Henley Heritage
Discussion
Anyone got any comments (good, bad or indifferent) about Henley Heritage as a TVR dealer or (more importantly) in servicing TVRs? (What I want to know is whether they've got a good, bad, honest or otherwise reputation.)
Many thanks
>>> Edited by Cutmonster on Tuesday 30th October 22:10
Many thanks
>>> Edited by Cutmonster on Tuesday 30th October 22:10
I've used them once for an electrical problem and they did a good job (not cheap though). They offer menu based servicing with a lower hourly rate for older TVRs (I think this was 5 years, check on the website) and they seem to know what they are doing.
On the down side, they have a bit of an attitude prob with you if you didn't buy from them or have an older model. I also had to keep phoning for progress reports and didn't get it back for over a week (cheaper rate means you get slotted in when they have nothing else to do).
I decided not to use them for regular mtce as I didn't get a comfort factor / feeling they cared.
If you're not bothered about a main dealer service I can recommend a much better / cheaper alternative locally who provides an excellent job on TVRs.
Cheers.
On the down side, they have a bit of an attitude prob with you if you didn't buy from them or have an older model. I also had to keep phoning for progress reports and didn't get it back for over a week (cheaper rate means you get slotted in when they have nothing else to do).
I decided not to use them for regular mtce as I didn't get a comfort factor / feeling they cared.
If you're not bothered about a main dealer service I can recommend a much better / cheaper alternative locally who provides an excellent job on TVRs.
Cheers.
I know of a few scare stories about HH - basically just bad attitude and poor customer care, not like trashing the car or anything.
It's a front desk problem, not a workshop one methinks.
I will email you off list if you give me your address, should more details be needed - I don't think Ted really likes the forum to be used for slagging off/subjective criticsm for legal reasons.
It's a front desk problem, not a workshop one methinks.
I will email you off list if you give me your address, should more details be needed - I don't think Ted really likes the forum to be used for slagging off/subjective criticsm for legal reasons.
My comment here would be that if you're already a TVR owner and you're looking for service local to Henley then also consider a local independent, Thames Valley Racetech near Hurst. Henley Heritage appear to provide very good service, but running a TVR can cost a lot of money - you might want to weigh the pros and cons of staying franchise in this part of the country.
All IMHO.
T/.
P.S. The two places mentioned above are probably not the best of friends so take whatever they say about each other with a bucket of salt.
All IMHO.
T/.
P.S. The two places mentioned above are probably not the best of friends so take whatever they say about each other with a bucket of salt.
Well just to add my two pence...
Having spent from 11am until 6pm on Monday at HH whilst they helped fix & sort my Chim prior to a track day this Sat I can say - great bunch of people!
The mechanics are good guys (knowledgeable & friendly) whilst Paul is great as a service mgr.
What was really interesting was spending 7hrs watching how a TVR showroom works. It's no wonder they don't always take you seriously, you should see the number of people trying to blag test drives!
But like all TVR main dealer stuff they're not the cheapest. But I'll be back in late Nov to get the next set of upgrades done....
Cheers
Ian
p.s. A quick hello to the pilot with the Tuscan that "didn't get to 100 fast enough" - perhaps your company transport isn't a fair comparison!
Having spent from 11am until 6pm on Monday at HH whilst they helped fix & sort my Chim prior to a track day this Sat I can say - great bunch of people!
The mechanics are good guys (knowledgeable & friendly) whilst Paul is great as a service mgr.
What was really interesting was spending 7hrs watching how a TVR showroom works. It's no wonder they don't always take you seriously, you should see the number of people trying to blag test drives!
But like all TVR main dealer stuff they're not the cheapest. But I'll be back in late Nov to get the next set of upgrades done....
Cheers
Ian
p.s. A quick hello to the pilot with the Tuscan that "didn't get to 100 fast enough" - perhaps your company transport isn't a fair comparison!
quote:
p.s. A quick hello to the pilot with the Tuscan that "didn't get to 100 fast enough" - perhaps your company transport isn't a fair comparison!
Once had a flight in Concorde and got in conversation with the pilot who was also a TVR owner. He commented that up to around 70-80 the Griff would out pace Concorde... however he also pointed out that as rotation speed for Concorde is around 240 mph it would win any fight in the long run
Rich...
HH may have improved.
The horror story I know about relates to an owner of a Griffith 500, troubles were about 18 months ago now.
The facts were that the good service evaporated after delivery and that he received some very slapdash customer care. Details on request, off forum.
I hope Adrian Doman has sorted things out now.
The horror story I know about relates to an owner of a Griffith 500, troubles were about 18 months ago now.
The facts were that the good service evaporated after delivery and that he received some very slapdash customer care. Details on request, off forum.
I hope Adrian Doman has sorted things out now.
I have decided to use a local guy to service my Chim 450 as I feel more comfortable with the service he provides and the standard of work he carries out on the car. Just had the 24k service done and cost was significant improvement on what I could have paid elsewhere.
Have used Thames Valley Racing services in Hurst - they are good too, but they are too far away for me to use now.
If you need anymore info mail me offline.
Have used Thames Valley Racing services in Hurst - they are good too, but they are too far away for me to use now.
If you need anymore info mail me offline.
I've used Henley since '93. Always been honest and helpfull. Over the years I've spent a fair amount of time there and as someone said earlier you would be amazed and what stunts some people will try for test drives etc.
When it comes to servicing - remember only TVR appointed dealers receive factory bullitins on issues and cures.
Geoff C
When it comes to servicing - remember only TVR appointed dealers receive factory bullitins on issues and cures.
Geoff C
I used HH twice when I first moved to the area 3 years ago. Won't go back.
First time there they found a split steering gaiter that must have healed itself because no one has ever found it since; not even HH when I returned the next year!
The last time there they were supposed to replace my battery (or preferably find out why it was always going flat) as well as a service.
They had it all week as I was unable to get back any earlier. I went back, paid up, went to the car, nothing.
I was free to enjoy Henley for an hour while they finally changed the battery and then had the cheek to say they wouldn't charge me for the labour.
If I was to be constructive I would say that there is far to little connection between the front office and the workshop. Mistakes would be much less likely I would have thought.
I like to speak to the bloke who actually worked on the car if I can, not some Service Manager who hasn't been near the car. Not really possible at HH and probably many other dealerships who want to portray an 'up-market' image. That's their choice I guess. For every enthusiast like me there's a city trader type who may just as soon switch to Porsche or similar if he doesn't get that Porsche/Merc/Jag dealership atmos.
First time there they found a split steering gaiter that must have healed itself because no one has ever found it since; not even HH when I returned the next year!
The last time there they were supposed to replace my battery (or preferably find out why it was always going flat) as well as a service.
They had it all week as I was unable to get back any earlier. I went back, paid up, went to the car, nothing.
I was free to enjoy Henley for an hour while they finally changed the battery and then had the cheek to say they wouldn't charge me for the labour.
If I was to be constructive I would say that there is far to little connection between the front office and the workshop. Mistakes would be much less likely I would have thought.
I like to speak to the bloke who actually worked on the car if I can, not some Service Manager who hasn't been near the car. Not really possible at HH and probably many other dealerships who want to portray an 'up-market' image. That's their choice I guess. For every enthusiast like me there's a city trader type who may just as soon switch to Porsche or similar if he doesn't get that Porsche/Merc/Jag dealership atmos.
I know Ted doesnt like the slagging off, but really it has to be told as it happens and this forum surely gives a balanced view. My 13k mile 99 griff 500 went there and apparantly all my suspension bushes,ball joints,diff bushes,clutch slave cylinder,engine mounts needed replacing,£2.5k. Funny this all happened after 1k miles. Told them to service it only.
They are all annoying in some shape or form. The guy on the front desk at HH only seems to like plumby city guys in flying jackets and the sales team like to slag off a certain garage in a shed. They have done some very good deals re future trade ins etc... Never got them to service mine when I lived nearby - made the trip to Fernies (not perfect but they were ok for me). I did use Rednhill before MopleValley took over and to say I was pleased when they went bust twice would be an understatement. Dont you hate this on-going dealer discussion and here I am contributing ! Doh!
quote:I'd say this was fair comment on most dealers, even ones like Hawthorns who are meant to be one of the better ones (don't start me).
If I was to be constructive I would say that there is far too little connection between the front office and the workshop. Mistakes would be much less likely I would have thought.
Edited by JonRB on Friday 16th November 12:27
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