MOT - To Halfords or not to Halfords, that is the question
Posts
Post 732146 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-08-29 11:41:50
I have a dilemma.
MOT is due on the V70 in a couple of weeks. Normally I go to a family run indie that I trust, and they don't take the piss because they are so busy with other work that they have no interest in failing MOTs on spurious points just to make a bit of extra dodgy cash. But they aren't the convenient option and they charge the full price.
I could go to Halfords for a half price MOT (£30) in a convenient location, but it's jump in to the unknown. I don't trust those places. But looking at it another way I could use it as a cheap option to highlight any faults, and if it still passes then that's a bonus. And if I really don't trust any failure points after inspecting them myself I could always get the MOT redone at another place (see below) for a 3rd opinion.
The other option is I could use City Of Edinburgh Council fleet services. They would be truly impartial as they don't do repairs on public vehicles. Convenient-ish location, but full price MOT (£55).
So option 1 is to take a punt on Halfords at half price, and then if it fails dubiously go to CEC for a retest, effectively meaning I'm paying 1.5x the MOT cost. Or Option 2 to is to avoid pissing about and go straight for the impartial CEC test centre for an unbiased test at full price.
What would you guys do?
Post 732148 by Sharkey R on 2014-08-29 11:48:27
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;732146]I have a dilemma.
MOT is due on the V70 in a couple of weeks. Normally I go to a family run indie that I trust, and they don't take the piss because they are so busy with other work that they have no interest in failing MOTs on spurious points just to make a bit of extra dodgy cash. But they aren't the convenient option and they charge the full price.
I could go to Halfords for a half price MOT (£30) in a convenient location, but it's jump in to the unknown. I don't trust those places. But looking at it another way I could use it as a cheap option to highlight any faults, and if it still passes then that's a bonus. And if I really don't trust any failure points after inspecting them myself I could always get the MOT redone at another place (see below) for a 3rd opinion.
The other option is I could use City Of Edinburgh Council fleet services. They would be truly impartial as they don't do repairs on public vehicles. Convenient-ish location, but full price MOT (£55).
So option 1 is to take a punt on Halfords at half price, and then if it fails dubiously go to CEC for a retest, effectively meaning I'm paying 1.5x the MOT cost. Or Option 2 to is to avoid pissing about and go straight for the impartial CEC test centre for an unbiased test at full price.
What would you guys do?[/QUOTE]
This is just my opinion from previous experiences, not with the Volvo, on other cars but I've found that ones that charge a tiny amount for an MOT seems to find things that need doing and conveniently tell you they can do it there and then effectively increasing the cost. Is it worth the hassle of if it fails, getting a second opinion?
Post 732152 by Quicksilver on 2014-08-29 12:23:37
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;732146]I have a dilemma.
MOT is due on the V70 in a couple of weeks. Normally I go to a family run indie that I trust, and they don't take the piss because they are so busy with other work that they have no interest in failing MOTs on spurious points just to make a bit of extra dodgy cash. But they aren't the convenient option and they charge the full price.
I could go to Halfords for a half price MOT (£30) in a convenient location, but it's jump in to the unknown. I don't trust those places. But looking at it another way I could use it as a cheap option to highlight any faults, and if it still passes then that's a bonus. And if I really don't trust any failure points after inspecting them myself I could always get the MOT redone at another place (see below) for a 3rd opinion.
The other option is I could use City Of Edinburgh Council fleet services. They would be truly impartial as they don't do repairs on public vehicles. Convenient-ish location, but full price MOT (£55).
So option 1 is to take a punt on Halfords at half price, and then if it fails dubiously go to CEC for a retest, effectively meaning I'm paying 1.5x the MOT cost. Or Option 2 to is to avoid pissing about and go straight for the impartial CEC test centre for an unbiased test at full price.
What would you guys do?[/QUOTE]
I had the same dilemma two years ago, my local garage have always charged the normal price. Well two years ago they failed the Volvo on excessive smoke from the exhaust and tyres, well I wasn't in a position to fix at that time so took it off the road.
When I came put her back on the road I looked for a cheaper option and plumbed for my local Kwik Fit as they were doing a good deal on the tyres at the time and I had used them stuff in the past and seemed sensible!!
It's just gone back for another Mot and they just picked up a worped rear disc, fair enough, £30 for the test and £17.00 retest fee.
With all these places it just depends on the staff they have working there, fortunately I've only had good experiences!
I hate Mot's cos I can't do it myself!!! Best of luck!
Post 732154 by stribo on 2014-08-29 12:34:23
[QUOTE=Sharkey R;732148]This is just my opinion from previous experiences, not with the Volvo, on other cars but I've found that ones that charge a tiny amount for an MOT seems to find things that need doing and conveniently tell you they can do it there and then effectively increasing the cost. Is it worth the hassle of if it fails, getting a second opinion?[/QUOTE]
You should go to Basingstoke M.O.T. and tyre centre, £30, or free if it passes.:D
TBH I wouldn't trust Halfords not to conveniently find some work that needs doing, you're better off with the council one.
