226 replies to this topic

[madasahatter]

thanks to lookers for drive anyone else have dealings with them would be nice to know how good they are.

I purchased my VXT from Lookers, and they are OK..... Their knowledge of the car however is crap. I am unsure about their mechanics so far, but the people seemed nice enough.

They are struggling to get me a few things that I should have with the car (its ex-demo), which they claim are on back order. I don't know whether this is true or not.

So, in summary, nice enough people who like the car, but know nothing about it, and I am unsure at this stage about how good their mechanics are trained to the subtleties of the VX.

[mags993tt]

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

That is great news. Those were the guys that systematically (ie not just a one off) destroyed my car. In the end the Richmond branch took over and did a cracking job. Their boss was none too happy I can tell you and it just goes to show how some 'customer feedback' can make a massive difference. I have to say I thought they were no hopers - just do a search to see what a feck up they did to my car!

[Jim_Cross]

Browns of Loughton (Service Department)

Crap

One word sums it up really.
I had the car booked in for today the car in to have a few warranty bits sorted:

Make interior alarm more sensitive
Rattley speaker cover
Slightly mis-aligned boot catch
Check windscreen wiper switch
Something else (details to follow later, a sensitive issue...)


I dropped it off last night, giving them maximum time to do the work. They said they'd try to have it back to me by 3:30pm today. I was told that I'd be called if any work wasn't warranty work.

I phoned at 2pm to see if they knew what time it would be ready, as it takes me an hour or so to get there. They responded by saying that they were still waiting for the technician to call.

I arrived at 4, hoping it would be ready, but it was still on the ramps.

Finally got it back at about 5pm. So, what had they done that took all day? Nothing!
That is, none of the warranty work. The sensitive issue was looked into, but wouldn't have taken very long at all.

Re: alarm - Ran the diagnostic, all sensors working, no work to do. Now, I did say not to touch it if they weren't sure that they wouldn't make it too sensitive. But I had specifically said that the alarm DID work, so there was no need for the diagnostic

Re: boot catch - it'll be fine, no work to do. This is OK, as long as it doesn't get any worse

Re: speaker bracket - couldn't make it rattle. WHAT? It's not hard! When I got in, the CD was set to a track with just acoustic guitar and vocals, so off course it didn't rattle.

Re: windscreen wiper switch: "Err, is it OK if we keep your car here tonight and fit a new switch under warranty tomorrow?" WHAT?! You've had my car for 24 hours, and you couldn't even fit a switch? I told them just to forget it.

And to top it all off, I got charged £41 for the privilege of having them run the diagnostic on the alarm that I told them didn't need doing. I just paid up and left...couldn't be bothered to argue it

[Duncan]

Okay, my theories, I don't know if Turboman / Murkin can back this up

. 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'm fairly sure that ordinary salesfolk are not allowed to talk about the Vx let alone sell them. It would appear that only the Specialists are authorised to sell them. Therefore the Vx in the corner might as well be priceless Van Gogh for all they care, hence they only vaguely give you the time of day and wonder of to sell a corsa.

Also for every serious punter they must get a lot of tyre kickers out for a free test drive. Sorting out the serious guys from the Garys must be a major pain. Hence I got told I would only get a test drive If the guy was guarenteed a sale! What!? I virtually had to sign on the line at Steve Thompson in Lichfield before he would let me in the car. Needless to say I went somewhere else.

[garyk220]

Sorting out the serious guys from the Garys must be a major pain.

Hey!!!

[Duncan]

Posted on Sep 2 2003, 16:12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUOTE (Duncan @ Sep 2 2003, 15:58 )
Sorting out the serious guys from the Garys must be a major pain. 

Hey!!! 


 

Oops! Sorry!

Will have to use the "Kev" term instead then. Er, you don't also drive a Max'd Nova do you?

Only kidding!

[Woody Trebus]

FRF Swansea - excellent sales guys. Loads of drives pre-purchase, even let me see if it would fit in my garage !! Excellent advice/guidance throughout. Took it back after four weeks as it was pulling to the left. Took in, worked on, problem resolved and all covered under the warranty. Really good place to go if anyone is thinking about buying. Got a really good deal - extras/discount/etc.

