Conference govt02::basingstoke

    Ralph motors down behind the golden lion do a great service on
    fords,they are not a ford dealer.However I have been taking my XR3i
    to them and they have made a better job of servicing it than any
    ford dealer I have used in the past.
    
    Ralph Motors
    viables lane
    basinstoke
    tel (0256)464204/22344
    
    hope that helps 
    steve.
    

    Another vote for Ralphs. I work in Reading and live miles from
    Basingstoke, but still get my car serviced there (when its out of
    warranty etc). Its the only place I've found that does a good job
    every time. It makes a change to be able to talk to the people who
    will be fixing the problem and not having to communicate via a one
    line scribbled note that says "wind noise" - "no fault found"...
    
    Jc
    

    
    A big vote for Ralphs......I have been taking my car there for 
    over three years now, and never had a problem.
    
    WARNING: When I first got my Astra GTE I took it to J Davies, who
    being a Vauxhall dealer, I assumed would be able to fix the problem.
    All I wanted was that the radio would not work if I took the key
    out of the ignition. The history of this minor repair is as follows
    
    1st attempt:  Radio switches off when key removed, BUT also looses
                 all the preset stations.
    
    2nd attempt:  Radio fixed, BUT when I try to put the offside window
                 down (electric) the windscreen wipers come on.
    
    3rd attempt:  Electrical problems fixed, BUT, the mechanic had sat
                 in the drivers seat with a screwdriver in his back 
                 pocket and ripped a whole in the seat.
    
    1 month waiting for seat cover to arrive......
    
    4th attempt:  Car in for 3 days to repair seat, seat repaired, thank
                 god that all over....lets have a ciggarette....Where
                 the **** is my cigarette lighter. Needless to say it
                 has gone missing.
    
     At this point I phoned the service manager, who after a lot of
    waffle ordered a new lighter for me.....4 weeks passed....no lighter.
    I phone the manager again and he says 'sorry..we are waiting for
    one to come in, there arent any in the country at the moment'. So
    I asked him if the ASTRA production line in the UK had been stopped 
    due to there being no ciggarette lighters, his reply was 'that is
    not a constructive comment'
    
      At the end of all this I booked the car into Ralphs and had it
    back fully fuctional, with lighter, in 1 DAY.
    
    need I say more......
    
    Mark.
    

    re .3,
    
    I'd vote Davies as the *worst* in the area.....
    
    Jc

    Mark,
    
    My experience with J Davy with my Astra GTE appears even worse than
    yours.
    
    To date:
    
    	12 visits to the "garage" (I've counted the Job-cards)
    
        About 4 instances where it has taken them more than 3 visits to fix
        something I have pointed out to them (This includes five visits to
        get the drivers door mirror sorted out so that it _doesn't_ move in
        synch with passengers mirror, and 5 visits to get a rear seat belt
        clip sorted out - still not fixed) 
                                        
    	Off the road for about 25 days in total.
    
        Numerous heated conversations with the service manager, who just
        doesn't seem interested (and hes a smarmy looking ***** when you
        meet him in the flesh). 
    
    	etc etc
    
    The car is only 10 months old and has only done 7600 miles. In the next
    few weeks I will probably cross the 9000 mile mark, so I'll get J Davy
    to do the 9000 mile service and then take it elsewhere as it will then
    be out of warranty. Does anybody have any gripes with Porterploy. This
    is who PHH have recommended I go to from know on, since they are also
    aware of the problems I have had and at this moment are "in
    consultation" with the Service Director.
                               
    All I can say is thank god I'm not a private motorist with no lease
    company to fall back on. 
    
    Greg M.

re .5:

>    All I can say is thank god I'm not a private motorist with no lease
>    company to fall back on. 
    
I don't understand this sentiment. After 10 months you are still getting 
the same lousy service. If it wasn't a lease car you could go where you 
liked!

I have an Astra GTE and had simular problems in service level from Great 
Western Motors. I voted with my feet and went to T.F.Motors of Maidenhead, 
where the customer comes first. There are good garages around, so shop 
around. Try Edwards of Newbury or Economics of Reading they are both 
recommended.

Dave.

>>    All I can say is thank god I'm not a private motorist with no lease
>>    company to fall back on. 
>    
>I don't understand this sentiment. After 10 months you are still getting 
>the same lousy service. If it wasn't a lease car you could go where you 
>liked!
    
    Yes, I know I can go where I like whether or not it is a lease car. The
    problem was that it was off the road for 3 days on the _first_ visit
    (just to have things put right that got through the pre-delivery
    inspection). However J Davy refused point blank to supply me with a car
    whilst the car was in the garage despite it being only2 or 3 weeks old.
    Fortunately I could get a hire car through PHH at no cost to myself. 
    
