sad world, but it's not!
Anyway, from the AM website:
Owning an Aston Martin is a uniquely rewarding experience. We are committed to ensuring every car offered under the Aston Martin pre‑owned programme is prepared to the highest standards, providing peace of mind and an exceptional ownership experience. The programme includes:
A thorough 140 point inspection
Every car offered under the programme comes with the reassurance that it has undergone a comprehensive 140 point inspection undertaken by a highly qualified Aston Martin technician. Should any faults or defective items be found, they are repaired or replaced to ensure that the car meets with Aston Martin’s exacting standards.
A minimum of 12 months Aston Martin warranty
For total peace of mind, your authorised dealer will ensure that the car comes with a minimum of 12 months Aston Martin warranty. This offers you comprehensive protection against unexpected repair costs. Our warranty programme also allows you to renew and extend your cover up to 10 years or 85,000 miles (136,000 km).
- Please consult with your Aston Martin Dealer for further information on the range of Aston Martin Extended Warranties (Extended Service Contract – North America) available.
As the owner of an Aston Martin you should enjoy trouble-free motoring. However, should the unexpected occur, you’ll reap the benefit of a comprehensive roadside assistance package. Expert technicians, fully qualified to give your car the best possible care, will be on-hand in the case of any motoring emergency.
Note: Roadside Assistance is not available in all countries. Please ask your Dealer for full details.
Expertise
Only the best is good enough for Aston Martin. Manufacturer trained sales and after sales staff are committed to providing you with an expert service. What’s more, your authorised Aston Martin dealer will use only the latest diagnostic equipment and genuine parts.
bozmandb9 said:
scummy little dealer
They all are these days, they are all after your cash and none, not even an AM dealer will offer you something for nothing if he thinks you'll be back in a few months to pay for it. You'd have had to specifically ask for it to be sure it's done before you buy it.Have you checked the service book ? Does it really need a service ?
It does sound a bit st.
When I helped my mother buy a car from a back street dealer I negotiated a fair amount off the price. Nothing was mentioned about a service, and given that I'd got a decent discount I didn't expect anything.
When we went to collect the car, the sales bloke mentioned in passing that it had only just arrived back from the workshop. Sure enough, there was new stamp in the service book, fresh oil in the engine, and shiny new spark plugs.
If you get that on a sub 5k car you would expect it on an Aston.
t.When I helped my mother buy a car from a back street dealer I negotiated a fair amount off the price. Nothing was mentioned about a service, and given that I'd got a decent discount I didn't expect anything.
When we went to collect the car, the sales bloke mentioned in passing that it had only just arrived back from the workshop. Sure enough, there was new stamp in the service book, fresh oil in the engine, and shiny new spark plugs.
If you get that on a sub 5k car you would expect it on an Aston.
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