Disappointing Alfa independent
Discussion
I am fuming! 
I decided to check out a local Alfa specialist in North London after their postings on here..
I booked it in and for the first 30 minutes, the owner was trying to sell me the powerflex bushes and wishbones for my car which would, he claimed, stop the squeeking noise and improve handling dramatically. He wanted £760 for the wishbones and bushes. I politely declined and told him I was more than happy to live with the odd squeek now and again and just opted for the annual service. This was completed within the agreed time frame. No complaints thereon but I couldn't feel that the car was any different to drive after the service.
Everything is fine until about 60 miles later I could hear a scraping noice from under the car and upon investigation, it appeared that the plastic shield under the engine had popped off one of its fastenings and dragging on the floor. The service required the removal of the plastic shielding to drain the oil. I was more than happy for a cable tie to be fixed to hold the shield in place, or alternatively for it to be rescrewed in. I duly called the independent who said that they would either remove and bin the shield or rescrew it back in. Fine, I thought, so the car is taken back and about an hour later the owner calls and says, all sorted, that will be 1 hours labour plus VAT. When I muttered "pardon" and the fact that the car had just been serviced by the independent and that possibly it was due to their error the cover had not been refasted properly, he started going on about how a speed bump must have damaged the exhaust clip and he needed to drill two holes to refasten the buckle holding it. I was flabberghasted. Refastening the plastic is a job I could have done myself with a jack (had it not been so cold outside) and since the indy was less than 5 min drive away, it seemed more sensible for him to refasten the bolt on a local car. It appears to me that he was trying to cover the 1 hour labour by saying I needed urgent unauthorised work doing.
When I asked why he didn't call to authorise the work, he started giving me a very abrupt lecture and said he didn't have time to start calling people to authorise work and his justification was that he couldn't let me drive around like that, and that he had plenty of work on and then hung up ! Absolutely shocking behaviour.
Basically I have to cough up for work that I didn't even need doing. I know the sum is not much and it isn't the point but what really gets me is that I went in for something so simple such as refastening the plastic shield, on the balance of probabilities (althought it cannot be proved for certain) was caused by them. The lack of goodwill is amazing. I must admit I have been spoilt by the plethora of good TVR independents. My experience with TVR garanges are totally opposite. One independent came to meet me at 10pm after work so that my car would be locked away safely in their workshop (Austec), another spent 2 hours refixing a fuel hose, no questions asked, and free of charge, as the first attempt didn't totally cure the problem (Tower View). Those who know how to value a customer will always get repeat customm, positive recommendations and deserve a good reputation. Those who try and screw their local owners will not survive for very long...
Anyone looking for an independent in North London, be careful and PM me if you wish...there are some crooks out there...
I decided to check out a local Alfa specialist in North London after their postings on here.. I booked it in and for the first 30 minutes, the owner was trying to sell me the powerflex bushes and wishbones for my car which would, he claimed, stop the squeeking noise and improve handling dramatically. He wanted £760 for the wishbones and bushes. I politely declined and told him I was more than happy to live with the odd squeek now and again and just opted for the annual service. This was completed within the agreed time frame. No complaints thereon but I couldn't feel that the car was any different to drive after the service.
Everything is fine until about 60 miles later I could hear a scraping noice from under the car and upon investigation, it appeared that the plastic shield under the engine had popped off one of its fastenings and dragging on the floor. The service required the removal of the plastic shielding to drain the oil. I was more than happy for a cable tie to be fixed to hold the shield in place, or alternatively for it to be rescrewed in. I duly called the independent who said that they would either remove and bin the shield or rescrew it back in. Fine, I thought, so the car is taken back and about an hour later the owner calls and says, all sorted, that will be 1 hours labour plus VAT. When I muttered "pardon" and the fact that the car had just been serviced by the independent and that possibly it was due to their error the cover had not been refasted properly, he started going on about how a speed bump must have damaged the exhaust clip and he needed to drill two holes to refasten the buckle holding it. I was flabberghasted. Refastening the plastic is a job I could have done myself with a jack (had it not been so cold outside) and since the indy was less than 5 min drive away, it seemed more sensible for him to refasten the bolt on a local car. It appears to me that he was trying to cover the 1 hour labour by saying I needed urgent unauthorised work doing.
When I asked why he didn't call to authorise the work, he started giving me a very abrupt lecture and said he didn't have time to start calling people to authorise work and his justification was that he couldn't let me drive around like that, and that he had plenty of work on and then hung up ! Absolutely shocking behaviour.
