Rainworth Motors Ltd - Mansfield..

[monkster]

Today I arranged to have a test drive in an Octavia 2.0 diesel estate.I had booked in to drive the car at 12.00.When I got to the dealers, the car was dirty inside and had a flat tyre!

I told a young salesman who was not in the least bit interested in what I had to say.Very bad service!What do I have to do to have a drive in a Skoda?I cannot believe you have such a good reputation.The others must be completely dire!

[DaveO]

I just bought my Scout from Rainworth and could not be happier with their service. Jeremy Taylor was top notch and gave me an out-standing deal. Remember this dealer is about 450miles away from me!

Delivered the car two days ago and they could not have been better

Dave

[rotodiesel]

I bought a Superb from Rainworth - Jeremy Taylor did an excellent job as salesman and the car has been fine. Just don't go anywhere near them for servicing work, although it sounds as though you are a safe distance away.

(Message for Rainworth - as my Superb is now out of warranty, I've just given it a service. As well as all the other things not done, like blowing up the spare tyre (flat but not punctured) changing the air filter and selling me a car with 2mm of rear pad material, I have found that the gearbox oil level had never been checked - the plug had obviously never ever been out. Luckily, the level was OK - thanks a bunch.)

rotodiesel.

[Scribbler]

Do not uses these for anything other than buying a car they are incompetent *************.

Here is a copy of the email i sent to Skoda Customer Services about them:

F.A.O Jenny,

Ref Skoda Octavia VRS Reg. OV55 WDE

As discussed i have attached some photo's showing the shoddy workmanship we have received at Rainworth Skoda.

I will start from the beginning as its quite a long list of problems.

We Purchased our first Skoda from Rainworth Motors (FD03 XRS) also an Octavia VRS, this was relatively un-problematic although just before selling the car we took it in for a routine coil pack change and they managed to dint the rear wheel arch. They Partly owned upto it, although because they said we couldn't prove it was them who damaged
the car they agreed to only pay half towards the cost of repair. However this was not fair so we decided to sell the car and Buy a newer one. As we were unhappy with Rainworth's customer service we travelled all the way to Lincoln to buy our next Octavia VRS from Dennis Horton Skoda dealers (0V55 WDE) The car was a year old but had excellent paint work and very good condition having only done 6K Miles at the time. (We noticed shortly after purchasing the car that the boot window lip seal was coming away from the glass. We decided that even though we didn't trust Rainworth Motors we would take the car to the in the hope they had improved from our last visit and because the distance to Lincoln was to much for such a trivial repair. Rainwoth Skoda looked at the problem and said they would replace the entire back window under warranty as the seal was bonded to it. They also told us that two screws were missing from the rear spoiler. They said that we would have to take the car all the way back to Dennis Horton for this though as they didn't have the right screws. I expressed my disbelief that they couldn't source the right screws to save us a trip back to Dennis Horton, so they agreed to fix the problem.
Being an Engineer myself I know that they would probably use self tapping screws rather than fix the problem properly I categorically said don't fit these self tapers as it will destroy the thread in the Spoiler bushes and wreck the spoiler and look unsightly. As you can see from the photo's they ignored my wishes and fitted the wrong size self tapping screws. I have since got them to remove them and refit the proper screws but there is a good chance these will now come loose due to breaking the thread on the bush and only after several trips back and forth to the garage. Back to the Boot seal when we collected the car I inspected the work only to find a big dint/scratch (30mm long x 2mm wide x 1mm deep approx in the roof caused during the fitment of the window. I highlighted this to the garage and they accepted responsibility and agreed to fix the scratch. The car was booked in again and low and behold when we collected it the car was a mess it now looks like it has been in a rear collision and resprayed. The paintwork is very bad there is a continuous grey line where the primer is visible just between the lip seal that was replaced and the roof line. This is not just a visual line but its a build up of paint that is now waring away at the new seal which has already perished due to it catching everytime we open the boot.

I am not an unreasonable man and understand that accidents happen. However Rainworth Motors do not own up to them only under pressure and are completely incapable of carrying out satisfactory repairs.I was told by Richard the Service manager on several occasions that "we should not expect anymore because we didn't purchase the car from them". He also said they had spent £150 of there own money on repairs an were now "drawing the line". I'm only getting involved now because my wife the owner of the car has been in tears very upset by her experiences with them.

I think a Satisfactory outcome to this problem would be that the car was extensively repaired by a reputable specialist body shop the car should then be professionally valleted by a third party to remove all the filler seen in the photo's which covers the car and
we should receive some form of compensation and an apology for the grief caused and loss of earnings etc.

I intend to see this through and look forward to your reply I am looking into getting an independent inspection of the work carried out as you suggested (although I feel skoda should pay for this) and contacting various watchdog helplines to see if any other
people have received similar treatment.

