Probably going to be an ex-75 owner by next weekend :(

[Commodore]

Well that's it - I've had enough. As much as I love the car (and I think you guys know this from my pervious posts) and despite the money I have spent on it since purchase, I just can't take being messed around by the dealer who sold me my car any more. It has now got to the point that I'm going to have to hand the car back, demand a refund and possibly take legal action.

It's been three months since I bought the 75 (with 9,500 on the clock and a 30 month warranty paid for on top of the cost of the car), and on Saturday I completed my 7th round trip to the incompetent ********* that sold me the car (******* of ******* - former MGR dealer, now Kia, and an Xpart centre, and has the cheek to have a sign out front describing itself as an MG Rover specialist).

When I bought the car, I was promised a set of mats, a spare wheel and tools (the latter two in place of the two-years out of date run flat kit). They failed to provide any of them. They were supposed to have washed the car, they did not. They were supposed to have performed an interior upholstery clean - they didn't (I ended up having this done locally at a cost of 45 quid). They didn't even empty the ashtray that was stuffed full of cigarette ends (previous owner was a smoker, and a messy one). Supposed to have fitted new car battery - fitted wrong type of battery, which leaked (more on that in a moment).

The car was supposed to have been serviced - I have my doubts that this was even done now. They supplied the car with only one key, which had a large crack in it. It took two months to get a second, undamaged key out of them, which they initially expected me to pay for.

[Commodore]

I booked the car in to have a number of small issued dealt with, including one big issue (poor engine performance and the most unbelievable engine noise from a cold start - guess what, before I took the car away, they never once let me near it at a cold start - funny that) which after three visits resulted in the Cat being replaced. On the first trip, despite having received a full detailed list of all the issues in writing 2 weeks before I brought the car in, and it was clear that it would take more than a half-day Saturday to deal with it all, they booked it in for just 2 hours of workshop time, and only specced half a day with a courtesy car (they know I live 60 miles away from the dealership). If I had taken the car, by the time I had driven home, it would have been time to drive back. Either way, all they did on that first visit due to the limited time they specced, was adjust the handbrake, connect the warmed-up car to a T4 testbook and tell me there was nothing wrong, and waste half my Saturday as I ended up having to wait for the car).

On trip number 2 they had the car for a week. Never once called me to tell me how things were going, or to advise me of costs of work not covered under their warranty. After chasing them several times, I was eventually told the car was ready. Again told there was nothing wrong with the engine. And they charged me 50 quid to replace the broken cig lighter socket with an Aux Power Socket as they claimed it still worked fine as a Cig lighter, even though no power accessories like phone and sat nav chargers would work in it. However, the install was botched and every time you unplugged anything from it, the entire mechanism came out of the dashboard. Window rattle claimed to have been fixed, had not even been touched. Damaged door card (car sold like that) claimed to have been fixed and refitted correctly - had not been touched. Number plate light had been fixed however.

On third trip, engine noise finally confirmed to be damaged Cat, replaced after a week under warranty. Noise gone and car drives pretty well. Door card claimed to have been fixed, but wasn't touched. Same with the window. Lighter/power socked supposed to have been fitted properly this time, after two delicate uses it came out of the dash again and refused to stay in place thereafter. Also, while in with *******, they managed to break the seatback adjust dial on the driver’s seat. Dial was just flopping around on the side of the seat instead of being tight in place as it was when car was taken in.

On 4th trip I detail work to be done (door card to be refitted properly so that bottom does not flap around causing the waterproof liner to fall out, lighter socket to be refitted properly so it stays in the dash, window rattle and loose glass to be corrected by stripping the door and tightening/adjusting mount, broken seatback adjuster to be repaired). None of it was done, or at least done properly. Window still loose, lighter socket still comes out of the dash, seatback adjuster still broken, door card still damaged and incorrectly fitted - plastic liner still falling out of the bottom).

Trip number 5 is brought forward and a unpaid half-day is taken off work (I have run out of holiday time for the year) on discovery that the car battery had leaked - badly! As well as making a real mess of the battery box, securing bolt, clamp and harness, and the battery box base plate, acid had run out of the drain holes onto the bodywork, the cables that run around and below the box, and on to the ABS control that is mounted below the box. Car is left with them for 5 days (no courtesy car) and ongoing problems with the loose window and the botched lighter socket are again reported, promises again made that these will be fixed. Broken seat adjuster also to be fixed.

No calls made to tell me the car was finished, I had to chase. Go and collect the car, and discover that the window and lighter socket have not been touched. On inspection in daylight a new battery has been fitted (and it is a different model/type of battery, confirming my suspicion that they had put the wrong type in the first place) , but not secured in place. They have broken my battery box cover, and have not cleaned any of the acid mess (they actually put the new battery down in the acid that had collected in the battery box, then didn't bother to screw the securing clamp and harness down). The seatback adjuster has been fixed however. I take the car back again!

On 6th trip they allegedly cleaned up the acid that had leaked all over the engine, cables and ABS unit, and replaced the Battery box cover they broke. They replaced the cover but did not touch the acid mess. When pulled on this, mechanic said clean up was "good enough" and service manager refused to let anyone do any more with the car that day. If I wanted it cleaned any further (they had already had the car for 4 hours at this point) I would need to leave the car with them, and no courtesy cars available. Lighter/power socket and window still not touched despite reporting that remedial work from last trip was visibly not done.

Had a row with the service desk manager, who had been nothing but rude to me since I bought the car, despite my having been polite and calm during this entire debacle up to this point. I lost it at this point, and had a loud stand-up row with them in front of several people who were looking to buy cars. Several of them left the dealership during this incident - good for them!. I left pointing out that I would take small-claims court action to recover my out of pocket expenses.

Received a call from the new Aftersales Manager the following Monday. It was allegedly his first day working for the company. He seemed genuine, admitted they were in the wrong about all the defective work, especially the failed clean-up of the battery acid. I pointed out that as this could not be left as it would start to eat through the bodywork, cables and the ABS unit, the car had been dropped off with a local, trusted mechanic who was doing the work for me, and that I expected them to reimburse me for the cost of this. He agreed that something would be worked out to cover this and all my other petrol and train fare expenses incurred with the constant round trips to *******. Car was booked in for the 7th time on Saturday 25th November for yet more remedial work, which I was assured would be done properly and would be supervised by him personally (they still would not let me in the workshop to supervise).

