"Independant" Specialist Car Garages. A.K.A. Cowboys

[Aztecs27]

Called up my local VAG Specialist last week to book in the 120k Cambelt change on my SEAT Toledo. At the same time, I mentioned I needed a repair kit or full replacement mechanism for the passenger side electric window, as mine was buggered. "No problem sir, I can source one, I'll get back to you with a price".

Later on the same day, I speak to him and he quotes me £320 inc. VAT for the cambelt change inc. waterpump, fitting and VAT. This was pleasing as it was easily the cheapest I found by £50 or more.

He also said he found a second hand mech for the window and it would be £50, but maybe cheaper, depending on the deal he could get. "Fine", said I, "£50 is fine, as I'm going to fit it next weekend with the father-in-law to save on the labour."

"No problem sir, see you next week".

So, I rock up there this morning, drop the car off and he informs me that the mechanism he found was broken, but he found a repair kit and the good news is, it's cheaper.

"great!" I thought, and said that I had a pretty good guide on fitting the repair kit as well, so it wouldn't be too much trouble for me and the F-I-L to do it.

So, I'm thinking £320 for the cambelt, plus max. £50 for the window mech, I'll brace myself to pay around £370 later on!

Leave the car for the day and head back to pick it up at 5pm.

The guy I'd been dealing with (the boss) had forked off for the day nd one of the mechanics was left to settle my bill.

Whips out my bill..."that'll be £466 please sir..."

"erm...pardon? I was quoted £320 for the cambelt and another £50 for the window mechanism, so around £370 by my reckoning?"

"Ah, well, we re-welded your exhaust because it was hanging off"

"Well, that's £12" (I could see the cost on the bill).

"Oh and the window mechanism fitting as well"

"I didn't ask for that. I specifically told him I was going to fit it myself to save on the labour costs"

"Oh right, well, my boss has gone, so I don't really know what to suggest".

I don't mind the fact they've done the exhaust, but I really think it's pretty horrendous of them to fit the window mech without my permission then have the cheek to charge me for it.


So, £466 later, I'm pretty fecking cheesed off and will be calling the owner of the garage on Friday demanding a refund for the work I didn't ask for.

But really, I probably don't have a leg to stand on.

If I wanted to be robbed blind, I'd have gone to a main dealer to get the work done.

I should also point out that I've used these guys before, and they're pretty reputable in the area and known to be one of the best VAG specialists in the gloucester area. But I certainly won't be using them again.

 

[chrisd]

By contrast, we had HID'S Toyota IQ fixed on a recall by our local main dealer a few weeks ago which took about an hour. In the post today £20 in M&S vouchers as a gift from Toyota by way of an apology - not bad eh!



Chris

 

[Robobum]

.....I should also point out that I've used these guys before, and they're pretty reputable in the area and known to be one of the best VAG specialists in the gloucester area. But I certainly won't be using them again.

With this in mind it might be worth calming down a bit before speaking to them 2morrow. It may have been a genuine misunderstanding of what you wanted them to do (Did you have a written scope of work with them??).

If they are as reasonable as you say I'm sure there will be some sort of compromise to be had.

 

[Aztecs27]

.....I should also point out that I've used these guys before, and they're pretty reputable in the area and known to be one of the best VAG specialists in the gloucester area. But I certainly won't be using them again.

With this in mind it might be worth calming down a bit before speaking to them 2morrow. It may have been a genuine misunderstanding of what you wanted them to do (Did you have a written scope of work with them??).

If they are as reasonable as you say I'm sure there will be some sort of compromise to be had.

That's the trouble, I've got nothing written down, so it's my word against their's.

You may well be right, and he may say "fair enough, I'll refund you the money". But I have a sneaking suspicion he's going to say "tough titties I'm afraid".

Either way, I won't go in all guns blazing, but I will definitely kick up a fuss if he flat out refuses to refund me the money or offers me a free service for the car.

 

[Macster]

Hang on, isnt it a bit rich to ask them to source YOU a cheap Window Mechanism so that you can fit it yourself ??

Thats what Id think.

At least if they've fitted it, it'l perhaps work !

 

[Aztecs27]

Hang on, isnt it a bit rich to ask them to source YOU a cheap Window Mechanism so that you can fit it yourself ??

Thats what Id think.

At least if they've fitted it, it'l perhaps work !

I didn't ask, he offered. I told him that I was trying to find one to fit, but the repair kits were impossible to get hold of (VW stopped supplying them).

He no doubt got it from a Breakers yard, along with alot of other stuff and put a nice mark up on it to sell it on to me.

So, no, not really. Plus he completely understood *why* I was going to fit it myself. (it's fairly easy, but very time consuming)

It does work though

 

[Macster]

No worries, I take it back.

 

[Owen_Thomas_14]

Just sell your R11 and that will help pay the bills

 

[thecraw]

You'll never win at garages!

Never in a million years!

 

[Aztecs27]

Just sell your R11 and that will help pay the bills

Oh and to add insult to injury, the passenger door handle/lock isn't working correctly (can't open the car from the inside) - they had to remove this to do the window mechanism. Great! Not only was I charged for it, but it wasn't even done properly!

 

[bobmac]

You'll never win at garages!

I did. Well, actually it was a garage/showroom.
Me and Jan were at a place in Lincoln looking for a car for her and chatting to the salesman about the size of a Toyota Yaris's's's boot
It has to be big enough for the driver to fit in.
"Oh, you play golf?"

We went inside to shelter from of a sudden downpour and there was his putter behind his desk.

As I walked out with his £20 he must have thought "I'm suppossed to sell them something"

It just goes to prove that some car salesmen have got some sense

 

[GB72]

Bob do you actually walk around with an armful of V-Easy just in case you see some unsuspecting prey.

 

[bobmac]

Bob do you actually walk around with an armful of V-Easy just in case you see some unsuspecting prey.

I've always got a couple in the back of the car.

 

[medwayjon]

You'll never win at garages!

Never in a million years!

You will at mine!

The only garage in the medway towns that is approved and recommended by Kent County Council Trading Standards.

We take good care of our customers, its why we are rammed with work, currently over a week in advance for any servicing or repair work, when other independents have fitters stood around scratching their nads with no work to do.

 

[USER1999]

Are you flying to Woodhall Spa?

 

[JustOne]

Oh and to add insult to injury, the passenger door handle/lock isn't working correctly (can't open the car from the inside) - they had to remove this to do the window mechanism. Great! Not only was I charged for it, but it wasn't even done properly!

That'll be another £200