Are you with FIAT's in house finance company, or an external one?
Technical Euro6 1.2 Throttle Response, Hill Start Issues & Watchdog report
- Thread starter auditt
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Technical Euro6 1.2 Throttle Response, Hill Start Issues & Watchdog report
Are you with FIAT's in house finance company, or an external one?
Wow, it just gets better doesn't it!
Here's a plan for you ab4444. Found this from the Alfa Romeo forum. See post 91 onwards.
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa...ider/777761-1750-turbo-blown-yet-again-4.html
The poster there used those contact details to get in touch with the MD, who I believe is Steve Zanlunghi (also Fiat UK's MD too). It would appear from that particular thread that it did seem to get things moving to a certain extent.
I just think you need to go to the very top because it is clear that whoever is supposed to be looking after you isn't capable of doing it.
It's not a question of blowing your top, IMO you just need to outline everything that's happened (good and bad!) and basically say "Please help me".
Here's a plan for you ab4444. Found this from the Alfa Romeo forum. See post 91 onwards.
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa...ider/777761-1750-turbo-blown-yet-again-4.html
The poster there used those contact details to get in touch with the MD, who I believe is Steve Zanlunghi (also Fiat UK's MD too). It would appear from that particular thread that it did seem to get things moving to a certain extent.
I just think you need to go to the very top because it is clear that whoever is supposed to be looking after you isn't capable of doing it.
It's not a question of blowing your top, IMO you just need to outline everything that's happened (good and bad!) and basically say "Please help me".
I now have my car booked to go into the Chippenham dealership Thursday and Enterprise will then collect me from Pewsham, take me to their Chippenham branch, give me a car and I then drive off into the sunset.
I am still getting eroneous phone calls from people within Fiat asking me what is going on. I'm referring them all to FGA Capital, to whom I have made it VERY clear this morning that I am thoroughly sick and tired of all this.
To my mind, Fiat should be on top of my case, aware of EVERY conversation that is taking place, and be bending over BACKWARDS to make me feel that I am a priority. Throughout this ordeal, I have been left feeling that I have been a pain in their backsides whose cases are consistently closed, no notes are left on file, and essentially given me the impression that they do not give two hoots.
Fiat have massively dropped the ball with this issue. Let's just hope for their sakes this 'fix' in April solves the problems because I will be unleashing merry hell on them if it doesn't, aiming it squarely at the MD, SuperEwe - thank you for that information.
Are there any other customers undergoing a similar 'temporary solution' like myself right now?
I am still getting eroneous phone calls from people within Fiat asking me what is going on. I'm referring them all to FGA Capital, to whom I have made it VERY clear this morning that I am thoroughly sick and tired of all this.
To my mind, Fiat should be on top of my case, aware of EVERY conversation that is taking place, and be bending over BACKWARDS to make me feel that I am a priority. Throughout this ordeal, I have been left feeling that I have been a pain in their backsides whose cases are consistently closed, no notes are left on file, and essentially given me the impression that they do not give two hoots.
Fiat have massively dropped the ball with this issue. Let's just hope for their sakes this 'fix' in April solves the problems because I will be unleashing merry hell on them if it doesn't, aiming it squarely at the MD, SuperEwe - thank you for that information.
Are there any other customers undergoing a similar 'temporary solution' like myself right now?
ahmett
Prominent member
let us know if they give you another Fiat 500 with the same issue = )
Oh crumbs, auditt, this is my fear. I did raise this point with the finance company and asked them what we do after the fix has been applied and it doesn't improve things. They've said they've not heard of anyone to date that hasn't been pleased with the fix.
Well, depending on how I'm feeling (I've not been very well over the past 10 days), I will be going to Chippenham tomorrow. If I don't go tomorrow, I will endeavour to arrange for the weekend or next week at some point. But at least there is a fix in sight. I just pray that it works.
Not wanting to think pessimistically (but the cynic in me can't help it as I'm sure you all will understand), should the fix NOT be satisfactory, where does this leave me? Do I outright reject the vehicle and insist on all my money back (inc compensation for reasonable costs, stress, etc)??
Well, depending on how I'm feeling (I've not been very well over the past 10 days), I will be going to Chippenham tomorrow. If I don't go tomorrow, I will endeavour to arrange for the weekend or next week at some point. But at least there is a fix in sight. I just pray that it works.