I should mention at this point that my local mechanic removed the battery and the battery box in front of me so I could see the extent of the mess/damage first hand. Luckily no damage to the cables, bodywork or the ABS unit as he got to it all in time, but a real mess, which he did a top job of cleaning, then covering the affected areas in copperseal to protect them. He broke one tool tryin to remove the battery box, and had to drill out one of the hex bolts in the end. Once removed we could clearly see that absolutely no cleanup work had taken place at any point, and from the caked-in and bonded battery acid, we could see that the box had never been previously removed despite claims by ******* mechanics that they had removed the box on two occasions to clean the mess up.

Back to the call with the Aftersales manger, and I stupidly agreed to his remedial plans and this past Saturday, leave the house at 7am again to drive up there for 8.30 am, giving them a full 4 hours to work on the car (workshop only runs 8.30-12.30 on Saturdays), and spent 4 hours sitting in their waiting area waiting for the work to be done. Had a conversation with the new Aftersales Manager to discuss compensation and we agreed on a free service and MOT in August when it is due.

12.30 and the car is allegedly done. Car is driven out by the aftersales manager and handed over. He assures me the lighter socket is rock solid, which it so far seems to be, but that the illuminated surround is now failing to light up. I say that this is unacceptable and will need to be replaced at their expense, but assuming the socket works and stays in place, this can at least wait a while. He agrees.

I drive off, and literally, as I pull off the forecourt, I hear the most almighty clanking noise come from behind the centre console, I look towards the area and immediately notice that the entire walnut-faced area below the ATC unit that had been striped out (button blank, cup holders, the lighter/power socket cover and the ashtray are all bulging away from he dash. Instead of fitting flush, the whole lot is bulging about 1cm out from where it should be. The drivers cup holder will not open, the passenger one will with a little jiggling, which also reveals that the clip that hold the mechanism in place has been broken (along with part of the frame) and the whole thing falls out of the dash. The ashtray (which I use for storing fuel cards and my Congestion Charge fastpay card) won't open as a result of the botched refit and the strain being placed on the mechanism from being forced into place at the wrong angle.

I proceed about 20 yards down the road, swing around the roundabout and come straight back to the dealership. Entire time from leaving to coming back could be no more than two and a half minutes. In that time, the aftersales manager and all the mechanics have all legged it, leaving just two very embarrassed salesmen who claimed they had no way of getting any of them back to deal with it.

[Commodore]

I had no choice but to drive home with the dash making clanking noises and with the sound of a screw bouncing around behind the centre console. I turn on the radio, the aerial has either been disconnected or is broken as my stereo is no incapable of picking up any AM or FM stations (thank god I had the head unit for my Revo DAB add-on with me). Oh, and the window is rattling worse than ever despite the door having been stripped, the window mount tightened and adjusted) and more besides (see below).

So, after my 7th trip to ******* in three months to have the same outstanding problems dealt with yet again, and to have previous *******-caused damage repaired, I now have a car with a damaged dashboard, that makes no end of strange clanking noises as I drive along, a drivers window that still rattles and will drop about 5mm over a 30 mile journey, a stereo with a broken/disconnected aerial, oil stains on the passenger seat, a broken passenger-side cup holder, a jammed drivers side cup holder, a broken illumination around the cig lighter/power socket.

Do yourselves a favour, avoid this dealership like the NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- plague.

Hopefully I'll be in a position financially to get another 75 sooner rather than later, but for now, as I do love the cars, but for the foreseeable future I think the dream is over.

I'm going to speak to this head of Aftersales tomorrow morning and inform him that I'm coming up there on Saturday morning (my birthday no less) with the car, all the keys and the registration document, and I expect a full refund of everything I have paid for the car.

In short, as nice as the car is, and as great the potential might be, I just can't take any more of the stress, being NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- about and these NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- morons repeatedly taking my time and money and doing nothing for it other than handing my car back with nothing done, or damaged, or both.

I'm out!

[Tatts]

Dear god!

I thought tales about dealerships like that were a thing of the past. Obviously not.

Reading that comprehensive posting, I can feel your frustration - justifiable too.

I hope it works out for you in the end, I really do..

[JP53]

Chris I'm so sorry to read about all the s*** you have had from these idiots and I can fully understand how you feel I had a similar experience with a Freelander and that was brand new! Is it worth getting them to agree in writing to a full fix by another dealer or your trusted mechanic? That way you get to keep your beautiful 75 that you have added to. I really hope things work out right for you, all the best, John

[Kandyman]

Chris sorry to hear about your bad dealings with the dealer falling to fix the issues with your car, You might want to speak to the CBA to get some advice before going to see the dealers just to know what’s what, I always find it’s best to have a little legal knowledge backing you up.

I hope to be reading VERY soon that you have received a FULL refund and are looking for another R75 :)

All the best

[windrush]

Chris I am so sorry to read all your woes with your beloved R75 I do hope this will end in your satisfaction

[driverjgp]

Well goodluck Chris I truly it all works out for you in the end, there is nothing worse than NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- aftersales, I'd be copying and pasting your comments and sending them to watchdog and the trading standards. Goodluck mate.

[markperkins]

So sorry about that dealer.
It is quite unbelievable that such unprofessionals can still operate.
Make sure you get back every penny spent with them and on them.
It's worth a letter to them along the lines of your posting, itemising all the issues; to use when you take legal action - and I think you might.
I'm not into a compensation culture but you should have returned all monies outlaid including fuel etc.

I suppose the trouble really is that these chaps move from dealer to dealer and have no real loyalties to brand or company (or customer) and the difficulties are inherent from the top down.

Had you considered the Citizens Advice Bureau to find out exactly what you can expect?

Really bad since the car is good but the dealer has made a simple problem into a compounded one. Can understand why it might put you off though.

[baxlin]

Sorry to hear about this tale of incompepence etc, and I hope you eventually get satisfaction. One point, you have listed all the detail here, have you in fact sent this amount of detail to the CEO of the dealership, by reg'd post? If so what was his response? (apologies if I've missed that in your post) If not, that would be my next step, on the basis of a good business "strap line" -

"If you're pleased with us tell your friends, but if you're not, please tell us"

PS it's made even worse by the fact that the 75, in my opinion, is a really good car.

