RE: Alpine A110: Driven
Discussion
bcr5784 said:
Perhaps, to some of us, who might have liked to have at least been offered some Porsche limited edition models (but weren't), it feels a bit like de ja vu. I'd like Alpine to be a real competitor to Porsche - but only on technical grounds - not the rest of the BS ones.
I am beginning to wonder about the whole warranty and parts aspect, given the somewhat tardy showing so far......Edited by bcr5784 on Thursday 16th August 19:50
Stephanie Plum said:
I am beginning to wonder about the whole warranty and parts aspect, given the somewhat tardy showing so far......
I don't think there are many low-volume, sold-out cars that you could find certain warranty parts for in the first few months.As an example (different manufacturer, obviously), it took 6 weeks for Jaguar to replace a front wing, door and various plastics on my father's F-Pace over winter after he had a crash in the snow. No door parts in the network apparently, that's what, 2 years on from launch? Have also heard similar from other marques.
The dealers each have their demo and showroom cars and can do what they like with them and sell them to who they wish.
I would imagine it more tempting for dealers to sell them to people who haven't registered on the app and paid a deposit as they will probably still be there later on to sell Pure and Legend models too.
It doesn't seem to be as bad as the Porsche dealers mind where there a big premiums to be had on the limited production cars.
I have been well looked after by my Alpine dealer in my wait for a Pure, at least they are not pretentious like Porsche dealers.
I would imagine it more tempting for dealers to sell them to people who haven't registered on the app and paid a deposit as they will probably still be there later on to sell Pure and Legend models too.
It doesn't seem to be as bad as the Porsche dealers mind where there a big premiums to be had on the limited production cars.
I have been well looked after by my Alpine dealer in my wait for a Pure, at least they are not pretentious like Porsche dealers.
springfan62 said:
I have been well looked after by my Alpine dealer in my wait for a Pure, at least they are not pretentious like Porsche dealers.
I expect that most of the salesmen come from selling unpretentious family hatches. The fact that Alpine are bringing out designer watches, gloves etc and overpriceds assessories, while predictable, is a bit of a sad trend. The trouble is many Porsche buyers are happy to pay for flash showrooms and and find overpriced servicing "reassuringly expensive" - and that is the market Alpine is competing in. Me cynical? Never!My hope is that the perception among some that the Alpine is "only a Renault" may stop them getting too far up themselves. Porsche have (unfortunately in my view) avoided being perceived as "only a posh VW" - despite the fact that is what the SUVs largely are.
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 08:58
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 08:59
bcr5784 said:
springfan62 said:
I have been well looked after by my Alpine dealer in my wait for a Pure, at least they are not pretentious like Porsche dealers.
I expect that most of the salesmen come from selling unpretentious family hatches. The fact that Alpine are bringing out designer watches, gloves etc and overpriceds assessories, while predictable, is a bit of a sad trend. The trouble is many Porsche buyers are happy to pay for flash showrooms and and find overpriced servicing "reassuringly expensive" - and that is the market Alpine is competing in. Me cynical? Never!My hope is that the perception among some that the Alpine is "only a Renault" may stop them getting too far up themselves. Porsche have (unfortunately in my view) avoided being perceived as "only a posh VW" - despite the fact that is what the SUVs largely are.
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 08:58
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 08:59
Most on PH know the marque but it won't be familiar elsewhere.
Prestonese said:
Yeah. I can understand that as well. I tried to pitch the idea of the Alpine to someone I know who only ever drives Porsches and he just couldn't see why anyone would bother.... :-/
I have a mate who always buys Hondas - despite the fact that he didn't like 3 of the last 4 he has bought. Bizarre! I don't suppose the fact Autocar just rated the Alpine as the best sub £50k car on the market - with the Cayman only 6th will sway your Porsche-centric friend into taking a test drive.Prestonese - are you saying your car is ready to collect? Have you managed to have a test drive yet?
I can't see them having them all reigstered in time - also intrigued by the earlier discussion about a dealer car not being registered until the new year - that goes against everything that particular dealer has said.
oh well...
I can't see them having them all reigstered in time - also intrigued by the earlier discussion about a dealer car not being registered until the new year - that goes against everything that particular dealer has said.
oh well...
Miserablegit said:
Prestonese - are you saying your car is ready to collect? Have you managed to have a test drive yet?
I can't see them having them all reigstered in time - also intrigued by the earlier discussion about a dealer car not being registered until the new year - that goes against everything that particular dealer has said.
oh well...
I'm with West London and my car has arrived but unfortunately, I'm not around to pick it up. I can't see them having them all reigstered in time - also intrigued by the earlier discussion about a dealer car not being registered until the new year - that goes against everything that particular dealer has said.
oh well...
