I took my Octy into an independent gearbox specialist just over two weeks ago - It was booked in on Wednesday last week to have the gearbox removed and the centre top mount welded back on, but the receptionist lady said if I took it in earlier (bearing in mind I couldn't use it anyway) the boss might get a chance to fix it earlier.

So anyway, I phoned at the beginning of last week and he told me he had been busy and hadn't got it onto the ramps to have a look. I thought "no problem - it's booked in Wednesday so it should be done by the weekend"

So I phoned on Thursday afternoon to be told "sorry we've been really busy - I'm hoping to get it on later today- I'll try to get it done for the weekend"

Heard nothing by Friday afternoon so phoned, but they'd gone home. So no car for the weekend then.

Phoned Monday lunchtime and was told "we'll be getting it on the ramps tomorrow afternoon. Give us a call Wed lunchtime"

So I did. He still hasn't even started it. His excuse this time is "we are having problems getting parts for the cars that are taking up the ramps... I'll do my best to get it back to you by the weekend"

What do I do? If I kick up a fuss he's bound to turn round and "add some jobs" to the worklist (or say the gearbox can't be welded and I need a new one)

If I don't, he may well still have it in March at this rate.

Sorry for the rant, but now I'm getting p*ssed off...

Is there somewhere else you could take it. If there is... Just mention as nice a possible that you are bit stuck without the car now and that you'll need to take it somewhere else. May work... may not but if you have the option of another garage... try it ?

As long as they understand you need the car and it should have been done in the agreed time, they should be happy for you to come and pick up the car and take it somewhere else that can do it quicker. Either that or provide a courtesy car to you f.o.c. if yours is going to take a lot longer than expected.

You could always pop in to see him in your company car.......might just make things happen

You could always pop in to see him in your company car.......might just make things happen

I did, after he'd had it three days. I think that's why it's taking so long now:rofl:

All that time and still nothing.I would take it elsewhere if you can.Seems really poor service to me :thumbdwn:

Go collect it John and take it somewhere else.

Gonna phone this afternoon. If he hasn't started it I'll take it away and find someone else. (or have a go myself)

Would another box be an option?

Silverlake had a broken octy in last time I was up there so might have the box or casing from that.

Which gearbox specialist is it also as I know one around our area from years ago that was quite reasonable.

Hammerton Garage in Hedge End. I can't complain about the standard of the work because I don't know, but he is taking rather a long time to get round to fixing it.

Stu, another box would be an option, and I know Silverlake have a vRS box hanging by a thread still in the car, but I'm loathed to change my box if I can afford not to, as I know it's only done 36k miles, whereas the one in Silverlake is an unknown quantity (and mileage too)

Gonna phone him shortly...

update - it's finally on the ramps this afternoon. Matbe I'll get it back by the weekend with a bit of luck...