Best/Worst courtesy cars?
26 February 2001, 10:25 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Took my beloved scoob into the local dealer today. Its due to have one of the pistons replaced tomorrow to rectify piston slap.
I'm always interested to know what loan car they'll give me when its in for routine services, etc. I have to admit that its a very important factor in deciding whether I rate the dealer or not. Maybe this is unfair but when you drive a high performance quality car, you really miss it when it goes, even for one day. Years ago, a different dealer lent me a nearly new Impreza turbo when my own was in for a service and thereafter, I was loyal to them for years.
Anyway, I wondered what I would get today - maybe a WRX demo car or even a Legacy 2.5. Well no such luck - they gave me a Renault Clio P reg and worse still it was a diesel. This is definitely one of the slowest cars I've ever driven.
Set me thinking what is the best/worst loan cars you've been given and do you judge a dealer based on the loan car?
D.
I'm always interested to know what loan car they'll give me when its in for routine services, etc. I have to admit that its a very important factor in deciding whether I rate the dealer or not. Maybe this is unfair but when you drive a high performance quality car, you really miss it when it goes, even for one day. Years ago, a different dealer lent me a nearly new Impreza turbo when my own was in for a service and thereafter, I was loyal to them for years.
Anyway, I wondered what I would get today - maybe a WRX demo car or even a Legacy 2.5. Well no such luck - they gave me a Renault Clio P reg and worse still it was a diesel. This is definitely one of the slowest cars I've ever driven.
Set me thinking what is the best/worst loan cars you've been given and do you judge a dealer based on the loan car?
D.
26 February 2001, 10:45 PM
#3
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DJB,
If you have ever had the misfortune of driving a corsa 1.0, 3 cyl, 12v then you will know why this is the worst courtesy car ever , I had it for 3 months,PIECE of CR@P, while the scoob was in the shop.
Andy
Had a skoda felicia for a week once MUCH better!
If you have ever had the misfortune of driving a corsa 1.0, 3 cyl, 12v then you will know why this is the worst courtesy car ever , I had it for 3 months,PIECE of CR@P, while the scoob was in the shop.
Andy
Had a skoda felicia for a week once MUCH better!
26 February 2001, 10:49 PM
#5
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mu car is currently in for work at FR Pulleyns, and I was promised a decent courtesy car, as they were getting some new ones. When I arrived to drop off my car, I saw a brand new 'stickered up' WRX and got all excited. Unfortunately it wasn't for me 
, and I ended up with a 1.9 Diesel Skoda Fabia, which is suprisingly nice to drive.
Simon
, and I ended up with a 1.9 Diesel Skoda Fabia, which is suprisingly nice to drive.Simon
Trending Topics
26 February 2001, 11:41 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Three weeks ago, Took mine into Thurlow nunn. Was given a six year old impreza 5 door 1.8 GL. Went like a sack of s*** Too scared to over take anything. Got mine back a day later and was like a breath of fresh air!!! Made me appreciate what i'd got!
27 February 2001, 12:11 AM
#9
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TRIGGER,
How the hell do you get such good treatment from Bell & Colvill?? When ever I have phoned them to book my car in for a service there has never been any mention of a courtesy car and when I ask for one they don't have one for at lest 6 weeks.
Anyway my worst Courtesy car was from a small independent garage a couple of years ago and was a C reg VW Polo. The pile of junk wouldn't idle properly and kept stalling and the clutch judder made the whole car shake to pieces. Still better than taking public transport though..
A few years ago I had a Renault Clio 1.4 Automatic and that has to be the slowest car I have ever driven...
How the hell do you get such good treatment from Bell & Colvill?? When ever I have phoned them to book my car in for a service there has never been any mention of a courtesy car and when I ask for one they don't have one for at lest 6 weeks.
Anyway my worst Courtesy car was from a small independent garage a couple of years ago and was a C reg VW Polo. The pile of junk wouldn't idle properly and kept stalling and the clutch judder made the whole car shake to pieces. Still better than taking public transport though..
A few years ago I had a Renault Clio 1.4 Automatic and that has to be the slowest car I have ever driven...