There have already been a few deliveries at the centre but I don't know much else. Not had a test drive yet but I've decided to take a punt. From what I understand the order you registered for the car way back in 2016 has no bearing on anything. It seems like they are being manufactured and delivered randomly!
Coincidentally, I was offered back my old manual Cayman GTS which caused a wobble or two as I loved that car. But I'm sticking with the Alpine.
For now.
Helicopter123 said:
Alpine have some way to go before the name has the same impact as Porsche.
Most on PH know the marque but it won't be familiar elsewhere.
You are, of course, right. My fear is that Alpine may get ahead of themselves - the product is (we may, I would, argue) a match for the Cayman - the buying experience isn't. I'm not a sucker for a flash showroom - but the Porsche "experience" involves more than posh chairs and coffee. I've had two full days (free) at the Porsche centre at Silverstone (one in a 981, one in a Cayenne) - breakfast and lunch included - and (free) courtesy cars - 911, 718 and Mecan. I'm not easily bribed but.. it's easy to see why some are... (And, as I have said, I'm a "second class" Porsche owner who won't get the option to buy of one of their GT cars)Most on PH know the marque but it won't be familiar elsewhere.
If Alpine (as they seem to be) try to charge Porsche prices, they have to offer a comparable "experience". Offering track days which they charge you to try YOUR car at considerable expense is in no way comparable to Porsche GIVING track days in THEIR cars at THEIR expense.
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 19:36
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 19:45
If Alpine (as they seem to be) try to charge Porsche prices, they have to offer a comparable "experience". Offering track days which they charge you to try YOUR car at considerable expense is in no way comparable to Porsche GIVING track days in THEIR cars at THEIR EXPENSE
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 19:45
[/quote]
That point wasn’t lost on me!!! I had hoped that I’d have a few perks because I had a deposit down for a car that was being used to relaunch a brand. The opportunity for me to pay to take my car to Goodwood ( that I can do anyway ) isn’t really giving me anything.
Miserablegit said:
If Alpine (as they seem to be) try to charge Porsche prices, they have to offer a comparable "experience". Offering track days which they charge you to try YOUR car at considerable expense is in no way comparable to Porsche GIVING track days in THEIR cars at THEIR EXPENSE
That point wasn’t lost on me!!! I had hoped that I’d have a few perks because I had a deposit down for a car that was being used to relaunch a brand. The opportunity for me to pay to take my car to Goodwood ( that I can do anyway ) isn’t really giving me anything. Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 17th August 19:45
That implies they could sell it for a lot less and make money. Not possible.
I sat in Colchester Porsche the other day, free coffee and biscuits, then more of the same again while waiting for the 111 check to be carried and the relieved of a good chunk of wedge afterwards. Yes Porsche treatment is nice but... if I were an Alpine customer, as long as the car was looked after and reliable I personally wouldn’t miss the Porsche experience. Yeah it’s nice but I wouldn’t expect it from Alpine.
HighwayStar said:
Alpine aren’t ‘trying to charge Porsche prices.’
That implies they could sell it for a lot less and make money. Not possible.
I sat in Colchester Porsche the other day, free coffee and biscuits, then more of the same again while waiting for the 111 check to be carried and the relieved of a good chunk of wedge afterwards. Yes Porsche treatment is nice but... if I were an Alpine customer, as long as the car was looked after and reliable I personally wouldn’t miss the Porsche experience. Yeah it’s nice but I wouldn’t expect it from Alpine.
I agree with your implication that the Alpine must be an expensive car to make - almost certainly more than a Cayman. That said the prices of options and accessories are in Porsche territory - 400 Euro for a net and storage box which should be standard is close to theft. If service prices are reasonable (more in line with Renault than Porsche) I'll be a happy bunny, and won't jib about the loss of fringe benefits you get with a Porsche - but I wouldn't bet on it. That implies they could sell it for a lot less and make money. Not possible.
I sat in Colchester Porsche the other day, free coffee and biscuits, then more of the same again while waiting for the 111 check to be carried and the relieved of a good chunk of wedge afterwards. Yes Porsche treatment is nice but... if I were an Alpine customer, as long as the car was looked after and reliable I personally wouldn’t miss the Porsche experience. Yeah it’s nice but I wouldn’t expect it from Alpine.
I’ve just been googling “ registering a new car”.
Seems it can take up to six weeks
As my dealer hasn’t told me “my car” has arrived yet it seems unlikely it will be registered in time...By “in time” I mean the deadline the dealer gave of end of this month otherwise the cars turn into pumpkins/fairy dust.
I don’t suppose anyone has any further information ?
If the car is as good as my test drive suggested I’m sure l’ll forgive them. It just seems the whole Alpine approach is somewhat half-arsed.