Post 732161 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-08-29 13:44:57
[QUOTE=Sharkey R;732148] Is it worth the hassle of if it fails, getting a second opinion?[/QUOTE]
Well it's not so much the hassle but the potential costs. Hypothetically speaking, it it were to fail on something trivial and inexpensive I would of course fix the problem and get the free retest done. If they were to fail it on something that's going to cost a significant (to me) amount of money, and if upon inspecting that item in more detail myself I felt that they may be taking the proverbial for reasons of profit, then I would be inclined to seek a 2nd opinion.
The cynical part of me does not trust places like this, but equally there's a lot of people who are happy to use them and have no issues with their cars being passed fine or with just a few advisories noted.
Post 732167 by V70 Graham on 2014-08-29 14:16:30
Remember MOT garages have a 'viewing area' so you can keep an eye on them, maybe ask to see any faults while the car is still on the ramp ?
Post 732172 by Santa on 2014-08-29 15:08:19
Think I'd go with option 2 if they were my two choices.
Post 732178 by JamesT5 on 2014-08-29 15:25:23
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;732146]I have a dilemma.
MOT is due on the V70 in a couple of weeks. Normally I go to a family run indie that I trust, and they don't take the piss because they are so busy with other work that they have no interest in failing MOTs on spurious points just to make a bit of extra dodgy cash. But they aren't the convenient option and they charge the full price.
I could go to Halfords for a half price MOT (£30) in a convenient location, but it's jump in to the unknown. I don't trust those places. But looking at it another way I could use it as a cheap option to highlight any faults, and if it still passes then that's a bonus. And if I really don't trust any failure points after inspecting them myself I could always get the MOT redone at another place (see below) for a 3rd opinion.
The other option is I could use City Of Edinburgh Council fleet services. They would be truly impartial as they don't do repairs on public vehicles. Convenient-ish location, but full price MOT (£55).
So option 1 is to take a punt on Halfords at half price, and then if it fails dubiously go to CEC for a retest, effectively meaning I'm paying 1.5x the MOT cost. Or Option 2 to is to avoid pissing about and go straight for the impartial CEC test centre for an unbiased test at full price.
What would you guys do?[/QUOTE]
If you can find a council run MOT test station then you'll get an impartial test. You'll pay the full rate but they don't do repairs so they have no interest in emptying your wallet of lots of cash.
I found that the MOT test centres that offer discounted rates tend to find a lot of unnecessary faults.
Post 732180 by JamesT5 on 2014-08-29 15:27:06
[QUOTE=Quicksilver;732152]I had the same dilemma two years ago, my local garage have always charged the normal price. Well two years ago they failed the Volvo on excessive smoke from the exhaust and tyres, well I wasn't in a position to fix at that time so took it off the road.
When I came put her back on the road I looked for a cheaper option and plumbed for my local Kwik Fit as they were doing a good deal on the tyres at the time and I had used them stuff in the past and seemed sensible!!
It's just gone back for another Mot and they just picked up a worped rear disc, fair enough, £30 for the test and £17.00 retest fee.
With all these places it just depends on the staff they have working there, fortunately I've only had good experiences!
I hate Mot's cos I can't do it myself!!! Best of luck![/QUOTE]
Kwik Stitch are renowned for it, I'll never use them for an MOT.
Post 732184 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-08-29 15:48:50
You can't get ££££ter than a Kwik Fit fitter
Post 732186 by JamesT5 on 2014-08-29 15:51:10
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;732184]You can't get ££££ter than a Kwik Fit fitter[/QUOTE]
Can't get Richer than a Kwik Stitch Fitter..... ;)
Post 732187 by LeeT5 on 2014-08-29 15:57:47
I'm sorry but I would never take my car to Kwik fit OR Halfords autocenters..... EVER!!!!!!!! not even if it were free.
I'd sooner pay Volvo to do it at full price.
There's alot to be said about an immaculate workshop floor, clean ramp, correct tools for the job and (normally) an MOT tester that knows Volvo's (obviously - cos he MOT's them all day!), decent customer service and as many free Latte's as you can drink!!
Post 732195 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-08-29 16:29:53
[QUOTE=LeeT5;732187]I'm sorry but I would never take my car to Kwik fit OR Halfords autocenters..... EVER!!!!!!!! not even if it were free.
I'd sooner pay Volvo to do it at full price.
There's alot to be said about an immaculate workshop floor, clean ramp, correct tools for the job and (normally) an MOT tester that knows Volvo's (obviously - cos he MOT's them all day!), decent customer service and as many free Latte's as you can drink!![/QUOTE]
Lee, I do see what you're saying and to some extent I do agree, BUT (you knew there had to be a "but", right? :))........it's one of those sweeping generalisations that don't always hold water in the real world. It kind of reflects the attitude of why so many car snobs buy stuff like VAG because they believe unflinchingly that they are getting a better product and better after sales care, when that's not always true. The garage I use at the moment is an Alfa specialist (but they'll work on anything) and they have an impeccable reputation, but their premises is a very old and run down place that looks like a breakers yard from outside, and the workshop is a mess (though they may class it as organised chaos!). It was a similar story when I lived in London and used a family run place to work on my 205 GTI, and again it was a rather grotty looking place and no lattes in sight! Both businesses were always busy, both had a good reputation, both did a good job at a good price, and neither lived up to the cliche of the dodgy back street mechanic. But judged on appearances, you may well walk on by!
FYI, the only reason I'm looking to change my MOT location from the Alfa specialist this year is that they are just an arse ache to get to (other side of, and outside the city), and they don't give a time slot for MOTs so I usually end up getting the phone call late in the day by which time it's too late for me to get back to pick the car up and it has to wait until the following day. If they were more local it would be a no-brainer.
Post 732197 by jamesy12345 on 2014-08-29 16:39:59
if the car was fairly new Halfords would be OK...but even the most impartial of testers will compare cars passing through his bay. Imagine yours (or mine) sitting with a load of 3-4 yr old cars....the tester will be expecting yours to be in a worse condition.
I just took a flyer at an unknown testing station in Newcastle, turns out the tester was a Volvo fan - flew through with only a couple of advisory points. Come and drive down here never mind Halfords
edit
45 quid too not 55
Post 732209 by LeeT5 on 2014-08-29 17:40:35
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;732195]Lee, I do see what you're saying and to some extent I do agree, BUT (you knew there had to be a "but", right? :))........it's one of those sweeping generalisations that don't always hold water in the real world. It kind of reflects the attitude of why so many car snobs buy stuff like VAG because they believe unflinchingly that they are getting a better product and better after sales care, when that's not always true. The garage I use at the moment is an Alfa specialist (but they'll work on anything) and they have an impeccable reputation, but their premises is a very old and run down place that looks like a breakers yard from outside, and the workshop is a mess (though they may class it as organised chaos!). It was a similar story when I lived in London and used a family run place to work on my 205 GTI, and again it was a rather grotty looking place and no lattes in sight! Both businesses were always busy, both had a good reputation, both did a good job at a good price, and neither lived up to the cliche of the dodgy back street mechanic. But judged on appearances, you may well walk on by!
FYI, the only reason I'm looking to change my MOT location from the Alfa specialist this year is that they are just an arse ache to get to (other side of, and outside the city), and they don't give a time slot for MOTs so I usually end up getting the phone call late in the day by which time it's too late for me to get back to pick the car up and it has to wait until the following day. If they were more local it would be a no-brainer.[/QUOTE]
You've misunderstood. I'm not talking about the clenliness in general I mean't I don't trust them....that's why I said, never.
My experience of Halfords auto centers is they are incompetent and I for one would never recommend...to anyone!
The free Latte's and clean workshop etc is just a brucy bonus. Saves getting my Atacama carpets dirty and have some grease monkey who hasn't washed his hands all day driving my car or getting in it, let alone working on it!
Post 732221 by Harvey on 2014-08-29 18:31:23
For my MOT's I have for the last 8 years or so used the same garage the tester's know me they know the score with my cars.
Just thought I'd have to ask this question how many AWD owners/four-wheel-drive does the MOT tester on the brake rollers ?.
I do know there rollers can do 4x4 cars etc but prefer to use the old knock-meter that way you can't say you broke my car to them.
Last test on the V70 he was going to put a advisory on the discs brakes until he went to look at the battery and found a set full set ready to be fitted by him which he didn't know about :wink:
They also just charge me trade rate on all MOT's and workshop jobs.
Post 732231 by LeeT5 on 2014-08-29 19:12:16
[QUOTE=Harvey;732221]For my MOT's I have for the last 8 years or so used the same garage the tester's know me they know the score with my cars.
[B]Just thought I'd have to ask this question how many AWD owners/four-wheel-drive does the MOT tester on the brake rollers ?.
I do know there rollers can do 4x4 cars etc but prefer to use the old knock-meter that way you can't say you broke my car to them[/B].
Last test on the V70 he was going to put a advisory on the discs brakes until he went to look at the battery and found a set full set ready to be fitted by him which he didn't know about :wink:
They also just charge me trade rate on all MOT's and workshop jobs.[/QUOTE]
Very valid point and I myself know that my local Volvo dealer always use a Tapley meter.
4WD rollers, of course, are a better option.
[COLOR="#FF0000"]NEVER PUT A S60R/V70R ON A 2WD ROLLER!!!!![/COLOR]
Post 732241 by Bones on 2014-08-29 19:32:15
I would'nt go near Halfords for an MOT again.
I put an ex'es 206 in and it failed on emmisions and handbrake needing adjusted. So i put a new cat on and then bought another E46, so left the 206 for about 6 weeks. Came to put it back in, to the same halfords, and it was even the same guy who tested it the last time, and it failed on buckled wheels, lights out of alignment, bushes knackered and a load of other stuff! the thing had done 11 miles since its last mot!!
Post 732244 by JamesT5 on 2014-08-29 19:35:57
[QUOTE=Bones;732241]I would'nt go near Halfords for an MOT again.
I put an ex'es 206 in and it failed on emmisions and handbrake needing adjusted. So i put a new cat on and then bought another E46, so left the 206 for about 6 weeks. Came to put it back in, to the same halfords, and it was even the same guy who tested it the last time, and it failed on buckled wheels, lights out of alignment, bushes knackered and a load of other stuff! the thing had done 11 miles since its last mot!![/QUOTE]
The Testers are obviously on commission just no doubt, the Kwik Stitch guys. I've used my local ATS Euromaster the past couple of years and they haven't failed my mega-mileage T5 yet. I'll be interested to see what they make of the D5 when I take it in, in November.
Post 732282 by MIKESC70T5 on 2014-08-29 21:07:09
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown
It kind of reflects the attitude of why so many car snobs buy stuff like VAG because they believe unflinchingly that they are getting a better product and better after sales care, when that's not always true.
FYI, the only reason I'm looking to change my MOT location from the Alfa specialist this year is that they are just an arse ache to get to (other side of, and outside the city), and they don't give a time slot for MOTs so I usually end up getting the phone call late in the day by which time it's too late for me to get back to pick the car up and it has to wait until the following day.[/QUOTE]
I'm not a car snob, but have just bought a new Golf because it is far better than a lot of other car manufacturers out there. I test drove a Ford, Vauxhall, Kia and a Volvo. When we got the car home I noticed the fog lamp surround had a deep scratch in it. They came out to my wife's work the next day and swapped it over. The car is 8 months old so the mark could of happened at any time, didn't cost us a penny. So service is also top rate.
As for M.O.T's they have to book you a time slot as it takes 40 minutes to do the test iirc. You can't just turn up.
Post 732340 by ajc106 on 2014-08-30 08:43:33
would not trust halfords to fix a tyre on my push bike never mine touching my volvo heard so many bad things about them
Post 733006 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-09-02 14:52:52
££££sticks.
Council centre aren't taking any for 2 weeks, which takes me up to the expiry date of my current MOT. Reckon I'll just book in for my usual place instead, but it's a ball ache.
Post 733008 by t5 pete on 2014-09-02 15:23:39
While we on the subject of brake tests while ive been reading about the awd system ive also noticed sone people say not to put a car on with a lsd on the brake rollers does any one know the situation
Post 733011 by partsforvolvos.com on 2014-09-02 16:39:10
yes, you just use a weight test which is a weight on a swing frame in the footwell.
this is how landrovers and other 4wd's do it.
I cant remember the name of the tool for the life of me, but you drive onto a grippy floor area at a certain speed, and watch how much the weight moves forward against the markings on the dial strip.
presumably you would have to tell the tester the car is not suitable for roller testing. I am not sure if all rollers do each side individually, or just by axle.
I thought the 2 wheels moved together on the axle roller. lsd would only have problem if 1 wanted to move and the other didn't?
Post 733017 by Harvey on 2014-09-02 17:37:51
[QUOTE=partsforvolvos.com;733011]yes, you just use a weight test which is a weight on a swing frame in the footwell.
this is how landrovers and other 4wd's do it.
I cant remember the name of the tool for the life of me, but you drive onto a grippy floor area at a certain speed, and watch how much the weight moves forward against the markings on the dial strip.
presumably you would have to tell the tester the car is not suitable for roller testing. I am not sure if all rollers do each side individually, or just by axle.
I thought the 2 wheels moved together on the axle roller. lsd would only have problem if 1 wanted to move and the other didn't?[/QUOTE]
http://www.tapley.org.uk/howdoesitwork.html
With 4 drive cars the brake test rollers run clockwise and one anticlockwise that way it doesn't wind up the drive train.
With 2 WD brake testers both rollers rotate the same direction.
Post 733020 by cookiec70 on 2014-09-02 18:47:48
[QUOTE=partsforvolvos.com;733011]yes, you just use a weight test which is a weight on a swing frame in the footwell.
this is how landrovers and other 4wd's do it.
I cant remember the name of the tool for the life of me, but you drive onto a grippy floor area at a certain speed, and watch how much the weight moves forward against the markings on the dial strip.
presumably you would have to tell the tester the car is not suitable for roller testing. I am not sure if all rollers do each side individually, or just by axle.
I thought the 2 wheels moved together on the axle roller. lsd would only have problem if 1 wanted to move and the other didn't?[/QUOTE]
It's called a decelerometer, we have to use it on a lot of the Mercs as the ESP and SBC systems won't play ball in the rollers
Post 733021 by t5 pete on 2014-09-02 18:51:03
I take it no one knows about lsd's then
Post 733022 by stribo on 2014-09-02 19:04:52
[QUOTE=Harvey;733017]http://www.tapley.org.uk/howdoesitwork.html
With 4 drive cars the brake test rollers run clockwise and one anticlockwise that way it doesn't wind up the drive train.
[COLOR="#FF0000"]With 2 WD brake testers both rollers rotate the same direction[/COLOR].[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=partsforvolvos.com;733011]yes, you just use a weight test which is a weight on a swing frame in the footwell.
this is how landrovers and other 4wd's do it.
I cant remember the name of the tool for the life of me, but you drive onto a grippy floor area at a certain speed, and watch how much the weight moves forward against the markings on the dial strip.
presumably you would have to tell the tester the car is not suitable for roller testing. I am not sure if all rollers do each side individually, or just by axle.
[COLOR="#FF0000"]I thought the 2 wheels moved together on the axle roller. lsd would only have problem if 1 wanted to move and the other didn't[/COLOR]?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=t5 pete;733021]I take it no one knows about lsd's then[/QUOTE]
Think it's been answered mate. ;)
Post 733025 by p fandango on 2014-09-02 19:20:44
[QUOTE=LeeT5;732187]I'm sorry but I would never take my car to Kwik fit OR Halfords autocenters..... EVER!!!!!!!! not even if it were free.
I'd sooner pay Volvo to do it at full price.
There's alot to be said about an immaculate workshop floor, clean ramp, correct tools for the job and (normally) an MOT tester that knows Volvo's (obviously - cos he MOT's them all day!), decent customer service and as many free Latte's as you can drink!![/QUOTE]
yet you let a bloke respray your car on a driveway with a sunlamp lol (something that i would never EVER do)
Post 733029 by t5 pete on 2014-09-02 19:41:09
[QUOTE=stribo;733022]Think it's been answered mate. ;)[/QUOTE]
Dont know it woild be good to get a definite answer
Post 733035 by cookiec70 on 2014-09-02 19:50:09
[QUOTE=LeeT5;732187]I'm sorry but I would never take my car to Kwik fit OR Halfords autocenters..... EVER!!!!!!!! not even if it were free.
I'd sooner pay Volvo to do it at full price.
There's alot to be said about an immaculate workshop floor, clean ramp, correct tools for the job and (normally) an MOT tester that knows Volvo's (obviously - cos he MOT's them all day!), decent customer service and as many free Latte's as you can drink!![/QUOTE]
An immaculate workshop floor must mean he spends more time cleaning than repairing Volvos. MOT standards are the same for all vehicle manufacturers (unless there is a VOSA bulletin stating otherwise) so it makes no difference if he knows Volvos or not, and the latte's aren't free, your paying for them in the background by paying main dealer prices.
Post 733036 by cookiec70 on 2014-09-02 19:55:43
[QUOTE=t5 pete;733029]Dont know it woild be good to get a definite answer[/QUOTE]
If you jack your car up on one side and you can spin either wheel whilst the others on the floor then I'm pretty sure it will go on the rollers no problem. The brake test rollers we use turn each wheel individually, but as the vehicle is in neutral and there is no driving torque going through the LSD I shouldn't see it being any different to a normal diff, especially at the slow speed the rollers turn at. The only time I can see it being an issue is if you have like a gripper diff, which is tight all the time.
Post 733037 by stephenevans99 on 2014-09-02 19:59:30
Wherever you take your car for an MOT, just print off a few VOSA headed pages or documents from the VOSA website and casually leave them on the back seat.......sit back and watch as the NTs ar$e twitches as he conducts the test....they sure as hell won't fail it on anything unnecessary - guaranteed.
Post 733041 by t5 pete on 2014-09-02 20:01:37
[QUOTE=cookiec70;733036]If you jack your car up on one side and you can spin either wheel whilst the others on the floor then I'm pretty sure it will go on the rollers no problem. The brake test rollers we use turn each wheel individually, but as the vehicle is in neutral and there is no driving torque going through the LSD I shouldn't see it being any different to a normal diff, especially at the slow speed the rollers turn at. The only time I can see it being an issue is if you have like a gripper diff, which is tight all the time.[/QUOTE]
Thank you
Post 733043 by Harvey on 2014-09-02 20:06:56
[QUOTE=stephenevans99;733037]Wherever you take your car for an MOT, just print off a few VOSA headed pages or documents from the VOSA website and casually leave them on the back seat.......sit back and watch as the NTs ar$e twitches as he conducts the test....they sure as hell won't fail it on anything unnecessary - guaranteed.[/QUOTE]
What like this info !.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/205905/11_107.pdf
Post 733049 by stephenevans99 on 2014-09-02 20:21:43
Anything with VOSA on the page.....they'll think VOSA is doing an inspection......I still have my VOSA card which is nice to have showing through the breast pocket of a white shirt lol.
Post 733051 by BigChuck on 2014-09-02 20:25:36
Avoid halfords and kwick fit both encourage employees to find faults and bring work in.
Also think to yourself, how many people aspire to be a mechanic in either of those places, it's generally a last resort to work there.
Is there not another independant garage you could go to? There must be somewhere local with a decent reputation.
Post 733118 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-09-03 10:57:01
I shall forgive you for not reading all the posts.........this one time. Don't do it again! :haha:
Post 733123 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-03 12:17:01
[QUOTE=cookiec70;733035]An immaculate workshop floor must mean he spends more time cleaning than repairing Volvos. MOT standards are the same for all vehicle manufacturers (unless there is a VOSA bulletin stating otherwise) so it makes no difference if he knows Volvos or not, and the latte's aren't free, your paying for them in the background by paying main dealer prices.[/QUOTE]
1. I don't pay dealer prices - I get an automatic 25% discount on labour, which brings the price pretty much inline with or very close to what other/reasonable garages are charging and less than what Halfords Autocenters are charging per hour!
2. I don't pay full price for an MOT at my dealer, I pay £24.85. :haha:
3. The workshop floor is cleaned by cleaning staff, not by the technicians/mechanics.
4. Yes, the MOT standards are set by VOSA, but that doesn't mean they are going to be careful when getting in and out your car and operating the controls etc. My local main dealer will fit steering wheel covers, seat covers and covers on the carpets. They will also be more familiar with the car because, most of the time, it's all they do...Volvo's!
5. FREE coffee's aside....did I also mention FREE wifi?
Most of the time the attitude by most fast fit centers is abismal and for that reason alone, you'll never see me in one.
[QUOTE=cookiec70;733020]It's called a decelerometer, we have to use it on a lot of the Mercs as the ESP and SBC systems won't play ball in the rollers[/QUOTE]
Actually, it's called a Tapley meter, as per my post# 17.
[QUOTE=p fandango;733025]yet you let a bloke respray your car on a driveway with a sunlamp lol (something that i would never EVER do)[/QUOTE]
To be fair Pedro, I didn't really know that much about 'detailing' then (it was 6 years ago). Knowing what I know now, your right, I wouldn't let a anyone respray on my driveway. However, in his defence, the guy that resprayed the front end on my P1R is a personal friend, he's also been painting cars for over 20 years and even he said (on the day) the conditions were perfect.
My driveway then was very sheltered. It was a very still day with absolutely no breeze and it was nice and warm too. When I had my P2R sprayed it was done in a paintshop.
So, there's no need to pick holes Pedro and try to make a point because I totally agree with you! :wink:
Post 733124 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-03 12:22:54
[QUOTE=stephenevans99;733049]Anything with VOSA on the page.....they'll think VOSA is doing an inspection......I still have my VOSA card which is nice to have showing through the breast pocket of a white shirt lol.[/QUOTE]
Don't be silly. The testers in Halfords/Kwik fit are not intelligent enough to work that out!
Post 733130 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-09-03 13:11:49
[QUOTE=LeeT5;733123]1. I don't pay dealer prices - I get an automatic 25% discount on labour, which brings the price pretty much inline with or very close to what other/reasonable garages are charging and less than what Halfords Autocenters are charging per hour!
2. I don't pay full price for an MOT at my dealer, I pay £24.85. :haha:
3. The workshop floor is cleaned by cleaning staff, not by the technicians/mechanics.
4. Yes, the MOT standards are set by VOSA, but that doesn't mean they are going to be careful when getting in and out your car and operating the controls etc. My local main dealer will fit steering wheel covers, seat covers and covers on the carpets. They will also be more familiar with the car because, most of the time, it's all they do...Volvo's!
5. FREE coffee's aside....did I also mention FREE wifi?
[/QUOTE]
Going completely off topic from the MOT questions for a moment....
Lee, the fact that you get competitive rates at your dealer is a positive for you. I wouldn't be privy to those discounts if I went to my local Volvo dealer, and I also know nothing of their reputation or the cleanliness of their workshop. So for me, with no discount to be had, I would have no inclination to go the dealer route. Yes, they know Volvos, it's what they do, but does it automatically follow that they are going to give the best service? No, IMO. Go on most marque specific owners forums and you will usually find owners recommending indie specialists over dealers, because the price is competitive and the service better, regardless of whether you get free lattes, free wifi, a clean workshop etc. Independent garages have more on the line reputationally and they need to offer a good service to maintain that reputation (especially with the freedom of info the internet now affords us), whereas as dealers being part of such a big network may not feel so inclined to go the extra mile. I don't know about Volvo dealers, but you only need to remember the stories of Alfa dealers over the last decade to know how shocking the dealer network can be.
I absolutely agree with you about places like Halfords, Kwik Fit etc. I don't trust them. But I also recognise that it's a cliche, a pre-conception, and they probably aren't all bad. But it still feels like a risk to use them. Dealers may be a better option in most cases, but again, I don't fully trust them, and they come at a higher price.
I've booked the MOT with the Alfa specialist (Mclennans in Loanhead) I use. They may not know Volvo's inside out, and their premises may be a bit of a dump (FYI, no lattes, no wifi, and not even a proper waiting room!), but I know their reputation, they work on all sorts of cars (I've often seen a Lotus Excel there), and in the Alfa community people across the north travel far and wide to use them. They are very good, and I know I will get honest and unbiased MOT from them. The only reason I ever considered an alternative was due to the inconvenient location.
Post 733134 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-03 13:28:50
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;733130]Going completely off topic from the MOT questions for a moment....
