Just popped into a certain dealer who will remain anonymous to look at his demo car that is silver and has a high-line spoiler on the back.

I didn't want a drive as I've already ordered an import; I just wanted a price for getting a spoiler.

I didn't expect the red carpet treatment from a UK dealer having bought a euro car but to be ignored, told a pack of lies about the car I've ordered and informed that they won't service it due to "all the differences" made me rather cross (to be polite!).


Still, their loss will be the work in supplying and fitting of a high line spoiler, at least 5 years of servicing and a possible PPP buy next year.

Steve

 

write to top gear or the evil one at watchdog and shop them. They cannot refuse to service it just because its a uk spec import.

 

When I get the car in September and I'm due for a service, they won't get a look in. I'll take it to another dealer just a bit further away (neither are exactly local to me anyway!).

Steve

 

Come on Steve, give us a clue. Was it the place in Carlisle?

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Spec:
<B>Come on Steve, give us a clue. Was it the place in Carlisle?[/quote]

You're warm!

Steve

 

I too would be interested to know who this was - I could make one guess? As long as you simply state the facts as they were I don't think there is a problem, just don't say they were f'ing tossers etc

 

I would give trading standards a call. There must be a European law about that sort of thing.

Dave

 

There is an Explanatory Brochure from the European Commission "Distribution of Motor Vehicles" Regulation 1475/95 29/6/95 which says in question 35 page 29:

"The consumer is entitled to seek to have such a vehicle serviced by any undertaking belonging to the network which distributed the vehicle. Hence it is unnecessary for the consumer to return to the dealer in the Member State of purchase [Article 5(1)(1)(a) and Article 4(1)(1)(e)]."

[Article 5] the dealer undertakes to carry out repair and maintenance work in accordance with [Article 4] ... comply in ... aftersales servicing with minimum standards regarding in particular... the repair and maintenance of contract goods, particularly as regards the safe and reliable functioning of motor vehicles.
[heavily edited by me from the actual regulations]

When I quoted this to a reluctant dealer they soon agreed to service my vehicle The conversation went rather like this...

ME: "I wonder if you could quote me for a 1000 mile service on an EU imported Impreza Turbo please?"
DEALER: "We cannot service your vehicle, Subaru will not allow it."
ME: "The law insists on you providing equal services no matter where the vehicle is sourced within the EU... [quote appropriate information above]"
DEALER: "I'll go and speak to the sales manager.... (short delay).... that will be no problem Sir..."

It is also worth pointing out to dealers that extracts from an official letter from Subaru to dealers printed in What Car? some time back noted that dealers would be happy to service EU imports.

 

Thought there would be a law like that somewhere...

So, how many EU import owners will be voting for UK Independence Party now?

BJH

[This message has been edited by Brendan Hughes (edited 07 May 2001).]

 

Thanks John,

I've printed that out and hope I don't need to quote it. Surely a garage will not turn down trade, especially if I speak to the Service manger, not the sales guy.

Steve