Seems it can take up to six weeks
As my dealer hasn’t told me “my car” has arrived yet it seems unlikely it will be registered in time...By “in time” I mean the deadline the dealer gave of end of this month otherwise the cars turn into pumpkins/fairy dust.
I don’t suppose anyone has any further information ?
If the car is as good as my test drive suggested I’m sure l’ll forgive them. It just seems the whole Alpine approach is somewhat half-arsed.
bcr5784 said:
HighwayStar said:
Alpine aren’t ‘trying to charge Porsche prices.’
That implies they could sell it for a lot less and make money. Not possible.
I sat in Colchester Porsche the other day, free coffee and biscuits, then more of the same again while waiting for the 111 check to be carried and the relieved of a good chunk of wedge afterwards. Yes Porsche treatment is nice but... if I were an Alpine customer, as long as the car was looked after and reliable I personally wouldn’t miss the Porsche experience. Yeah it’s nice but I wouldn’t expect it from Alpine.
I agree with your implication that the Alpine must be an expensive car to make - almost certainly more than a Cayman. That said the prices of options and accessories are in Porsche territory - 400 Euro for a net and storage box which should be standard is close to theft. If service prices are reasonable (more in line with Renault than Porsche) I'll be a happy bunny, and won't jib about the loss of fringe benefits you get with a Porsche - but I wouldn't bet on it. That implies they could sell it for a lot less and make money. Not possible.
I sat in Colchester Porsche the other day, free coffee and biscuits, then more of the same again while waiting for the 111 check to be carried and the relieved of a good chunk of wedge afterwards. Yes Porsche treatment is nice but... if I were an Alpine customer, as long as the car was looked after and reliable I personally wouldn’t miss the Porsche experience. Yeah it’s nice but I wouldn’t expect it from Alpine.
True... I have no idea of option and accessory prices, not having every looked at the configurator. Definitely a steep price for a net and storage box. I’d be amazed if the service prices aren’t more inline with RenaultSport than Porsche...
When I had my TTS it was a decent car but I didn’t have a lot of love for it. The running costs were not the cheapest but relatively painless which was the thinking until it I was able to step to a a Porsche.
Alpine are mixing it with Porsche in the market place but I just don’t see them thinking we can charge similar for after sales stuff...
More fun, less running costs and great service should be the aim.
HighwayStar said:
True... I have no idea of option and accessory prices, not having every looked at the configurator. Definitely a steep price for a net and storage box. I’d be amazed if the service prices aren’t more inline with RenaultSport than Porsche...
When I had my TTS it was a decent car but I didn’t have a lot of love for it. The running costs were not the cheapest but relatively painless which was the thinking until it I was able to step to a a Porsche.
Alpine are mixing it with Porsche in the market place but I just don’t see them thinking we can charge similar for after sales stuff...
More fun, less running costs and great service should be the aim.
Sports exhaust 1500 Euro
Parking sensors and camera 1200 Euro
Wheels 1000 - 1800 Euro
Alpine Blue Paint (as PE) 1800Euro!
Focal Audio 600 Euro (1200 with subwoofer.)
I obviously hope you are right about servicing. There is also a service package, but I haven't seen the price of that. Megane RS servicing is about half the cost of Porsche services, but it required at shorter service mileage (12.5k vs 20K) which may be significant if you do a highish mileage, and it looks like they require an annual service - not confirmed (Porsche is every 2 years) If so service costs will be similar for many.
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 18th August 17:10
Miserablegit said:
I’ve just been googling “ registering a new car”.
Seems it can take up to six weeks
As my dealer hasn’t told me “my car” has arrived yet it seems unlikely it will be registered in time...By “in time” I mean the deadline the dealer gave of end of this month otherwise the cars turn into pumpkins/fairy dust.
I don’t suppose anyone has any further information ?
If the car is as good as my test drive suggested I’m sure l’ll forgive them. It just seems the whole Alpine approach is somewhat half-arsed.
It can take a while for the registration document to come from the DVLA which may make a quick resale difficult - but as has been said the registration process itself doesn't take long. The dealer already has a number of plates allocated to him (I've already picked mine - they are all boring). If you want to put a personal plate on it I expect that might take a bit longer, but I have no personal experience.Seems it can take up to six weeks
As my dealer hasn’t told me “my car” has arrived yet it seems unlikely it will be registered in time...By “in time” I mean the deadline the dealer gave of end of this month otherwise the cars turn into pumpkins/fairy dust.
I don’t suppose anyone has any further information ?
If the car is as good as my test drive suggested I’m sure l’ll forgive them. It just seems the whole Alpine approach is somewhat half-arsed.
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