Mr.M

Been down to Listers today for an ECU swap on the WRX.

Spoke to the folks about the rumour of them closing.

Lister Group are only dealing with manufacturers directly and since Subaru don't sell directly in the UK they are going to stop selling Subaru's for Lexus (more profit). IM have been too greedy over their profit margins and they are basically squeezing dealers out of the market because of the tight margins the dealers are making.

This change will happen over the next 12-18 months.

Pretty gutted to here this as they are #1 dealer for the midlands IMHO.

Sadly this is a trend all over the country. Subaru dealers are switching to other marques to stay in business. I can see this being a problem for us owners if this trend accelerates. I personally don't want to travel 70+ miles to get a service.

RESSE

iTrader: (1)

Bugger, just collected my car from them last Friday (20th).

Have to use someone else now.....pants pants pants.

Josh L

I thought we dealt with this last week.

I've got at least 4 dealers within a 30 mile radius of me, and I still choose to do the 180 mile round trip to Listers for servicing. I will continue to do so until they go in April/May 2004 and, if I stick with Subaru, I'll almost certainly get my next car from them.

I can understand why people are so hacked of with IM, who have so obviously lost the plot, but I can't quite understand the people who seem to be intent on finding a replacment dealer immediately.

Josh

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

yep a total shame

IM don't like dealers and don't think much of us either (read SIDC magazine). When Listers finnish Subaru that will be the end of my UK cars I will go the cheaper route to buy cheaper to Mod blow warrenty if the engine blows pay the £5k and still be better off. IMHO

Tony

sillysi

Roll on October when block excemption expires.

I would much prefer to take my Scoob to my friend who has a garage as I know he will do a bloody good job, no longer being tied to Subaru dealers for servicing etc and still keeping warranty intact can only be a good thing. No doubt they will find some way to tie me down especially as I am on a PCP.

scoobyslut

Block exemption will not completely vanish till 2004/5, only part of it finishes in october, so be wary.
As for Listers, they still have the scooby franchise untill 04, or untill they put a Lexus in the showroom,the IM pull the proverbial plug for them.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

I have a Dealer thats closer and easier to get to but far prefer Listers even if my bank Manager thinks I am being blackmailed by them LOL

Tony

[Edited by T5NYW - 9/24/2002 8:30:44 PM]