Abarth 696 Biposto idea goes cold...
Discussion
I've been giving serious consideration to an Abarth 695 Biposto - having seen one in the flesh at the Classic & Sportscar show at Alexandra Palace around eighteen months ago - or rather I was, until I encountered the dealer network/customer services...
The spartan nature of the Biposto wasn't a concern - I've owned a brace of 205 Rallyes, a Smart Brabus Roadster and a Porsche 968 Club Sport... - though I did want to know what I'd be letting myself in for regarding the maintenance of what is a pretty specialized vehicle (I'd read online of regular suspension adjustments required, for example).
Phoning my local dealer, Mangoletsi, I was told by the salesman that he didn't know the servicing specifics, but that he'd find out.
I suggested that a chat with one of the technicians would benefit me, he agreed and said I'd be called back... laughing as he did so (I like a joke but I don't recall cracking one?)... That call never came.
Burrows Motor Company is Sheffield fared poorly too.. still no reply regarding my part-ex enquiry on their Biposto.
I decided to put my maintenance enquiry direct to Fiat UK: emails that I sent to the two official email addresses bounced back (unable to deliver) so I sent it via the 'contact us' page on the Abarth sales website. A couple of days later I received a reply to my detailed information request, it went along the lines of "Please contact your local official dealer for this information...."!
If this is the service you get before spending £25-30k on a nearly-new Biposto, then my gut instinct tells me that I've dodged a bullet when it comes to after sales... I've now gone off the idea.
(Oh, and neither dealer allows Biposto test drives until they're convinced you'll buy...).
The spartan nature of the Biposto wasn't a concern - I've owned a brace of 205 Rallyes, a Smart Brabus Roadster and a Porsche 968 Club Sport... - though I did want to know what I'd be letting myself in for regarding the maintenance of what is a pretty specialized vehicle (I'd read online of regular suspension adjustments required, for example).
Phoning my local dealer, Mangoletsi, I was told by the salesman that he didn't know the servicing specifics, but that he'd find out.
I suggested that a chat with one of the technicians would benefit me, he agreed and said I'd be called back... laughing as he did so (I like a joke but I don't recall cracking one?)... That call never came.
Burrows Motor Company is Sheffield fared poorly too.. still no reply regarding my part-ex enquiry on their Biposto.
I decided to put my maintenance enquiry direct to Fiat UK: emails that I sent to the two official email addresses bounced back (unable to deliver) so I sent it via the 'contact us' page on the Abarth sales website. A couple of days later I received a reply to my detailed information request, it went along the lines of "Please contact your local official dealer for this information...."!
If this is the service you get before spending £25-30k on a nearly-new Biposto, then my gut instinct tells me that I've dodged a bullet when it comes to after sales... I've now gone off the idea.
(Oh, and neither dealer allows Biposto test drives until they're convinced you'll buy...).
riviera said:
I've been giving serious consideration to an Abarth 695 Biposto - having seen one in the flesh at the Classic & Sportscar show at Alexandra Palace around eighteen months ago - or rather I was, until I encountered the dealer network/customer services...
The spartan nature of the Biposto wasn't a concern - I've owned a brace of 205 Rallyes, a Smart Brabus Roadster and a Porsche 968 Club Sport... - though I did want to know what I'd be letting myself in for regarding the maintenance of what is a pretty specialized vehicle (I'd read online of regular suspension adjustments required, for example).
Phoning my local dealer, Mangoletsi, I was told by the salesman that he didn't know the servicing specifics, but that he'd find out.
I suggested that a chat with one of the technicians would benefit me, he agreed and said I'd be called back... laughing as he did so (I like a joke but I don't recall cracking one?)... That call never came.
Burrows Motor Company is Sheffield fared poorly too.. still no reply regarding my part-ex enquiry on their Biposto.
I decided to put my maintenance enquiry direct to Fiat UK: emails that I sent to the two official email addresses bounced back (unable to deliver) so I sent it via the 'contact us' page on the Abarth sales website. A couple of days later I received a reply to my detailed information request, it went along the lines of "Please contact your local official dealer for this information...."!
If this is the service you get before spending £25-30k on a nearly-new Biposto, then my gut instinct tells me that I've dodged a bullet when it comes to after sales... I've now gone off the idea.
(Oh, and neither dealer allows Biposto test drives until they're convinced you'll buy...).
I have attempted to send a PM however you currently are not accepting this method.The spartan nature of the Biposto wasn't a concern - I've owned a brace of 205 Rallyes, a Smart Brabus Roadster and a Porsche 968 Club Sport... - though I did want to know what I'd be letting myself in for regarding the maintenance of what is a pretty specialized vehicle (I'd read online of regular suspension adjustments required, for example).
Phoning my local dealer, Mangoletsi, I was told by the salesman that he didn't know the servicing specifics, but that he'd find out.
I suggested that a chat with one of the technicians would benefit me, he agreed and said I'd be called back... laughing as he did so (I like a joke but I don't recall cracking one?)... That call never came.
