The Car thread

[Steameh]

Currently drive a 64 plate 1.6 petrol Astra, which is a company car....I despise it, slow and horrendously uncomfortable for drives over 30 minutes.

 

Best car I ever owned is a toss up between a twin turbo supra and a monaro vxr, too difficult to chose between them.

 

Rented one of the new shape 5 itre mustang gts recently on holiday, what a fantastic car, they are available here in right hand drive too, and not too expensive for 430 horsepower in a brand new car.

[Jattdogg]

I did. And the response was apologetic corporate b*lls.

(behind the scenes apparently everyone who works for Audi is pissed off). My MD was livid and has vowed never to get a fleet of Audis again, which he buys outright for him, his wife, me the other 2 reps, the factory manager and the owner and his wife.

He also found a private service company that specialise in Audis.

I would have gone "the rock" on that place with a big peice of lumber

https://youtu.be/rqc2lyHj63A

[Rob1742]

I recall leaving around £12 in my Audi trinket tray when I took it for a service, then found only £7 when I picked it up.

On reporting the fact that someone has pinched money out of my car, I was told it was my fault for leaving money in it in the first place. They pointed to notices on the wall that states valuables should be removed.

I agree with their point to a degree, but really think they should be employing honest people, rather than oiks whose aim every day would be to see how much change they can pinch out of cars on a daily basis. At no point did they apologise, or say they will investigate.

I wasn't bothered about the fiver, more concerned that at the time my Audi was my pride and joy and don't really want those types looking after my car. If they are pinching your cash, what else are they doing, or more likely not doing.

Edited 16 April 2016 by Rob1742

[Countryfox]

I recall leaving around £12 in my Audi trinket tray when I took it for a service, then found only £7 when I picked it up.

On reporting the fact that someone has pinched money out of my car, I was told it was my fault for leaving money in it in the first place. They pointed to notices on the wall that states valuables should be removed.

I agree with their point to a degree, but really think they should be employing honest people, rather than oiks whose aim every day would be to see how much change they can pinch out of cars on a daily basis. At no point did they apologise, or say they will investigate.

I wasn't bothered about the fiver, more concerned that at the time my Audi was my pride and joy and don't really want those types looking after my car. If they are pinching your cash, what else are they doing, or more likely not doing.

I'm with you Rob that's appalling and I wouldn't go there again. Thieving toe rags !

[Saxondale]

Servicing; BMW were OK but nothing impressive. This week 1st service my for my Audio (Audi)

They will collect it from my place of work at 8.30 as the local dealer is15 minutes away and return it before 5.00. "Great".

What actually happened was they didn't come to collect so I rang at 10.30 as they had forgot; then when they arrived I stated must be back by 5 as I have to drive back to Leicester.

At 5.30 I rang and they assured me they were on the way.

Repeat with a strong tone at 6.00

Repeat with a few f' words at 6.30

Repeat at 7.00 pleading in the most humble begging manner.

Repeat at 7.30 to leave a message on their answer phone.

8.00 taxi arrives to take me back to Leicester.

9.30 cram down 4 cans of larger and go to bed angry.

Next day I finally turn up directly to the Audi garage to listen to the car was delivered but no one was there ect..but here is your bill.

 

Straight to my car to turn on my dashcam recording.

It was driven into the workshop for 6 minutes then reversed back out to the car park and never moved an inch after that.

Company car drivers: don't choose a new Audi!

 

That is absolutely shocking.

 

Everybody is talking about the brands as if that's who you're dealing with - you're not. When you buy an Audi, you're buying from a franchise holder, which will be a dealer or dealer group such as Sytner, Listers, etc. Anybody can get a franchise, so long as you meet certain requirements and fulfil certain obligations (on paper at least). 

 

If you put a complaint in about this to actual Audi UK, they will almost certainly be absolutely livid and there will be major repercussions for the dealership. Plus you'll probably get some free s hit.

 

Don't assume all dealers representing a particular franchise are the same as each other because they're not at all. 

