Dealers - Any Good?

I ordered my vx220 turbo form Jct600 in Bradford 7 weeks ago. Will get it this friday. Theyre not brilliant on returning calls at times but other than that theyve been pretty good so far. Paul the vx salesman knows his stuff and is helpfull. Got a great deal for mine...car for £24000, leather,central locking cd player all discounted. Total on road price £25490 INC VAT. Will, let you know how it goes at pick up time.

I've just written a big dealer review on JCT600 in Braford. I posted it but it simply vanished into cyber space. I'm not going to waste my time typing that lot out again. So to summarise - very good dealer, liked them alot.

WOOHOO!!!!! got my car today....What an excellent car! I thought my s1 elise was good but this is way better. Apart from having to run it in. Im gonna do a 1000 miles upto about 3500 rpm then I shall play after that. Mr P bower at JCT was a good bloke to deal with but jct's policies are crap. No keyfob no full tank of fuel and no handbook folder. Small points but make the deal feel that bit better. Anyway Im off for a drive now. 200 miles in 4 hours of b roads and counting

My dealer is up against it at the moment.... the paint is falling off the car... they have had several attempts at it...... next Monday will be the final go as far as I am concerned. It will then be gloves off if any more paint falls off.... I will keep you posted..... I dont blame the dealer its Vauxhall/Lotus's fault.... but someone need to be answerable...... I am really fed up with taking my car to the dealer... I think I could drive there blindfolded, arms tied behind my back and in reverse. I suppose they are trying! but is only trying good enough when youve spent that sort of money?

Just got back from having my car serviced at Picador, Southampton, here's my experience... 1. Very knowledgeable gentleman on the other end of the phone when I booked it in. I asked about the ABS upgrade and he checked the computer, yes my car needed it and they would do it under warranty. Mentioned that I'd probably do some shopping while I was in Southampton and how far are they from the town centre...gentleman said they'd sort out a car for me 2. Drove down today, struggled to find the place but got there eventually, very pleasant girl on service reception booked it in. Asked about the courtesy car, half jokingly mentioned having a quick go in their turbo demonstrator, five minutes later...here's the keys sir, sign here and the town centre is that way. 3. The turbo is Graham's baby, with a lot of Regal touches...exceptionally quick and a bit awkward to drive as it is insanely quick. Found it awkward to drive as I was never really comfortable with when the turbo was going to kick in and when dump valve was going to hiss (it's pretty loud ) Went around town, back out to the M27/M3 and south back to Picador. Once it was on the motorway, wow, it sounds incredible. Many thanks Picador & Graham. 4. Back in to pick up my car, discount card meant the bill was £100, same very helpful young lady on service reception. Asked about putting turbo chin spoilers onto my car, got the price but no one knew exactly how they are fitted. Service guy (didn't get his name) was very helpful & polite, we even went out and crawled around the front of the demonstrator to see how they fitted. Promised a phone call tomorrow once they find out. All in all a good experience, I know where I will be taking my VX any time it needs any work. Thank you Picador.

Edited by tja, 15 July 2003 - 04:44 PM.