    If I was a private motorist and I needed the car, I would have to lay
    out for a hire car myself and then argue with J Davy as to whether I
    should have to pay for the hire car. At that stage I did not know how
    lousy J. Davy (We Guarantee You Will Come Back) Ltd were going to be. 

re .7:

The garage are obliged by law to provide you with a car if the one they 
sold you is in for repair and under warranty. I have never had a refusal
from a main dealer when the car is under their warranty.

Dave.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I would go to Ralph motors but the car
    is only 8 months old and still under warrenty so it has to be a
    Ford dealer. I tried Jacksons (by Bus station in Braising-steak
    town centre). They could not fit me in until September (could be
    a good sign) but I needed it done before that. So its back to Zenith
    in Reading on Monday morning.
    
    
    Nicola

    Can anyone suggest a good Peugeot garage in the area - my car has
    to go in for its first service - so I don't want to let Hadley's
    get their hands on it!
    
    Don't mind how far away it is - so long as they do a good job!
    
    
    Regards
    Alex Nicholls

    
    Try Chawton End Garage on the A31 just 4 miles west of Alton.
    
    Very impressive on the sales side and its a small family business.
    You can actually talk to the people doing the work for you.
     
    Full address is 14 Winchester Road, Four Marks  Phone Alton 62354
    
    

    For the car not me!  Someone drove into the back of my car at a
    roundabout recently, and I need some suggestions for good places
    to mend the damage.
    
    Thanks
    
    Aly
    

    
    As reccomended in other Notes files,
    
    Ralph Motors in Viables Lane, just alongside the Golden Lion.
    
    Brian.
    

    second vote for Ralph's - body repair and paintwork quality very
    good....
    
    Mike

    
    
    Anyone know of a good Austin Rover garage in the area??  I need
    to have Mabel (my car) fixed...it is under warranty, so therefore
    can only be fixed in an A.R. garage.  Also non-recommendations would
    be appreciated.
    
    Cheers!
    
    Alison
    

    In which area? The previous AR dealer in Basingstoke was Webbers,now
    a Honda dealer.The nearest one that I know of is in Hartley Witney.
    
    Hope it helps.
    
    Richard.

    Ali,
      Before the wife pranged it I used to take mine over to
    .....um er....Mears Garage out at Newfound.... they did
    the first service, and the 6000 mile and I have no complaints.
    
    They can usually fit you in reasonably quickly too, unlike Penta!
    
    Come round and see me honey!
    I daresay I could be bribed into offering a lift....
    
    Ray.

    
    
    ooooooooooh Ray, will come and see you asap...ta muchly!!
    
    Ali
    

    re 15.16
    
    >        In which area? The previous AR dealer in Basingstoke was Webbers,now
    >    a Honda dealer.The nearest one that I know of is in Hartley Witney.
            
    There is a A.R. dealer in B'stoke, right next to the Peugoet (sp?)
    garage which overlooks the Aldermaston road roundabout. Can't remember
    the name though.
    
    Chris.
    
    P.S. Ali, you can't have dents pushed out under warranty, you know !
         :-)
    

    
    
    Mabel is all fixed now......the garage said they were just going
    to "have a look at the oil leak, and book a time for a service",
    they sorted it all out on the spot....mind you, they took a bl**dy
    long time doing it!!!
    
    Thanks for the suggestions anyway!!
    
    Ali
    
    
    ps - Chris - they knocked the dent out at the first service ;-)
    

    Rats....so its plan B to get you into my car now!
    
    Ray. ;-)

    
    
    Dent?    You must know about *the* dent on Mabel surely???
    It had a little dent on the bonnet when it was delivered.  It's
    amazing you know, when I drove into that car in the Asda carpark,
    it didn't leave a scratch on Mabel (must be a tough little motor
    eh??)
    
    Ali
    
    ps - Ray....didn't know you were so desperate!!  (to get me into
         your car I mean!!)
    

    
    Is there a Fiat spares shop around ?
    'til my lease car arrives..... (Heavy hint !!!)  I have to commute
    in my wife's Strada, which means I have to fix it !
    Anybody know where to get bits ?
    Is there an agent local to the Crescent ?
    
    
    
    Ian Preece

    
    The nearest Fiat dealer is Clover Leaf Cars, on the A30 between
    the Black-Dam Roundabout and the Hatch Public house, going towards
    Hook. 
    
    OK for spares, but not impressed with their attempts at "repairs".
    
