How do you know if a second hand car's been modified?

[marty_34]

id report him to there head office for doing that and demand a refund then go somewere else as you know fine well they gonna be pain in the arse if anything goes wrong. if he doesnt play ball id go to the local newspaper

 

[robdf2]

Ok so another update, it's been a horrible last few days trying to deal with Arnold Clark and my insurance company.

I went in to speak to the sales manager again on friday, that was a waste of 2 hours. Phoned the insurance company to let them know AC were now telling me of all the upgrades, I wish I'd held off on this but I like being insured to drive.
My insurance called me on monday morning and told me they were cancelling my insurance, to be fair they gave me another day to sort things out before it was cancelled and offered me the option of cancelling so it wouldn't effect my premiums (I didn't even know this could happen)

Spoke to sales manager again on Monday, I was trying hard not to lose my head at him but through all his bluster and sales shite I told him he had 2 options, either get a good garage to inspect the car (and I'd take it from there) or I get a full refund.

I said I'd like it inspected by Autohaus as I'd heard good things about them on here. Great lads in there (especially Davie) and they obviously know their stuff. It was in for an hour and he's confirmed the only thing done to it is H&R lowering springs (said it's lowered by 15mm max), definitely no turbo or exhaust upgrades and no remap. He also reckons it's a good motor

So basically, Arnold Clark Seat service department don't know their own cars!!

AC now need to fax the underwriter (whos dealing with the case now) confirmation, after that I should be fine.
The sales manager had the cheek to ask me to retract the complaint I emailed AC customer services last night, they've obviously been on his back which is good.
I'll be formally complaining to AC and Seat, I'm shocked at this bunch of cowboys. Some of the nonsense the manager was coming away with made me laugh

Am really impressed with Autohaus, am even thinking about a revo remap from them! But that'll be my choice and I'll know when to tell the insurers.
I've wasted days on this

dealing with dealers is nightmare , you always think that you are going to get no where before you even open your mouth to say something , theres always an air to the atmosphere there like you know you are going to get no where !

just one thing mate , you better declare your k and n filter , might also be worth checking to see if the normal air filter is in the engine cover , or your car could be a little asmatic.

 

[3pointturn]

cheers bud, it just infuriates me the hassle you have to go through with these companies. Like most people I prefer an easy life, what they didn't realise is they've upset the wrong person

Atleast you now know what exactly has been done and progess as you wish

Sounds like you've got a good motor in the end!

Enjoy

 

[3pointturn]

Yeh I'll definitely be complaining to both Seat and AC head office but I still want to keep the car. I'll probably mail trading standards too, if anything I hope it stops twats like that screwing other customers over.
I really can't believe the sales manager (won't say his name), his attitude stank, asking me to retract my complaint?
That will be right

id report him to there head office for doing that and demand a refund then go somewere else as you know fine well they gonna be pain in the arse if anything goes wrong. if he doesnt play ball id go to the local newspaper

 

[3pointturn]

Thanks mate, I didn't think it'd matter as it's just an air filter.. I will do though

dealing with dealers is nightmare , you always think that you are going to get no where before you even open your mouth to say something , theres always an air to the atmosphere there like you know you are going to get no where !

just one thing mate , you better declare your k and n filter , might also be worth checking to see if the normal air filter is in the engine cover , or your car could be a little asmatic.

 

[IainW]

Sorry to hear of another victim of Uncle Arnold's empire. My Uncle had problems with them years ago. He bought a nearly new Nissan Almera which had been imported from the Republic of Ireland and had been UK-registered. He didn't know this until he took it for a service, it needed some work and Nissan UK said the warranty was invalid. Clarks had to do some backpeddling and sort out a warranty at their cost.

There are so many stories out there about them, but no paper would dare publish them, as they contribute £1m+ in advertising annually.

 

[3pointturn]

It's been a long time but I eventually received a reply from Arnold Clark. I sent the complaint to Seat head office, AC head office and the branch and ultimately Seat head office couldn't do anything.

So as it stands they're not admitting anything and won't even apologise.

One thing that's really annoying is AC have refused to change the timing belt, AC have told me it doesn't need changed till 120k miles or 2021
I think that's due to Seat not being very clear on timing belt changes.

So as it stands I won't be buying a Cupra R next year and am looking at a WRX or Evo 10, I certainly won't be buying from AC again
Oh and just for clarity, it's Arnold Clark, Seafield Road, Edinburgh

Stay well clear of them

 

[marty_34]

seat specify 4 years or a set mileage! this info came from Seat UK

i bought a car that was overdue a timing belt ....fought tooth and nail for 3 months but got mine done free.

if its over 4 years they dont have a leg to stand on as if it snapped they would be sharp enough trying to invalidate warranty

 

[3pointturn]

Seat actually told me that over the phone, though they seem to have backtracked now

If anyone has any concrete evidence the TFSI timing belt needs changed after 4 yrs I'd appreciate it
This will be my last correspondence with them, I'll put it down to experience but I'd like to force them to do the timing belt before I finish

seat specify 4 years or a set mileage! this info came from Seat UK

i bought a car that was overdue a timing belt ....fought tooth and nail for 3 months but got mine done free.

if its over 4 years they dont have a leg to stand on as if it snapped they would be sharp enough trying to invalidate warranty

 

[robdf2]

What's the name of the numpty you are dealing with at AC?
Ask seat customer scare to phone said numpty with the correct cambelt interval.

Why didn't you reject the car?

 

[3pointturn]

Not sure I should name names, I've dealt with a few managers now
The first call I had with Seat head office confirmed 4 yrs, I asked the stealers to call them and they're adamant it's 120k.
Seat head office seem to have stepped back and not challenging the timing belt issue though I've read on here Seat are a bit vague with timing belt intervals

Am not sure I could have rejected the car? It was second hand, even though Autohaus confirmed H&R lowering springs had been fitted AC seem to be ignoring that fact saying there is no evidence of modifications!

What's the name of the numpty you are dealing with at AC?
Ask seat customer scare to phone said numpty with the correct cambelt interval.

Why didn't you reject the car?

 

[3pointturn]

One last point, do you think it's ok when I reply to give AC the url of this thread?

I want to make it clear to them how goodwill can be effected seeing money is the only thing they care about

 

[crigisback]

i would let them see this thread. they might realise just how bad experiences travel way further than a good one,

All that said i bet they wont even care. if it was me i would be splashing names everywere .

I for one have never dealt with AC and never will after seeing this so if nothing else they have lost at least one potential customer, extended to my family and friends and who ever else mentions there name whilst i am in ear shot.

Truely shocking !!

 

[robdf2]

One last point, do you think it's ok when I reply to give AC the url of this thread?

I want to make it clear to them how goodwill can be effected seeing money is the only thing they care about

Ask AC to put in writing when they think the cam belt should be changed and also that if the cambelt breaks before their stated time period that they will cover any costs of damage occurring from a failure.
Of course you will have to keep your seat service history up to date for the same time period.

 

[marty_34]

point them to the seat website, click the servicing link and point them to the get all the info link, states quite clearly the belt needs changing at 4 years old