After hunting high and low for a dealer that was taking part in the "fixed price servicing" I found Heritage VW (formally Loders) in Dorchester. The car was book in for a major service, cam belt and waterpump replacement and brake fluid change.
Firstly, the courtesy car was filthy - but that's the least of my worries.
It's easier if I list the mistakes.
1. They never called to say when my car was ready. I had asked to be called ASAP as I had an hour and a half drive to get there.
2. Air filter was not replaced as they had none in stock, but the cost of this was refunded.
3. Pollen filter was not repaced as it had been done the previous service - this was not refunded.
4. When I stopped at the first set of traffic lights, the car stopped, my foot kept going to the floor and the car started moving again. When I went back and it was inspected, I was told that the bleed nipple had not been put back on properly even after an apparent road test.
5. Given my lack of trust with this dealer, I decided to check the oil level the next day - the oil was as dirty as it was before the apparent service.
The dealer didn't seem to be that concerned about the brake issue and told me that the oil was fine and normal even after the distance travelled.
I have to say that they did renew the oil again, bleed through the brakes again and replace both filters in the end. They also offered to do my next service free of charge (the letter has yet to be received to confirm this). I was offered some petrol money as I had to go back to get these problems rectified - I never saw this either.
I understand that Loders had went into administration and they had no accounts set up yet, but to not have something as basic as a filter in stock .....
First impression.......................less than happy