Halfords Autocentre complaint

Ditzy_Mitzy

Mancunian_Nick said:

I took my car to one in Manchester yesterday for its MOT. It failed on 2 counts even though they passed it this time last year and it's hardly been off my driveway - maybe 600 miles driven at most. According to them, the exhaust flexible joint (presumably the front end) had an excessive leak of gasses and the manager then proceeded to tell me that the rest of the exhaust was corroded and would *all* need replacing and quoted me £397.17! You could have knocked me over with a feather. How could 2 parts corrode that badly in a year when they were fine in 2020? Of course I don't have a car lift so can't raise it up to see so they must play on this. As for the windscreen wiper blades, the offside (passenger side?) has excessive wear according to them BUT, the manager said, they don't do them individually now so would need a pack of 2 for £43. Odd that as their quote says £34 and in very tiny writing below their health report, I now notice the above pricing may be subject to a discount when repairs are taken together. Please speak to your centre manager for further details. Oh yes, speak to the very guy I suspect is ripping me off and lying to me! 

So later after arriving home and calming down a bit from the shock, I spoke to a very good online friend who works for Europarts (UK) and I asked him for a quote. They currently have a 40% discount scheme running at the moment (SALE60). Firstly he told me you *can* get single wiper blades and quoted me £12.29 after discount applied. Admittedly not including fitting but even so. As for the exhaust ... both middle and back sections £163.98 and after discount - £107.98! I also happen to know Halfords get their parts from there so get them even cheaper! So how much for the front section and fitting? Well if Halfords are to be believed, and I don't (!) then the front section and fitting will lay me back £289.19, the difference between their quote and the 2 parts of the exhaust they had in stock. Crazy and ridiculous. Needless to say, I won't be having the work done *there* again! 

My suspicion is it's a new manager (I'm not 100% sure) trying to get his bonus because usually they've been very good in the past and I've had no complaints at all. Shame that's not still true.

This isn't a consumer rights issue.  Perhaps 'Praise, Vent and Warnings' would be more suitable.  It could join my rather banal complaint about Halfords and indicator bulbs!!