Burrows Motor Company is Sheffield fared poorly too.. still no reply regarding my part-ex enquiry on their Biposto.
I decided to put my maintenance enquiry direct to Fiat UK: emails that I sent to the two official email addresses bounced back (unable to deliver) so I sent it via the 'contact us' page on the Abarth sales website. A couple of days later I received a reply to my detailed information request, it went along the lines of "Please contact your local official dealer for this information...."!
If this is the service you get before spending £25-30k on a nearly-new Biposto, then my gut instinct tells me that I've dodged a bullet when it comes to after sales... I've now gone off the idea.
(Oh, and neither dealer allows Biposto test drives until they're convinced you'll buy...).
If you want to send me a PM I might be able to assist on the 695 Biposto.
Pelz
Hi OP,
I just recently purchased a 595 Abarth Turismo, not quite the same as a Biposto I know, but have to admit was dreading the whole dealership thing, but was pleasantly surprised with the service. The sales guys were real car enthusiasts and happy to oblige day long test drives and were very prompt in getting back to my questions..The whole sales process was good.
I am thinking about a QF next year to replace my Audi, so this was also a bit of an experiment.. I can only imagine what fun the Biposto will be, as I am loving the 595 at the moment. These cars just get under your skin and just want to drive them all the time with a huge grin on your face..
G
I just recently purchased a 595 Abarth Turismo, not quite the same as a Biposto I know, but have to admit was dreading the whole dealership thing, but was pleasantly surprised with the service. The sales guys were real car enthusiasts and happy to oblige day long test drives and were very prompt in getting back to my questions..The whole sales process was good.
I am thinking about a QF next year to replace my Audi, so this was also a bit of an experiment.. I can only imagine what fun the Biposto will be, as I am loving the 595 at the moment. These cars just get under your skin and just want to drive them all the time with a huge grin on your face..
G
Maybe this will change your mind: https://youtu.be/vc5Ma_BkC_o
I own a 595 comp and a month after a biposto come up in my price bracket, maybe in a couple of years I'll go for one. However it was Abarth day at Rockingham on Saturday and went out in the Biposto and as the video shows it's very capable!!
The dealership experience is not a brand thing, it's just a minefield of crap sales guys and the task is finding the one that is good.
I can recommend Meridien Milano in Portsmouth, I had a slightly annoying experience with them, however on dealing with an issue they came into their own and would happily reccomend them after their sorting of the matter. Also as said Westover and I believe rockingham motors and Glyn Hopkins are well regarded. The Abarth community often avoid Arnold Clark.
I should also note that Abarth are a separate business to fiat as of a few years ago so all communications should be with them. I've dealt twice with them on the phone and the service is second to none.
I own a 595 comp and a month after a biposto come up in my price bracket, maybe in a couple of years I'll go for one. However it was Abarth day at Rockingham on Saturday and went out in the Biposto and as the video shows it's very capable!!
The dealership experience is not a brand thing, it's just a minefield of crap sales guys and the task is finding the one that is good.
I can recommend Meridien Milano in Portsmouth, I had a slightly annoying experience with them, however on dealing with an issue they came into their own and would happily reccomend them after their sorting of the matter. Also as said Westover and I believe rockingham motors and Glyn Hopkins are well regarded. The Abarth community often avoid Arnold Clark.
I should also note that Abarth are a separate business to fiat as of a few years ago so all communications should be with them. I've dealt twice with them on the phone and the service is second to none.
Hi Riviera
Went down the same road as you at the end of March.
Mangoletsi absolutely appalling experience and salesman most condescending. I couldn’t do business with him and told him so.
I also raised the servicing issue as the official schedule is quote onerous and this was wrongly dismissed by the salesmen. If you are interested I have a pdf of the 695 service details (not sure how to attach to this post?)
Arnold Clarke much better and had a test drive. No arm rest on door, which is most off putting for daily driving.
What stopped the deal was the £13K p/x they offered against my £23.5K 6 month old 595 Comp I bought from them.
Probably no surprise that so many ex demo cars are sat in dealer showrooms.
For the sort of money being asked for a 695 you can now just about get a Focus RS with aircon, a radio and yes, arm rests.
Went down the same road as you at the end of March.
Mangoletsi absolutely appalling experience and salesman most condescending. I couldn’t do business with him and told him so.
I also raised the servicing issue as the official schedule is quote onerous and this was wrongly dismissed by the salesmen. If you are interested I have a pdf of the 695 service details (not sure how to attach to this post?)
Arnold Clarke much better and had a test drive. No arm rest on door, which is most off putting for daily driving.
What stopped the deal was the £13K p/x they offered against my £23.5K 6 month old 595 Comp I bought from them.
Probably no surprise that so many ex demo cars are sat in dealer showrooms.
For the sort of money being asked for a 695 you can now just about get a Focus RS with aircon, a radio and yes, arm rests.
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