Nationwide Autocentre damaged my car!

Becles

I've used Nationwide Autocentre for years and have had great service until now.

I have a 2003 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi. My car was booked in for a full service and MOT at the beginning of March. When I went to pick it up, they told me that when they changed the fuel filter, they broke the fuel pipe. They said they had been unable to get the replacement fuel pipe that day, but had taped it up as a temporary measure and asked if I could pop back the following day as it's just a 10 minute job to change the fuel pipe. I said this was fine.

Went back the next day and they apologised as they had been sent the wrong part, and I agreed to call in a couple of days later.

Called in again, but they were having trouble sourcing the part. I was advised they would ring me when the replacement part arrived.

Have phoned umpteen times since, but keep getting fobbed off with excuses on the phone. People are not in or are on the other line etc., and I'm promised a call back but they never ring back.

Meanwhile my car isn't performing as well as it should be. It doesn't accelerate as fast as it used to, and it shakes a bit when I go over 50 MPH. I'm self employed and rely on the car for work, travelling all over the North East. I've joined the RAC just in case it breaks down completely.

I'm just wondering the best course of action to take to get Nationwide Autocentre to get hold of the correct part and fix my car?

mcjordi

well its a focus, so getting hold of parts is easy most local factors/dealers will haev fuel pipe in stock,

tell them you want this resolving or your going to consumer direct/trading standards

anewman

Fuel system would probably be pressurised. A botched job may lead to leaks.

Pssst

Taped it up? taped what up?? sounds iffy. Have you got it in writing that they accidentally damaged it? If not,you need to record your next telephone conversation with them as evidence. If necessary,you need to book your car into a ford garage ,have it repaired,and bill them for it. You must give them notice that you intend to do this .

Becles

It's the broken fuel pipe that is taped up.

I don't know anything about engines, but I'm guessing the taped up fuel pipe is causing the performance issues.

sillygoose

if it was around the filter then presume it would be before the fuel pump and not pressurised yet. The performance issue may be due to air being drawn in but its just as likely these cowboys have bodged something else.

Personally I would park it on their front and stop every customer heading their way to inform them that they screwed you car up until they sorted it out. Have a friend with a camcorder nearby in case they get unfriendly. If asked move of their land but continue as is your right. Tell them the local TV may come down as you plan to be there days they better notify their area manager.

goldspanners

its probably a fuel return or leak off pipe, it wont be pressurised, if it was i doubt the car would start.
but regardless, take the car back to them and demand it be repaired straight away, the focus is a common car which means readily available parts. they should be able to source the parts easily and very quickly.

richard7772`

i used a local nationwide because i had to for warranty reasons they told me to drop the car off at 8.30 i rang at 1 and was told they hadnt had time to fix rear windscreen washer jet(the pipe had come off) they said they would ring me back within the hour i ahd to ring 2 hours later they said still had no time as fleet cars were the most important i told them i was picking it up straight away and suddenly they found some one free they did the work also finding leaky sump plug all break discs and pads worn hand break cable frayed and a noise on the engine when i asked how much they explained would be costly as they charge £70 an hour because there mechanics are well paid they are on at least £8.50 an hour i got home a cple of days later opened the boot and found a crack in the back panel i rang and they said if their mechanic had done it he would have owned up it waas there when he started and alot of the clips were broken so i am now left with a loose and cracked panel PLEASE BEAWARE USE LOCAL GARAGES THEY ARE CHEAPER AND MORE HONEST AND GIVE BETTER SERVICE

Poolie

My car had a service and MOT by this pack of muppets last year. They claimed it needed new shocks and brake discs. Obviosuly they would not pass the car till this work had been done. Damage was over £650. Was down at parents the following week and a local garage had a look at the 2nd shock which was not done by Nationwide (they recommended getting it done) advised it did not need doing. He looked at the rear brakes (as above from nationwide) and they didn't need doing but I took the opinion was safer since the front discs had been done. This was Nationwide Autocentre in Glasgow.

This year went to a local garage for MOT and they found 1 problem with a brake pipe and that was all. This is after I spoke to them and have the resolve an issue with the handbrake cable. Also when I phoned they offered advise and didn't just assume. Arrange a free visit to check and were able to book the car in the next morning. YOUR LOCAL GARAGE IS ALWAYS BEST! Especially ones with a good reputation.

hewhoisnotintheknow

tell them you are going to take it to fords and get them to fix it at their expense