Dealer Tactics

[Festus]

This one is worth sharing...I dropped my 02 Tiger 955i at a Triumph dealership for a minor service scheduled for the next day, and took a new Explorer out on a test drive while waiting for the Mrs. to collect me a few hours later.  Afterwards, the salesman gave me the pitch, and I suggested maybe trading in the old gal for the newer model (not my missus).

I was so impressed with the new Tiger that I put 200 down the next day before collecting my beast and settling the bill.  Before paying, the mechanic came out and said it would cost 2,400 pounds to make my bike "road worthy", and they hadn't done the service because they didn't want to start pulling the bike apart without discussing it with me first.

After a bit of outrage, I asked for the report.  Of course the internet was down, so I would have to come back tomorrow to collect it, for a charge of 30 pounds.  (To the manager's credit, he waived the fee and emailed the report to me the next day).  

But now I have to ride a bike home that, according to the mechanic, was not roadworthy, and needed nearly as much in repairs as the bike is worth.  Of course, I rode it home, no problems whatsoever, with a quick pit stop at the local to cool off.

I've had the Girly since October, and although it runs great, I thought it deserved at least one good dealer servicing just for good measure.  The actual service I took it in for didn't occur, for which I'm glad (was quoted 200 pounds).  After seeing what is involved with a minor service, even with my lack of mechanical inclinations, I can do most things with the help of my Hayne's manual.

Upon inspection of the mechanic's report the next day, I had a really good belly laugh.  An example of one of the faults making my bike unroadworthy... back taillight needs replacing - 1 replacement bulb, cost = 1 pound; .5 hours labor = 30 pounds; VAT = 6 pounds -- total cost to replace rear bulb = 37 pounds.  :shock:

The rest of the quote is easily just as laughable.

Follow up email to dealer ...  Please cancel new Explorer order and refund my 200 pounds.  So the old girl lives to be ridden another day, and dealers tactic to undervalue the old gal to increase profit margin = fail.

PS ... DIY cost - one replacement bulb = .79; labor (1 min 45 seconds) = no charge.   :D

When I get a few minutes I'll post the rest of the report for everyone's amusement.

PSS - Highly recommend the 2012 Explorer (if you can find a dealer that doesn't want your third leg for one)!  

[chairhead]

That is just too outrageous!!!,

i can't wait for the rest of the report,should write to Triumph and complain.

[fraser ross]

typical motor trade up the front and down the back  :x

[Dan]

Ooooo, wanna see!! Robbing so and so's .....

£60 per hour? I am in the wrong line of work!

[Festus]

I marked out the names and some personal info from a screen shot of the quote.  I didn't want to call anyone out on the web, but will be happy to PM the .pdf file which is much clearer, if you have concerns about an east midlands triumph dealership.

You can enlarge your screen and maybe see it a bit better by holding your CTRL or CMD key down and hitting the + key.

[PeteH]

OMG...that is soooo scarey...£31 to change a fuckin lamp..and thats for starters

Is it any wonder people do their own servicing :?:

[Sin_Tiger]

And the Eurocrats want to stop us doing that    I'm sorry officer I can't fix my headlight as my dealer is fully booked for two Weeks, idiots.

[metalguru]

£215 for a piston and seal kit?????????

[kiwijohn]

£60 is not uncommon at a stealers. I am please I have access to a good independent specialist.  A big proportion of the cost is for service type items (Tyres, Chain, Sprockets, pads, etc) which will need doing, but can be done for a lot less.

Brake disc and caliper could be fixed for much less also.

The other big item is the heated grips - do without or get some aftermarket items.

THen £360 (i think) for a service.

[Festus]

agree, kiwijohn.  if it's more than a loose wire my right hand is just going to have to get cold next winter.  i've spoken to a mechanic mate with a few triumphs and he's happy to walk me through the repairs.  it's definitely time to get more handy around a spanner and some allen keys.

[Dan]

You are probably not a million miles from me, I am happy to help you if you wish.

[robxxxx]

If its the dealer I think it is, then your just down the road from me mate. I'm always happy to help with a big hammer and chisel
I wouldn't dispute the £60p/h. I'm, guessing but I bet its more or less the same figure as most franchised dealers.  I think the trick is to specify exactly what you want doing as well. No more no less.

[kiwijohn]

A year ago I would not have tried any of that myself. But with the help of this forum and a manual I would give most of that ago myself.

You can get a chain and sprocket kit for around £100. That is a pretty easy one to do. You could get the tyres for £100 less.

Most of the service is pretty easy - oil, filter, air filter.

I have asked some pretty basic questions on here, and have always got helpful replies.

If I can do it, I am sure you could.

[Trophykev]

I distrust dealers also but took my 03 Girly to woburn just down the rd in bedfordshire. 42000 service without issues, free loan bike.
I would definately report to triumph. If you dispute any of the work required i would also tell trading standards.
Triumph dealers have a set service schedule so you shouldnt be getting a bill for a bulb change. It should be service & parts only.
Mine phoned me to query if i wanted new pads as they were worn but still had a bit left. They did a TOR tune and recoded alarm keyfob for free.

[Spud]

Bulbs and brakes may not be included in the service schedule. You should not automatically assume they would be commonsense dictates that they would be BUT I would ask.
cheers Spud