[Alan Jansen]

Hi all,
Has anyone got any form of feed back on the above dealers as my 147 1.6 TS is due for it's 12000m service, I bought it at Wilson Purves a Fiat dealer in Crawley with 6300 miles on the clock, it will also be 3yrs old in March 2007 anyone who could enlighten me on the cam belt issue of having it replaced at 36000 miles or every 3 years? mine has only covered 11890 miles so far, will it be necessary to have it changed in March? As Alfa has changed the service schedule for the cam belt service, what are their liabilities regarding what has gone to press and has now been rattified? will there be a discount for these veichles as they somehow now assume that they do give problems, hence the need to change the service plan! I still have not been contacted by them regarding this case, has anyone else been contacted by Alfa on the cam belt subject?
The above garages are all in the Gatwick area and all forms of feed-back would be greatly appreciated,
Happy new year to you all,
Alan

 

[cj romeo]

Cam belt does need changed every 36,000 miles OR 3 years.

There are specialists in that area including Bianco who can do the work at a huge discount

 

[Plastic Pig]

Rusper Alfa are in that area as well.

 

[Kevin Slegg]

I've never used Sidlows for anywork but was VERY unimpressed when I tried buying a car there 5/6 years ago. However, others have said they're OK - so my experiance may have been just a one off; but it's stopped me going back there.

 

[armoore]

Try MDZ in Charlwood near Gatwick.

 

[ramzey]

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT go to that rip off merchant of a dealer!! I went there to get some oil for top ups and noticed their servicing prices. Cant remeber what they were exactly but I do remeber thinking WTF!! Thank god for MDZ Italtec, trust me mate that little italian dude is one of the best in country. Just do a search for MDZ Italtec on the forum and you will see the reputation he has!

 

[Kevin Slegg]

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT go to that rip off merchant of a dealer!! I went there to get some oil for top ups and noticed their servicing prices. Cant remeber what they were exactly but I do remeber thinking WTF!! Thank god for MDZ Italtec, trust me mate that little italian dude is one of the best in country. Just do a search for MDZ Italtec on the forum and you will see the reputation he has!

Sorry, but which 1 are you calling a "rip off merchant of a dealer!!"

 

[Alan Jansen]

Thanks guys, just a quick reply to your valued comments, will have to bear with dealers until Alfacare expires in May, will then most certainly look at alternative options for servicing and cam-belt substitution! Once again many thanks for your valuable information and expertise!
Cheers!
Alan
Ps: Airbag light came on today and after many attemps of using the key for the passenger control and restarting the car it still persists to display it on the dash any ideas? thanks!

 

[ramzey]

errrm, well being as winson purves is a dealer, and MDZ is a small indie who I am singing the praises of.........who do you think??????

 

[Eightball]

I've used Wilsons Purves in Crawley for my last 2 services and some warrenty work. My personal experience is that they are OK they have performed the work I wanted in good time and at reasonable cost for the work whilst retaining the dealer stamp for your log book, and The staff seem fairly knowledgeable. They didn't quibble when I went back to have some 3rd year warrenty stuff done. I know you'll get cheaper independant garages but Wilsons are only a 3 minute drive from home, so very convienient

Sidlows however are a different kettle of fish. IMHO they are interested in as much money as they can get from you. I've only used them once (for a recall) and they cancelled then took about 2hrs to do a 15 minute job when they finally 'fitted me in'. Their service costs are also a fair bit higher than Wilsons.

Re your airbag light - check the connector under the front seats. I sometimes find that if I move the seat about the light comes on. Just checking the connector has always solved the issue for me.

 

[Kevin Slegg]

errrm, well being as winson purves is a dealer, and MDZ is a small indie who I am singing the praises of.........who do you think??????

Well you might have been talking about Sidlows!!!

 

[Alan Jansen]

Thanks for your feedback Eightball, I will be getting my car serviced there as it's just two minutes away from home and i get a courtesy car for the time the car is at the garage, I did have a good fiddle with the connector under the drivers seat and magic happened! the light has gone off so one more thing i've learnt! Will need to check out the window elevator on the drivers side as at times especially when the car is cold the window takes forever to close and i have to close it bit by bit, being afraid that if i force it to close, it will just stop working altogether! Hope that they won't get to picky over it as the warranty expires in March!
Once again many thanks,
Alan.

 

[Wal]

I wish I had found this forum before getting my 2.0 147's cambelt done. Rusper did the work, and they appear to be recommended on here. I was happy with the level of service - nice friendly, knowledgeable guys, loan car - but after searching the forum I'm thinking the price was a little on the steep side - £612 inc. VAT including the variator. This wasn't a full service, just a cambelt change. Should I be a little put out? After all, Alfa Workshop's website is quoting £365 (£275 for the cambelt, balancer belt and tensioners + £90 for the variator) for the same job! I can't understand how there can be such a huge variation in prices.

 

[Alan Jansen]

Hi guys just a question i've meant to ask for quite sometime but never seem to remember when on-line, my car does something weird, especially when cold and taking off from a cross-road or junction in first gear it makes the whole dashboard judder, freaking me out completely! It doesn't always do it though! it also has only covered 11998 miles to date, what on gods earth could it be? Suspension Bushes? need to have an idea on the nature of this, because i'm willing to claim it under warranty! If anyone has any idea what it could be, i'd be very interested in hearing from you! Many thanks in antecipation,
Alan.

 

[Eightball]

Alan, sorry I can't help with your juddering dashboard.

Just wanted to say you will need to ask Wilsons for a courtesy car when you book it in (if you haven't already done so). Don't be too disapointed when they give you a Fiat Doblo

 

[Alan Jansen]

Thanks Eightball, had a laugh with the Fiat Doblo! hope all is well, take care,
Alan

 

[pardoe 156]

i have tryed to get sevice prices out of them over the phone on more than 1 time but thay just say we will ring you back , never did so i tryed Alfa portslade very helpfull .
hope this helps :thumbs:

web address
Tates Cars | Alfa Romeo | Service | Repairs | Warranty Repairs | Alfa Romeo Authorised Repairers

 

[alfaholic]

Aren't Sidlows in administration/now out of business anyway ?

Yup, a few weeks ago now.

 

[lovelyred159]

The trick with the airbag is not to move the seat( in my case passenger one) when the ignition is on/engine running. Also remember light on means no airbags.....

 

[Russell B]

Does anybody know of a place to get my 147 serviced. Its up for its 3rd one and dont know where to go? Ive heard of MDZ Italtec in Charlwood and Bianco Auto in Hookwood. I refuse to pay £850 at an Alfa Dealer. Can anyone help please. Thanks