    /B
    

    Tony,
    	what was Ralph's reply to this theft,I think you should tell
    Barry at Ralphs he would be concerned,this however minor does not
    help business.In their defence I have left change,keys,cassettes
    etc in my car at a service and they have all been there on collection.
    
    steve
    

    
    Tony, 
    
    I would defend Ralph's again as .27. They are the one garage around
    here where I NEVER bother to empty the car of any personal things
    and in 8 years of using their services, I have lost nothing from
    any car. As Steve suggests, talk to Barry, I'm sure he would be
    very concerned (and probably re-imburse you from his own pocket
    too !!).   
    
    Let us know of any outcome.
    

    I suspect that the theft wasn't by any of the mechanics at Ralph's,
    [I like going there too]  but I was slightly miffed by their  habit
    of leaving the cars unlocked, regardless of where in the lane  they
    are parked. Being just around the corner from a pub it is somewhat
    tempting to the "less honest members of the community" :-( The only
    time I'll empty the contents of the car is when I expect it to stay
    in overnight.
    
    Frank

	Can anyone tell me where the nearest Vauxhall dealer is to 
	The Crescent.   Quality not a problem, I just want to test drive 
	a Nova.

	Jane

    As far as I know, the only Vauxhall dealer in Basingstoke is J.Davy
    in West Ham.  It's near the roundabout with the Fire Station and
    the Ice Rink.

    
    
      Yes J. Davy is the ONLY Vauxhall dealer in Blasingsmoke....
    
    
      Hard luck !!

    
    Does anyone know of a MAZDA garage in or around Basingstoke ???
    
    Thanx
    
    Phil

    
    Nearest one is  Odiham Motor Company
                    Hook Road
                    North Warnborough
    
                    Bas 712535
    
    (From Yellow Pages)
    

    VAUXHALL OWNERS UNITE
    
    Further to the saga of J DAVY ESQ. I have due to warranty constraints
    been forced to take my Cavalier SRi into them but once the year
    is up I shall look elsewhere. They are as much use as a chocolate
    teapot. There service is unimpressive and their response to the
    afterservice questionnaire non existent. On my initial encounter
    with the firm I ordered a basic ladder rack (January 11th) I re-ordered
    again at the first service (June 13th) nothing. Today in desparation
    I contacted Vauxhall's Customer Relations Dept. on the matter, they
    in turn contacted Davy's - no record of either order.
                                                        
    The bottom line is that I can pick up my roof rack TOMORROW. Watch
    this space for the outcome.                         
                                                        
    A number for your telephone books all you Vauxhall owners - Customer
    Relations - 0582 472472. Be prepared to wait though.
                                                                    
                                                                    
   Mic

    Wessex Motor Company
    Stockbridge Road,
    Winchester,
    Hampshire,
    SO22 5JG
    
    Winchester (0962) 63344
    
    Vauxhall dealer. Long way? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. I cannot
    over-recommend this garage. I will be using ONLY them from now on.

    RE: .38
    
    The Vauxhall book recommends that if you have problems, you should
    complain to the prinicpal of the dealership before going to Vauxhall.
    I went through the service manager, the principal (negotiations ended
    there when he send me a rather spiteful letter)  then to Vauxhall
    themselves who were quite diplomatic and helpful. 
    
    I will now be using Cloverleaf garages in Alton, so far they have
    been very good and managed to fix problems that J.Davy caused.
    Their address is  Butts Lane, Alton.  Telephone Alton 84141.

    I recently moved down to Basingstoke and seeked out the local Ford
    Dealer for my long-suffering Sierra Sapphire. I did not hold out
    much hope of finding a garage that can cope with a fuel injected
    vehicle as this was the sixth garage to have a go...  and I wasn't
    disappointed when I found Jacksons.
    They just about replaced the injection system - I didn't like to
    mention that that's what they all do - and it is still spluttery
    and cuts out when cold, but I am getting a dab hand at driving a
    kangaroo!!
    
    But today ............ well it was a classic!!
    I foolishly decided to have my final service (it is due to be replaced
    soon) and some paintwork done ON THE SAME DAY on the 14th August.
    Simple eh?  Well, it turns out that their paint-shop is on the
    outskirts of town (Daneshill Ind Est) which makes it a major exercise
    for them to organise - but I don't really want to be without the car
    for two days. Anyway, to cut a really complicated story short the
    paintshop asked me to take the car up to them at dinner time so
    they could make a note of the colour code. I told them it was Strato
    Silver etc. but no...  I had to take it up so they could get the
    code from under the bonnet. I offered to read it to them  But no
    - perhaps they did not trust a female??
    