27 February 2001, 12:14 AM
#10
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Disco, Disco!
Posts: 21,825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AWD
I did not feel that the AWD system on the Justy was worth defending - The Dictionary definition of 'understeer' should read 'See Subaru Justy' - I found it scary
Paul
I did not feel that the AWD system on the Justy was worth defending - The Dictionary definition of 'understeer' should read 'See Subaru Justy' - I found it scary
Paul
27 February 2001, 12:21 AM
#11
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Joey - It's funny but they get really touchy about their service. Ever since I replied scathingly to one of their questionnaires about standard of service, I have been treated ok.
27 February 2001, 01:06 AM
#12
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Tayside
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A fiat Ciquotchento 
it was the only courtesy car they had left yeah u r right i dunno how 2 spell it, don`t wanna know.. This thing (wouldn`t honour it by calling it a car) was so bad I drove it for 4 miles, took it back an told them s ok I`ll do without, as you will my business the next time 
Peddles so close 2gether every time I pressed the accelerator i also pressed the clutch. Likewise with the brake & clutch 
An u folks think u`ve had it bad........
Pete
it was the only courtesy car they had left yeah u r right i dunno how 2 spell it, don`t wanna know.. This thing (wouldn`t honour it by calling it a car) was so bad I drove it for 4 miles, took it back an told them s ok I`ll do without, as you will my business the next time Peddles so close 2gether every time I pressed the accelerator i also pressed the clutch. Likewise with the brake & clutch An u folks think u`ve had it bad........Pete
27 February 2001, 08:20 AM
#13
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wilding's 'Septic frog' takes some beating - A bright green justy
Although I have been given a Toyota Avensis by an Alfa dealer before - Toyota Offensive more like
Pete - Don't know what you are talking about, the Cinq is a great little car. My wife had one for a year or two, great fun, very chuckable and relatively nippy. Pedals are close together, but then so are a caterhams - all the better for heel/toe
Although I have been given a Toyota Avensis by an Alfa dealer before - Toyota Offensive more like
Pete - Don't know what you are talking about, the Cinq is a great little car. My wife had one for a year or two, great fun, very chuckable and relatively nippy. Pedals are close together, but then so are a caterhams - all the better for heel/toe
27 February 2001, 08:39 AM
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Worst - Kia Pride with dual controls from Mazda dealer.
Best - B+C gave us a Saab 9-3 turbo when our double buggy wouldnt fit into the Polo they tried to give us - amazing what a stroppy wife and 2 screaming kids can do.
Best - B+C gave us a Saab 9-3 turbo when our double buggy wouldnt fit into the Polo they tried to give us - amazing what a stroppy wife and 2 screaming kids can do.
27 February 2001, 08:55 AM
#15
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought they where all bad, some low points where with a Metro 111 the suspension gave up and the radio kept cutting out apart from the fact its a bad car when everything works.
Took a Golf to an independent garage a few years back and got a 1972 Passat Coupe imported from South Africa. Oh how I laughed as it kept over heating and stoping on the motorways! Covered in rust and felt like a death trap.
Took a Golf to an independent garage a few years back and got a 1972 Passat Coupe imported from South Africa. Oh how I laughed as it kept over heating and stoping on the motorways! Covered in rust and felt like a death trap.
27 February 2001, 09:37 AM
#17
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When my brand spankin new baby WRX was due to arrive this Jan and didnt, they offered me a courtesy car after i badgered them. The salesman didnt think the boss would let me borrow the P1 but he'd try...
I got there and he walked me past all the nice Turbos, and on to ....... a base model Justy with horrible interior colouring. The worse bit was going round a mates - everyone rushed outside to see the new WRX and there was this ugly silver peice of sh1te waiting for them. I still get ribbed about it now! Had to buy a disguise to wear when driving it!!
James
I got there and he walked me past all the nice Turbos, and on to ....... a base model Justy with horrible interior colouring. The worse bit was going round a mates - everyone rushed outside to see the new WRX and there was this ugly silver peice of sh1te waiting for them. I still get ribbed about it now! Had to buy a disguise to wear when driving it!!
James
27 February 2001, 09:54 AM
#19
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Gloucestershire, home of the lawnmower.
