Who are the best/worst dealers you've used?
22 February 2001, 08:31 PM
#1
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i always see posts about various subaru dealers, and i thought it would be interesting to see how they compare. although the old jd power things always bandied about by dealers, i personally have found a vast difference between them. most dealerships have a monopoly on quite a large area, whereas ford for example may have several in one area. do you get the feeling sometimes that they treat you however they want, because you have little choice?
my findings as follows:
best (subaru)...days of chelmsford
they are friendly, helpful,
and do a good job of it.
(audi).....nigel grogan chelmsford
excellent customer service
(seat).... miller&middleton colchester
fantastic!
worst ( subaru).....osborne of colchester
i don't have a good word
to say about em, so i wont
so, who's your best and worst?
this isn't done to have a go as such, it's just perhaps subaru need reminding now and the that we are PAYING customers, not pains in the ***** who have to be tolerated who are obliged to put up with whatever **** they decide to chuck at us.
my findings as follows:
best (subaru)...days of chelmsford
they are friendly, helpful,
and do a good job of it.
(audi).....nigel grogan chelmsford
excellent customer service
(seat).... miller&middleton colchester
fantastic!
worst ( subaru).....osborne of colchester
i don't have a good word
to say about em, so i wont
so, who's your best and worst?
this isn't done to have a go as such, it's just perhaps subaru need reminding now and the that we are PAYING customers, not pains in the ***** who have to be tolerated who are obliged to put up with whatever **** they decide to chuck at us.
22 February 2001, 08:46 PM
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My experiences Subaru-
Quenby's (Baldock,Herts)
-Sales: Helpful,knowledgable,very laid back though - they ain't gonna make you feel special.
-Parts/Servicing: It is actually embarassing to talk to these people they are so miserable/unhelpful.
Lavender Hill Garage (Enfield, Herts)
-Good, do a decent job of servicing. However parts dept. did once give me the impression they thought I was a Nova boy or import owner trying to trick them into selling me bits.
Intermoto (Liverpool)
-Only spoken to on phone but seem very friendly + helpful
Cheam Motors:
-Following advise I once rang Jim Childs for parts. He is the Man - true customer service.
BMW- Stevenage Specialist Cars
Great! Very trusting when it comes to unaccompanied test drives. Loads of time for you, free use of David Lloyd fitness centre whilst they are servicing, the best coffee I have ever tasted, they try to give you the impression you are joining an exclusive club rather than buying a car.
Lotus - St Albans
Never has anyone with such a long waiting list tried so hard to sell a car. Typical "salesman" more suited to encyclopedias or double- glaziing.
Stevenage Car and Commercial- Vauxhall
-Used the servicing and bodyshop a number of times, very obliging, will do you the odd favour for no apparent gain to themselves, knowledgable too.
In general I'd say most Subaru dealers are below the levels of other dealers - don't know who writes in to JD Power each year.
[This message has been edited by Boost II (edited 22 February 2001).]
Quenby's (Baldock,Herts)
-Sales: Helpful,knowledgable,very laid back though - they ain't gonna make you feel special.
-Parts/Servicing: It is actually embarassing to talk to these people they are so miserable/unhelpful.
Lavender Hill Garage (Enfield, Herts)
-Good, do a decent job of servicing. However parts dept. did once give me the impression they thought I was a Nova boy or import owner trying to trick them into selling me bits.
Intermoto (Liverpool)
-Only spoken to on phone but seem very friendly + helpful
Cheam Motors:
-Following advise I once rang Jim Childs for parts. He is the Man - true customer service.
BMW- Stevenage Specialist Cars
Great! Very trusting when it comes to unaccompanied test drives. Loads of time for you, free use of David Lloyd fitness centre whilst they are servicing, the best coffee I have ever tasted, they try to give you the impression you are joining an exclusive club rather than buying a car.
