MOT at Nationwide Autocentre

NobbyLondon

I had my car ( it is just 3 years old now) serviced at a local Nationwide Autocentre garage six months ago. Then, they pointed out that the shock absorbers, both front and back, needed changing. However, because they didn't have the parts, I was advised to take up their MOT guarantee, an insurance covering any faults at the next MOT. It cost me nearly 50 pounds and they changed the brake pads that were hardly worn out (60% for the front and 20% for the back), presumably to make up the cost of replacing the shock absorbers.

I didn't realise this at the time, but because the car was under 3 years old, changing the shock absorbers would have been carried out under the warranty for free. Now, the car is over three years old and I am not covered for this. This means that I am tied to this particular garage because of the guarantee.

Could anybody advise me how I should handle this situation as I can see that what they have done is really unscrupulous. I must admit that I was very vulnerable at the time (related to bereavement) and I should have thought before having anything done. The promise that the guarantee would cover the cost of replacing the shock absorbers was made verbally and they might say this time that there is nothing wrong with the shock absorbers. Please help!

TiTheRev

Nationwide are notorious for failing cars on batteries/tyres/exhaust/shocks...because that's all they do! There is a good chance at only 3years old, that absolutely nothing is wrong with your shocks, and even if there is a problem the manufacturer warrenty should give you good will on them as they should last longer than that!

I'd be tempted to report the branch manager in question to a higher authority within the company, and demand a refund of the insurance, and complain at the fitting of unworn pads and shocks that are fine. They would rather refund the fee than get bad press

markelock

not wanting to disagree with the above (there's always one!), but our mazda 5 just failed on a rear shock leaking, warrenty job,

complain as above though, they've advised you incorrectly, and cost you money.

either way never go there again.

NobbyLondon

Thanks both. I feel like a complete idiot. I'll get my act together now.

markelock

if it makes you feel any better, having it serviced at that centre might have invalidated the warrenty anyway.

to be fair they should advise you of that, but I doubt they did or would.

callow

I was stung by Kwikfit once and learnt my lesson.

I had just had the car serviced at the dealer's garage but forgot about the MOT (it was the first MOT since new). I took it to Kwikfit a few days later, they found some "fault" with the steering. As I did it last minute I had to agree to the fix as I wouldn't have had a car to drive.

I now have the service and MOT done together.

NobbyLondon

I wish I'd known this website earlier. I'd have gone to the local garage down the road, but of course, Nationwide Autocentre offered a cheaper option plus some discount with the Tesco reward card! I was so short- sighted and got stung with a hefty bill in the end- I had to shell out well over 800 pounds for two new tyres, two brake pads, etc. This makes me look so pathetic. Anyway, I'd go to a council MOT centre, but even the nearest one is a bit of a trek, so I'll take the car to the local garage down the road. I'll still write to the company and if they don't respond, I'll write to the column in the Observer money page to see if they can help. Thanks all.

TiTheRev

NobbyLondon wrote: »

I wish I'd known this website earlier. I'd have gone to the local garage down the road, but of course, Nationwide Autocentre offered a cheaper option plus some discount with the Tesco reward card! I was so short- sighted and got stung with a hefty bill in the end- I had to shell out well over 800 pounds for two new tyres, two brake pads, etc. This makes me look so pathetic. Anyway, I'd go to a council MOT centre, but even the nearest one is a bit of a trek, so I'll take the car to the local garage down the road. I'll still write to the company and if they don't respond, I'll write to the column in the Observer money page to see if they can help. Thanks all.

Hope you get some decent feedback!

Keep us informed

NobbyLondon

I painted a picture of myself as a gullible and pathetic individual. However, if you take a look at their innocuous looking website, you will understand why one may be tempted to turn to them.

http://www.nationwideautocentres.co.uk/Home.aspx

I shall let you know how it goes. Thanks.

ilikedrawing

I dont think you've made yourself look silly at all. If your mind was elsewhere or even if your not a big petrol head sometimes only hindsight can reveal your bad decision. Ive made loads and im a bit of a car nut!

TiTheRev

Too right, you can only live and learn, we've all done it once (or know someone who's done it) hence we can advise!