Basically I have to cough up for work that I didn't even need doing. I know the sum is not much and it isn't the point but what really gets me is that I went in for something so simple such as refastening the plastic shield, on the balance of probabilities (althought it cannot be proved for certain) was caused by them. The lack of goodwill is amazing. I must admit I have been spoilt by the plethora of good TVR independents. My experience with TVR garanges are totally opposite. One independent came to meet me at 10pm after work so that my car would be locked away safely in their workshop (Austec), another spent 2 hours refixing a fuel hose, no questions asked, and free of charge, as the first attempt didn't totally cure the problem (Tower View). Those who know how to value a customer will always get repeat customm, positive recommendations and deserve a good reputation. Those who try and screw their local owners will not survive for very long... Anyone looking for an independent in North London, be careful and PM me if you wish...there are some crooks out there...
chicklets said:
Anyone looking for an independent in North London, be careful and PM me if you wish...there are some crooks out there...
I think we can Guess who that is then...
I've just had all of my front suspension replaced by an Alfa specialist in London, Thorobred cars of Laleham/Staines, wishbones, top arms, still hasnt stopped the noises, but i'm having the roll bars replaced tomorrow which should sort it, if it doesnt its going !!
They have been fantastic, he feels so bad at not being able to find the noises he's stopped charging me labour and is doing it because its driving him mad now !!!!
Twin Turbo said:
Our squeeking front suspension was caused by the anti-roll bar drop links. All fixed.......for now.
Mines in for that today, hopefully it will sort it all out, my indy hadnt heard of them going before but Alfa reckon they are replacing loads now
Doesnt help that i've had to replace the whole of the front suspension to date, for a 3 year old car i find that appauling !!
hmmmmm.......I had some minor work done on my 164 (headlight replaced ) - at a North L. specialist, thought the labour cost was a tad steep for the work, and proprietor strangely "abrasive" and edgy.
I use Alfa Tech in Luton for all my work now - run by a really nice guy (Rob) - an enthusiast who seemed genuinely interested in getting my car through its MOT (11yr old 164) - with minimum £ spend.
Dave
I use Alfa Tech in Luton for all my work now - run by a really nice guy (Rob) - an enthusiast who seemed genuinely interested in getting my car through its MOT (11yr old 164) - with minimum £ spend.
Dave
alfaman said:
hmmmmm.......I had some minor work done on my 164 (headlight replaced ) - at a North L. specialist, thought the labour cost was a tad steep for the work, and proprietor strangely "abrasive" and edgy.
Have a look through some of the posts in the Alfa section and you'll probably find its the same Alfa Indy.
thanks for the tip but i don't think you can tell a credit card to decline a transaction after they have processed it right? 
Just to clarify as some of you have messaged me, it is NOT Alfarama Stanmore (they were fine although a bit pricey for my ex-164) or Ramponi (ok experience with my ex 164)... Don't want to breach Ted's no naming or shaming policy and there are always two sides to every story but I wish we could have a rant board so we know who the good dealers are!
Just to clarify as some of you have messaged me, it is NOT Alfarama Stanmore (they were fine although a bit pricey for my ex-164) or Ramponi (ok experience with my ex 164)... Don't want to breach Ted's no naming or shaming policy and there are always two sides to every story but I wish we could have a rant board so we know who the good dealers are!
chicklets said:
thanks for the tip but i don't think you can tell a credit card to decline a transaction after they have processed it right?
Just to clarify as some of you have messaged me, it is NOT Alfarama Stanmore (they were fine although a bit pricey for my ex-164) or Ramponi (ok experience with my ex 164)... Don't want to breach Ted's no naming or shaming policy and there are always two sides to every story but I wish we could have a rant board so we know who the good dealers are!
....I think we had similar experience at the same independent ?? Dave
chicklets said:
thanks for the tip but i don't think you can tell a credit card to decline a transaction after they have processed it right?
Just to clarify as some of you have messaged me, it is NOT Alfarama Stanmore (they were fine although a bit pricey for my ex-164) or Ramponi (ok experience with my ex 164)... Don't want to breach Ted's no naming or shaming policy and there are always two sides to every story but I wish we could have a rant board so we know who the good dealers are!
Post on Alfaowner.com - name and shame is not only tolerated but encouraged over there!
shame its gotta go really !!Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff