Mnay leasing companies are now telling leasees to take their cars to AA service centres after the 60k 3 year warranty is up.
My local garage tells me they are unable to service my Saab 9-3 properly as they don't have the code book that translates what the plug in computer tells them.
Has anyone had experience of AA service centres and do they have the ability to reset all the computer gubbins?
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Maybe I'm being a little naive here but if a vehicle is out of warranty wouldn't the manufacturer not releasing the codes equate to a restraint of trade? Or can they 'copyright' the codes?
Cockle
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I don't think its a matter of the manufacturers not releasing the information, its just that you need the manual, code book or whatever it is for each vehicle and I understand these are expensive.
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Last Saturday the Reading AA centre did an oil & filter change for me. Very professional manner from the people behind the desk. £37 all in. Not worth getting your hands dirty! The dealer charges over £70. With the reputation of the AA at stake I'd think you're going to get pretty good service from them.
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With the reputation of the AA at stake I'd think you're going >> to get pretty good service from them.
I dont think that just becuase it has a brand name of the AA you are automatically going to get good service.
I recently needed to replace the back exhaust box of my Fiat. So I rang around for some quotes. Everyone else gave a straight up answer of how much and when it could be done. However the AA wanted to 'inspect' my car before they would even consider a quote (the car being less than three years old and serviced on time at fiat I declined to use them).
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AA is not as it used to be. They are very commercial nowadays, as are the RAC. I'm sure some people here saw the 'battery scam' TV programme?
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Quite agree Aprilia,I gave the RAC the elbow at renewal quoting the battery scam plus I didn't want to be a member of an organisation whose spokesman was agreeing with government anti-motoring policies at my expense.
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If I remember correctly, Halfords mechs were all self employed. Which meant that it was pot luck re training etc. Indeed, there was little sign of corporate interest when things went askew, like installing child seats wrongly. I'd be asking questions about specific knowledge of Saab before entrusting anyone - but surely there are independent specialists?
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I agree. I would much prefer to entrust my car to an 'independent' rather than a 'chain'. The big outfits will be pulling all the usual stunts with mechanics on commissions, bonuses etc., which largely mean selling the customer something they don't need.
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When I had a Mercedes 190E I used to get it serviced first by Halfords then the AA (when Halfords sold the servicing business).
I used them in two different towns and the service was always first rate and very competitive compared to so called specialist garages and of course MB franchises.
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