    So I paid them a visit and this was an approximation of our
    conversation:  
    
    Me: I have brought my car to you to check the colour code as you
    asked.
    He: Ah, that's the Strato Silver one
    Me: Yes, I know - that's what I told you on the 'phone.
    He: Are you leaving it here when we do the job?
    Me: (extremely sarcasticly) Well actually I was hoping you could
    do it from here while it was parked at work
    He: Well it's no trouble to sort out the colour when we have the car
    in the paintshop
    Me: Then why did you ask me to come up here to show it you?
    He: Ha ha ha ha
    Me: So you can do the job on the 14th then?
    He: Well you have to book it in.
    
    I had to go at this point!!!
    
    Why are they all so bad???  And I am changing to a Vauxhall hoping
    that Davy's would be a better bet.  Aaaaaaagggggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
    
    I feel a bit better for getting that off my chest.
    
    Bye for now
    
    T

    For all you people out there who would love to find a local
    garage where you could take your car to be serviced where
    you know a good job will be done and you will not be ripped
    off by being charged for things that didn't really need to
    be done, and at the same time the people who run the
    garage are both honest and helpful ...
    
    Impossible I hear you say!
    
    Well I have found you one, they are called Mekanix and are
    a privately run garage situated on the Old Reading Road off
    the Tesco's roundabout.  They are Renault specialists, but
    will service and repair almost any car.  I took my car there
    for a service yesterday and was thoroughly impressed by the
    service the car and myself received as well as the cost!
    
    If your interested their number is Basingstoke 841695.
    
    Alex

re .41;

    >Why are they all so bad???  And I am changing to a Vauxhall hoping
    >that Davy's would be a better bet.  Aaaaaaagggggggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

From some of the comments I've heard regarding Davy's, I don't think
you'll get a better service. I'm still waiting fo them to call me back with 
a price for an Astra since last August....

Peter.

    I have been driving Ford for four years now.  Not because they are
    the greatest cars in the world, but they are good value for money
    on the Company scheme.
    
    Anyway...
    
    If you want a decent job of work done on a Ford car, if you want
    it done on time and to a high standard, you can't do better than
    follow these recommendations:
    
    If it is warranty work, use either -
    
    Havenford, Alton (excellent service, polite manners)
    Gowrings, Newbury (excellent service, moderate manners)
    
    If it is not warranty, use either the above or -
    
    Ralph's Motors, Basingstoke (behind the Golden Lion - excellent
    service and manners)
    
    When you know the date your car will be away, contact Hertz or PHH
    (dependent on supplying lease company) and they will arrange a hire
    car (free) for the day and will leave it at the garage.
    
    Or if you work in B'stoke and are taking the car to Ralph's, they
    can usually give you a lift to the office in their Red XR3i with
    lots of snazzy bolt on plastic wings (if your street cred can handle
    that!).
    
    Or if you are going to use Gowrings in Newbury, I drive past it
    at about 8.00 in the morning (heading south) and 6.45 in the evening
    (heading north) and can probably slow down enough for you to jump
    in!
    
    Jon

>    Or if you work in B'stoke and are taking the car to Ralph's, they
>    can usually give you a lift to the office in their Red XR3i with
>    lots of snazzy bolt on plastic wings (if your street cred can handle
>    that!).

    If you work at the Crescent or Viables, then its only a very short
    walk. They are half way up that little lane that goes down the side
    of the Golden Lion. I agree with the recommendations for Ralph's,
    they replaced the bodyshell on my Orion and now its as good as new.
    
    Chris. 
                                                                       

	Re .41

	I agree with the comments about Jacksons' Paint Shop...I would
	warn anyone to steer well clear.

	Apart from the staff being unhelpful, certain jobs included on the
	written estimate were just not done.

	The car was in for over two weeks for what seemed like a
	straightforward front end job. After receiving every lame excuse
	under the sun, I complained to the manager, who was just as
	unhelpful. Eventually I sent off a letter to Ford.

	Jacksons Service (sic) centre is a bit naff too ! I've always had
	to take the car back after a service, to get problems sorted out
	that weren't present before. (sound familiar or am I just unlucky !?)

	Best Ford Garages found so far:
	-------------------------------
	Fullers of New Malden
	Target of Richmond

	Bit far from doughnut city though.	

	P1

    
    
    Another excellent Ford Service point is Gowrings of Wokingham.
    
    Never once short sold me, and quite often do extras for little or
    no charge.
    
    Nev.

    I live in Odiham and have used the Oast Garage ever since going
    to Jacksons once. They are small, good, family-run and take PHH
    (I don't know about Hertz). Can definitely recommend for Ford.
    