Right then here we go. I should probably explain that i live in Cambridge but work in Bromley so hence the difference in areas of the dealers. Whitmores Vauxhall - Chistlehurst I bought my car from here (Y reg N/A Europa Blue)- sales dept quite good although i was an easy customer (as soon as i test drove it i wanted it). It went in to Whitmores to have the windows adjusted so that the hard top i had bought for it would fit. When i got it back the windows had about 1cm movement (sliding back and forth) in them. The drivers door hadn't been put back together properly so the trims were all loose. It went back to Whitmores as i complained about the state of the door and the play in the windows. Whitmores ordered and fitted new seals to solve the window problem. Not sure which seals but definately the one that goes on the door frame from halfway up the door up and over windscreen and back halfway down other door. When i got the car back there was white finger prints all over it from sicking the seals - they just don't seem to care about the state of the car when they give it back to you. Around the same time - can't remember if it was the same day. It went in as it kept blowing wiper fuses (needed new wiper motor). When trying to call the garage when the car was in there - was trying amongst other things to find out if i could get away with putting a higher amp fuse in for the wipers so i could drive home without the fuse blowing. You can't speak to the mechanic that actually works on the car. You wait for the counter staff (sorry don't know the job title) to call back to let you know the answer and they don't, but then if you call you don't ever seem to be able to speak to the person you spoke to before. Partly in their defence they do seem too busy to have the time to deal with things. Wiper motor - It needed a new motor but they couldn't do it that day as they didn't have any in stock i was just ending my shifts at work so i booked it in to Murketts in Cambridge, see below. Murketts Cambridge It went in to have the wiper motor replaced. They couldn't have been more helpful. They mentioned to me that the ABS upgrade hadn't been done so i booked it back in for them to look at the seal as the drivers window was really dripping water and the door no longer stayed open when opened fully. When booking it in the mechanic (i won't name him as i haven't asked his permission) came and looked at the seal with me and the corner (about 2 inches) of it just wasn't stuck down (no wonder it leaked) it is stuck with double sided sticky foam tape like stuff the bit that wasn't stuck down was completely smooth so it doesn't look like it was ever stuck down. The bit that goes over the roof was coming unstuck as the old glue wasn't cleaned off. The mechanic mentioned that the turbo had what looked like a better seal (kind of an in built drip tray) They tried to order one to be fitted at the same time as the ABS etc, but couldn't get one because vauxhall had just said that the were launching a new turbo seal. So it went in for a day and a half to get ABS and door done. I had a courtesy car for the 2 days (a new Meriva). They let me drop off my car and pick up the courtesy car the night before (as i leave for work at 5.15). Got car back and all done fine. The staff are all friendly and polite, they even called me to tell me it was finished early. They phoned me a week later to say they now had the trim in stock. So it went in yesterday morning to be done. Again everyone was polite and friendly the mechanic came out to look at the car with me and show me the new seal. This seal looks much better if any of you are having problems with yours leaking. It has a couple of inbuilt drip tray type bits but it isn't as bulky as the older turbo seal. Vauxhall are now recommending this seal for the NA as well. I really can't say enough good things about them. I got the car back clean and with the numberplate stuck back on. They have been friendly, polite and helpful on every dealing with them. I only wish i'd bought my car from them. Carrie

Hi All... bought a new VX march 03 ..No outstanding mods so must assume the car had only just been built etc. Within a week bad stone chips. Within a month patches of paint flaking off various parts of the body. From looking at other cars seems to only be a problem on Silver march 03 VX's. VXL are giveing me a Brand New car, delivery next week. The delivery was delayed due to all NEW VX's being recalled to Lotus apparently for checks. Cannot find out at the moment what this reacall was for. Anyone had similar issues.???. Woried that some re-sprayed/re-worked cars will turn up on dealers forcourts soon.....

Hi all had my vx for 2 weeks now ... what a great car...great weather to drive it in as well Just like to recommend the dealer Lance Owen...so far fantastic service from Tony and everyone Ive had contact with there Jezza P

Hi all

had my vx for 2 weeks now ... what a great car...great weather to drive it in as well Just like to recommend the dealer Lance Owen...so far fantastic service from Tony and everyone Ive had contact with there

Jezza P

Ah, another Tony Rios / Lance Owen fan! As mine is about to go back to Lance Owen (Kingston) for some TLC what's the opinion about their service dept.?



James

Ah, another Tony Rios / Lance Owen fan! As mine is about to go back to Lance Owen (Kingston) for some TLC what's the opinion about their service dept.?



