Gallardo service
Discussion
Modena Cars UK based in High Wycombe have just been fully authorised by the factory as a Lambo service centre.
www.lamborghiniservice.co.uk
www.lamborghiniservice.co.uk
Rumbled 
The background's simple, but the rest isn't easy to put into words!
Background:
I had a bit of bad luck with the car. At 600 miles it developed a major oil leak, and when they had stripped down the engine they discovered that a cylinder head O ring had been distorted (pinched) during manufacture.
This was rectified and the engine re-installed. They then discovered a water leak - a fractured pipe, so out came the engine again. Nobody told me about all this during the weeks the car was away, despite their promises to keep me informed, and in fact they were incredibly casual about the whole thing.
After the car came back I couldn't help feeling that it wasn't the new car I had bought - it had lost its virginity, and I lost faith because of the way they handled the customer relations aspect. OK, difficult things happened in my Ferrari days, but at least I knew the nuts and bolts of what was wrong.
Other little things have bothered me - howling backache whichever way I adjust the seats, a feeling of claustrophobia due to the cabin size, a very harsh ride on our (admittedy) lousy roads up here, and the downside of the Porsche image. It's not exactly a pretty car, but it seems to arouse peculiar anger in other drivers.
None of the small things matter much, but the whole experience has been disappointing, and it hasn't been helped by having to cope with a newish dealer 100 miles away. Porsche GB wouldn't take the car back to Reading for repair, and that angered me. I have never had a problem sending a car 400 miles for a service (300SL for starters), but I expect good service and good treatment for my money!
The Rest:
Being realistic, I've only got a couple of years hard driving left in me. Reactions are still good, awareness sharp, vision spot-on, and everything still feels right. But this can't go on forever, and when the Gallardo came out I wondered whether I should have one last fling. It looks right, seems to perform OK, and isn't something people up here would recognise - particularly in a dark colour. I like anonymity, and with a bit of luck folk here are so uncar-minded that they might think it was a kit car. Also, I love Italian cars - they seem to fit me better.
If I could pick up a Gallardo off the shelf tomorrow I might do it, but obviously I'm not suitable for a long wait! So in a nutshell I think I will probably stick with the 996 Turbo. Dynamically unbeatable at the price, and practical too - a superb machine all round.
Nevertheless.....
The background's simple, but the rest isn't easy to put into words!
Background:
I had a bit of bad luck with the car. At 600 miles it developed a major oil leak, and when they had stripped down the engine they discovered that a cylinder head O ring had been distorted (pinched) during manufacture.
This was rectified and the engine re-installed. They then discovered a water leak - a fractured pipe, so out came the engine again. Nobody told me about all this during the weeks the car was away, despite their promises to keep me informed, and in fact they were incredibly casual about the whole thing.
After the car came back I couldn't help feeling that it wasn't the new car I had bought - it had lost its virginity, and I lost faith because of the way they handled the customer relations aspect. OK, difficult things happened in my Ferrari days, but at least I knew the nuts and bolts of what was wrong.
Other little things have bothered me - howling backache whichever way I adjust the seats, a feeling of claustrophobia due to the cabin size, a very harsh ride on our (admittedy) lousy roads up here, and the downside of the Porsche image. It's not exactly a pretty car, but it seems to arouse peculiar anger in other drivers.
None of the small things matter much, but the whole experience has been disappointing, and it hasn't been helped by having to cope with a newish dealer 100 miles away. Porsche GB wouldn't take the car back to Reading for repair, and that angered me. I have never had a problem sending a car 400 miles for a service (300SL for starters), but I expect good service and good treatment for my money!
The Rest:
Being realistic, I've only got a couple of years hard driving left in me. Reactions are still good, awareness sharp, vision spot-on, and everything still feels right. But this can't go on forever, and when the Gallardo came out I wondered whether I should have one last fling. It looks right, seems to perform OK, and isn't something people up here would recognise - particularly in a dark colour. I like anonymity, and with a bit of luck folk here are so uncar-minded that they might think it was a kit car. Also, I love Italian cars - they seem to fit me better.
If I could pick up a Gallardo off the shelf tomorrow I might do it, but obviously I'm not suitable for a long wait! So in a nutshell I think I will probably stick with the 996 Turbo. Dynamically unbeatable at the price, and practical too - a superb machine all round.
Nevertheless.....
McNab said:
If I could pick up a Gallardo off the shelf tomorrow I might do it, but obviously I'm not suitable for a long wait!
Oh but you can Ian, and right here on PH.
Looks perfect for you:
- dark colour
- E Gear
- available now.
>> Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 15th January 15:22
Sorry to hear of the crap you have had to put up with from Porsche. I mean we all occassionally hear of dealers/importers treating people inconsiderately or not providing feedback out of pure bad manners together with the assumption the customer is ignorant of automotive mechanics, but doing it to someone with your motoring experience and achievements should be regarded as an act of war.
In fact I'm tempted to email Derestrictor so that when his legions of the northen rebellion kick off the great war they do so via Reading first enroute to Westminster.
Best regards
DAZ
PS - You deserve it, do it. Saw a black Gallardo near Bristol over the Christmas Hols, looked fabulous and sounded like it should.
>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 15th January 15:49
In fact I'm tempted to email Derestrictor so that when his legions of the northen rebellion kick off the great war they do so via Reading first enroute to Westminster.
Best regards
DAZ
PS - You deserve it, do it. Saw a black Gallardo near Bristol over the Christmas Hols, looked fabulous and sounded like it should.
>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 15th January 15:49
I think he's leading me astray!I think I may have the very thing to persuade you to buy that Gallardo.
Anyone whos seen Gumball vids will have heard of Lonman. He's a nutter driver and has just bought a Gallardo. A bunch of short vids he has made were posted on M5board and here are the links:
Number1
Number2
Number3
Number4
Number5
Number6
Number7
Enjoy!!!
Rico
Edit: Should work now No.6 is AWESOME!
>> Edited by rico on Thursday 15th January 23:51
Anyone whos seen Gumball vids will have heard of Lonman. He's a nutter driver and has just bought a Gallardo. A bunch of short vids he has made were posted on M5board and here are the links:
Number1
Number2
Number3
Number4
Number5
Number6
Number7
Enjoy!!!
Rico
Edit: Should work now
No.6 is AWESOME! >> Edited by rico on Thursday 15th January 23:51
McNab said:
Other little things have bothered me - howling backache whichever way I adjust the seats, a feeling of claustrophobia due to the cabin size, a very harsh ride on our (admittedy) lousy roads up here, and the downside of the Porsche image. It's not exactly a pretty car, but it seems to arouse peculiar anger in other drivers.
Hi Ian, hope you are well! I suspect the gallardo might be worse than the 996 for cabin size. Its very small inside, quite cosy and "tight" like it should be, but even I found it a little too cosy after ten mins of sitting in it. Boot(bonnet) space is absolutely tiny, I was just about able to get my wallet in it
Seriously though, a rucksack and nowt else. Still, bet everything works well and lasts long, it looks really well made
Saw one this morning in black, and the same car again yesterday at a dealer near Swiss Cottage, displayed next to a black 360 spider they had, and a 996 TT in black also next to that. Seeing them lined up like that, I was glad I chose the car I did, and I would have to admit I'd choose the 996 over the Gallardo, from what I've seen and heard, the near 40k difference would make the 996TT look the bargain. I bet performance wise, on UK roads there's nothing in it between an X50 996 and a Gallardo. Yet to drive the Gallardo, but thats what it looks like on paper, which we all know means jack!! 
I also think the 996TT looks more "distinguished" than the Gallardo. IMHO!
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