Posts: 4,531
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Once had a Mazda 323 for a week or so. Couldn't believe how quick it was and it revved and revved. Excellent. Right up to the point where it seized as it had no oil in it
Best car was a Micra 1.0L, great fun, but not too quick. Even so, best giggle I've had legally on the public roads (yes, better than a Scoob, EVO etc).
Cheers
Ian
Best car was a Micra 1.0L, great fun, but not too quick. Even so, best giggle I've had legally on the public roads (yes, better than a Scoob, EVO etc).
Cheers
Ian
27 February 2001, 10:22 AM
#20
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi,
At one time I used to own a R5 GT Turbo, which probably travelled further going up and down on a garage lift then it ever did on it's own wheels...
I was lent a very old Polo 1.0 while the engine was taken to pieces (again) on the R5. The main problem (apart from a complete and utter lack of acceleration) was that the gear lever assembly had a tendency to explosively disassemble itself whenever it was most inconvenient. On one occasion the gear lever came off in my hand while attempting an over taking manouver, and on another the whole assembly disintegrated and dropped out through the floor while I was in an unlit underground carpark with no tools or torch
.
Cheers,
Alex
At one time I used to own a R5 GT Turbo, which probably travelled further going up and down on a garage lift then it ever did on it's own wheels...
I was lent a very old Polo 1.0 while the engine was taken to pieces (again) on the R5. The main problem (apart from a complete and utter lack of acceleration) was that the gear lever assembly had a tendency to explosively disassemble itself whenever it was most inconvenient. On one occasion the gear lever came off in my hand while attempting an over taking manouver, and on another the whole assembly disintegrated and dropped out through the floor while I was in an unlit underground carpark with no tools or torch
.Cheers,
Alex
27 February 2001, 11:13 AM
#22
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 1999
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another vote for the Justy! Kept feeling like I was going to fly out of the seat and into the passenger side. Worst of all I got overtaken by a Scoob on the way back from the dealers. Kept wanting to yell, "I've got a scoob too, but it's in for a service, honestly!"
It did stick to the road quite well though!
It did stick to the road quite well though!
27 February 2001, 11:19 AM
#23
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: West Byfleet, Surrey
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A totally knackered Corsa from Bell & Colvill - it was about a year old, but had already fallen apart. It was also v.slow , dirty and a total pile of cack.
27 February 2001, 11:51 AM
#27
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love these 'I have a story' threads. Great reading....
Not mine, but my wife had a Metro 1.0 brand new curtesy car while her Astra was in for a service (and my old *cough* Capri 2.8i *cough* broke a rear suspension spring on a slight 'jump' in the road
).
Felt like I was sitting in a goldfish bowl. Very embarissing....(although, no more so than now thinking back to my Carpi... well, at least I got them out of my system)
[This message has been edited by Nimbus (edited 27 February 2001).]
Not mine, but my wife had a Metro 1.0 brand new curtesy car while her Astra was in for a service (and my old *cough* Capri 2.8i *cough* broke a rear suspension spring on a slight 'jump' in the road
).Felt like I was sitting in a goldfish bowl. Very embarissing....(although, no more so than now thinking back to my Carpi... well, at least I got them out of my system
) [This message has been edited by Nimbus (edited 27 February 2001).]
27 February 2001, 12:02 PM
#28
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jul 1999
Posts: 906
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best courtesy car BMW 850 from Power Engineering
Worst 10 year old Escort estate, complete with broken choke **** that sliced my fingers nicely, from - Power Engineering
guess you just can't tell eh?
Worst 10 year old Escort estate, complete with broken choke **** that sliced my fingers nicely, from - Power Engineering
guess you just can't tell eh?
27 February 2001, 01:24 PM
#29
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A certain North West Scooby dealer;10 year old Nissan Micra!
enough said!
I complained to one of the salespeople, who actually agreed with me that it did the dealership no favours at all.
They still use it ,though.
An absolute joke IMO!
enough said!
I complained to one of the salespeople, who actually agreed with me that it did the dealership no favours at all.
They still use it ,though.
An absolute joke IMO!
Justy 