 

I can think of one fairly major dealer group in the UK (who I won't name) who carry out business practices that are, at best, unfair and, at worst, outright criminal. This dealer group represents most major franchises in one location or another.

[Bellend Sebastian]

That is absolutely shocking.

 

Everybody is talking about the brands as if that's who you're dealing with - you're not. When you buy an Audi, you're buying from a franchise holder, which will be a dealer or dealer group such as Sytner, Listers, etc. Anybody can get a franchise, so long as you meet certain requirements and fulfil certain obligations (on paper at least). 

 

If you put a complaint in about this to actual Audi UK, they will almost certainly be absolutely livid and there will be major repercussions for the dealership. Plus you'll probably get some free s hit.

 

Don't assume all dealers representing a particular franchise are the same as each other because they're not at all. 

 

I can think of one fairly major dealer group in the UK (who I won't name) who carry out business practices that are, at best, unfair and, at worst, outright criminal. This dealer group represents most major franchises in one location or another.

 

I've never quite understood the relationship between dealerships and the manufacturer.

 

I was surprised to learn that a relatively famous Leicester dealership that had a terrible reputation, which judging from my experience with them was actually misleadingly positive, was directly owned by the manufacturer in question.  If you wanted a less bleak customer experience, the consensus was that you should deal with a local franchise for the same brand.

 

Damage done for me though, won't be buying one of those again.  They might be brilliant now for all I know, but after what happened to me, you just wouldn't go back

[Saxondale]

I've never quite understood the relationship between dealerships and the manufacturer.

 

I was surprised to learn that a relatively famous Leicester dealership that had a terrible reputation, which judging from my experience with them was actually misleadingly positive, was directly owned by the manufacturer in question.  If you wanted a less bleak customer experience, the consensus was that you should deal with a local franchise for the same brand.

 

Damage done for me though, won't be buying one of those again.  They might be brilliant now for all I know, but after what happened to me, you just wouldn't go back

 

There are a small number of manufacturer-owned dealer groups, eg. Robins & Day are owned by Peugeot, Renault Retail Group are owned by Renault UK and Ford have some of their own too (thought not in Leicester).

 

The vast majority are independent bar the franchise agreement. As a rule, though not always, the smaller independent dealers or dealer groups are better to deal with than the large, national groups.

 

The relationship between dealer and manufacturer is pretty much the same as any other franchise agreement, eg. Subway, KFC, etc. Actually, the stipulations are probably a bit looser, especially with the smaller franchises. 

 

The dealer gets to supply the manufacturer's goods (i.e. cars) in exchange for upholding certain dealer standards - both aesthetic and service driven. Their remuneration these days is usually influenced by lots of KPIs, including various customer satisfaction metrics. 

 

The larger national dealer groups tend to have more leeway with the manufacturers by virtue of the number of units they shift. In other words, they can sometimes get away with murder. 

 

What is important to understand is that - generally speaking - franchised dealers don't actually make much money selling new cars. Generally, their major income streams are:

 

* used cars

* servicing

* finance commission (more so in some dealers than others)

* add-on sales (eg. Lifeshine / Auto Glym / etc., which they buy for c£50 and sell for £300)

 

In actual fact, some dealers will lose money up-front on a new car to hit certain registration thresholds at which they reach a volume rebate. These rebates can be affected by other KPIs, depending on the franchise agreement.

 

That said, different dealers set themselves up in different ways. Also, different franchises require operating with different business models. 

[Tielemans63]

I suppose we agree and disagree, Merc went through a franchise buyout a few years ago and since have struggled but compare BMW with Audi, Audi wins for service and support.