Regards

Mark Parsons

Sorry about the length, does anyone have any ideas where i go from here? Skoda have said that they are not able to force Rainworth to rectify the damage they have caused.
Any help would be apreciated

 

[DGW]

I suggest that you ask for advice in the General Car Chat forum, drawing attention to the post above. To do this cut and paste the link below into the new post. Members will then have ready access to the contents of your email.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/skoda-dealers-east-midlands/rainworth-motors-ltd-mansfield/38274/2/#post1050244

[tchapm]

Have ordered my new Octi VRs from Jeremy, and my mind is now at rest about their Sales practises, however will probably not be taking it there for servicing judging from the comments.

So far, Jeremy has been very helpful and has ordered exactly what I requested, and done the exact deal as I wanted it - which is great, as Bickerton's Sheffield couldn't do it!

[TonyD]

Hi

Just going through this thread as a new member to the group. Purchased my VRS 6 months ago from Rainworth and can only say that I am very impressed with them. This is my first and not last Octy VRS not in small part to the dealership.

I asked for them to look for a low mileage 56 plate black magic rs estate with jumbo box. 1 week later they went to coventry to pick one up for me to look at. Absolutely immaculate condition and great price.

I have had cars from some very large national dealerships; vauxhall, nissan and have never found the same level of service.

As to remapping. Rainworth do REVO and as part of the package honour the skoda warranty. I haven't yet had my care mapped due to cost but will do as soon as I can

[tchapm]

Following much heartache with the wife's illness etc, it came to pass that the order for the new car had to be cancelled. I paid £1000 deposit for the new car, but due to the circumstances needed it back. (I have left paid employment to look after my wife during this sad time).

I went to see Jeremy at the dealership and explained the situation. He seemed to understand but didn't offer me the deposit back straight away. He said that he would have to discuss it with the owners of Rainworths - which was fair enough.

They decided I could have my deposit back, once they had moved the car that I had ordered off their books.

After about 2 months they did this and I got my deposit back.

All in all I am grateful to Rainworths for seeing that the situatiuon was unique, and having enough heart to give me the money back.

Jeremy has proved he is honest, and what he says will happen, happens. You can't ask for more than that, in my experience.

If I can afford to buy a Skoda in the future, I would not hesitate to contact Jeremy again to place an order. Whether he would accept one from me is another matter.

[dogbloke]

After some comments on here, I'd been a bit anxious about taking my Octavia estate in for its 2 year service. I waited while the job was done. Comfortable waiting area with viewing window into clean well equipped workshop and if wanted, gallons of coffee supplied by Michelle, the lovely and helpful receptionist. Job done within the time promised and car returned having been washed too. Full account given of work done. Same appeared to be case for other customers present.

Things may have changed since other people have reported problems. All I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised by my experience and would have no qualms about going back. Car has run like a dream so far.

[R.N.S]

Hey there got a superb 2.5V6 TDI auto elegance from here about 3 years ago. car was nice really nice after a week or so i could not get the auto wipers to work in the auto position and it was me - i didnt know how to set them. but i popped in to the dealership to ask them to show me how to use it. the chap behind the service counter would not even come across and talk to me. told me i have to come back in a weeks time. i understand they are busy but it would have taken him just 20 mins or so just to show me. this was less than 10 days after me buying the car for cash from them.

seem keen on selling you the car but not bothered much after he would not even give me time of day.

i got a phone call back next day from the manager saying sorry and bring it back next day.

for a 21 year old it was alot of money to spend. and i felt let down for the future.

[R.N.S]

hello all that post above was what happened 2 years ago ish..

had to use them today in a hurry. I made a call said i was in a rush and really need some help. they got me in within 2 hours and sorted me. the service has really changed they're now nice and easy to talk to, so i booked my car in for a cam belt change there at a future date.

i was really surprised with today.

one bad thing they dont have auto courtesy cars. :(

[DanielVRS]

Just bought my Fabia VRS from here, gave me a great deal on part exchange and love the new car

[Rocketvrs]

Not o good experience for me. Went to look at a Octavia VRS fo £5000, the car was dirty and only in average condition, 49K a rip in the leather bolster etc. They offered me it with px of an average condition Nissan 200SX (worth over 1K) for £4600:finger:.

Also offered it me for £4500 cash - That works out they offered me £100 PX!:eek:.

Anyway bought on at another dealer in better condition, same millage for £3500, and sold my car for 1K private.

Sounds like they are quite good with new cars by most of the comments here.

[Fitz323]

I bought my VRS Estate from Rainworth Motors just before Christmas. I spoke to Jeremy quite a few times on the phone before I actually travelled up to see the car, and always thought he seemed a genuinly nice guy. Ended up having a 20 minute conversation with him about something completely different and off topic. Not had to use them for anything other than buying the car, but the got the car ready and valeted for me in 2 ays which was nice. Only gripe i've got so far is I called them 2 days ago to ask for the service record was (they had forgotten to put it back in the car) so far no one has got back to me. :thumbdwn:

[shark_90]

It seems my last comment was deleted for not being "first hand feedback" but either way a mate of mine bought his Fabia vRS from them, told me how good they were and when I was looking around I spotted an Octavia vRS for sale on AutoTrader. I went for a look and ended up buying it. The car was a good price, the finance deal wasn't outstanding and I only got 6 months tax out of them, but the car was fairly priced in the first place and I came away hapy.