[bugsy]

More Crownhill praising Had my first service yesterday, which I thought was going to be routine (since only 5K miles covered). But they found I needed new rear brakes (only 20% wear on the front brakes and no track usage). I mentioned it had only done 5K, and they went away to investigate. They phoned Vauxhall and got the pads replaced under warranty (the pads were faulty). So almost top marks to Crownhill (no top marks because they didn't clean the car afterwards). They did the servicing quickly and the staff were very helpful. A very happy Bugs ps - they charged me £142 for the service, rather than the £160 quoted on the phone.

[turboman]

Bugsy. They didn't clean the car because I told them not to touch the VX's. They service dept's cleaner is useless, he's too big to get in them, so is likely to stand on your seat to get in then scratch your car as he tries to get out with the keys in his hand. Next time its coming in, let me know, and I'll get the sales valeter to clean it mate. Wayne (better safe than sorry)

[mags993tt]

Bugsy.
They didn't clean the car because I told them not to touch the VX's.

They service dept's cleaner is useless, he's too big to get in them, so is likely to stand on your seat to get in then scratch your car as he tries to get out with the keys in his hand.

good thinking - i normally ask for it not to be cleaned and they do it anyway with predictable results...chipped bonnet from wiper, scratches on sill, door, dashboard, rear light clusters etc etc etc....

[thejonesy]

Bought mine last week from Slaters in Colwyn Bay. The sales guy was v. helpful (James Lewis). Me and the missus both had a long test drive and we made him cry on the part ex deal. Car was a week late though (after taxing and insuring it), but managed to squeeze a free first service out of them for the hassle. It's been back in this week for two days to get the boot catch working properly, picking it up tonight to see what thet've done with it and am going to ask them about the paintwork being see-through in a couple of places at the same time. If all goes well it'll be otherwise it's Dealers beware.

[jakepeg]

Have had my VXT all of 2 weeks and am in deep love, yet had a minor irritation when the clutch return spring broke whilst taking another green relative out for a whizz.( sounded like front axel just snapped) Went to local non -VX authorised dealer who ordered in new spring( I said I would fit it) Yet they tried to charge me the paultry £3.50 despite the part clearly under warranty. I refused to pay and the manager ungratiously said he would swallow this!! Dont go to Maldon! Underwoods Colchester have been recommended on a previous note, but I hope their aftersales techniques a bit better than the Maldon Bumpkins

[Gonzo]

Well, I can only add to the praise for Tony Rios at Lance Owen Weybridge. Bought my blue VX NA last Friday, so if anyone sees one around maidenhead give me a wave! Great service, genuine love for the car. No NA were around when I pitched up for a test drive, so he let me loose in a turbo.

[N4VXT]

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.

Agreed... a couple of guys have given a thumbs-up to Paul(icon comes up as a thumbs down sign... need to fix that mr T, if the European police forces of Europe let you go free), and I want to agree, but much more importantly for me, the girl in service was quick and friendly (sorry, forgotten her name! This is a good thing on first name with the useless clowns at A********y BMW, so me remembering who you are is not always good )and most important Andy the VX tech bod is very helpfull, even when I'd f****d up something myself Andy !

Buy from JCT, I think you'll be happy.

Nik

[caleebra]

Oops, haven't checked this topic for a while missed the following...

I'm fairly sure that ordinary salesfolk are not allowed to talk about the Vx let alone sell them. It would appear that only the Specialists are authorised to sell them. Therefore the Vx in the corner might as well be priceless Van Gogh for all they care, hence they only vaguely give you the time of day and wonder of to sell a corsa.

Interesting, this guy claimed he had sold their last NA the previous week When I asked about Network Q he said "No, cause I checked for the guy last week" So either he was speaking a load of BS or breaking the rules

Also for every serious punter they must get a lot of tyre kickers out for a free test drive. Sorting out the serious guys from the Garys must be a major pain. Hence I got told I would only get a test drive If the guy was guarenteed a sale! What!? I virtually had to sign on the line at Steve Thompson in Lichfield before he would let me in the car. Needless to say I went somewhere else.

He shouldn't try to "sort" anyone. Close friends of the family run a fully authorised dealership (for a brand more expensive than Vauxhall) - he says you have to be nice to EVERYONE as you can never tell who will buy a car. He said you get some right scruffy buggers coming in and walking away with brand new top of the range vehicles when the salesperson's initial THOUGHTS were "Aye right..."

This twat didn't even give me a chance, let alone encourage me to come back. How is he to know what I earn or how much I have to spend? He just saw a young chap, jeans & denim jacket, Calibra and thought "dreamer." I wonder if his tune would have been different if I had went up in my suit at lunch time with my mates S3? (it's been over a month since my original post and I still feel p1ssed off about it!)

