Recommendations of dealers - POST HERE (new upto date thread)

[Nigel West]

Hi

Sorry but unable to answer easily as this question as it is a complete minefield. Each case would have to be judged indivually and it can become very complex especially when considering modifications that may effect the electrical system electronic control units etc or modifications that enhance the performance of the vehicle which then may in turn potentially give problems on the braking system or gearbox etc. We have had instances where a SEAT owner has had a satellite navigation system installed by a "specialist" installer who has proceeded to butcher the wiring harness causing problems with the ecu and engine management warning lights, neither us nor SEAT can be expected to be held responsible for this or pick up the cost of rectification.
I can confirm that for example where a customer has fitted a uprated exhaust and then has problems with his electric window motor that this will still be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
So in answer as much as possible, not all modifications affect the warranty, using genuine VAG components is preferable assuming fitted competantly and thirdly, generally the modification would only affect the warranty if there was a problem as a result of those parts being fitted - but thats the one that can be difficult to establish.
Hope this clarifies things a little and this is the policy we operate, but I am not speaking on behalf of SEAT UK or other dealers.

 

[Tallpaul]

well if only all dealers were as understanding!

 

[Fast_Eddie]

Rik

Just a bit advice and this goes for all you SEAT owners try and get the car in for service before the warranty expires, at least then if we pick any problems up whilst its in we will be able to process under the SEAT warranty rather than you having to pick the cost up, I would suggest giving us at least a week before the expiry to ensure that we can process any claim whilst under the SEAT warranty. SEAT and lots of other manufacturers have tightened up on warranty procedures due to the economics of the motor industry over the last few years and a warranty claim needs to be submitted and accepted whilst the vehicle is still under warranty. There is very little goodwill given these days to claims outside of warranty - be warned. Also be aware that SEAT impose a date and mileage clause in their warranty this means you must have the vehicle serviced every 12 months but also they stipulate that this must be done within 1 month of each 12 month registration date so for example the 2nd year service must be done no later than the vehicle being 25 months old, the mileage clause states that the vehicle must be serviced every 10,000 miles but give a leeway of 600 miles, both these conditions run along side each other and whichever comes first counts, ie time or miles.
Your MOT assuming it is its first can be done up to a month before the cars 3rd birthday and post dated to start at its 3rd birthday providing you bring your V5 document with you, there is the same 1 month post date facility with car that has already had a MOT but that is subject to you bringing along the current MOT.
Hope not teaching you guys to suck eggs but you would be amazed how many people forfeit their warrany without knowing and are understandingly mighty cross when we are unable to process ther warranty claim and it becomes payable by them the owner.

Regards

Nigel West
Managing Director
Ted Johnson SEAT

This is the first positive thing that I have personally seen come out of any SEAT dealership ANYWHERE in this country AND as a bonus its not too far away from me ( also near Bingley ). Big thumbs up for Nigel!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would hate to tarnish everyone with the 'its a little too late for me' brush, but after putting up with almost 5 years of absolute rubbish from every SEAT dealer I have been to, I hope that this could be the light at the end of a long and very tedious, time consuming, frustrasting ,blood pressure rising, nail biting battle just to find a decent place to take 'ones' SEAT to be serviced.

Its a crying shame that I am becoming excited about a dealer that is 40 miles away from my house---but I am!!!!

 

[W4YNE]

All Electric - In Halesowen have recently had a major overall & change a number of staff that work there. I had a 40K service on Friday and found their service superb. They're also willing to offer a discount for SCN members (as before).

If you didn't like the old All Electric you might wanna try them again now.

 

[Crafoo]

Autoworld - Sheffield

Bought my car from there and had it serviced there at every interval since, they are spot on never had any problems, I have been messed about with Ted Johnsons in Barnsley, I have never given Stoneacre in Doncaster a chance but I have heard they aren't great, so for as long as I own the car I will continue to take it to sheffield for anything that needs doing, it's more of a drive than the other two but the higher level of customer service makes it worth it.

 

[LC20vtGav]

North East Garages, Newcastle

I've slated them in the past when they've done things wrong, so it's only fair that I say when they do something right.

They are only a Seat service centre, I think they lost their sales franchise, which doesn't surprise me as my experience of their sales people is very poor.

I needed a new clutch master cylinder on my Leon and they seem to have done a good job, plus points are -

1. My clutch works!
2. My car smells quite nice inside, they must have cleaned it a bit
3. One of my tyres looked a bit low, so I was meaning to put some air in it, since I got it back it no longer looks low, so I guess they put air in
4. I got a free courtesy car, not a great car, but it did the job
5. Good friendly service

 

[RikH]

Ted Johnsons, Barnsley with SCN discount

Today was my 30k service (at 24k-limited miles by previous owner has thrown it out of sync).

GREAT service from everyone at Ted Johnsons, SCN discount a great initiative to complement great staff. Everything explained perfectly (as MOT failed within warranty). Going back monday for warranty work and ive green lighted some advisories id like doing.