I asked them to do a 4 wheel alignment on the car and it does seem to pull slightly still so I may go back and try to get that sorted, but otherwise no other problems.

I must admit that I find the automatic "you can't do that" attitude difficult when I've called for part prices etc, such as fitting the Maxidot dash. I also called for my Radio code to be told that I shouldn't need it etc etc.. not the point mate, I don't have it and I do need it.

But generally happy.

[knealeedis]

I ended up buying a Black vRS estate from them just before new year, and I'm due to pick it up on Thursday.

So far I can say I'v been pleased with the service, no pushy sales men, and no attempt to sell the usual Diamond brite, and Gap insurance and all the other bits that dealers try to sell you.

Edited 8 January, 2009 by DGW
Quote and chat deleted.

[Krayol]

Went to them when I was buying my new car and found the sales staff pleasant and not pushy. I ended up buying from Gordon Lamb in the end because they offered a very good deal at the time though.

I can't comment on the servicing yet because I've not yet taken it. However, the interim service for Fabia 1.9 was quoted as £130 all in rather than £150 from Gordon Lamb....so it's booked in. We'll have to see next week!

(See my separate comments on GL!)

---

Just a quick update. The wife took took my car in there yesterday for me and they gave her a lift in to work. I contacted them later and, while they sounded a bit "rough and ready" on the phone I have no qualms with the service. I had asked them to confirm any extra work (which they did) and they provided a quotation for new tyres and a brake fluid change which I might take up next month.

In any case, the work was done and I've found no problems with it. I'd certainly consider using again.

Edited 18 February, 2009 by Krayol

[fabia vrs mark]

i was not too happy with the purchase of my 06 fabia vrs a month ago. viewed the car and noted to salesman number plate lamps were inop he said its waiting workshop prep. only allowed a 2 mile test drive due to lack of fuel! so i collected the car 4 days later with the fuel guage 0 miles to empty! not happy but in a rush accepted this after a moan. then got home to find number plate lamps still inop and a 4" crack in the windscreen (hid cleaverly by tax disc holder) note the car had an mot put on it day before! how bad is that! i know 1st hand they have poor techs working there though. i will never visit them again!

[REH17]

i went to this dealer on saturday to view a 54 ocy vrs. was up for 6k and i assumed there wud be some flex in the price but they wudnt budge. (despite book price being 5100) Was offered 2200 quid against my clio as px, so i walked away. the next day went to newport, bought a delicious 54 ocy vrs for 4900. totally mint. cant wait to collect it and meet some other briskoda members.

[Nick P]

They're not consistent at stamping service books. I and at least another couple of other members on here have bought cars which were owned / serviced by Rainworth's and had problems piecing together the service history.

[skippydoo]

f

Edited 24 September, 2010 by skippydoo
Inappropriate mention of another dealer.

[Reds]

I bought a second hand Superb 1.8T from Rainworth Skoda in 2006, and did a very happy 70k miles, with them maintaining it, before trading it in against a 2.0tdi Octavia (from Horton's in Lincoln).

Again, a beautiful car, the only problem has been an ongoing issue with a vibration at certain engine speeds - almost like a misfire. It's taking some curing and I'm sure it will be a relief to all parties once the reason for the fault is identified...

Edited 13 November, 2009 by Superbum

[pg220]

I've recently ordered a Octy VRS estate from Rainsworth. Initially spoke to Jeremy and was very satisfied with the deal offered.

Recently spoke to Steve re build dates and possible addition to the order and again he was very helpfull.

Will update as the process goes on.

[sarahs vrs]

I recently purchased a Fabia VRS from Rainworth Skoda, and I was very impressed with service that I received. I found the sales personnel to be very friendly, approachable and not in the least bit pushy. From what I could see, the workshops looked extremely clean and well organised. The car was presented to me on collection, in immaculate condition, having had an obviously thorough valet and service. The sales personnel were most helpful in explaining and demonstrating all that I needed to know about the car controls, etc. On collection, there was also more than a quarter of a tank of fuel. In my opinion, they are well-deserving winners of the 'Dealer of the year award 2009'. The level of service that I received was second to none. I would recommend, in fact encourage, friends and family to consider buying a vehicle from Rainworth Skoda. Keep up the good work! Sarah Holmes

[Brimma]

I've had one experience of Rainworth's in May this year, after my car was broken into, and the alarm failed to sound. This occurred on the end of May Bank Holiday.

I contacted my local dealer, who unfortunately couldn't fit me in for about 10 days.

I rang Rainworth's on the Friday, and they said bring the car over the next day and they'd take a look.

I turned up on the Saturday at about 9.30am, my car went virtually straight into the workshop, and within 40 minutes I was on my way home with a new alarm sensor fitted, fully working, under warranty, no questions asked.

I was very impressed with the way they handled my problem, and the speed they managed to get me booked in.