All the best with it,

Malcolm

[Jontie]

Sorry to hear of your troubles Chris, I would strongly advise a visit to your Citizens Advice bureau. These thing are never as clear cut as they seem!!



All the best!!
John

[Zeb]

Chris, it is very important that you reject the car in writing if you are to get your money back. This whole area is a mine field and the dealer will use every trick in the book to wriggle out of it. Having recently, successfully, got my money back on a second hand car I am happy to send you copies of the sorts of letters and points of law that you will need to raise with them. PM me if I can be of any assistance.

[baxlin]

Ditto in Hemel Hempstead, Anthony Betts, London Road.

They tell me 60% of their servicing/repair work is still MGR

[Commodore]

Hi all

Thanks for the words of support. Have not been able to get hold of the Aftersales Manager this morning, and I am currently getting advice from one of my colleagues, the consumer reporter on Auto Express, on how to proceed.

Will keep you all posted.

Chris

[GreyGhost]

Hi all

Thanks for the words of support. Have not been able to get hold of the Aftersales Manager this morning, and I am currently getting advice from one of my colleagues, the consumer reporter on Auto Express, on how to proceed.

Will keep you all posted.

Chris


Best of luck there Chris, however I don't think you will need it. As you so clearly state they, through their manager have admitted fault severally and have still failed to rectify to a competent standard. They do not IMHO have a leg to stand on.

[Keith O]

Sorry to hear your tale and good luck in getting it all sorted.

It does not sound impossible to sort these problems with the car out if the dealer is willing. The aftersales mgr will not have the authority to buy the car back if that is the outcome that you want. I would begin with the dealer principal if it is a standalone dealership and at director level if it is a PLC.

I would avoid Saturdays as most dealers do not consider them a proper working day and avoid leaving the car for extended periods of time as it will just be left until the deadline approaches and it will get the usual rush job after the apprentices have been fiddling around with it to save tying up more productive technicians.

Speak to someone senior, have a conscise list of outstanding faults and let them know that your patience has reached its limit. Staff lower down the organisation will be far more worried about having to explain to senior management why they have screwed up than having to fob off a customer as they do daily....

Finally, before all of this, please make a decision as to whether you want the car back fixed or would prefer a refund and then follow this route.

Keith

[lildevil]

Chris, I am very sorry to hear all of the problems you have had with this dealer and car. I hope that you can get the car to its once former glory and be able to keep the car.

I have a KV6 Rover 75 with a misfire but it's still a lovely car to get in and out of, to look at it parked outside my house.

You will regret getting rid of it, perhaps you could get rid of your current R75 and get another one....I understand that you are unlikely to get another but I promise you these are lovely cars if they are looked after and cared for in the right way...which sadly mine has not been, it is all my fault though.

Regards
Tom

[Nick Hoare]

Best of luck Chris, hope it all works out for you.

[Commodore]

Aftersales Manager didn'tt bother to phone me, so I phoned him. He admitted he knew they bodged and broke the dashboard centre console. Didn't seem to think it would be a problem.

Current state of play is they are refusing to take the car back, or replace it or offer a refund. Instead they are offering to repair it again, saying this will be "their last chance to do it properly".

Funny - Saturday was supposed to be "their last chance to do it properly" and look at what a good job they did then.

Supposed to be getting a call from the owner in the morning to discuss further. I don't expect this to achieve anything other than running down the battery on my mobile phone. One way or another I see me taking tomorrow off work, faxing them a rejection letter, dumping the car on their forecourt and starting legal proceedings. Given their attitude and my ever-growing depression over this situation, I can't see any other way.

:(

[Zeb]

Chris, will pm you relevant info tonight when kids are in bed....

[driverjgp]

I think it is so wrong, us people who spend there hard earned savings (or have a bank loan) on one of the most expensive items they will own after buying a house, and then to find out you have a duff car and to be treated this way, a suggestion that may help is to contact your local paper and tell them your story all the dealer needs is bad press, you have nothing to lose now, you may even find you may get your refund, perhaps we should all go down to the dealer and have a protest in our 75's/ZT's on Chris's behalf......there is more than one way to skin a cat.......

[baxlin]

Do they know what your profession is? And/or what contacts you have?

[Commodore]

Chris, will pm you relevant info tonight when kids are in bed....
Thanks - appreciate it.

I think it is so wrong, us people who spend there hard earned savings (or have a bank loan) on one of the most expensive items they will own after buying a house, and then to find out you have a duff car and to be treated this way,
That's right - the car was not cheap, I've had to take on finance to pay for it, and put down a cash deposit + the trade in for my faultless Peugeot 106, which right now I really wish was sat on the drive in place of the Rover. it is not unreasonable to expect it to work properly and to have problems actually fixed, especially when you are told they have been.

a suggestion that may help is to contact your local paper and tell them your story all the dealer needs is bad press, you have nothing to lose now, you may even find you may get your refund, perhaps we should all go down to the dealer and have a protest in our 75's/ZT's on Chris's behalf......there is more than one way to skin a cat.......

Having worked as a reporter for my local paper, I can say for certain they won't care - as the dealer is not a local one. Local paper to the dealer won't care as the customer is not a reader. Will forward stuff to Watchdog, still hoping Auto Express can help me out, but not holding out much hope at this stage.

Love the idea about an owner's club protest though :)

Sorry to be so negative, it's not usually my way, but I'm really have lost it now over this - that's how bad it has all got.

Do they know what your profession is? And/or what contacts you have?
Amazingly - yes they do, and they still don't care. All this came up in polite conversation the day I went in to buy the car. Auto Express guys are on the case, but it is their press days today, so they are in no position to do anything until at least Wednesday.

[driverjgp]

One other suggestion is to get Lates to sort all your problems out, assuming of cause you are financially able to do so, then to take them to court to recover your cost, thats just another option for you, I'm having the cam belts replaced in December and it may be possible that my water pump needs replacing I was told if that was the case my warranty will pay out if I was to get an invoice and coincidently enough my 75 was from a KIA/Mazda dealer.