Lee, the fact that you get competitive rates at your dealer is a positive for you. I wouldn't be privy to those discounts if I went to my local Volvo dealer, and I also know nothing of their reputation or the cleanliness of their workshop. So for me, with no discount to be had, I would have no inclination to go the dealer route. Yes, they know Volvos, it's what they do, but does it automatically follow that they are going to give the best service? No, IMO. Go on most marque specific owners forums and you will usually find owners recommending indie specialists over dealers, because the price is competitive and the service better, regardless of whether you get free lattes, free wifi, a clean workshop etc. Independent garages have more on the line reputationally and they need to offer a good service to maintain that reputation (especially with the freedom of info the internet now affords us), whereas as dealers being part of such a big network may not feel so inclined to go the extra mile. I don't know about Volvo dealers, but you only need to remember the stories of Alfa dealers over the last decade to know how shocking the dealer network can be.
I absolutely agree with you about places like Halfords, Kwik Fit etc. I don't trust them. But I also recognise that it's a cliche, a pre-conception, and they probably aren't all bad. But it still feels like a risk to use them. Dealers may be a better option in most cases, but again, I don't fully trust them, and they come at a higher price.
I've booked the MOT with the Alfa specialist (Mclennans in Loanhead) I use. They may not know Volvo's inside out, and their premises may be a bit of a dump (FYI, no lattes, no wifi, and not even a proper waiting room!), but I know their reputation, they work on all sorts of cars (I've often seen a Lotus Excel there), and in the Alfa community people across the north travel far and wide to use them. They are very good, and I know I will get honest and unbiased MOT from them. The only reason I ever considered an alternative was due to the inconvenient location.[/QUOTE]
Why not? They freely advertise the fact....
http://www.volvocarsmaidstone.co.uk/service_parts/plus-4-club-at-lipscomb/ [note: I payed for option 3.]
and I couldn't agree more with what you say.
Post 733141 by V70 Graham on 2014-09-03 14:34:59
[QUOTE=LeeT5;733134]Why not? They freely advertise the fact....
http://www.volvocarsmaidstone.co.uk/service_parts/plus-4-club-at-lipscomb/ [note: I payed for option 3.]
and I couldn't agree more with what you say.[/QUOTE]
Looks a good system, shame other dealers don't do something similar.
Post 733151 by cookiec70 on 2014-09-03 15:36:19
[QUOTE=LeeT5;733123]1. I don't pay dealer prices - I get an automatic 25% discount on labour, which brings the price pretty much inline with or very close to what other/reasonable garages are charging and less than what Halfords Autocenters are charging per hour!
2. I don't pay full price for an MOT at my dealer, I pay £24.85. :haha:
3. The workshop floor is cleaned by cleaning staff, not by the technicians/mechanics.
4. Yes, the MOT standards are set by VOSA, but that doesn't mean they are going to be careful when getting in and out your car and operating the controls etc. My local main dealer will fit steering wheel covers, seat covers and covers on the carpets. They will also be more familiar with the car because, most of the time, it's all they do...Volvo's!
5. FREE coffee's aside....did I also mention FREE wifi?
Most of the time the attitude by most fast fit centers is abismal and for that reason alone, you'll never see me in one.
Actually, it's called a Tapley meter, as per my post# 17.
To be fair Pedro, I didn't really know that much about 'detailing' then (it was 6 years ago). Knowing what I know now, your right, I wouldn't let a anyone respray on my driveway. However, in his defence, the guy that resprayed the front end on my P1R is a personal friend, he's also been painting cars for over 20 years and even he said (on the day) the conditions were perfect.
My driveway then was very sheltered. It was a very still day with absolutely no breeze and it was nice and warm too. When I had my P2R sprayed it was done in a paintshop.
So, there's no need to pick holes Pedro and try to make a point because I totally agree with you! :wink:[/QUOTE]
ACTUALLY, Taply are just an instrumentation company that make decelerometers!
Post 733157 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-09-03 15:44:51
Lee
The Plus 4 Club scheme is unique to Lipscomb and gives valuable benefits and reduced motoring costs to drivers of vehicles over 4 years old.
Sadly Maidstone is a bit of a trek for me coming from Edinburgh :B_steerin If my local dealer offered that service I would probably seriously consider it.
Post 733175 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-03 17:27:03
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;733157]Lee
Sadly Maidstone is a bit of a trek for me coming from Edinburgh :B_steerin If my local dealer offered that service I would probably seriously consider it.[/QUOTE]
Then perhaps you should show the link / website to your local dealer and ask them if its something they would consider! After all, you could also tell them that YOU would spread the word for them on this forum and others and that would generate more business for them and a better deal for the customer.. WIN WIN!!!
Post 733178 by Harvey on 2014-09-03 18:09:14
[QUOTE=LeeT5;733175]Then perhaps you should show the link / website to your local dealer and ask them if its something they would consider! After all, you could also tell them that YOU would spread the word for them on this forum and others and that would generate more business for them and a better deal for the customer.. WIN WIN!!![/QUOTE]
Just had a look at my local main dealer site.:)
Welcome to Advantage + at Kastner Exeter
As your Volvo main dealership you can be assured that we have invested
in the very latest Volvo technology for our highly trained team of Volvo
Technicians and of course you can be confident that their extensive experience
ensures your car is always in the best of hands helping keep your Volvo in top
mechanical condition.
We have now introduced Advantage+ giving you access to our full range of Aftersales care for your Volvo for less.
