Am I going mad ?
Discussion
None of us expect good service (and most of us rarely get it), but I still need to let off steam:
- Cerbie has problems while on holiday in Cornwall and has to be towed back.
- Check car into local TVR gaff complete with WHA warranty booklet (this is definitely a warranty item, and if not I still have TVR's engine warranty which would cover it).
- TVR bloke checks out problem and rings WHA to get approval. WHA say my warranty isn't in place.
- TVR bloke doesn't tell me about problem with warranty and goes ahead and fixes anyway and sends invoice to dealer who sold me car ('cos they'd screwed up warranty).
- TVR bloke tells me about 'missing' warranty.
- I phone WHA who immediately give me a temporary number that I can use to make claims against. However, it is too late for this claim as the fix has been done without being approved.
- I get my car back (in the middle of the night) complete with nice scratches right through the paintwork. Warranty booklet is missing too.
- Every week I phone TVR bloke to say "please send me my warranty booklet" and am told "Oh yes I'll put it in the post today".
- Surprise, surprise the dealer who sold the car won't pay for the fix (why should he ?).
- After 8 months of trying, TVR bloke finally pays for paintwork to be sorted out.
- Now, 9 months later, TVR bloke still has my warranty booklet as hostage and has told me he is going to send me an invoice for the work (near 900 quid).
Help me out - am I mad in thinking that there's no way in hell I should have to pay for this ?
I've had enough. I've had my last TVR. I'm going the 'Eurobox' route.
Mike.
WHA have done nothing wrong in this case. TVR Bloke should have discussed this with me before proceeding with the repair - I could have sorted out WHA with zero trouble (or just sent the car to back to the original vendor). Also, it was the originating dealer who hadn't applied for the warranty (ie pocketed my money) - not WHA's fault there either. Also, I wouldn't expect WHA to pay out for a repair that they had no opportunity to inspect/approve.
I have no real gripe with either the dealer (possible genuine mistake ?) or WHA (they were very helpful in my dealings with them and rectified things quickly and easily). I have a problem with the way TVR Bloke dealt with this ineptly and then expects me to foot the bill.
Dunno if I should name and shame - TVR Bloke is a respected Gassing Station favourite - I'd be booed off the stage.
Mike.
Simple surely? You tell TVR Bloke you want a warranty job. He finds out the warranty isn't in place, and instead of asking for your instructions charges in. His own fault methinks. Especially as WHA hold their hands up. If he'd delayed, you would have been covered.
If you can live without the warranty book for 3 more months, tell him to take a jump!
quote:Freaky how do you do it ! Yep - it's me. Don't think I know you though ?! I won't be getting a car from that dealer AND it won't be taking a car to TVR Bloke. Mind you I'm probably going to sell up and buy a sensible car !
reckon I know all parties involved here - blue sp6 (right?) - have read the above carefully and agree with your reasoning. Whatever happens - I bet you'll never get another car from THAT dealer again eh?
quote:You're right - but I spoke to chap about your car, whilst it was there, as was I. It's a pity what's happened here but you're right not to name up, that's good of you. Now your car is back with you is it all well ? I take it these scratches were from chap or his henchmen - but were you given any explanation? As you travel west you could always try keeping the car for 'summer' and give Peninsula a try - their reputation seems solid.
Freaky how do you do it ! Yep - it's me. Don't think I know you though ?!
Mike, I am really sorry about your situation as I have mentioned before. It sounds to me that there is a lack of communication between 3 or 4 parties. I have had work done by Thames and have found them to be reliable and cost effective. TVRs also converted my old race car into a road going Tuscan and the new owner is pleased with the car. You were right to name and shame, but if I can help and to try and get you a satisfactory outcome, I will as the owner of TRS is a friend of mine.
James
Thanks for the offer James, but there's nothing really to be sorted out. I don't think TVR Bloke will actually send me the invoice, as he probably realises he doesn't have a leg to stand on. I'm also selling the Cerbie as my local TVR dealer + specialist have kicked the fight out of me, so I won't be needing to go back to him for more work.
By the way, you're right that lack of communication is the problem - communication has never been TVR Bloke's strong point but in the past I've overlooked it as, unlike the main dealers, he's never tried to fleece me.
Ah well, on the plus side I'm looking forward to getting a convertible again (albeit a non-TVR sensible 4-seater) !
Mike.
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