[salop75]

A protest sounds good but likely would hurt the club and be of no real benefit to Chris's cause.

Unless of course...


X-Part stand to get a lot of custom from all Rover/MG owners, including 75/ZT owners. It wouldn't seem unreasonable that once Chris is making some legal progress against the dealership that the club could contact X-Part in a more formal capacity and merely point out that the club caters for a lot of 75 owners, helps promote X-Part and that this kind of publicity is bad for all concerned. Who in there right mind that comes accross the 75 club is ever going to grace this dealer with their custom? It's one less possible dealer for us 75 owners to use and less people using that dealers services.

And if X-Part aren't bothered then maybe a nice picture in the local press of as many board members 75's outside said dealer, highlighting how their trade will be going elsewhere.

Just a thought.


Chris, best of luck with you ongoing troubles with the dealer. Dont give up on a good model of car just because the dealer is a waste of space.

John

[Keith O]

Another thought for you as you mention finance, if we are talking about finance arranged through the dealer and secured on the car, I would speak to the finance house and advise them of the problems that you are having.

In order for a dealer to supply a car on finance, it must be of merchantable quality. I'm sorry I don't have more specifics as it is a while since I was involved but you may have more rights than you are aware of.

Keith.

[driverjgp]

Another thought for you as you mention finance, if we are talking about finance arranged through the dealer and secured on the car, I would speak to the finance house and advise them of the problems that you are having.

In order for a dealer to supply a car on finance, it must be of merchantable quality. I'm sorry I don't have more specifics as it is a while since I was involved but you may have more rights than you are aware of.

Keith.

You are right, he has a point.....Wot Wot Wot :iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

[JP53]

They sound a complete bunch of cowboy toss pots, the only thing worse than a problem car is one that comes from a dealership with this attitude!
What sort of moron thinks a broken dash does not matter? Maybe we should brake the dash in the owners and service manager's (I use the term manager as a job title only because it sounds like he could not run a bath, never mind a service department) car and see if they think it a problem then!

[Zeb]

Chris YHM....hope it helps!

Evening John...

[Commodore]

Thanks for the PM - really useful material.

Chris

[JP53]

Chris YHM....hope it helps!

Evening John...

Evening Zeb :D

[Zeb]

Thanks for the PM - really useful material.

Chris

No problem, if you need any help deciding which bits of ammunition are the best to use let me know!

Morning John...

[rdholmes]

Sorry to hear of all the problems. The Evans Haleshaw dealer here in Reading who went Kia and has now closed/merged with another dealer was almost as bad. Got my car 11 months old and Rover went out of business within 3 months.

Dealer didn't help much and said warranty was now worthless but they'd be happy to sell me a new one!!

Luckily my cars been pretty good and apart from the fuel filter after about 1 year and the electrics (onboard comp) after about another 3 months - both fixed with the help of the forum - I've had no problems (touch wood).

BUT - 12 weeks back I got my wife a Vauxhall Zaferia - I wont bore you with the detail but it's a story very similar to Chris's (I would bore you with detail if it was a 75). The dealer is trying to be helpful but some of the individuals there are less than useless.

Anyway having had all sorts of fun and games thet are now going to fit a new turbo to cure the problem of it drinking 1 litre of oil in less than 1000 miles - which they say is normal!!
:mad:
My 75 was sitting there and i told them to go look at it - I have it serviced ever 15k and it uses NO oil at all with much more mileage in a shorter time frame.

Sorry I know its a 75 club but I guess my moan is along the lines of everyone else here - NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- dealers !!!!

If it wasn't for the fact that we got it from a dealer to ensure service, parts warranty etc etc I'd say NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD- 'em and do it all myself with the help of a Janet and John book.
:dung: Thats what I think about dealers!

[mykl]

Chris firstly can I complement you on your patience and tenacity on what must be a very distressing time.

Do you have a local (to the dealer ********) trading standards office? This company really needs to be reported for the poor service and manner in which you have been treated.

Also now a Kia franchise!!!!!!........I would inform Kia of this appalling customer service.

Good luck

mykl

[Commodore]

To update you all:

I took the car back this monring, armed with rejection letter, all the keys, reg documents and everything else I would need to reject the car.

Driving back to the dealer, I was sorely tempted more than once to just pull over on the motorway and dump the thing - that's how sick I now am of the sight and thought of this car thanks to the dealer.

After spending two hours talking with the MD of the dealership, we are currently working to the following:

Car is with them for yet more repairs and remedial work. I am now driving a 2.0 Turbo Diesel Kia Magentis, which I am keeping until I decide the Rover is repaired to an acceptable standard. Compensation will then be sorted out to cover my out-of-pocket expenses, the cost of all the bits I had to buy that they reneged on providing (spare wheel, tools, mats etc) and so on.

However, I consider this to be yet another pointless exercise until I am shown otherwise, and thus far I have seen no evidence that this instance will be any different from the previous seven. I fully expect them to attempt to hand back the 75 with yet more damage, and none of the outstanding problems resolved. I fully expect to retain the Kia for quite some time and to still push ahead with the rejection and legal action to recover my money.

[GreyGhost]

Hi Chris.
I would more suspect that everybody that has any dealing with your car in the past has had a seriously big rocket stuffed up them and have probably been threatened with dismissal.
The MD cannot have his customers treated that way or he will be out of business in no time due to adverse publicity.
Once you get to dealing at that level with a company things tend to get sorted properly and pretty quickly.
Look at it this way, every time your car has been into the workshop, he has had to pay someones wages to **** it up, again and again. He is only interested in paying wages for a job one time. Obviously there will be the occasional problem but definitely not continual.
Think how you would deal with your staff after hearing that sort of a story.

I really can't believe somebody has put c o c k in the swear filter.

[JP53]

No problem, if you need any help deciding which bits of ammunition are the best to use let me know!

Morning John...