Advantage+ gives you: -
Up to 25% saving on labour rates(1)
Up to 10% saving on genuine Volvo accessoriesPrice match on Volvo approved tyres(2)
Up to 50% saving on your MOT fees(3)
25% saving on Volvo air conditioning servicesFree vehicle health check with every visitLoan Cars (at minimal costs)Free collection & delivery from home or place of work(5)
Free software downloads keeping the technology in your Volvo always up to date(6)
Your own personal contact dedicated to youVolvo Service Promise benefits saving you over £200 including Volvo European Assistance(7)
2nd family car? No problem even if not a Volvo!(8)
Please contact us now at Kastner Exeter for further information on Advantage+ and to find out how to receive your gold membership Advantage+ membership card.
Terms and conditions apply: (1) Excludes service plan customers (2) Price match on like for like tyres available within a 5 mile radius of EX31 3TH and excludes internet sales. (3) When booked in conjunction with a Volvo scheduled service. (4) Subject to availability and subject to comprehensive insurance being in place. (5) Subject to availability. (6) Available on all Volvo scheduled services at time of going to print. (7) Available on all Volvo scheduled services at time of going to print. (8) Excludes Volvo Service Promise on non Volvo models.
Post 733223 by Biff on 2014-09-03 21:45:06
Every car I've owned has been for an mot in the same garage. I'm friendly with the owner I've been there that many times & been against him in the same class at the rallying. :)
The reason I have always taken it to his mot test center is because it is exactly that, a test center & nothing more.
I pay full price & he has never failed my cars for pressed plates or the fact I had a pre 92 engine in a 95 car & didn't need a cat. ;)
He's realistic when it comes to mot'ing competition prepared cars & is known for his reputation as a good bloke who makes enough without big fix charges.
I can see the merit of taking the car to an Indy or main dealer but it's not always practical depending on location, especially in north wales.
As for halfords or kwik fit or ats or any other flea bitten garage I'd give them a wide birth.
Post 733224 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-03 22:02:50
Ref #47 Awesome!
I get the free breakdown and free software too!
I wonder how many other main dealers offer this very similar scheme?
Lipscomb Volvo - Plus 4 club
Kastners Volvo - Advantage +
Post 733335 by Harvey on 2014-09-04 21:09:56
[QUOTE=Harvey;733178]Just had a look at my local main dealer site.:)
Welcome to Advantage + at Kastner Exeter
As your Volvo main dealership you can be assured that we have invested
in the very latest Volvo technology for our highly trained team of Volvo
Technicians and of course you can be confident that their extensive experience
ensures your car is always in the best of hands helping keep your Volvo in top
mechanical condition.
We have now introduced Advantage+ giving you access to our full range of Aftersales care for your Volvo for less.
Advantage+ gives you: -
Up to 25% saving on labour rates(1)
Up to 10% saving on genuine Volvo accessoriesPrice match on Volvo approved tyres(2)
Up to 50% saving on your MOT fees(3)
25% saving on Volvo air conditioning servicesFree vehicle health check with every visitLoan Cars (at minimal costs)Free collection & delivery from home or place of work(5)
Free software downloads keeping the technology in your Volvo always up to date(6)
Your own personal contact dedicated to youVolvo Service Promise benefits saving you over £200 including Volvo European Assistance(7)
2nd family car? No problem even if not a Volvo!(8)
Please contact us now at Kastner Exeter for further information on Advantage+ and to find out how to receive your gold membership Advantage+ membership card.
Terms and conditions apply: (1) Excludes service plan customers (2) Price match on like for like tyres available within a 5 mile radius of EX31 3TH and excludes internet sales. (3) When booked in conjunction with a Volvo scheduled service. (4) Subject to availability and subject to comprehensive insurance being in place. (5) Subject to availability. (6) Available on all Volvo scheduled services at time of going to print. (7) Available on all Volvo scheduled services at time of going to print. (8) Excludes Volvo Service Promise on non Volvo models.[/QUOTE]
Phoned them today for some more info on it .so no up front cost just have to have used them before.
The service desk guy said he can do a print out of the cars Volvo service history for me as well.
The cost saving worked around £120 with the offer :) not bad for just asking about it.
Last time I was in there the sales guy gave me his card and said if I wanted to sell the S60R please ring him,wonder what he will say with the V70R.
Post 733380 by Gold 'N' Brown on 2014-09-05 02:29:47
Just double checked both my nearest dealers and neither appear to offer any plans like those above. It's perhaps worth posting up as a separate thread though, as it may prompt others to check what their local dealers are offering. I certainly never thought that there were discounts available and could have been missing a trick if my local dealers had been offering these plans!
Post 733381 by LeeT5 on 2014-09-05 02:56:37
[QUOTE=Gold 'N' Brown;733380]Just double checked both my nearest dealers and neither appear to offer any plans like those above. It's perhaps worth posting up as a separate thread though, as it may prompt others to check what their local dealers are offering. I certainly never thought that there were discounts available and could have been missing a trick if my local dealers had been offering these plans![/QUOTE]
I have been a Plus 4 member at my Dealer for about 5 years now. :smirk: