Buying a Chim from Fernhurst
Discussion
I am looking to buy a post 1998 4.0 or 4.5 Chim form Fernhurst (partly as they're fairly local) and thinking about going for the 'Fully Prepared' expensive option with the 12 month warranty and 2K max claim. I know this isn't the cheapest way to go but I'm new to TVR and used to Porsche 944 T build quality and reliability so am being ultra cautious (particularly as SWMBO isn't keen!). Does anyone have experience of this purchasing route good or bad and of Fernhurst's as a dealer and service agent.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
I bought my 500 from Fernies about a year ago. I was a bit (over) cautious on hearing about TVR's (I know!) and wanted a warranty.
I have found them to be very helpful and on one occassion when I did think something might be wrong I booked it in. I got a curtesy car for the day, went back later and had a chat to Brian (the service manager) who assured me everything was fine and sent me on my way (didn't pay a penny).
You do pay more there but if you want peace of mind, I think they provide it.
My opinion anyway.
Rich
I have found them to be very helpful and on one occassion when I did think something might be wrong I booked it in. I got a curtesy car for the day, went back later and had a chat to Brian (the service manager) who assured me everything was fine and sent me on my way (didn't pay a penny).
You do pay more there but if you want peace of mind, I think they provide it.
My opinion anyway.
Rich
Edited by richy759 on Wednesday 16th January 10:50
I brought my Chim from them in Sept last year - very good service, talked me through all options and pitfalls of ownership, took me out in a variety of differnt versions of car until i found one i felt comfortable in. Actually, they were very good to me, the car i was originally going to view was sold on my way to them - very apologetic and then did me a deal on the one i purchased as way of a sorry. One occasion i had to call them (alternator playing up) they replaced it without any hassle.
They're also welcome you with a coffee if you're just driving past and pop in for a chat and a look around!
Mark
They're also welcome you with a coffee if you're just driving past and pop in for a chat and a look around!
Mark
I've never bought a car from them but heard they have some spacing brackets which would raise my passenger seat just that bit so that errrrrm... people less tall than me have a view over the parked wipers rather than under them! 
I booked the car in and during that morning was somewhat delayed (Carl Baker not so far away!). Anyway, I managed to turn up as most of them were at lunch but rather than have me wait any longer than necessary Graham drove my car straight into the workshop and sent me to a lovely pub, The Red Lion, for a lunchtime pint. Returning 45 minutes later the car was returned to their forecourt job done and ready to go. They'd also checked my a/c compressor and the total bill was nominal and in the region I'd expected - so no nasty shocks there. All in all this was one of the best 'garage' experiences I'd had, albeit it was minor.
Particularly in view of the other comments I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and remember this... They KNOW that they are discussed on PH and elsewhere in the TVR owning community. As such they also know that to act otherwise than honestly and fairly would deal a damaging blow to their highly valuable reputation. Nick.
I booked the car in and during that morning was somewhat delayed (Carl Baker not so far away!). Anyway, I managed to turn up as most of them were at lunch but rather than have me wait any longer than necessary Graham drove my car straight into the workshop and sent me to a lovely pub, The Red Lion, for a lunchtime pint. Returning 45 minutes later the car was returned to their forecourt job done and ready to go. They'd also checked my a/c compressor and the total bill was nominal and in the region I'd expected - so no nasty shocks there. All in all this was one of the best 'garage' experiences I'd had, albeit it was minor.
Particularly in view of the other comments I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and remember this... They KNOW that they are discussed on PH and elsewhere in the TVR owning community. As such they also know that to act otherwise than honestly and fairly would deal a damaging blow to their highly valuable reputation. Nick.
I would ....but didnt!!
At the time of looking, I too wanted some sort of guarentee and understood that fernies did the "fully finished" 1 year warrentee option,which was certainly something that appealed to me, unfortunanly they didn't have a model that suited my budget.
But they were by far the most professional, genuinue and helpful group of people I came accross. I have since taken my car back to be serviced and always feel I get a honest days/hours work for my money not somthing I can say about all garages.
Fernies MAY not be the cheapest, BUT you certainly get what you pay for with them.. and that's quality
At the time of looking, I too wanted some sort of guarentee and understood that fernies did the "fully finished" 1 year warrentee option,which was certainly something that appealed to me, unfortunanly they didn't have a model that suited my budget.
But they were by far the most professional, genuinue and helpful group of people I came accross. I have since taken my car back to be serviced and always feel I get a honest days/hours work for my money not somthing I can say about all garages.
Fernies MAY not be the cheapest, BUT you certainly get what you pay for with them.. and that's quality
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