Lotus - St Albans
Never has anyone with such a long waiting list tried so hard to sell a car. Typical "salesman" more suited to encyclopedias or double- glaziing.
Stevenage Car and Commercial- Vauxhall
-Used the servicing and bodyshop a number of times, very obliging, will do you the odd favour for no apparent gain to themselves, knowledgable too.
In general I'd say most Subaru dealers are below the levels of other dealers - don't know who writes in to JD Power each year.
[This message has been edited by Boost II (edited 22 February 2001).]
22 February 2001, 10:40 PM
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The absolute worst dealer I have ever been to, it SGT in Taplow, near Maidenhead.
Utter, Utter, Utter snooty tossers.
I was gonna buy a MY01 from there with cash, but seeing as I turned up in jeans, the salesman acted like a complete ****.
I was so p155ed off that I wrote them a letter, explaining to them how they lost 21000 pounds.
I would reccommend, never go there. Instead go to Lancaster in Pangbourne.
The saleman was good in there. He also knew how to drive, and showed my what a WRX is all about.
Oh by the way, did I mention that SGT were ****E?
How did they manage the JD ??
Utter, Utter, Utter snooty tossers.
I was gonna buy a MY01 from there with cash, but seeing as I turned up in jeans, the salesman acted like a complete ****.
I was so p155ed off that I wrote them a letter, explaining to them how they lost 21000 pounds.
I would reccommend, never go there. Instead go to Lancaster in Pangbourne.
The saleman was good in there. He also knew how to drive, and showed my what a WRX is all about.
Oh by the way, did I mention that SGT were ****E?
How did they manage the JD ??
22 February 2001, 11:01 PM
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I'd second Lancaster in Pangbourne - excellent service from them so far (4 visits) Worth the extra distance to avoid Ball & Colbill (I think Subaru owners are an inconvenience to their Lotus delaership)
22 February 2001, 11:02 PM
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I bought from Ace Kensington. Nice sales guys (not too pushy) but the problem is that their Services department is based in Acton. Went there for the 1,000-mile service - got a very cold reception (of course, I didn't bring my £23K to them!).
Since then, on advice from Andy Tang, I've been using Mill Lane in Basingstoke - quite a long way from London but not far from work. Very nice guys. Great prices (well, by official Subaru standards), e.g. full electronic Prodrive geometry setting - £40, not bad at all
miz puzz - there is a new Subaru garage between Hounslow and Twickenham (just off Twickenham Rd). Don't know if they are good tho'. Wanted to try them a couple of times but they are always fully booked well in advance.
Since then, on advice from Andy Tang, I've been using Mill Lane in Basingstoke - quite a long way from London but not far from work. Very nice guys. Great prices (well, by official Subaru standards), e.g. full electronic Prodrive geometry setting - £40, not bad at all
miz puzz - there is a new Subaru garage between Hounslow and Twickenham (just off Twickenham Rd). Don't know if they are good tho'. Wanted to try them a couple of times but they are always fully booked well in advance.
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22 February 2001, 11:20 PM
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Lancasters at Pangbourne. Never has a dealer worked so hard even after they had made a sale. They were superb, it is a pity I don't live closer otherwise they would get my servicing jobs as well.
Adams in Aylesbury. Nice enough people although everything is premium priced.
Adams in Aylesbury. Nice enough people although everything is premium priced.
22 February 2001, 11:28 PM
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Subarussian:
<B>miz puzz - there is a new Subaru garage between Hounslow and Twickenham (just off Twickenham Rd). Don't know if they are good tho'. Wanted to try them a couple of times but they are always fully booked well in advance.[/quote]
Dont know about servicing, but the salesmen and a couple of guys in the parts dept seem to be very knowledgeable, and they are all very friendly (maybe this is the reason for the JD power stuff
)
<B>miz puzz - there is a new Subaru garage between Hounslow and Twickenham (just off Twickenham Rd). Don't know if they are good tho'. Wanted to try them a couple of times but they are always fully booked well in advance.[/quote]
Dont know about servicing, but the salesmen and a couple of guys in the parts dept seem to be very knowledgeable, and they are all very friendly (maybe this is the reason for the JD power stuff
)
22 February 2001, 11:45 PM
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Adams - Very helpful but the 2nd hand Terzo has had a lot of probs in the two months that I have had it. Not cost me a penny but a lot of Saturday mornings. Mrs boss & Simon sales v. nice but its still going back this Sat. to have gear box oil filled cos its nearly off bottom of dip stick 8 weeks after sale/service.
All the other dealers that I have had to deal with (Rover, Audi & VW) have all been complete pants.
All the other dealers that I have had to deal with (Rover, Audi & VW) have all been complete pants.
23 February 2001, 12:15 AM
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Second PeteC's comment on Lancasters in Pangbourne. Again my car is from Gertjan's and there has never been any problems with them so far. Having said that they are putting through a warranty claim on the clutch at the moment, so we'll see how they do with that!
NIck
NIck
23 February 2001, 12:53 AM
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Subaru:
Cheam Motors:
Servicing: The best I've ever experienced. Treated my girlfriend like a person too when she took the car there to be serviced. Cannot sing their praises enough.
Sales: I bought an EVO VI because of the 'experience' I had with them. It could all have been so different very easily....
Isleworth
Sales: Seemed like reasonable people when I talked to them, were prepared to offer discounts and weren't pushy.
Cheam Motors:
Servicing: The best I've ever experienced. Treated my girlfriend like a person too when she took the car there to be serviced. Cannot sing their praises enough.
Sales: I bought an EVO VI because of the 'experience' I had with them. It could all have been so different very easily....
Isleworth
Sales: Seemed like reasonable people when I talked to them, were prepared to offer discounts and weren't pushy.
23 February 2001, 01:29 AM
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<B>BEST</B>
Mill Lane (Basingstoke) - Good sales and post sales support. (I only stopped using them as it's an 80 mile round trip!!!)
Cheam Motors (Ewell) - Good service, but no experience with sales side. Very good post sales support. (and only 5 miles away!!)
<B>Bad Experience</B>
Sparshatts - Still waiting for a return phone call after nearly 2 years!!
Bell and Colvill - Any sales person to turn their nose up at me won't get my business!!!
Mill Lane (Basingstoke) - Good sales and post sales support. (I only stopped using them as it's an 80 mile round trip!!!)
Cheam Motors (Ewell) - Good service, but no experience with sales side. Very good post sales support. (and only 5 miles away!!)
<B>Bad Experience</B>
Sparshatts - Still waiting for a return phone call after nearly 2 years!!
Bell and Colvill - Any sales person to turn their nose up at me won't get my business!!!
23 February 2001, 08:29 AM
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Bought my P1 from Concours in Haslemere. I have to say that the service offered from Robin there was second to none. Firstly the fact that he didn't laugh a 24 year old looking at a P1 off the forecourt and secondly the time I was given to do a private sale on my old car, top!
23 February 2001, 08:34 AM
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My experiences......
Worst.
Listers of Worcester - quite happy to sell me a car with piston slap and to tell me they all do it
.
Best.
Pulleyns in York - Service dept superb. I even got 'em a box of Stella at Xmas!!!!
Otis.
Very satisfied customer.
Worst.
Listers of Worcester - quite happy to sell me a car with piston slap and to tell me they all do it
.Best.
Pulleyns in York - Service dept superb. I even got 'em a box of Stella at Xmas!!!!
Otis.
Very satisfied customer.
23 February 2001, 08:47 AM
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Dave P:
<B>best gatwick cars crawley...
worst lancaster sevenoaks..... over a year and still waiting for my replacement stereo[/quote]
Now thats interesting, I have only experianced the sales side, but I didn't like the guy at Gatwick, but the guy at Lancaster was excellent (and that where I got the car from, even through it would have been a bit cheaper at Gatwick). I often get the distinct impression that dealers do not take me seriously (coz i look about 12 apparently...).
