[zeffsofresh]

Hi guys,

I'm so grateful for my maintenance plan. In the last three months this is what they've paid for: A 3 year/60 000km service (the 3year came first) R4500. At the same service the front brake pads were replaced R1500. A month later my steering pump and power steering fluid resevoir were replaced, R6500. My car went back today because of the grinding noise on the brakes, and they are replacing the back pads and skimming the disks, R1000. The oil temperature needle/unit went on the fritz this weekend (it either bounces or stays down on 70) and it turns out they will need to replace the oil resevoir because of a pressure switch malfunction. This will take 11 hours and the bill will be R10 500. Apparantly its a radiator, bumper and half suspension out job. Crazy stuff.

Avis is the underwriter for the maintenance plan, and Atlantis motors in Centurion have been doing all the work. I'm still waiting on approval from Avis for the oil job, but the technitians at Atlantis don't forsee any problems because its clearly a defect and couldn't have been caused by driver fault.

Avis has been quick to respond to any queries, and have obviously approved everything so far, so a giant thumbs up to them. :thumbs:

Atlantis motors have always been the guys i've dealt with, purely because of proximity, but I must say that there has been a marked imrovement in their helpfullness and speed over the last three months (I've noticed a few new faces), they also phone back as promised, and all of my questions and comments have been dealt with in a very professional and prompt manner. Their sales floor is also full of stock, and looking quite tidy!
I've had to wait for parts, but the 159 is currently discontinued, so I can understand that, and besides, my car has always been drivable, so I've never been left stranded. Hopefully with the 159 making a final appearance on Alfa dealers floor in the coming months they will keep a few more common parts in stock though.

Here's keeping fingers crossed that the last repairs are approved and sorted in the same hassle free manner!

 

[Guest]

Yes they have a new dealer principle, new sales consultant on the Alfa side of the show room and new head of services (though he is not as nice as the previous head of services).

But I have always been happy with their service, except the time when their driver had the nerve to push open my folding mirrors with his hands. You could hear it cracking a mile away.. As sheepapple would say "I went off at them out from a dizzy height"

 

[zeffsofresh]

I liked the old service manager, he was very helpful my my Fiat Bravo, I didn't realise he'd gone cause I've been dealing directly with the receptionist. Sometimes yelling helps, but I really do try to keep it as a last resort, and fortunately I've had no reason to get even a little angry with them yet.

Has Bertus moved to CMH by any chance? They could use some honest and ethical people there, so If he is there I might be convinced to give them a second chance if Atlantis ever drops the ball.

 

[Guest]

I know the old dealer principle of Atlantis Motors, Nico, is now dealer principle at CMH Hatfield and his wife is now the dealer principle at Atlantis Motors. She seems to be the one whipping them into shape. In particular with regards to advertising and open days etc..

But Nico organised me VIP tickets and pit lane access to the SBK last year at Kayalami, as the Giulietta was supposed to be the safety car. The Giulietta never pitched but still an awesome day at the track for free.

He is the one that got me 4 tickets to the reveal of the Giulietta/Centenary celebrations of Alfa at Melrose Arch. Got to drink a large amount of Italian beer and drool over my future car... :cheese:

And Loyd the old service manager has left. The new guy im not to keen on. Not sure about Bertus. Last guy I dealt with at CMH Hatfield was Eugene who serviced my car...

Till thus far I have not experienced any real problems with the Alfa dealerships in PTA so fingers crossed it will stay this way...

 

[zeffsofresh]

Well things definitely seem on the up either way, and with another dealership on the way in Menlyn the competition will definitely hot up, and if all of them respond possitively it can only be good for the brand.
Final result with my car, The maintenance plan will be paying for nearly everything, I need to pay in R987 for a aircon refill and some clamps that will need to be done as a result of the oil thing. The parts have been ordered, the brake pads fitted and disks skimmed, car is washed and the parts for the big job are on order(I'll have to book the car in again when they arrive). I won't get there today so I'll fetch her tomorrow.
It sounds like quite an operation, so I really hope my car runs as well as it does now after its all put back together!

 

[Guili]

YEBO YES! I love Maintenance plan! Just yesterday the GTi whent in for 120 000km service. Total was just under R20 000! Cambelts, tensioners and what ever needed replacing was replaced! Shocks are on order at R8000 and maintenance plan already paid for it!

Oh, some cars overseas, new ones, don't come with maintenance plans! Just waranties!

 

[zeffsofresh]

Great success, Amanda from Atlantis just phoned to say that she had a few words with Avis, and they'll be picking up the bill in full, so no R900 pay in! Plus the parts will only be a few days, not weeks!