James

I had my 10,000 mile service done there back in May, and they did the ABS upgrade and a couple of very minor warranty bits while it was there. I have to admit I've never felt so anxious about leaving a car of mine with a dealer before, or so pleased to pick it up a couple of days later and find everything was done and the car was returned to me in exactly the same condition as I gave it to them, ie no additional scratches through people with big boots climbing in and out of the car.

Being picky they didn't quite sort out the problem with the rattly drivers door. Well, they did but only when the roof was on. They didn't check that it was still ok with the roof off - which it wasn't, it was worse than ever. However, having mentioned the problem their Corrie Road (Non-VX) service department did sort it after ordering a couple of replacement bits. I have to say though it's a bit of a nuisance having the take the car to Kingston when I'm only spitting distance from Addlestone. It's a pity Lance Owens VX showroom and VX service departments come under completely different branches.

I'd suggest you book your VX in for any service work via Tony and not direct with the service department. That's how I did it and I was there when Tony rang the service department and made a big point to them about my connection with this forum which I'm sure helped to concentrate their minds. Tony also mentioned that if it's routine service work their Corrie Road, Addlestone service department can do it which may be more convenient for you. Do it via Tony anyway and he'll sort it for you.

Jim

Agree about Tony Rios - loves the car and is very helpful.

Agree about Tony Rios - loves the car and is very helpful.

If Tony has a fault it's that he's usually trying to juggle about 14 million balls in the air at any one time - Mind you he's getting bloody good at it though

I'm new to the forum and to the car, but my plan is to get a VXT within the next few months - once I've had a 48 hour test drive in September. However, I nearly didn't get this far, because when I contacted my local dealer, FG Barnes in Guildford (who are a VX220 dealer) I was met with total indifference. They were borderline rude and totally disinterested on the phone, and when I visited them for a test drive I got more of the same. The salesman looked hung over, actually fell asleep in the passenger seat while I was driving, knew nothing about the car and couldn't care less. When I got back to the dealership I asked one of the other salesmen about finance and was treated with contempt because I didn't know the correct term for a PCP (Personal Contract Plan). They showed absolutely no interest or enthusiasm for either me or the car, which I found appalling and totally unacceptable (I've since told them this). Moral of the story: if you're thinking about getting one but are wavering, give FG Barnes a go and save some money. They'll put you off for sure.

If I were you I would tell them to Feck off and go and talk to Tony Rios at Lance Owen in Addlestone (Crockford Bridge). Thats where I got mine from , he is a real fanatic and tries so hard to help. he treats youas you would expect to be treated in a BMW or Audi dealership rather than a Vauxhall one. Good luck with getting a stunningly fast VXT. R

ajrduff, maybe Vauxhall dont want to sell any more VX's, and have instructed their dealers to deter potential customers. I had an all too similar experience at

Belmont, Aberdeen

Can someone read the following and tell me if I'm missing something here...

I want to buy an NA VX. I am currently in the process of sorting out loans/insurance etc. before going to view a potential vehicle. I thought I'd take a trip up to my local Authorised VX Dealer as they would potentially service the new arrival. I wanted to see if they would give me a test drive or at least a closer look around a VX. It was their chance to earn a new customer.

I was looking forward to going up, having a chat with the sales guys and maybe going out in the car. Instead, much like ajrduff I was met with total indifference. I walked around the showroom and forecourt for at least 20 minutes, obviously spending the majority of that time around the solitary VX (a Turbo) and no-one came to talk to me. Three or four different "Salesmen" walked past and ignored me, instead walking straight up to the odd couple that arrived.

Eventually I made eye contact with one of them, he appeared to grimace. I expressed my interest in the VX.

"Is this the only one you have?"
"Yes"
"Have you still got your demo car?"
"No, I sold it last week."
"Oh, that's a pity, I am in the market for an NA as the Turbo is a bit steep for me at the moment."
"...."
"Would there be anything on network Q?"
"No, checked last week."

The conversation continued in this very strained manner for all of two minutes, no offer to show me round the car, no invitation to talk a bit more about it, despite him claiming to have sold one the other week. Instead he gave me the card for the VX specialist and wandered off to speak to other folk. I picked up a brochure and left.

