Servicing Stop: AVOID!!!

neo2020

Arranged to have a full service with Servicing Stop. Informed them no parking is available at my location.

Their guy turned up, was shocked to find no parking available. I directed him to a nearby road where you can park for free after 11AM without a permit. The guy misread the parking sign and claimed you cannot park there at any time. When I tried to explain that you can, he started shouting down the phone at me. (I called the council immediately afterwards and they confirmed he could have parked there no problem).

I told him I don't wish to speak to him if he is going to shout and put the phone down. He then came to my home and started banging on my front door, requesting I come out "to have a word". I had to threaten to call the police to get him to leave!!!

Never using these people again. I was already thinking I'd like to support my local garage even if it costs more and this was definitely a reminder why it's a good idea to find someone you like and stick with them.

rich13348

Might have been worth searching servicing stop on here before using them being that you are already a member. There is sporadically a number of posts appearing with horror stories from them about bad service and damage to vehicles.

neo2020

rich13348 wrote: »

Might have been worth searching servicing stop on here before using them being that you are already a member. There is sporadically a number of posts appearing with horror stories from them about bad service and damage to vehicles.

Yep, live and learn. Posted myself to add to the chorus

Stoke

Never heard of them before so I decided to Google them. Very nice website and setup and I like the idea of a company coming and collecting your vehicle, but I'm confused at what they're actually offering? Interim service offers an oil change and oil filter + extras for £59, but they charge another £24 for 'special oils'? Why do I think that 'special oils' is probably a wide definition that basically includes all but the crappest mineral oil that was used on a Rover Metro? So that's now £83.

The extras of the interim service seem to be bordering on nothing? Top up bonnet fluid levels? So, coolant? You should be checking that yourself anyway. Power steering fluid maybe? 9/10 most cars don't lose PS fluid to begin with and really you should change it, not top it up. Washer fluid perhaps? Come on?

But this is where it gets really flakey:
Check brakes - How is this service delivered? Checking the pads for wear? Checking discs for wear? Do they remove all four wheels and inspect the pads and then deliver a rough estimate of wear? I just would like to know how they go about 'checking the brakes' other than pressing their foot on the pedal?

Check steering - Again, how is this service delivered and what is it they offer to do about it? I'm thinking steering alignment, but then do they charge to fix it? I would have thought so. Wheel balance maybe? Again, very flakey.

Check suspension - So they check your shock absorbers by bouncing the car up and down? I very much doubt they remove the struts and inspect for wear and if they have it up in the air, they can only test them to a limited degree.

Check tyres -

Check pollen filter - Dear me.

Collection and delivery - Fair enough.

EdGasket

and do you really want some lout abusing your car?

Strider590

At some point in time we became a society that puts trust in flashy advertising, sales techniques, neon signs and websites.

There are countless "under the arches" garages who need the business, but don't get it because being a bit grubby, having no coffee machine and generally being like a proper garage workshop is somehow unappealing and untrustworthy.

neo2020

Strider590 wrote: »

At some point in time we became a society that puts trust in flashy advertising, sales techniques, neon signs and websites.

There are countless "under the arches" garages who need the business, but don't get it because being a bit grubby, having no coffee machine and generally being like a proper garage workshop is somehow unappealing and untrustworthy.

Actually, for me it was mostly about not having to spend time at the garage and/or travelling there and back and the low price, but like I say, there's definitely a lesson learned

Robisere

Strider590 wrote: »

At some point in time we became a society that puts trust in flashy advertising, sales techniques, neon signs and websites.

There are countless "under the arches" garages who need the business, but don't get it because being a bit grubby, having no coffee machine and generally being like a proper garage workshop is somehow unappealing and untrustworthy.

From an ex-workshop foreman: thank you! Not that my old gaff was an 'under the arches' place, it was a fairly large independent garage, but we prided ourselves on good work and looking after customers.

And yes, we were always grubby and oily, that's the nature of the beast. Next door was a "Specialist" sports and classic car place. They took in work, gave a written quote and guaranteed the work. When the customer left, they drove the car round the back to us. We carried out the work for about ¾ of the price in their quote. But, hey, their staff all wore beautifully clean, pressed overalls, with the name of the garage in flowing script on the left breast.

None of their staff knew a socket from a spanner, but they could wash and polish for England!. It was a standing joke to us, when their 'foreman' came around, I used to make his eyes glaze over with technical talk.

EDIT: but we did have a coffee machine!

Stoke

Robisere wrote: »

From an ex-workshop foreman: thank you! Not that my old gaff was an 'under the arches' place, it was a fairly large independent garage, but we prided ourselves on good work and looking after customers.

And yes, we were always grubby and oily, that's the nature of the beast. Next door was a "Specialist" sports and classic car place. They took in work, gave a written quote and guaranteed the work. When the customer left, they drove the car round the back to us. We carried out the work for about ¾ of the price in their quote. But, hey, their staff all wore beautifully clean, pressed overalls, with the name of the garage in flowing script on the left breast.

None of their staff knew a socket from a spanner, but they could wash and polish for England!. It was a standing joke to us, when their 'foreman' came around, I used to make his eyes glaze over with technical talk.

EDIT: but we did have a coffee machine!

Says it all that.