Afternoon Zeb :D

[JP53]

Hi Chris.
I would more suspect that everybody that has any dealing with your car in the past has had a seriously big rocket stuffed up them and have probably been threatened with dismissal.
The MD cannot have his customers treated that way or he will be out of business in no time due to adverse publicity.
Once you get to dealing at that level with a company things tend to get sorted properly and pretty quickly.
Look at it this way, every time your car has been into the workshop, he has had to pay someones wages to **** it up, again and again. He is only interested in paying wages for a job one time. Obviously there will be the occasional problem but definitely not continual.
Think how you would deal with your staff after hearing that sort of a story.

I really can't believe somebody has put c o c k in the swear filter.


If I owned that dealership there would be several people unemployed by now.

Try toss pot that gets past the swear filter.

[JP53]

To update you all:

I took the car back this monring, armed with rejection letter, all the keys, reg documents and everything else I would need to reject the car.

Driving back to the dealer, I was sorely tempted more than once to just pull over on the motorway and dump the thing - that's how sick I now am of the sight and thought of this car thanks to the dealer.

After spending two hours talking with the MD of the dealership, we are currently working to the following:

Car is with them for yet more repairs and remedial work. I am now driving a 2.0 Turbo Diesel Kia Magentis, which I am keeping until I decide the Rover is repaired to an acceptable standard. Compensation will then be sorted out to cover my out-of-pocket expenses, the cost of all the bits I had to buy that they reneged on providing (spare wheel, tools, mats etc) and so on.

However, I consider this to be yet another pointless exercise until I am shown otherwise, and thus far I have seen no evidence that this instance will be any different from the previous seven. I fully expect them to attempt to hand back the 75 with yet more damage, and none of the outstanding problems resolved. I fully expect to retain the Kia for quite some time and to still push ahead with the rejection and legal action to recover my money.

You never know mate, they might just get it right this time. At least it gives you chance to make your case air tight if they do make a pigs ear of it again. Fingers crossed for you, hope this time she comes back perfect :)

[Commodore]

Chris - just a thought. When they've finished working on it this time, it might be an idea to get a recognised independent third party to go over it for/with you - the AA perhaps.
Excellent idea. my mum also sugested something similar last night when she called me, so currently researching getting an on-site AA inspection done as and when I have a confirmed date to go back there.

[driverjgp]

Excellent idea. my mum also sugested something similar last night when she called me, so currently researching getting an on-site AA inspection done as and when I have a confirmed date to go back there.

Goodluck and keep us posted.

[Phil]

This whole thing happened to me when I bought my 75 from an ex rover agent, I wonder if its the same garage? Driving home after collecting the car, the turbo pipe blew off, engine overboosting big style, reduced rpm, washers not working, and the scratches they said they'd repaired had only had silver polish rubbed over them, it took about five 80 mile round trips to have it resolved, each time I got fobbed off, i sent letters to the dealer principle but in the end it was sorted. I had to get the part numbers for them though as they were incapable of finding them out themselves.

[tourerfogey]

I have scanned through this thread a couple of times and seen quite a few references to the effect that we should all avoid this dealer like the plague (obviously!) but I can't find any reference as to who the dealer actually is?

[GreyGhost]

I have scanned through this thread a couple of times and seen quite a few references to the effect that we should all avoid this dealer like the plague (obviously!) but I can't find any reference as to who the dealer actually is?

The management of the club have made a descretionary decision not to allow the publishing of the offending companies name on this forum.
There is nothing to stop you asking for the information in private if you wish to. But please do not post it on these forums.
Thank you.

[baxlin]

I'm no lawyer, but surely if it's true then it's not libel? (and before you ask, no, I'm not willing to put it to the test!)

Malcolm

[GreyGhost]

I'm no lawyer, but surely if it's true then it's not libel? (and before you ask, no, I'm not willing to put it to the test!)

Malcolm

That's the point, we don't want to be in a position where we have to put it to the test. Better safe than sorry.

[Simon]

:iagree: Wot

Think it could be libel. As GG says, better safe than sorry. Anything bad-mouthing or even slightly saying something wrong/misleading about someone/some buisiness on an open public medium can lead to legal action. And we don't want that to happen. Let's stay a happy place and although I sympathise with Commodore's position we cannot go waving our fingers at the dealership. The best we can do is offer our help and support to Commodore.

[JP53]

:iagree: Wot

Think it could be libel. As GG says, better safe than sorry. Anything bad-mouthing or even slightly saying something wrong/misleading about someone/some buisiness on an open public medium can lead to legal action. And we don't want that to happen. Let's stay a happy place and although I sympathise with Commodore's position we cannot go waving our fingers at the dealership. The best we can do is offer our help and support to Commodore.

And NEVER do business with them.

[Simon]

And NEVER do business with them.

Yes. As long as we can find a non-law-infringing way of knowing who the dealership is. :rofl: ;)

It's fair to say though that people who live in the same area as Commodore who are reading this thread will probably be aware of the dealership in question and for anyone else it would be of little concern as we would not be visiting that dealership as it is too far from where we live.

[JP53]

Yes. As long as we can find a non-law-infringing way of knowing who the dealership is. :rofl: ;)

It's fair to say though that people who live in the same area as Commodore who are reading this thread will probably be aware of the dealership in question and for anyone else it would be of little concern as we would not be visiting that dealership as it is too far from where we live.

If this is their idea of good customer service then I reckon they soon will have no one visiting them, unless it's at night with a can of petrol and a box of matches ;)

[Simon]

If this is their idea of good customer service then I reckon they soon will have no one visiting them, unless it's at night with a can of petrol and a box of matches ;)


Pyromania.... now that's a fun 'recreational activity' :laughing2:

Better be quiet now before a Mod comes along and says :no:

[JP53]

Pyromania.... now that's a fun 'recreational activity' :laughing2:

Better be quiet now before a Mod comes along and says :no:

Yes mate you are right, we don't want to get our fingers burnt :rofl:

[GreyGhost]

Better be quiet now before a Mod comes along and says :no:

This is the 75 and ZT club not .org. You are required by order of the management to have fun here. :)

[Simon]

This is the 75 and ZT club not .org. You are required by order of the management to have fun here. :)


Well, in that case... I hear brake fluid mixed with bleach makes smoke.... and lots of it. :rofl: :D

[GreyGhost]

Well, in that case... I hear brake fluid mixed with bleach makes smoke.... and lots of it. :rofl: :D

That'll be mine and Kandymans entertainment for tomorrow afternoon sorted, any more tricks ? :) :)

In the Social reform if there are, and put the anarchists cookbook down now :)

[MN190]

Could always try some industial acid that makes a nice mess of alloys.
Failing that a full tanker from cess pit duty

[GreyGhost]

Could always try some industial acid that makes a nice mess of alloys.
Failing that a full tanker from cess pit duty

And your first post as well.