Worst experiance has to be Pug dealers, I tried a few (4 or 5) and they were all absolutely ****, with out exception and on every occasion, that is one of the main reasons i only kept the car for 8 months...
<B>best gatwick cars crawley...
worst lancaster sevenoaks..... over a year and still waiting for my replacement stereo[/quote]
Now thats interesting, I have only experianced the sales side, but I didn't like the guy at Gatwick, but the guy at Lancaster was excellent (and that where I got the car from, even through it would have been a bit cheaper at Gatwick). I often get the distinct impression that dealers do not take me seriously (coz i look about 12 apparently...).
Worst experiance has to be Pug dealers, I tried a few (4 or 5) and they were all absolutely ****, with out exception and on every occasion, that is one of the main reasons i only kept the car for 8 months...
23 February 2001, 08:48 AM
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OK my $0.02 worth:-
Mill Lane for by far the cheapest service and excellent attitude.
Lancaster Pangbourne used to be excellent but have recently let me down by asking for 160 quid for 37.5k service insetad of 103 quid from MillLane. However when I told them the reason for me going to Mill Lane they did say they would pric ematch any other Subaru dealer price in the future. It's a shame they did'nt offer that when I rang and queried the 160 quid !
Would also agree that SGT in Taplow are a bunch of ar$es - I was in the market for a new Turbo but they showed no interest, rude etc and did not offer a test drive or anything. Never again.
Tim
Mill Lane for by far the cheapest service and excellent attitude.
Lancaster Pangbourne used to be excellent but have recently let me down by asking for 160 quid for 37.5k service insetad of 103 quid from MillLane. However when I told them the reason for me going to Mill Lane they did say they would pric ematch any other Subaru dealer price in the future. It's a shame they did'nt offer that when I rang and queried the 160 quid !
Would also agree that SGT in Taplow are a bunch of ar$es - I was in the market for a new Turbo but they showed no interest, rude etc and did not offer a test drive or anything. Never again.
Tim
23 February 2001, 08:54 AM
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Lancasters in Pangbourne??? I wouldn't even buy an air freshener from them.
When I was in the market for a scoob in Nov 99, I arranged a test drive there. Arrived at the appointed hour, kept me waiting for 2o minutes to find both the car and salesman had gone out on a test drive with another customer. Turns out the sales 'manager' had forgotten to write the appointment in the diary. No apology, no calls - nothing. When I called them again to ask for pricing and finance info, they said they'd call back. Did they? To55ers.
Instead, I bought a MY98 wagon at Sparshatts nr Southampton, who couldn't do enough for me - very impressive. Car is now serviced at Mill Lane in Basingstoke - equally impressive.
When I was in the market for a scoob in Nov 99, I arranged a test drive there. Arrived at the appointed hour, kept me waiting for 2o minutes to find both the car and salesman had gone out on a test drive with another customer. Turns out the sales 'manager' had forgotten to write the appointment in the diary. No apology, no calls - nothing. When I called them again to ask for pricing and finance info, they said they'd call back. Did they? To55ers.
Instead, I bought a MY98 wagon at Sparshatts nr Southampton, who couldn't do enough for me - very impressive. Car is now serviced at Mill Lane in Basingstoke - equally impressive.
23 February 2001, 09:08 AM
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Best
Lavender Hill, Enfield.
Got a Turbo for a 24 hour test drive
1 and only problem sorted out quickly. Customer service spot on.
Only thing is they're jealous of my car
Worst
PNG or whatever they're called now Vauxhall in Waltham Cross. Told me to f off when mt Cav had a problem cos it was modified. Was told by their chief engineer that Vauxhall could not better their engines
for power etc, and people like me just ruin them.
Did complain just a little.......
