Ford car repair (or lack of in this case)

Wadders

If anyone could offer any advice on this subject I would be very grateful. I noticed a grating sound coming from the breaks on my car on Wednesday so I called the RAC who came to check it out. The problem was that the break pads had worn right down so we took the car to the local Ford garage (where we purchased the car from) who told us that they would fix the problem and have the car back to us on Thursday afternoon. The car was delivered on Thursday afternoon but when we took the car out we noticed that the problem was still there and was actually worse.

The RAC repair man came back this morning and after checking the break pads he informed me that they had not been touched. We took the car back to the garage and they confirmed that the car had not actually been booked in and no work had been done on it. They did the work there while I waited but when they finished and I asked for proof that the work had taken place (in the form of a work sheet) they said that they didn't have one which shocked me and even after I explained that only the day before they had sent my car back to me with an ongoing break problem they stood firm and said they don't have a work sheet for me. They also informed me that they have found another fault on the car which they will need to fix.

My questions are as follows.

1.Even though the car was purchased from this specific ford garage can I take it to another one for the other repair that needs fixing as I have very little confidence in this garage after this incident.

2. As it is a motability car do I need to let them know about this or is it something they don't need to be made aware of.

3. I plan to complain to the garage but who would I speak to? Would it be the branch manager or the repairs center manager (if there is one) and are there any specifics that are essential to the complaint (times, dates, names etc)

Many thanks in advance to any replies.

pinkshoes

Any time I've had any work done, I've been given a VAT receipt with the cost of the parts and labour, describing what work is done.

How old is the car? I think you can take it to any garage, but if you have a guarantee with Ford, you might loose this.

Try and find a review of a garage online before using it. We used Kwikfit for break pads and discs once, and would never go back there again!

Wadders

As it is a mobility car they (motability) receive any invoices for the charges its not something we deal with. The car is two years old in July and regarding another garage I apologize I didn't make it clear in my original post what I meant was is it ok to take it to another Ford garage?

Justicia

Wadders wrote: »

what I meant was is it ok to take it to another Ford garage?

I don't see any reason why you couldn't take it to any dealership/garage you wished

Want to take my car to a Ford at some point in the near future, but having debates about which one to trust not to try and mug me (bad experiences in past, unfortunately!)...

pinkshoes

Yes, of course you can take it to another Ford garage! I did the same with mine, but only because I moved 150 miles from where I first bough the car, and there was no problem taking it to another. Just tell them it's more convenient for you to take it there rather than to the other one.

Mo_Money_4

In response to your questions..
1) You can most certainly take it to another dealer.
2) It would be considerate to let them know it's a motability vehicle, but not necessary.
3) Go straight to the top man/woman, let them tread on toes and ask questions. Lower management may try to sort it without top brass knowing, not good enough! Especially returning your car with no work done the first time, damn right dangerous!
But don't complain until another dealer has done the work satisfactorily, you can then mention just how good they were in comparison and you will be going there in future thank you very much.
All the best.
Mo

Mo_Money_4

If you are in the South East Wadders i would NOT reccomend Dagenham motors in Rochester Kent.
Absolute nightmare, bunch of timewasting cowboys. Steer well clear. (No pun intended). Left my car unfinished with oil and water reservoir tank caps off (tucked neatly behind the battery, thanks guys). Oil all over drive the next day, running rough and stalling as they used zetec spark plugs in a 20 year old car! Complete incompetence. And left the car filthy inside and then charged me for the oil and bulbs that i supplied.
Regards and rant over...
Mo

custardy

as said take it to another ford dealer (i assume this is warrenty work?)
also as a bit of advice i suggest you get your car serviced regularly(or do you?) as allowing brakes to wear down to the metal is very dangerous and can wreck the discs coupled with causing other issues leading to extra costs

jeannieblue

If its warranty work - it has to go back to the dealership - but any one of your choice.

I would complain direct to Ford Motor Company - they should be informed if they are being let down by the dealership in question.

If a car is under warranty you can go to any VAT registered garage and have your car serviced, as long as you stick to the manufacturers guide lines and genuine parts are used (or OE parts). There are lots of good independant garages around. Wear and tear parts ie brakes - you can have those done too at an independent garage.

But as it is a motability car, I'm not sure if they have special requirements, that restrict you to dealership only.

jeannieblue

Also - think motoring forum would have more info for you.

Wadders

Thank you so much for all your replies. I will update once I have followed all your advice.

Thanks again