Seems like a good idea

[Big G]

I was once charged £75.00 to change a headlight bulb on an Alfa 75

Like a mug a paid it. The dealer that ripped me off went out of business, that or they retired to the Bahamas

They tried that trick on me once, however I work for an automotive lighting company and always carry a complete set of bulbs in the car. I made them remove the charge from my bill and presented them with a bulb in place of the one they fitted. Also tried to charge me a fortune for refilling my washer bottle that I had filled a few days before (knowing they would charge me if it was empty). They refused to accept that it was already full and a mexican standoff ensued. It was at this point I called their bluff and asked what colour fluid they use...'blue' they said...over to the car, pop the bonnet, look into washer bottle to see a lovely fluorescent greeny yellow. Nuff said 

[nopanic - neil]

There was a write up in he press a year or so ago, when they were interviewing one of the top men at Fiat UK, whole also own Alfa,  discussing how they were going to revamp fiat dealers and get more cars sold by better prices and improved dealer services.

When discussing Alfa dealers, they knew they had problems and the agreement with their dealers was odd. They knew that customers liked the cars but not there dealers. But at time it was not a top priority. I think this could be true, because from what I could see, once an official dealer closes down, there seems no rush to open another one.

I know they are going to bring Lanica cars back to the UK in the next year or two, I wonder if they will do something about Alfa then?

[Big G]

Hmmm, not so sure. Most of the Fiat group dealers around here are only service centres for Alfa, they no longer have Alfa sales. Seems as though they aren't really interested in the profit margins on selling Alfas opting for the huge profits on servicing them instead. If pushed to do someting about improving their service/costs they will probably opt to drop Alfa alltogether.
On the other hand, there are a number of pretty good independant specialist Alfa service places starting to appear. One near me (WAD Alfa Romeo in Wolverhampton) is very good, and very competitive on price. Long live the independants

[monkey]

I spoke to Alfa Uk as recently as a month ago when I received a letter from my dealer advising me that they had effectively doubled the number of times that I needed to change my timing belt (they now recommend it is changed every 36Kmiles!) I told them in no uncertain terms that I was not using my local dealer who tried to rip me off to the tune of £1500.00 for a suspension repair (I kid you not) My nearest other dealer is nearly 60 miles away. And I live near a fairly large city. They did tell me then that they were looking to expand the network but were really struggling. They want quality and value, but because the 'market' is limited the volume simply does not make it viable. I think they need to establish partnerships with quality independents, there is one in Newbury for example and then work with them to try to re establish some sort of dependable reputation.

I love Alfa’s, but they don’t make it easy sometimes
 

[Big G]

I love Alfa’s, but they don’t make it easy sometimes
 

Same sentiment here, gorgeous cars but the only thing stopping buying another one is the ludicrous cost of running them. Am on my 3rd now, but first 2 were on an employee lease scheme whilst I was working for Magneti Marelli Lighting, and this one I bought when I left for a healthy 33% off list...kind of makes up for some of the pain of servicing it

[Andy Zarse]

One near me (WAD Alfa Romeo in Wolverhampton) is very good, and very competitive on price. Long live the independants

Crikey, are they still going? Willy Dick of WAD help rally prepare my Sud1.5ti in 1985. There's little he doesn't know about Alfas. Glad to see they're still going.

Out of idle curiosity yesterady I looked at the Dealer Locator page on the official Alfa UK website. It's npt working as it's "currently being updated". FFS, if you want to buy an Alfa need to find the nearest dealer... . Are Bouts in Wolverhampton still going? And what about Mario Dellotti in Brum?

[Big G]

Hi Andy,
Yep the guys at WAD are still going strong, from what I see they are getting stronger. Maybe something to do with the general feeling of dissatisfaction with the main dealers
Bouts were certainly there a few years ago however I haven't been passed them in a while, so not sure if they are still there, think Brindley may have taken over the franchise tho. Can't remember Alfa having a dealership in Brum for a while now, nearest ones are Oldbury, Dudley & Solihul.

[Nobby Diesel]

Will the reviews be moderated I ask?   

If not how long before the site gets sued for some slanderous comments written by a disgruntled customer?

This is indeed a very good point. Tripadvisor has been operating for many years now, with reviews of hotels, operators and destinations. There are frequently very strongly worded reviews on there.

Small point, but it would be libelous, as opposed to slanderous. But yes, I agree with your concern.

[Perdu]

Andy, Mario Delotti on the Stratford Rd?

Hmm I think they'e been gone for quite a long time. It might even have been taken over by an importer of decidedly odd Eastern European machinery, Skodas Ladas and such under a different name. May have been run by a famous ex TV wrestler (No no no, not THAT kind of  TV) as a business plan. Funny how the old mind plays tricks.

I grew up lazing around the old Statford Rd, dammit its a different planet there now.

[Andy Zarse]

Ah mate, but wasn't the Lada/FSO garage run by Dennis Futrell of that ilk. Indeed Pat Roach was his enforcer until Auf Weidersein Pet came and tempted him away. Strat Road has changed but some changes are for the better. Like the Jester closing. The curry and balti is better these days too.

[Big G]

Indeed Pat Roach was his enforcer until Auf Weidersein Pet came and tempted him away.

Ah, yes, Mrs Big G nursed Pat Roach when he was undergoing treatment on the Neuro Unit at the QE. He asked that it was all kept very quiet as he didn't want it getting out and himself and his family being harrased by the paps. He was in for treatment not more than a week before he sadly passed on. A top bloke. Bumped into him once in a pub at the Notting Hill carnival, and he couldn't have been nicer to a bunch of pissed up lads asking him about his previous exploits in wrestling, Auf Weidersein, Indiana Jones etc. He almost seemed embarassed by his celebrity and the fact that people recognised him.

[Perdu]

Ah the Lada place, wasn't that down by the Mermaid before they moved to Mario's old place. Weatheroak Rd area?

Of course being so much more ancient than your good self sah, I remember when the Sparkhill landscape was Irish ethnic rather than Balti flavoured. As a kid (16 ish anyway) we had the new coffee bar byOakwood Rd, to waste our time in. Nothing spicier than the watered down Tomato Sauce on the burgers. Never could get used to "curries"...

Big Pat, a sorely missed gentleman. What a guy.

Funnily enough I didn't think it was Pat that I had in mind either, I wonder who.

Old brain power fading rapidly in my dotage!

Oh arr, who's got King Kong now then?