BMW dealer in Stortford.
Looking at a 328 before I bought the Trubo - turned up in Jeans and a T shirt - met by the most arrogant up their own 4ss salesman ever.
Turned up in a brand new £30k Saab and they were not even interested. Wanted to charge me £500 for a test drive, cos "that's what it cost them!!!"
Will probably never buy a BM cos of the attitude.......
Lavender Hill, Enfield.
Got a Turbo for a 24 hour test drive
1 and only problem sorted out quickly. Customer service spot on.
Only thing is they're jealous of my car
Worst
PNG or whatever they're called now Vauxhall in Waltham Cross. Told me to f off when mt Cav had a problem cos it was modified. Was told by their chief engineer that Vauxhall could not better their engines
for power etc, and people like me just ruin them.Did complain just a little.......
BMW dealer in Stortford.
Looking at a 328 before I bought the Trubo - turned up in Jeans and a T shirt - met by the most arrogant up their own 4ss salesman ever.
Turned up in a brand new £30k Saab and they were not even interested. Wanted to charge me £500 for a test drive, cos "that's what it cost them!!!"
Will probably never buy a BM cos of the attitude.......
23 February 2001, 09:20 AM
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I have only had my car for 10 Months so have only got experience of one dealer so far..
I have to agree that Bell & Colvill are far more interested in selling Lotus Elises to guys in suits than they are in selling and servicing Subarus. I was there one time when a farmer in wellies was asking a salesman about the Forester. The salesman just looked down his nose at him and couldn't get him out of there quick enough...
When you are there it feels as if they are doing you a favor by letting you have your car serviced there. There is also absolutely no chance of ever getting a courtesy car out of them. Even when I bought the car (We turned up in my girlfriends company Saab) they seemed a little hesitant about letting me have a test drive (They were so much more friendly when they realised I was going to buy it )
Basicly on the First 1000 mile service they charged me for two exhaust trims when I only needed one. Unfortunately I didn't notice this until a month or so later and couldn't be bothered to argue over £18.
On the 7500 service they overcharged me by £45 and the monkey who washed my car managed to put some nice scratches on the spoiler and drivers wing mirror. I didn't realise I had been overcharged until I spoke to some people on scoobynet, so when they sent me a customer satisfaction form I just HAD to fill it in (Although I was 100% honest). A few days later I got a refund and apology stating that it was a one off as they had charged the wrong hourly rate. Speaking to other people on here I am not the first to be overcharged on a service.
I just hope that Cheam Motors will be SO much better..
I have to agree that Bell & Colvill are far more interested in selling Lotus Elises to guys in suits than they are in selling and servicing Subarus. I was there one time when a farmer in wellies was asking a salesman about the Forester. The salesman just looked down his nose at him and couldn't get him out of there quick enough...
When you are there it feels as if they are doing you a favor by letting you have your car serviced there. There is also absolutely no chance of ever getting a courtesy car out of them. Even when I bought the car (We turned up in my girlfriends company Saab) they seemed a little hesitant about letting me have a test drive (They were so much more friendly when they realised I was going to buy it
)Basicly on the First 1000 mile service they charged me for two exhaust trims when I only needed one. Unfortunately I didn't notice this until a month or so later and couldn't be bothered to argue over £18.
On the 7500 service they overcharged me by £45 and the monkey who washed my car managed to put some nice scratches on the spoiler and drivers wing mirror. I didn't realise I had been overcharged until I spoke to some people on scoobynet, so when they sent me a customer satisfaction form I just HAD to fill it in (Although I was 100% honest). A few days later I got a refund and apology stating that it was a one off as they had charged the wrong hourly rate. Speaking to other people on here I am not the first to be overcharged on a service.
I just hope that Cheam Motors will be SO much better..
23 February 2001, 09:36 AM
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I had my first (1K) service at Gatwick Subaru and found the service good. But they are quite expensive.
