How Long Does it Have To Take!!??

65 mat · Apr 2, 2009

Is it just me or does anyone else share my annoyance...it just seems that every time I take my car some where to have any work done, it seems to take them weeks (5/6 weeks!) to get anything done! I'm not talking about engine rebuilds either, just servicing and other fairly minor jobs. Please share your experiences. [

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Please note, I haven't got to the name and shame point... YET!

Steve Brookes · Apr 2, 2009

Mine went into Unit 11 Warrington for new KW suspension, new wishbone bushes, full geo, brake hoses and a brace welded on to the engine carrier. Took them 3 days and that was only because they had to send the carrier out for powder coating. [

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BlueNGT · Apr 2, 2009

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes

Mine went into Unit 11 Warrington for new KW suspension, new wishbone bushes, full geo, brake hoses and a brace welded on to the engine carrier. Took them 3 days and that was only because they had to send the carrier out for powder coating. []

Unit 11 are great...they have space for a certain number of cars so therefore they have to turn the jobs around quickly.

h_____ · Apr 2, 2009

My preference for car garages is always to go for those that are small. Firstly you get a more personalised service, same mechanic everytime, and secondly as above they cant park your car in the corner and get on with something else instead.

Laurence Gibbs · Apr 2, 2009

i find my mechanic always helpful and willing to attend to the smallest detail at a moments notice. He always manages to do things exactly when i want them done on time every time. Only one thing i don't like about this arrangement ! said mechanic is me [

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timarnold · Apr 2, 2009

It's probably the garage not wanting to turn down work in this current financial crisis and therefore over-committing themselves. I think I would be inclined to get very aggressive in the initial negotiations before agreeing to let them have my car... "When can you start and when can I have the car back? Please don't tell me a completion date unless you are 100% confident that my car will be ready on that date because it's needed for [a track day, holiday, whatever] and if it's not ready I'll be looking for compensation!." "Right, I'll bring the car to you first thing on the morning you have specified to start and I'll call in later that day to see how you're progressing!" Some people need to have your boot up their backside! [

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Talat · Apr 2, 2009

Recently I've had a 24K service done at GT One and a bit of paintwork by 911 Bodyshop and both where done quicker then I expected. Maybe your garage is prioritising work that is quicker to turn around.

Tony · Apr 2, 2009

Never had a problem yet. 9M always helpful and timely - unless its something major usally arrange to wait while the works done. Have used other specialists as well, always try to book well ahead and set expectations.

Only problem was once with a supplier rebuilding dampers - took nearly 3 months but as it was over christmas, price and quality were excellent - no real complaint!

Tony

oldtimer · Apr 2, 2009

Hi Mat , I can't say I've had any real problems with garages. I used to run modern Porsches - 993 followed by 996 followed by 997 and all serviced at OPCs - nusually same day stufff except for the technicians deciding to do RMS jobs to fill those boring moments and no problem apart from getting an enormous collection of Porsche screenwash bottles built up.
The 964RS was worked on oop North at Tech9 and Ninemeister , stuff like rollcage fitting , brake and clutch renewals and the odd electrics gremlin that needed a Bosch hammer - no issues.
The 911E is worked on dahn in the smoke at Jaz , Wembley - where space is limited and its obviously crucial to turn the car round fast - and they do.

65 mat · Apr 2, 2009

ORIGINAL: manipou

I am experiencing something very similar with a certain Ferrari specialist. Job quoted 1 week, we are now 5 weeks and counting. What makes it worse is no reply to calls, no reply to emails, general apathy and terrible customer service.

I even had to go round the other day as I was starting to think maybe they had gone bust or something... I was told that it would be finished at the beginning of this week.. Thursday and still no call.

What makes it worse is I have to part with over £3000 for the privilege...

So annoying isn't it! [

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65 mat · Apr 2, 2009

I really appreciate the response from you all, as they say...."it's good to talk!" After reading your posts it just makes me think that they have started to take the p**s out of me somewhat. At the end of the day their complacency will ultimately be their downfall....well,with my custom anyway!

Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted! [:-]

Melv · Apr 2, 2009

"When can you start and when can I have the car back? Please don't tell me a completion date unless you are 100% confident that my car will be ready on that date because it's needed for [a track day, holiday, whatever] and if it's not ready I'll be looking for compensation!." "Right, I'll bring the car to you first thing on the morning you have specified to start and I'll call in later that day to see how you're progressing!"

Yeh right.......[&:]

Matt -no probs here..........car goes in, comes out same day if minor job -wot's the point of keeping 'em so long......???[8|]

964RS_DAB · Apr 2, 2009

9M usually turn things around for me while I wait. Last week I turned up at 11 o'clock (pre arranged) so they could investigate an electrical fault. Within 15 minutes two of their technicians had been liberated from the work they had been doing, and were working on my car. Two hours later, problem was sorted and I was on my way home.

Even though it's a 180 mile round trip I think it's worth it.....

timarnold · Apr 4, 2009

ORIGINAL: Melv
Yeh right.......[&:]

Ah! Confusedsmiley.com [

] It's called 'closing' Melv... basic first lesson in sales technique - get commitment... close doors - close the deal! Try it, it'll work! [

] No need to be obnoxious, just be yourself... be pleasant, reasonable, approachable, smile... but also be direct and firm! [

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ChrisW · Apr 5, 2009

Melv, if you needed your car for a track day and the time scale wasn't too demanding for the repairer, which repairer would not have it ready for you ?

We all know that problems arise and I'm sure that Tim would excercise some flexibility, but Matt is really taking this lot on the chin --- and paying for it !

Melv, what would you do ?

oldtimer · Apr 6, 2009

OK Mat so give us a clue who is doing it to you ???

gresley · Apr 6, 2009

Yes - who is it? I live in your neck of the woods and though your experience wouldn't rule out my using them, it would put me on enquiry if I ever considered them. Just watch out for forum rules re. naming people though.

Strange - I thought nearly all the indies round us were first class.

Andrew W