    M.
    

re CURRNT::SMITHP1 "Nancy is an utter Dave Yeomans" 

    Could you possibly explain the personal name?
    
    	Andy

> re. Note 15.48 by YUPPY::MOSSMAN "A lone mongoose in a world of snakes"

	Thanks M.

	As i'm in Hook, i'll give them a try next time.

	P1

> re. Note 15.49 by CURRNT::CROUCH "Andy 'Diddyman' Crouch"
>
>    Could you possibly explain the personal name?

	I think I did in EF89.

	P1

    
    Does anybody know of a place in the Basinstroke are that fixes car
    alarms ?     Mine has died, and I haven't the time to dive into
    the works at the moment, so I'll just have to pay up and smile.
    
    Ian

    You could try drivesound in the Brookvale area I  know they supply
    alarms stereos etc 
    
    john

	Well after all the bad press about Davys I chugged to a halt near
	(well not so near) Davys today with considerable trepidation.

	Halfords had been no help (at least 10 days) neither had Ralph
	(about a week) so Davys was the last resort.

	I have to mention that I need a stick to walk so I went into the
	reception, put on my most helpless face, waved my stick and was
	then very surprised when two (yes count them), two mechanics walked
	with me back to my car, drove it back to the garage parked it in
	front of the reception, got under the bonnet, told me what was wrong
	(fuel pump and spark plug lead) and then promptly told me *not*
	to buy the parts from them but to go somewhere else!!

	I explained that a friend a diagnosed the fuel pump problem already
	and that I'd tried to buy a new one at Halfords but they'd been out
	of stock. One of the blokes trundled off, comes back 5 minutes later
	to tell me that 'Barnes Wallace' didn't have the right fuel pump either
	so I had to buy the fuel pump there, but they did have the best and
	cheapest sparkplug leads.

	So after purchasing the fuel pump I chugged off to 'Barnes Wallace'
	with the mechanic's final statement ringing in my ears.

	"I wouldn't get the pump fitted here mate. They charge you 27 pounds
	a hour here. Bl**dy extortionate (sp) that's what I say!"

	Paul.

    I have just moved to Basingstoke, and my car is due for a service and
    corrosion warranty checkup.  Can anyone make any comments as to what the
    Austin Rover garage is like for service ....  Any information on any 
    other AR dealers would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Helen.

    
    The Austin Rover garage at Sherfield on Loddon is excellent.  They've
    always done good work for me and they *care* !
    
    It's called Dodds Garage and the number is 882271

    I have always used Mears Garage out at Newfound (Whitchurch Road)
    Recommended.
    
    Ray.

    Just some info before you phone up Mears garage for the next service
    and corrosion warranty - they're no longer an AR dealer and cannot
    therefore do the corrosion warranty.  However they are quite willing
    to book you in for one without letting on that they can no longer do
    it.  
    
    I hasten to add that I heard a rumounr of this yesterday, (having booked
    the car in last week for next week) and thought I'd phone up and check.
    
    Helen.

    I've just phoned Dodd's garage - they're no longer an AR dealer either
    they said they weren't very happy about the way the factory were 
    dealing with their outlets.  Very friendly though and I think I'd
    go back to them if I just wanted a service.
    
    Helen
    

    
    Dodds haven't been a dealer for a long time...but their mechanics are
    tops...
    
    wonderful people...highly recommended !

	Current thoughts on the Peugeot dealers?. Having just moved
	to Bas from Newbury I'm going to find it difficult to get to
	A & B Motors, Hermitage who I've used in the past (Pretty good
	place if not perfect) and need somwhere new.

	When I last worked in Basingstoke some 8 years back Dodds was
	quite favoured but mainly for AR on account of the service.

	-John (Pug 205 Gti)

    
    Peugeot dealers in Basingstoke...... :-) :-)
    
    Bad news, that's why I bought mine ( and get it serviced) 
    out of town, so to speak.
    
    Mail me for more detail if needed.
    
    Brian.
    

	Now that my car is just about due for another service, it
	reminds me of the last one.

	I took it to Dodds, who seemed to have done a good job on it.

	However all was not so well. A couple of days later a spanner
	fell out from somewhere in the engine bay causing the car to
	jump as it went underneath. Later I discovered the air filter
	had been put back with only one bolt instead of two and was
	rattling about.

	Considering that the cost was *very* high, much more than Peugeot
	would have charged I'm not impressed and won't be going back.

	-John

     
    
    	See 15.11
    

    Does anyone have the phone no of Hadleys in Basingstoke handy ?
    
    I want to organise a test drive of a Peugeot 405.
    
    Thanks,
    Wayne