I've got a Merc at the moment, no issues so far, in fact, the tech in the car is well behind Audi interms of user experience, but ride is excellant

 

What Merc have you got Singhy? Thinking of buying a B180 / 200 on a 14 plate but a bit dubious about running / service costs etc

[Dr The Singh]

What Merc have you got Singhy? Thinking of buying a B180 / 200 on a 14 plate but a bit dubious about running / service costs etc

I've got a E class, 220 nightshade model 2litre. Fuel economy and ride are superb. With any of the premium cars, parts and servicing will be more expensive. Not had one issue with it, really solid. I've had BMW's and Audi's in the past, overall it's a much of muchness betwee n them. Mrs got a Nissan Juke, i was surprised with its ride quality and solidness for a car that's less then half the price

[Tielemans63]

I've got a E class, 220 nightshade model 2litre. 

 

 

Ah nice, I'm not a millionaire like you though mate Thanks for the advice though. Got a 10 plate Audi A4 at the moment - I love it but services etc cost an arm and a leg, thought a Merc might be even more.

[Dr The Singh]

Ah nice, I'm not a millionaire like you though mate Thanks for the advice though. Got a 10 plate Audi A4 at the moment - I love it but services etc cost an arm and a leg, thought a Merc might be even more.

I'm no rich dude, buddy.......

Running costs between Merc and Audi are about the same, from what I remember.

Cars are a waste of money if you ask me

[Merging Cultures]

Damage done for me though, won't be buying one of those again. They might be brilliant now for all I know, but after what happened to me, you just wouldn't go back

I feel for you! #firstworldproblems

[Bettsj2]

Really torn at the minute. Been driving a Saab 9-3. Its comfortable and the fuel economy is excellent (55mpg).

Its coming up to 200k on the clock though and a couple of bodywork issues are rearing their heads.

I'm only going to spend about £7k.

Suggestions welcome. I do loads of long distance journeys so comfort and economy are the most important.

[Countryfox]

Suggestions welcome. I do loads of long distance journeys so comfort and economy are the most important.

 

Just the job !

 

[Countryfox]

Suggestions welcome. I do loads of long distance journeys so comfort and economy are the most important.

 

Even more economical but you may have to lose some weight ....      and probably best on sunny days only.

 

[Bettsj2]

A tuk-tuk and a dog.

Classic #FTbantz

[Countryfox]

A tuk-tuk and a dog.

Classic #FTbantz

 

 

Ok ok ....   Honda Civic 1.6i DTEC.     What Cars 'Real world' most economical family car (Quoted 79 mpg but actually just under 70 mpg).    Secondhand of course to keep the price down.    

[Webbo]

I'd love a tuk tuk. I'm not very mechanically minded but I reckon I could just about manage to restore one of those.

[Mike Oxlong]

I'd love a tuk tuk. I'm not very mechanically minded but I reckon I could just about manage to restore one of those.

My eyesight's not what it used to be.

Read those Ts as Fs till I made the page bigger on the ipad.

[Webbo]

My eyesight's not what it used to be.

Read those Ts as Fs till I made the page bigger on the ipad.

You should have realised your mistake when I said I could manage a tuk tuk.

[Great Boos Up]

My eyesight's not what it used to be.

Read those Ts as Fs till I made the page bigger on the ipad.

The FuTile Touch of FingerTip FluTTering oF Tablets

[Mike Oxlong]

The FuTile Touch of FingerTip FluTTering oF Tablets

You wily tucker

[Samilktray]

Does any drive a Nissan Juke or has anyone owned 1 in the past? 

[Merging Cultures]

Anyone interested in a Merc should go to Marshalls and talk to Richard. Tell him Gareth sent you...

 

I am a huge Toyota and Ford fan. My current Toyota has 200,000kms on it and no (major) problems. In the US I only drove Ford. When we go back (4 years?) I'll get a Fiesta for me and an Explorer for the wife. I have a great dealer there who looks after me.

[Steve_Walsh5]

1 hour ago, Merging Cultures said:

Anyone interested in a Merc should go to Marshalls and talk to Richard. Tell him Gareth sent you...

 

I am a huge Toyota and Ford fan. My current Toyota has 200,000kms on it and no (major) problems. In the US I only drove Ford. When we go back (4 years?) I'll get a Fiesta for me and an Explorer for the wife. I have a great dealer there who looks after me.

Which Marshalls garage?