Citreon Xsara Picasso Problems

orangetiggs

I bought a car registered in 2001, three months a go from a garage that was supposedly MOT'd and Serviced before we picked it up. Today after hearing grinding when breaking we took it to Kwikfit to let them have a look. Just received a call from them telling us the front breaks have ahad pads replaced on worn shoes, the back breaks have cylinders thats have been leaking for a few months so have contaminated the shoes, discs and pads and that it will cost nearly £500 to repair!!

They also confirmed that the break issues should have been picked up in the "service" that the garage told us they gave the car. Obviosuly not impressed with the garage. I called them and they have told me that "they are too busy to help right now" and are now telling me that they "dont remember selling me the car!" nor are they even entertaining that they gave a service, though we took it back as the service light came on as we drove off the forecourt and they then apparently gave the service - more like just turned the light off!

We have confirmation of a full service (got the stamp to prove it) and just this second they have backed down and said that they only done an oil service!!!!! Surely this aint right !! Any advice on where i stand or what i can do is really really really appreciated!

thanks in advance

custardy

bear in mind this is kwik fit
no great surprise they tell you basically all the parts of the brakes at the wheels need replaced
i would get a 2nd opinion before agreeing to any work

anewman

Kwik fit are renowned for making up work that does not need doing (and even causing criminal damage to cars to make sure the work needs doing). I would take the car elsewhere and get a second opinion.

Kwik fit are also known to try tell you this is illegal as the car is illegal to drive - but it is not as you have a current and valid MOT. All they really want to do is scare you into getting work done that you don't need.

How do they know the cylinders have been leaking a few months?! They're either leaking or not. And it would be quite unusual for both to be leaking, although if one leaks it is best to replace both sides and the shoes both sides.

Discs do not need replacing simply because they've had brake fluid on. A good clean with brake cleaner and they'll be fine.

orangetiggs

we are just going by what they have told us, we have the car back now and are taking it back to the place we purchased it tomorrow and hopefully they will fix it but not convinced as the garage didnt want to know about the problems even though its still under their guarentee

Sidmon

Yes, couldn't agree more with those sentiments about kwik fit. Take it to a local independent garage and see what they'll quote. Guarantee cheaper price and they'll probably recommend less work too.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Agree with the above posters, unless the discs and drums are damaged they'll clean up very easily.

new front pads around £25 to 30 for top quality...Mintex etc.
Rear shoes and 2 new cylinders if needed maybe £60 to £80 at tops.

2 hours labour incl flushing the sytem at the same time.

Even if it needs new front discs i can't find £500 worth of damage if it all needs doing.

Reliable second opinion time.

Don't be surprised that a service didn't pick up leaking rear wheel cylinders, most services don't include stripping rear brakes out.

orangetiggs

i always thought kiwk fit were good and so thought that would be the best place to go.

Got a grinding noise when i break but thats the only thing i can feel and its only been today and yesterday that it could be heard

So confused by it all now! I know silly woman! not having a clue about a car!

custardy

one of the few times ive dealt with kwikfit was my old cavalier SRI(great car)
the handbrake cable snapped and i was on a long drive
popped into get it replaced and they told me my rear discs,pads and shoes needed replaced
they refused to replace the cable as the car was dangerous
i had been working on the car just a week before so knew all was fine.
the same rear discs were fine 2 years later

its sad really but they prey on people with stuff like brakes

JonathanA

I'd go back to the supplying garage and if they won't co-operate, make a polite, but firm, fuss. Get the sales / service manager involved.

Whatever happens, I'd certainly seek a second opinion. Like others, I've also had problems with KwikFit trying to do work that wasn't necessary, in my case when I took the car in to get a new tyre following a puncture and they tried to tell me that it needed new brake pads - only a week after it had been serviced and had new brake pads. When I pointed that out to them, they changed their tune a little bit.

Selling garage should be your first port of call - stand firm and good luck. If they stamped the service book, they should have carried out the specified service, not just an oil change!

orangetiggs

its a small garage and not a chain so i dont know even if they have a director as such, only ever seen one woman and one man in there!

I guess i wont trust kwik fit anymore!

anewman

orangetiggs wrote: »

I guess i wont trust kwik fit anymore!

Well you won't if you go elsewhere and they say it needs one thing doing at £50 :money: