Considering leaving Aston...

[klmc]

Bought my dream Aston Martin Vanquish brand new end of 2016 and has small irritating issues from day one - general build quality, squeaky noises, attention to details in general and despite efforts from the dealer (more than 10 visits to the workshop) the problems where not resolved.

This is my 3rd Aston and although I really want to love the Aston's perhaps it is time to try something totally different - a Lamborghini Huracan 610-4 is on the cards - thought are welcomed.

[klmc]

Yes, maybe but I have the feeling that is what the Aston Martin service center guys think every time I show up with a new strange noise

[klmc]

james-witton said:

Try contacting Dr. Andy Palmer directly.
There has been a thread on here where he has listened to a similar situation and he reacred brilliantly by ordering the dealer to sort it out at no cost.
You get the feeling that as a CEO he cares passionately about his company and his brand.
It's worth a go.
Good luck
James

Thanks James - trouble is the dealer have tried to solve the problems but without any solution thus far and in the meantime new strange sounds keep popping up. I might have a go with Andy

[klmc]

IanV12VR said:

+1 you are probably not helped by being in Monaco as I guess you do not have any alternatives in terms of getting it repaired.

That's right - and it feels like it is coming back with other issues when sending it in.

[klmc]

OLDBENZ said:

I would ask the factory to organize for it to be taken back to Works Service to fix. Its not difficult or that expensive to have cars transported to and from Monaco. People do it all the time and sounds as though you have been more than patient with the dealer and it is time for the factory to step in.

I have to say I have had a couple of dealings over the years with the service side in Monaco (which deals in one smallish set up with Rolls, Bentley, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren and maybe also Ferrari and Bugatti) in a fairly inadequate set up outside Monaco on the road up to La Turbie off the A8 link and have not been impressed at all. Customer cars are left in the day gathering dust by the side of the public road and their attitude stinks: think French waiter with spanners. Maybe I was just unlucky.

Earlier this month I took delivery of a new Huracan and have been very impressed so far with build quality and performance etc. I ran a Gallardo for 9 years without any significant issues which I sold in 2014. I found myself missing it - hence the Huracan. I have a small collection of older Astons and after I ordered the Huracan I did wonder why it had not crossed my mind to think about a new Aston. I did, however, slightly worry about the Huracan's image - i.e. youngsters revving the nuts off their cars up and down Sloane Street - but decided to press on regardless.

Of course, if you get the Lamborghini Huracan you will be dealing in Monaco with the same people on the service side.

Interesting that you ordered a Huracan and yes the service around here is not that impressive considering how many luxury cars there are in this area. Lamborghini is in Menton I believe (together with Audi) - not sure if that is any better - but Italy is not too far away so maybe that would make the most sense.

Thanks for your comments, appreciate it and I have sent a mail to Andy Palmer directly (I have of course filled all the feedback forms Aston is sending out but nobody ever replied).

[klmc]

james-witton said:

Try contacting Dr. Andy Palmer directly.
There has been a thread on here where he has listened to a similar situation and he reacred brilliantly by ordering the dealer to sort it out at no cost.
You get the feeling that as a CEO he cares passionately about his company and his brand.
It's worth a go.
Good luck
James

Andy responded already that his team will reach out to me - so let's see.

[klmc]

Thanks for feedback and suggestions. I will let you you what happens.

[klmc]

Yes, decision made.

Bye for now...

[klmc]

I never had major issues with the Rapide - only squeaky sounds when very hot weather. The "click" sound when accelerating was fixed. The finishing was definitely better than the Vanquish.

I changed the Rapide to Vanquish and just swapped the Vanquish to Huracan.

Maybe I will be back in the future - thanks for the comments.

[klmc]

CSK1 said:

I'm sure if this would have been dealt with properly by your dealer, you would have never left the brand. I can't understand why AML keep on working with dealers giving a poor service, especially given how highly Andy Palmer is rating customer service.

That's true - all I wanted was flawless Vanquish but after 4 months of trying I ran out of patience despite Andy pushed and I was contacted from the factory but it was too late for me.

Will update about the Lamborghini experience.

[klmc]

So it has been 3 months and 4,500 flawless kilometers in the Huracan. Is is definitely not an Aston Martin, the excitement and emotions around the Lamborghini brand are tremendous and more intense. Not sure what expect, but it has all been smiles and positive reactions (from what I have seen at least).

Most importantly - I have not had any issues with the car at all except for the telephone directory not always syncing but both the deal and the factory has been on it to find a solution. The drive is amazing, the feeling and the experience is so different and I am confident it was was the right choice to take a break from Aston Martin.

So long...