[Jase_MK]

How is he to know what I earn or how much I have to spend? He just saw a young chap, jeans & denim jacket, Calibra and thought "dreamer." I wonder if his tune would have been different if I had went up in my suit at lunch time with my mates S3?

I got exactly the same treatment from loads of dealers. Lotus basically would not let me drive the Elise - full stop. I went in about 4 times and still no joy. Eventually I went in with my old man and we managed to get a very short test drive about 1 mile up the road and then back again because he did not want to put miles on the clock.

Same crap with BMW when trying to drive a Z3.

No probs with Vauxhall though.

[jules_s]

I always take my old man test driving (911 carrera targa) never get any problems although I dont think i would anyway now in my advance(ing) years Oh and to the bloke who said the salesman at drive bristol was great.... wait until you meet the service department ive been waiting six months for new door hinges and a rear clam alignment cos the drivers door is rubbing away.......ive left so many messages with the service manager to call me and not once has he had the courtesy to call me back.. Im now going to call him again i wont hold my breath

[jules_s]

unsurprisingly the service manager isnt aswering his fone....nor is anybody else in his dept back to reception, this time asked for the MD...he's not in either, lets just hope he's a little more willing to return calls than his service manager

[turboman]

Okay, my theories, I don't know if Turboman / Murkin can back this up

. 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'm fairly sure that ordinary salesfolk are not allowed to talk about the Vx let alone sell them. It would appear that only the Specialists are authorised to sell them. Therefore the Vx in the corner might as well be priceless Van Gogh for all they care, hence they only vaguely give you the time of day and wonder of to sell a corsa.

Also for every serious punter they must get a lot of tyre kickers out for a free test drive. Sorting out the serious guys from the Garys must be a major pain. Hence I got told I would only get a test drive If the guy was guarenteed a sale! What!? I virtually had to sign on the line at Steve Thompson in Lichfield before he would let me in the car. Needless to say I went somewhere else.

Sorry for late reply.

To be honest, any of the Vauxhall guys can sell the VX220's, at Crownhill we make sure all of them have driven them and taken them home a few times, so at least if a customer wants some info they can tell you what it's like to drive.

But the problem comes when you get a salesman sell one and gives people advise like, 'no sir, dont be stupid, of course they dont leak', 'rattle, only if you take it off road sir' ' boot, yes its HUGE sir, look its here in the front.'

If the salesman hasn't lived with a VX for a few years or been around VX people like you guys and learned from you, then they are prone to bulls*** theyre way to get a sale, and the worst thing you can do is talk crap to a car enthusiast who knows his stuff, they tend to promise things that cant be done.

We recently had a salesman (term used very loosly) who sold a used VX when I had a day off, and said that the worn drivers seat will be replaced under warranty and the cars dont rattle etc etc and promised palmers sport day, but forgot to tell anyone else, of course that salesman left, and a few weeks later, angry customer in showroom, wanting to know where his new seat is, why his car rattles and why palmersport hadn't rung. Guess who gets to sort it out.

You are better off seeing the guy who (mostly) knows what he's talking about, at least he will be honest.

And Caleebra, I tend not to judge people on what they wear or what car they drive, afterall, on my day off I dress like a tramp and drive an old escort (with the wife and baby in, obviosly I'd be using the VXT otherwise), (when I'm working I dress like a tramp and drive a VXT) I tend to judge people naturaly, you tend to get a feeling about people by the way they walk in, look around the cars or say hello.

Occasionaly I do get people I have to judge by the way they dress and the car they drive, but if you had a 17 year old pull up in a 'B' reg Nova with a 6 inch tail pipe extension and wearing a baseball cap backwards, asking to test drive a Corvette or VXT, you wouldn't risk your life for the £50 youd earn selling one either.

I think, if you can build up a rapoir with the VX specialist and treat him or her like you would like to be treated, you'll get a great test drive, discount and great aftersales, afterall, I tend to think of all my customers as friends rather than customers, mostly know them all by first name, and I'm more than happy to help with any aftersales issues, not that you'll have any though, because afterall the car doesn't rattle or leak, theres loads of room in the boot and the centre tunnel doesn't scuff. does it. cheers hope that answers your questions.

[jules_s]

im still waiting...