Big thanks to Nigel who made time to chat this morning and everyone at the dealership for fanastic friendly service. Car was even washed and vac'd (was filthy while i got home though)

150% recommend this place!!!!!!

Cheers

Rik

 

[nugget]

Camberley Service Centre

Once again first class service from these guys. Had the 30k service today, sorted out a weld on the exhaust centre piece. All nicely cleaned inside and out.
Can't recommend these guys enough.

 

[paul h]

ILKESTON CO-OP LINCOLN

Had a problem with my brake light switch on my LCR had to jump on the brakes to make them come on.
popped in at 12.30 on the off chance to see if they could do anything and they said pop back at 15.00 which i did they fitted a new switch and to my suprise had fitted me 2 new R badges on the wings aswell as they had corroded.
all done for free under warranty.
The service guy was spot on really helpful and was upto date with LCR problems.

Top notch.

 

[DANNY H]

Cecil and Larter Bury st Edmunds

Can't recommend these guys enough, got a great deal on the car and the follow up service has been spot on. Could get me a black Leon Cupra R when i was told by another dealer that there were none left in the country. Only had the car a couple of months but had some warranty work done and they've bent over backwards for me, (behave!).

 

[kartdemon]

Camberley Seat

Once again first class service from these guys. Had the 30k service today, sorted out a weld on the exhaust centre piece. All nicely cleaned inside and out.
Can't recommend these guys enough.

I second this.

Camberley Seat. Top blokes all of them are very helpfull and professional.
My car will be going here for ALL my future services even after my warranty expires.

 

[martinp69]

Now that Eastgate SEAT in Bristol has closed, anyone know any SEAT/VW specialists in Bristol/Bath?

 

[martinp69]

Before anyone says that Eastgate closed 3 months ago, I know but I've only just found out !!!

 

[hopkinsgm]

...anyone know any SEAT/VW specialists in Bristol/Bath?...

I always found Holders of Congresbury to be a decent bunch - bit further out but they'll usually provide a courtesy car. Wonder how long Bristol will have to go without a Seat dealership this time...

 

[robint]

Lister Seat - Coventry

Having acquired a year old Altea 2.0FSI Tiptronic (any others exist??) which needed its first service/inspection can I Pat Listers on the back - had booked it in a week before getting it and found that my lift to drop off the car had other plans...... Listers happily changed the service the same morning to a while you wait, returned car in 90 mins, washed etc. Went next dooor to B&Q while I waited - watched snooker and drank coffee at the dealers as well - a real man afternoon!

Shall now peruse the Altea forum for pearls and gems to keep new toy happy.

robint
Warwickshire

 

[SMUDGE]

Can't recomend the guys at Cheshunt Motor Company enough, top lads, great all round service and always more then willing to help... hope they keep it up as they will continue to get my business in future!

 

[Sponge]

Motorvogue Kingsthorpe,Northampton

Took my 02 Cupra 20VT in for 70k service plus Timing belt and Water pump, they were friendly and give discounts on hourly rate for cars over 3 years old.

Got the car back- freshly washed, no problems.
Would recommend them to anyone in the Northampton area.

 

[nugget]

Newbury SEAT

Tried these guys today as more convenient than Camberley (5 mins walk from the office so I dont have to take the day off)
Can't complain, last of the services I've got on the fixed cost plan so all already paid for, 40k service and inspection, plus fixed the catch on the rear seat that was driving me mad with creaking.
All in all satisfactory, but did forget to update the logbook, which I wouldn't have realised unless Id checked, looks like they hadnt even opened it.
Car was not cleaned either and they left the plastic cover on the seat and paper cover in the footwell.
Guess I've been spoilt by Camberley, cars been cleaned inside and out both times Ive been there.

To summarise, no complaints, good service, but lacking the wow factor that I've come to expect from Camberley, if only it was closer !!!!!

 

[loonymoon]

Cheshunt SEAT

Can't recomend the guys at Cheshunt Motor Company enough, top lads, great all round service and always more then willing to help... hope they keep it up as they will continue to get my business in future!

I agree here. I bought my car at Coupers in St Albans. I probably wouldn't go back there again. When I bought the car I noticed that I couldn't open the boot using the key - I thought it was jammed.. As I live nearer to Cheshunt I took the car to the Cheshunt motor co for them to have a look and they concluded that the lock was actually a different one to the key I had!! I know that before I bought the car they had been doing some work on the tailgate (probably to fix a rear-washer pipe problem). But whoever had installed the new lock had not realised... that my key wouldn't fit.....

Anyway Cheshunt dealers fixed it for me for free and I didn't even have to go back to Coupers...

They've always been very friendly and helpful to me.

 

[Topsey]

Francis SEAT - Leicester

Just bought my new Ibiza DAB (1.9 TDI) from Francis Seat in Leicester - no complaints so far! They were very helpful, not at all pushy. On ordering the car had good communication, quick delivery and two bottles of wine in the boot on collection. Overall the "buying" experience was a very good one. Fingers crossed this positive experience continues into the "owning" period!