I do not intend purchasing a new vehicle or even one through Network Q, but the "salesman" could not possibly have known this. Any slight chance I could have been tempted down either route is well and truly blown by his complete disinterest.

It has not dampened my desire to purchase a VX, but I will never return to those idiots, I'd rather travel 100+ miles to a VX dealership that values customer service and who have a more freindly and approachable outlook.

I have always avoided Belmont in the past, mostly due to word of mouth (and the fact my uncle worked at a Vauxhall Dealership not too far down the road -it's a shame they are not VX-authorised) - now I understand where the general dislike comes from.

Apologies if all or part of this post doesn't make sense, I'm still wound up about the whole situation

Edited by caleebra, 25 August 2003 - 12:34 PM.

I brought mine from West End (Staples Corner) and overall it was ok. But they were very laid back about the whole affair, and once I signed on the dotted line I kept having to chase them to find out information. It was nice that the car was parked in the showroom, I had to drive out past a few people looking at the car. They fed me wrong information and sent me on a wild goose chase with the Vauxhall Customer Service muppets for several months over the drivers training day, I'll forgive them someday. I hope to get it later this year or early next. I'm not confident with servicing. They weren't very prompt with a licence plate change. I waited for two hours before they could find the double backed sticky tape! <_<. Also they've had a VX nicked after someone broke into the garage to get the keys (although the person said he thought it was an inside job). But the car is a gem and nothing has gone wrong (doesn't even have a leaky fabric roof!). ps - And they're very good at sending you junk mail (I moved address in January and they were on the phone to me in less than a week to check why their mail had been returned to them)

Edited by bugsy, 25 August 2003 - 04:08 PM.

Something to look out for There appears to be a batch paint problem with silver 02 model VX-NA's (Mine is on a march 03 Plate) look for folds in the paint around the light fittings etc, bubbles appearing near exhaust. I was promised a new car by Vauxhall as I picked up a large paint chip during washing it turned in to a big big patch of paint missing & getting worse. The "specially Lotus Inspected" replacment car arrived with the same problem & even more defects than the car I have. Vxl agreed to change it again...After phoning around various dealers & asking about the paint all had either been in for re-sprays or had the same problems... Note the re-spray won't fix things as they do this in the field. They dont strip the old paint off they just spray over it. They have failed to deliver the second replacment car & can't even confirm if it has the same paint issue until it turnes up. I start the first stage of legal action today. So look out for bargains on silver VX's.....

Ah, that makes for interesting reading. I was due to take delivery 1st September but mine (Silver NA) is held at Lotus with all the others as every car has now got to be re-inspected or something... I know what to look out for now. Any pictures? Back onto Topic: I have found a complete lack of information and non-returned calls from the dealer in Sheffield that I am trying to purchase from. Bar the price and ack of availability, I'd have told them to stick it long ago!!!

Try a search for the subject, there are some examples of paint problems Paint Problems, Around rear lights

i thought it was me went over to get test drive in vx went to first dealer lookers in chester,had a nice blue on in show room asked if test drive was available! uum no! car is not registered till next month to get new plate!ok so is there a demo car i can try? ive got a vxt you could try but not for three days! great ill come back in three days, got test drive was really nice car in a grey colour. decided to go to other vx dealer north of liverpool went in red vx in showroom aaah looking good waiting for ages to get sales person then hey presto three come out at once!! again do you have test car? no sold it! ok can we take red one out? no not registered till next month!!!aaah what is with vauxhall dealers,if i went to lotus dealer i could walk in and take a brand new unregistered car out in the colour i wanted without even a sniff!! anyway i likes vxt so decided i will be looking for a secondhand vx n/a soon preferably in black turbo bit too much for me but was great drive. thanks to lookers for drive anyone else have dealings with them would be nice to know how good they are.