I had to order a part off my local fiat dealer this week.
they took the order and promised to deliver next day
next day first thing they rang to say the main computers for fiat europe were down and my delivery would be a day late
next day the part came as promised and came am
well done fiat your parts service on this score was first class and surpasses fords backwards attitude to service and costs
did i say im a fiat lover?
|
That`s my experience too now bell boy.
A lot better than in 1977 when I had a Fiat 126. It took the Fiat dealer 3 months to source a tran-saxle bearing from Fiat. There were certain parts of the car that you just could not order at all - despite it still rolling off the production line.
I found this out when the badge on the back was stolen while it was actually in the dealership workshop (inside in a corner) waiting for the trans-axle bearing.
Went around the front to the parts dept and "no, they can`t be ordered"
Arrogant lot too in the (now closed) dealership. Of course in those days, never in their wildest dreams would anyone associated with the above, imagine that it might be remembered - or that it might still matter.
Switched to Fords for a while after that and found them a dream by comparison - able to order the smallest part - screw or fastener. With the Fiat I had to make a small rubber grommet/bush (could not order an original) myself using a sharp knife and an old rubber block. It looked a pig`s ear - but solved the rattle.
They laughed their socks of at Ford parts when I told them that.
That`s history, as they say - but it still matters. (no apology or free pizza yet)
Yes, Fiat parts supply are now next day and transformed for the better. But I`m psychologically marked by the 70`s experience and only comforted by knowing that breakers yards are full of Mk2b Punto`s - and I can`t be denied parts.
(I`m serious about the above)
But would I buy a brand new Fiat (a new straight off the line new model) and be totally dependent on Fiat for ALL parts?
No way!
Edited by oilrag on 20/11/2009 at 07:41
|
"surpasses fords backwards attitude to service"
You must be unfortunate BB.
Whenever I've ordered parts at any Ford dealership they have come that afternoon if ordered early enough and definately the next day. No problems.
|
In the '70s I had a new FIAT 127 which, for an obscure reason needed a water pump pulley. The dealer was absolutely unable to identify this part on his microfiche (in those days) and another dealer quoted a price of £103 but "wasn't sure if this was the right bit".
Although the car was new, I got one from a breaker - who delivered it the same day through my letter box.
I've never touched FIATs since, although the 127 lived to a ripe old age in terms of distance before the tin worm moved in. To say organisation was not their strong point...
659.
I remember now why it needed the pulley. The car was hit in the side, with very minor damage. The pump pulley was close to a chassis member and the engine moved within the elasticity of its mountings when the car was hit, bending the pulley.
|
|
|
|
I've heard lots of nightmares about Fiat dealers, and we don't buy them any more but know of a good dealer. We bought our '86 Uno new from a place not worth mentioning but then found out about a brilliant Fiat dealership in Newport (S.Wales) that is still going.
Best Fiat experience (at Newport dealership):
The car had been cutting out without warning, but would always start if you left it for 45min or so. The dealership duly investigated, replacing possible causes in order of being cheapest to replace. After a few weeks, the guy helping us (one of the owners himself) pulled a distributor off a used Uno, saying that was the most expensive possibility having ruled out everything else. He told us to drive the car for a week,and the problem was solved. Upon return, we were told to try it for a bit longer. This went on for another 3 weeks to be sure before he then ordered in and fitted the new part for us. He was apologetic when he told us he'd have to charge us 30mins labour... after all the time he'd spent with the car. If I ever decide to treat myself to a white 500, I know where I'll go.
Most odd/memorable Ford experience (local Ford dealership):
A couple of years later, my father had a key cut for my sister's Escort. Key wouldn't work, so my father went back for a refund.
The girl behind desk wasn't sure she could give a refund; "that's no good to us now"!
... Wasn't very much use to us either, was it?!
Edited by schneip on 20/11/2009 at 11:05
|
|
|
