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Member since:23.06.2003
Reviews:4
Members who trust:1
When my N-reg Escort refused to let me drive it last week, I finally realised the clutch had gone.
The bad news was that I was in the middle of town on a Monday morning when it finally gave up the ghost.
The good news was that there was a Halfords breakdown centre nearby and I managed to crawl in there instead of bringing the town centre to a standstill!
I could smell the burning of the worn clutch and, before beating the bonnet with a tree Basil Fawlty-style, I made my way to the Halfords reception to see what could be done.
Now don't get me wrong - I've nothing against Halfords. The shop is fine - they've usually got what I want and the products are good quality.
But the repair centre is something else!
"What's the problem, Sir?" asks gangly youth. "My clutch has gone," says I. "Right. Can we take a look at the car?" asks youth. We step outside. He steps into car and turns on the ignition. "Well, I can see what the problem is. The clutch has gone," he says. "Inspired," I though.
We walk back into the office, where we are joined by another two members of the Halfords team. They open a book, which they lovingly call "The Bible", talk between themselves for 10 minutes and finally come to a conclusion.
"Well Sir, we can do it next week, total price £450."
I picked myself up off the floor.
"Yes, it is expensive Sir, but it's a five-hour job."
OK, so a clutch costs, say, £60. That means labour comes in at nearly £80 an hour for five hours!!
I said I'd think about it and sloped off to a nearby phone box.
The first garage I pulled out of the yellow pages said they could do it for £250, in three days time.
Already £300 off - and quicker as well!!
The next two calls were all around the asme mark.
Then I struck gold.
"£120, inc VAT, bring it in today - done by Wednesday"
DONE!!
And it was - by Wednesday as promised, by a local garage employing three people. £320 cheaper than Halfords - and a week quicker.
I couldn't believe it. I'm not sure why so many people use them - there were certainly lots of cars waiting to be repaired there. I can only think it's because they are a big name company - and poeple think they can trust them.
hm... i don't know whether the fact that the staff are wearing clean ironed uniforms is an advantage... Maybe it means that they never work... :-)
raveydavey 31.07.2003 22:53
I've got to agree with your opinion - I've had similar experience of Halfords service!
I had a slow puncture, and as I was passing Halfords i thought I'd get it fixed there. Despite the place being empty and staff being stood around in the workshop, I was told that they couldn't look at it for at least 3 hours and could I leave it with them for the day!!!
I was then told I'd need a new tyre - before they'd even looked at the car.
Needless to say I went elsewhere - a local independant had me on my way within 20 minutes, puncture fixed for a very reasonable £5.
Sharpshooter1979 22.07.2003 18:30
But Did You Know That £120 Clutch You Got Was Reconditioned?
Halfords Use Brand New Clutches
(And P.S The ICME Official Time Is Around 5 Hours For That Job)
So......
You Can Either Be Lying Or The Garage That Did Your Work Wants To Go Out Of Business Rather Quick
Jun 23rd, 2003
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