Another comedian on the plot lads, watch out :)

Welcome to the club and the forum, pull up a pew and have a sit. :)

[Commodore]

It's fair to say though that people who live in the same area as Commodore who are reading this thread will probably be aware of the dealership in question
Hi Simon

I don't see how? As previously mentioned, the dealer in question is not local to me, they are 65 miles away from where I live.

Also - we have 3 ex-Rover dealers in my local area, none of whom are any good, but compared to the dealership in question in this thread, they look like Saints.

[GreyGhost]

Hi Simon

I don't see how? As previously mentioned, the dealer in question is not local to me, they are 65 miles away from where I live.

Also - we have 3 ex-Rover dealers in my local area, none of whom are any good, but compared to the dealership in question in this thread, they look like Saints.

Hi Chris

Hope you are feeling OK.

Sorry about the boys spamming up your thread. We'll have to make them use your dealer in future that'll sort them out. :)

[Simon]

Hi Simon

I don't see how? As previously mentioned, the dealer in question is not local to me, they are 65 miles away from where I live.

Also - we have 3 ex-Rover dealers in my local area, none of whom are any good, but compared to the dealership in question in this thread, they look like Saints.

Ah, ok.. another "silly me" moment. :twonk:

Yeah, sorry - should have been paying attention! :o


I would imagine (but someone correct me if I am wrong) for an individual member to PM you asking if a dealership they were concerned about was the same one you are in 'negotiations' with. A simple "yes" or "no" reply would surfice on your behalf and (hopefully) as it is not publicy broadcast would not lead to liability on behalf on the club.

This may involve a bit extra mail on your behalf but I think could provide a workable solution for anyone with concerns if they are using the same dealership.

We need a Mod to allow/deny this, of course, before anyone can partake in it.

[GreyGhost]

Whatever happens off the "public" part of this board is none of mine or anybody elses business. PMs are completely private, so is email using the boards email link system.

Please don't innundate Commodore with requests. He's got enough on his plate.

[Commodore]

There is nothing to stop you asking for the information in private if you wish to.
With that in mind I would encourage all of you to email or PM so I can name the offending dealer to you privately.

Also, I am disappointed that said dealer is still listed in the dealer listing on the main club web site. Do we really still want to be promoting these people as a place to take your 75 or ZT to for work to be done on it?

[Simon]

Please don't innundate Commodore with requests. He's got enough on his plate.

:iagree:

I think I (amoungst others) have perhaps hijacked this thread a little and for that I appologise.

As GG says, we should not innundate Commodore with requests and PM's. It's not his fault so we shouldn't burden him with our own worries.

[Simon]

With that in mind I would encourage all of you to email or PM so I can name the offending dealer to you privately.

Also, I am disappointed that said dealer is still listed in the dealer listing on the main club web site. Do we really still want to be promoting these people as a place to take your 75 or ZT to for work to be done on it?


Oh - as you can see I just wrote saying we shouldn't PM you. But if you want us to then that's your right. Good for you to help bring this dealer to the attention of the club - I just felt I didn't want to encourage others to PM without your concent. :o

[MN190]

Would rating our local dealer be libel.
You could then see the scores for dealers in your area and if need be pm someone who had used them for actual feedback.
Bit of work to set this up though

[Commodore]

Just so it doesn't get lost in the previous posts, I do encourage all of you to email or PM so I can name the offending dealer to you privately.

[JohnDotCom]

Surely if a Posting such as:

"A Customer of So & So Garage has had so many Problems he is considering Legal Action. The Problems according to customer are..............."

A Statement like this would surely not be Libel as I have seen several reports like this in our Local Papers?

AnyWay Chris so sorry to hear of the problems you are having with a normally excellent car.

[GreyGhost]

After discussing with an expert this issue and how it relates to the way the club and this forum handles this type of situation.
Please read the changes I have made to my earlier post where I personally made use of the reference to libel laws which was wholly innacurate and for this I apologise.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=11027&postcount=47

[Commodore]

Yes, I meant to suggest getting the AA to do the inspection on-site before you drive the car away.
Well obviously. I could hardly have an on-site inspection done after I had left the site, now could I! :)

The AA guy would fall off the car as I turned corners!

[JP53]

Well obviously. I could hardly have an on-site inspection done after I had left the site, now could I! :)

The AA guy would fall off the car as I turned corners!

You could get the service manager to do an inspection while you are driving along the motorway preferably in the rain :)

[Simon]

Don't the RAC have a TV ad where their guy is stuck to the side of a moving car ;)

Yeah... magnetic boots. But, what happenes if you want a quote for an Audi. They're aluminium bodyshells and so Mr.RAC man's magnetic boots wouldn't work..... :confused: :rofl:

[Simon]

They would - due to an electrostatic build-up on the Audi's bodyshell ;)

It's at this point you're abusing sarcasm!! :p: :rofl:

[baxlin]

Would magnetism work if it was "iron-y" and not sarcasm:rolleyes:

[Simon W]

Would magnetism work if it was "iron-y" and not sarcasm:rolleyes:

Now it's getting silly :)

[baxlin]

What do you mean - GETTING silly?:D

[JP53]

Any news yet Commodore?

[Simon]

Would magnetism work if it was "iron-y" and not sarcasm:rolleyes:

:laughing2:

I'm "sticking" with my original comment about alumimium being non-magnetic. :rofl:

[driverjgp]

Have seen how many reads this thread has had? :pepsi: :clap:

[windrush]

Its Chris who I am feeling sorryfor and I hope he gets his problems with his beloved 75 sorted very quickly keep us informed mate

[Commodore]

Any news yet Commodore?
Still on-going. Allegedly they have done the following so far:

Replaced the entire walnut-faced bit of the centre console (button blanking plate, ashtray, both cup holders, cigarette lighter mount), the cigarette lighter and its illuminated surround have been replaced, the door is having more work done on it to cure the loose window (still unsure if they have actually rectified that yet), and they have done some engine adjustments to deal with the low-gear performance problems I was still having after the Cat was replaced. The aerial has also been reconnected to the stereo.

More as and when I know it.

[windrush]

Well it looks like they are trying Chris lets hope they keep it up and all turns to your satisfaction

[JohnDotCom]

Hi Chris, Perhaps get them to fit that power socket in Centre box you wanted, part of an apology for the
C O C K ups they made! as well of course as fixing all your original faults.
Do hope you finally get things sorted and keep what is at the end of the day one of the BEST cars on the road.

[JP53]

Still on-going. Allegedly they have done the following so far:

Replaced the entire walnut-faced bit of the centre console (button blanking plate, ashtray, both cup holders, cigarette lighter mount), the cigarette lighter and its illuminated surround have been replaced, the door is having more work done on it to cure the loose window (still unsure if they have actually rectified that yet), and they have done some engine adjustments to deal with the low-gear performance problems I was still having after the Cat was replaced. The aerial has also been reconnected to the stereo.

More as and when I know it.

That seems to be a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed mate :)

[Commodore]

Right then!

First up, Thanks to everyone here for all your support, it is really appreciated.

Secondly, I am pleased to announce that The Tank is back home on my driveway. Touch wood, everything has finally been sorted.

I took her for a severe roadtest with the bloke from the dealership sat in the passenger seat before accepting the car back.

No window rattle or air blowing in, the centre console has been replaced and all works fine. New cigarette lighter socket which is rock solid and once again lights up, rear wheels have been balanced and this has eliminated the vibration coming from the rear of the car when going over 70. The engine has been retuned (or rather, has had a revised tuning setup downloaded to the ECU) and is performing much better. The car has had the valet it was supposed to have had when I bought it, and a few other little bits and pieces have been dealt with.

I have also come to an agreement with the dealership over a significant goodwill gesture. I'm not going to publish the details of this, but suffice to say it is a generous one.

Alas, today was not complete plain sailing. Two things went wrong on the drive home (and for once, neither of them I am pleased to say had anything directly to do with the dealership or its work).

Firstly, on the drive home, a chunk of concrete flew off the back of a lorry in front of me and hit the front of the car. On inspection, it hit the very bottom of the front bumper (where the fog lights are). Luckily, no evident damage. Has left the smallest mark on the black plastic grille. Don't know if it did any damage as it went under the car, couldn't see anything.

Then, on the last part of my journey home, pulling off the A40 at the Ruislip exit (Polish War Memorial), I get to the top of the slip road and stop (cars are coming off the roundabout in front of me). 5 seconds later, an idior rep in a Merc who was fiddling with his radio goes straight into the back of me!

Got his name, phone number, insurance details (not that he wanted to hand them over) photo of his car and number plate (camera phones are great), and pics of the damage. Luckily, as I didn't have my brakes on, I bounced forward as he hit me, so the only damage seems to be a very small scuff on the lower middle of the rear bumber, and a 1cm dig on the lip at the bottom of the bumber (Mk1 rear bumper). Doesn't appear to have broken the bumper at point of impact or any of the mounting points, doesn't look to have moved or mishaped the bumper or done any structural damage to the metalwork of the car - rear doors still in alignment, boot opens and closes OK etc (I am going to get this properly checked however).

The bumper marks should more-or-less buff out (assuming that is all that is wrong, it's not worth going through the aggro of an insurance claim for a new bumper or a bumper repair, especially as my policy is due for renewal at the end of the month).

So that's it - I'm back as a Rover 75 owner, and three and a half months after I bought the car I can hopefully get back to enjoying it again! I have a walnut and sandstone steering wheel and a new airbag sitting here that need fitting, I can now consider actually doing it. :)

[GreyGhost]

Glad to hear it's all sorted Chris.
Best option now is to just keep it on the drive, lumps of concrete and Merc drivers are unlikely to cause any problems there. I say "unlikely". :lol:

[Kandyman]

i like a story with a happy ending.

oh apart from your drive hom :(

thanks for the update Commodore

[Tatts]

Well, notwithstanding your adventures on the way home......

Glad it's FINALLY sorted out!:)

[Zeb]

Always good to learn of peeps leaning hard on dealers as regards poor service and merchandise. Even better when they get a result!


...Just avoid driving her now - somebody is obviously out to get you;)

[Ken]

Its been a long journey for you and at last you can now enjoy your car. Congratulations on getting what you wanted from the dealer Chris.

Ken

[windrush]

Well Chris thats the good news and the bad news I am please for you in getting the car sorted at the dealership and sad to hear about your trip home,lets hope its all plain sailing from now on

[actros]

Right then!

First up, Thanks to everyone here for all your support, it is really appreciated.

Secondly, I am pleased to announce that The Tank is back home on my driveway. Touch wood, everything has finally been sorted.

I took her for a severe roadtest with the bloke from the dealership sat in the passenger seat before accepting the car back.

No window rattle or air blowing in, the centre console has been replaced and all works fine. New cigarette lighter socket which is rock solid and once again lights up, rear wheels have been balanced and this has eliminated the vibration coming from the rear of the car when going over 70. The engine has been retuned (or rather, has had a revised tuning setup downloaded to the ECU) and is performing much better. The car has had the valet it was supposed to have had when I bought it, and a few other little bits and pieces have been dealt with.

I have also come to an agreement with the dealership over a significant goodwill gesture. I'm not going to publish the details of this, but suffice to say it is a generous one.

Alas, today was not complete plain sailing. Two things went wrong on the drive home (and for once, neither of them I am pleased to say had anything directly to do with the dealership or its work).

Firstly, on the drive home, a chunk of concrete flew off the back of a lorry in front of me and hit the front of the car. On inspection, it hit the very bottom of the front bumper (where the fog lights are). Luckily, no evident damage. Has left the smallest mark on the black plastic grille. Don't know if it did any damage as it went under the car, couldn't see anything.

Then, on the last part of my journey home, pulling off the A40 at the Ruislip exit (Polish War Memorial), I get to the top of the slip road and stop (cars are coming off the roundabout in front of me). 5 seconds later, an idior rep in a Merc who was fiddling with his radio goes straight into the back of me!