Gatwick quoted me £150 for the 7.5K service whereas Cheam quoted £100 and charged only £98
The service at Cheam was also very good so I guess I'll be going there even though I only live a few miles from the Gatwick dealership.
I agree with the attitude of sales at Gatwick, I went there to buy a new car. Cash sale!
Their attitude was "It's an Impreza so no deals, we can sell everyone we get". (How times change)
I was offered such a patetic P/X on my Nissan 200SX that I walked, bought a european import saved many £'s and sold the 200SX for twice the P/X price privately.
Gatwick quoted me £150 for the 7.5K service whereas Cheam quoted £100 and charged only £98
The service at Cheam was also very good so I guess I'll be going there even though I only live a few miles from the Gatwick dealership.
I agree with the attitude of sales at Gatwick, I went there to buy a new car. Cash sale!
Their attitude was "It's an Impreza so no deals, we can sell everyone we get". (How times change)
I was offered such a patetic P/X on my Nissan 200SX that I walked, bought a european import saved many £'s and sold the 200SX for twice the P/X price privately.
23 February 2001, 10:19 AM
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I have to wonder sometimes if anybody has been to a Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen etc etc garage before. Subaru dealers spoil us compared to them.
B+C were great when I first bought a new scooby - the salesman was a great driver and showed how to get the best from the car. They have always given courtesy cars and always picked my car up from my home and delivered it back. They also clean the car with the service. Costs have always been a bit higher, which would be my main complaint. They are a bit snooty, and you do need to be firm in what you want, but I have never been treated as a 2nd class citizen.
Cheam have been very efficient with their aftersales and servicing especially on cost, but dont have a few of the additional touches.
Sorry to be so nice, but I reckon Subaru dealers deserve their good reputations when compared to other mainstream idiots.
B+C were great when I first bought a new scooby - the salesman was a great driver and showed how to get the best from the car. They have always given courtesy cars and always picked my car up from my home and delivered it back. They also clean the car with the service. Costs have always been a bit higher, which would be my main complaint. They are a bit snooty, and you do need to be firm in what you want, but I have never been treated as a 2nd class citizen.
Cheam have been very efficient with their aftersales and servicing especially on cost, but dont have a few of the additional touches.
Sorry to be so nice, but I reckon Subaru dealers deserve their good reputations when compared to other mainstream idiots.
23 February 2001, 10:26 AM
#30
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Simpsons of Highworth get a thumbs up, tick vg from me.
Friendly sales staff - always very accomodating, even though it took me months of hmmming and hahing before I placed an order. Service people equally friendly; I've taken the car (MY00) in twice on spec (no appointment) for minor rattles etc and both times the car was sorted on the spot. Can't recommend them enough.
Also very good are Sudbury's Mazda (wife's MX5) in Swindon. Another very friendly and helpful bunch of folk.
Utter toss? Surely and without doubt the Vauxhall dealership in Bath. Arrogant, surly, unhelpful, rude, overpriced b@$t@rd$. If you've got a Vauxhall, I'd suggest your best bet would be to stick into the river avon rather than give it to these donkeys to service. Sorry if I'm being a bit OTT but these people were awful (a couple of years ago mind you).
Friendly sales staff - always very accomodating, even though it took me months of hmmming and hahing before I placed an order. Service people equally friendly; I've taken the car (MY00) in twice on spec (no appointment) for minor rattles etc and both times the car was sorted on the spot. Can't recommend them enough.
Also very good are Sudbury's Mazda (wife's MX5) in Swindon. Another very friendly and helpful bunch of folk.
Utter toss? Surely and without doubt the Vauxhall dealership in Bath. Arrogant, surly, unhelpful, rude, overpriced b@$t@rd$. If you've got a Vauxhall, I'd suggest your best bet would be to stick into the river avon rather than give it to these donkeys to service. Sorry if I'm being a bit OTT but these people were awful (a couple of years ago mind you).