Nationwide Autocentre Aircon Problem

PompeySteve

Hi

I recently put my car into our local Nationwide Autocentre for a full aircon service, as the aircon didn't seem to be functioning too well (i.e. the air was no cooler than ambient temp!)

All fine, got it back they said there was no gas in it at all so did a full recharge.

3 days later, the temperature is back to ambient so I took it back. They checked it over and said there is a leak in some of the pipework and it would cost £160 to fix!

Now, considering the 'full aircon service' is supposed to include a leak test - do I have any comeback in getting the money I paid for the initial aircon service back? Surely when they noticed there was no gas in the system at all (and the car is only 4 yrs old) they would be looking for a leak first before recharging it?

Any help or advice would be appreciated

jimbo_the_jetset

I would certainly question them on it

[Deleted User]

PompeySteve wrote: »

Hi

I recently put my car into our local Nationwide Autocentre for a full aircon service, as the aircon didn't seem to be functioning too well (i.e. the air was no cooler than ambient temp!)

All fine, got it back they said there was no gas in it at all so did a full recharge.

3 days later, the temperature is back to ambient so I took it back. They checked it over and said there is a leak in some of the pipework and it would cost £160 to fix!

Now, considering the 'full aircon service' is supposed to include a leak test - do I have any comeback in getting the money I paid for the initial aircon service back? Surely when they noticed there was no gas in the system at all (and the car is only 4 yrs old) they would be looking for a leak first before recharging it?

Any help or advice would be appreciated

I used to like Nationwide but wont touch them now.

They changed my brake disks 4 times (once every 3 months). Only charged me for the first time but I had to pay for pads each time. Told me I was braking too hard.

In the end, took it to dealer who put on proper disks rather than cheap rubbish and never had the problem again. Although, I had to pay them.

Wrote to head office and told them what had happened. They gave me a refund for all the work I'd paid for at nationwide.

Write to head office - they seem quite good.

CarolinePittard

DO NOT USE NATIONWIDE AUTOCENTRES - they have OVERCHARGED me! At Nationwide Autocentre, Shirley Retail Park, Solihull my bill totalled £283 for a radiator replacement on Friday 12th June 2009.This was for a job taking less than 1/2 hour on my Peugeot 206 1.1. I suspected that I had been overcharged so contacted Nationwide Autocentre, Olton Branch, to see what they would quote..I am now in receipt of a fax quoting £198 for the same job! So I have been overcharged more than 40% and completely ripped off!! DO NOT USE NATIONWIDE AUTOCENTRES
I have since made a complaint to their Customer Services Department in Olton, Solihull on 0121 707 5811. They have confirmed the overcharged and tried to attribute blame to themselves being given an overinflated price on the radiator part from one of their suppliers. I do not believe this as the part was in stock and fitted immediately! They are simply trying to cover up their overcharge rip-off inflated labour price.
As Nationwide Autocentre is "audited by the AA every 6 months to ensure costs are correct and quality is to high standards" ..they have a lot to lose. I will be writing to the Managing Director of Nationwide Autocentre, Duncan Wilkes, and also the Operations Director, Bill Duffy, to highlight this scandalous service which I have received. Nationwide Autocentre is also a member of the trade association "Traders of the Retail Motor Industry Federation" and so I will be writing to them also to highlight Nationwide Autocentre's overcharging as this trade association is supposed to ensure certain standards are complied with, which Nationwide Autocentre has breached in my experience.
Under consumer law, for example the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (and subsequent Acts) consumers have the right to complain if the service or repair work is not carried out with reasonable care and skill, in a reasonable time and for a reasonable PRICE.
Make sure you complain about your experience if you suspect that you have been treated unfairly.. I have written to the BBC..at The One Show, and also intend to write to Trading Standards, the Managing Director and Operations Director at Nationwide Autocentre, and the Traders of the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
If you visit other websites such as Ciao, Canyoutrustthem and Dooyoo you will see other similar complaints about Nationwide Autocentre...get justice and complain now..let your voice be heard and for your complaint to count, to hopefully stop this scandalous over pricing happening to other members of the public.

PompeySteve

[quote=[Deleted User];22467149]

Write to head office - they seem quite good.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, have sent letter recorded delivery. Am hopefully, especially as I managed to dig out some EU legislation which indicates that they have broken the law by not checking for the leak prior to refill !

[Deleted User]

PompeySteve wrote: »

Thanks, have sent letter recorded delivery. Am hopefully, especially as I managed to dig out some EU legislation which indicates that they have broken the law by not checking for the leak prior to refill !

To be fair to them when I complained they sent a reply straight away saying they'd look into it, followed by a cheque for a complete refund and an apology....