Got his name, phone number, insurance details (not that he wanted to hand them over) photo of his car and number plate (camera phones are great), and pics of the damage. Luckily, as I didn't have my brakes on, I bounced forward as he hit me, so the only damage seems to be a very small scuff on the lower middle of the rear bumber, and a 1cm dig on the lip at the bottom of the bumber (Mk1 rear bumper). Doesn't appear to have broken the bumper at point of impact or any of the mounting points, doesn't look to have moved or mishaped the bumper or done any structural damage to the metalwork of the car - rear doors still in alignment, boot opens and closes OK etc (I am going to get this properly checked however).

The bumper marks should more-or-less buff out (assuming that is all that is wrong, it's not worth going through the aggro of an insurance claim for a new bumper or a bumper repair, especially as my policy is due for renewal at the end of the month).

So that's it - I'm back as a Rover 75 owner, and three and a half months after I bought the car I can hopefully get back to enjoying it again! I have a walnut and sandstone steering wheel and a new airbag sitting here that need fitting, I can now consider actually doing it. :)welcome back into the fold com. just enjoy it mate:driving:

[JP53]

I'm very pleased for you Chris. It just shows that they could have done it properly in the first place and save all concerned a lot of unnecessary heart ache. Well done.

Another good thing to come out of this is the obvious camaraderie of fellow 75and ZT owners on this site, it was great to see the level of support shown. Well done to everyone.

It is a honor to be a member of such a fantastic club!

[madone]

Great news Chris, pity about the shunt at the Polish War Memorial turn off. Memories of joining the A40 at the same roundabout going to work are still fresh in my mind, ooohhh for the wacky races to return :D

[Simon]

A big sigh of relief as it's all now over, Commodore. Sorry to hear about someone else's misfortunes that involved your car on your way back but the news about the dealer is very good. Obviously the senior management there have their heads screwed on.

Now, pour yourself a beer, sit back and relax and enjoy your car and this club site as a proud owner of a Rover 75! :beer2: :chat::driving:

[JohnDotCom]

Glad we are not loosing you Chris, and that all your problems (except bad drivers) are now sorted.

There's only one thing to do after all that...

:wine: :wine: :wine: :beer2: :beer2: :beer2: :beer2:

Or if driving.... :pepsi: :pepsi:

[black olive]

phew what a read, when I started, it read somewhat along the lines of my dealership experience, ( not the same dealer as yourself!)even down to the stevie wonder valet, leaky battery and damage caused by dealership ( they managed to bump my rear bumper and it had to be resprayed twice, the first time stevie wonder had resprayed it !!).

I can fully sympathise with what you have gone through, having been through it myself, to a slightly lesser extent, it is extremely stressful, not helped by the fact that once you have handed that cash over you are then expected by law to " be reasonable" and effectively give them more than one chance to **** it up !!
There is nothing worse than the feeling of having ones hands tied having handed over large amounts of hard earned.

I hope you are now enjoying the car and have managed to put it behind you, as we speak mine is back in, after replacing the battery the immobiliser has now packed in, but to be fair this time I am dealing directly with the service manager who seems fairly enthusiastic and helpful !

all the best
steve

[JP53]

phew what a read, when I started, it read somewhat along the lines of my dealership experience, ( not the same dealer as yourself!)even down to the stevie wonder valet, leaky battery and damage caused by dealership ( they managed to bump my rear bumper and it had to be resprayed twice, the first time stevie wonder had resprayed it !!).

I can fully sympathise with what you have gone through, having been through it myself, to a slightly lesser extent, it is extremely stressful, not helped by the fact that once you have handed that cash over you are then expected by law to " be reasonable" and effectively give them more than one chance to **** it up !!
There is nothing worse than the feeling of having ones hands tied having handed over large amounts of hard earned.

I hope you are now enjoying the car and have managed to put it behind you, as we speak mine is back in, after replacing the battery the immobiliser has now packed in, but to be fair this time I am dealing directly with the manager who seems fairly enthusiastic and helpful !

all the best
steve

Hi Steve and welcome. Sorry to hear about the problems you had :( . It makes me wonder how many people have been put off 75/ZT ownership by poor after sales service. Hope all turns out well with immobiliser. John.

[The Blackburn Hatter]

Think i'll go and have a lie down in a dark room now.

[Phil]

Think i'll go and have a lie down in a dark room now.

Huh?? You selling up?

[Tim_Burgess]

Having read this thread from start to finish I am amazed that anyone can get away with service quality that bad in this day and age.

I am a Support Manager in an IT related business and If we treated our customers like this we'd go out of business very fast.

Really glad it's all sorted now Commodore, all barring flying masonry and idiot Merc drivers, hope you get to enjoy the car for many years to come.

[Graham1961]

Very Sorry To Hear About The Way You Were Treated By This Lousy Dealearship (an X-part One Too). The Truth Is The 75+zt Are Excellent Cars, But This Garage Has Spoiled Everything. Please Do Consider Another 75 Or Zt Whatever You Prefer But From A Reputable Garage. I Really Hope You Get A Full Reimburstment From The Cowboys.

[trebor]

just read this entire thread and glad to see dealerships putting the customer at the heart of everything it does - eventually !

Unbelievable tale and well done for sticking with it - hope your Rover is now trouble fee for a while.

[JohnDotCom]

I haven't seen or Heard anything from Chris for some time now. :shrug:
Hope all is well with him.

[Jules]

Wow I've just read this thread for the first time Chris, I really feel for him. (wonder if he still owns the car, his last post was about a year ago)
Sounds like that dealership had many disgruntled/incompetent staff or both!

Glad I've had no problems like this with customers of mine.

Mind you I do spend 2 or 3 days preparing a car for sale and make sure everything is working 100%, as if it was my own.
Worth it in the end and my eBay feedback is still 100% too and I'd like to keep it that way.

As far as naming & shaming goes, that Dealer concerned will have been mentioned many times on the various customer review websites. I wonder how the Law works there with Libelous comments.

[lady zed]

Wasn't til I read your post I realised this all happened over a year ago, thought it was a post I missed when my PC packed in!