I was getting my piston slap sorted by Chaple Gate (Dorset) but they decided they won't do it now as they are not an official Subaru Dealer any more.

So I've now had to book the car into Sparshatts of Botley.

What’s the general opinion on them?

Thanks

Dan

erm, this thread came up a few months back.

certainly amongst the Hants mob, opinions are mixed, some being quite negative. do a search :D

I wasn't made to feel like a customer, and they fitted new brake pads without consulting me. Go to Power Engineering, cheaper and they will fit forged pistons too.

MB

I would go to someone else BUT Subaru UK are paying for it so it will have to be a dealer, my choices are either Vale or Sparshatts.

The only bit I'm paying for is the cam belt at £110 + VAT.

Cheers

Dan

how about Mill Lane, they are just outside Basingstoke and have a good rep amongst everyone I know

Glen4 uses Vale and highly rates them, although its a small garage / workshop they have...

MB

I haven't ever heard anything bad about Vale. Is that actually the case?

[Edited by Davey P - 4/24/2003 4:27:52 PM]

I'd cancel that booking straight away and leave them to selling Nissans. My car left there on a back of a trailer after weeks of inactivity. Having blamed the delay on everyone else in the Subaru network it turned out that the delay was caused because they didn't have a camera to photograph the broken parts for the warranty claim or enough brain cells to wander down to Boots and spend £5 on a disposable camera. Equally, their attitude was appalling when I went to collect my car, I had intended to write to Subaru UK to complain in the strongest terms as one staff member's behaviour was nothing less than threatening despite me being thoroughly polite and only being interested in getting my car back from them. The customer behind me shook his head and walked out when he saw the behaviour of the staff.

I have no experience of Vale but can recommend Mill Lane who have always been a pleasure to deal with.

Go to Autosportif in Bicester (near Oxford), because they are excellent! get the number from 192

They work on the McRae rally cars, which I think
speaks volumes!!

A pal of mine had a full rebuild on an sti-5 type-r and not only did they do a great job, but they were price competitive, and gave a 6 months warranty! :)

As above............but if its a Subaru dealer that you must use then I'd agree with Mill Lane in Basingstoke or Lancaster Subaru (I think they are near Reading).

If you brought your car from Chapel Gate, with the warranty, demand they honour it as i have brought a P1 from them with a 12 month warranty within the last 12 months, and now im having problems which i demanded they put right and honour the warranty THEY gave me! The repairs are now being carried out on 21st May, so guys and gals, dont touch Sparshatts with a barge pole

Martin