Not wanting to think pessimistically (but the cynic in me can't help it as I'm sure you all will understand), should the fix NOT be satisfactory, where does this leave me? Do I outright reject the vehicle and insist on all my money back (inc compensation for reasonable costs, stress, etc)??
ahmett
Prominent member
You know this may not be 100% relevant, but I think there is a reason fiat didn't sell cars for many years in the U.S. And never bothered to sell the dualogic in usa. In usa customers actually have rights and can sue for big amounts. In Europe it seems no one cares and fiat can get away with whatever it wants
You've probably hit the nail on the head there.
It's not so long ago that the dealerships were assuring everyone that there was absolutely 100% nothing wrong with these cars.
Auditt would certainly appear to be unsatisfied after the fix:
I really can't see them giving you a refund. That would just open the flood gates to thousands of other rejections.
At best you can try to get a really good deal on exchanging your car for another 500 such as the Twinair or the Multijet. Failing that you would have to suffer the 1.2 or sell it and take a loss.
One purchases - at considerable price, albeit on finance - a brand new car in September 2014.
Within 2 months, one realises said brand new car cannot perform hill starts. As such, the manufacturer provides a recommended 'get-around' method of driving style to compensate for their mistakes, along with blaming their customers for not being able to drive. The scene is set and the cast are in place. Sadly, the scriptwriting leaves a lot to be desired. Oh, and the original selling dealership quickly become the archetype antagonist; proves to be as much use as a chocolate teapot. And a lying, cheating, patronising chocolate teapot at that (NEVER buy from Huttons, WsM).
After some considerable time, countless phone calls, much heartache, stress and resulting illness, customer's brand new car is left (today) at a dealership 60 miles away until said manufacturer can find a solution to their mistake. Customer has to fight for a loan car to be provided and eventually, one is forthcoming, a Vauxhall Corsa. Brand new 1.2 model with barely 170 miles on the clock. And it performs hill starts. A novelty in recent times.
Customer is now expected to wait until manufacturer fixes their brand new car. Dealership has been through the ringer trying to negotiate the loan vehicle. Been left astounded at manufacturer's attitude and now carries considerable worry over the long-term future of the brand and the waning popularity of the 500 model in particular.
Where will this sorry tale go next? With April being the date floating around as 'fix time', there is likely to be a lull in updates for now. But do keep tuning in for the next fun instalment.
Within 2 months, one realises said brand new car cannot perform hill starts. As such, the manufacturer provides a recommended 'get-around' method of driving style to compensate for their mistakes, along with blaming their customers for not being able to drive. The scene is set and the cast are in place. Sadly, the scriptwriting leaves a lot to be desired. Oh, and the original selling dealership quickly become the archetype antagonist; proves to be as much use as a chocolate teapot. And a lying, cheating, patronising chocolate teapot at that (NEVER buy from Huttons, WsM).
After some considerable time, countless phone calls, much heartache, stress and resulting illness, customer's brand new car is left (today) at a dealership 60 miles away until said manufacturer can find a solution to their mistake. Customer has to fight for a loan car to be provided and eventually, one is forthcoming, a Vauxhall Corsa. Brand new 1.2 model with barely 170 miles on the clock. And it performs hill starts. A novelty in recent times.
Customer is now expected to wait until manufacturer fixes their brand new car. Dealership has been through the ringer trying to negotiate the loan vehicle. Been left astounded at manufacturer's attitude and now carries considerable worry over the long-term future of the brand and the waning popularity of the 500 model in particular.
Where will this sorry tale go next? With April being the date floating around as 'fix time', there is likely to be a lull in updates for now. But do keep tuning in for the next fun instalment.
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ahmett
Prominent member
At least you have a loan car
put the miles on that then hopefully you can enjoy your fixed fiat 500. Now you have learned your lesson, never buy a fiat again.In the 4.5 years I have owned the car, my car has been off the road just over 2 months due to mechanical problems
Now you have learned your lesson? Wow. Did you think I had one to learn then? I'm sorry you've had problems but I would never dream of being quite so tactless.
I hope the moderator agrees and removes.
ahmett
Prominent member
lets face it italian cars have never had a good reputation for reliability or customer service. so when you buy an italian car, you buy it for the soul, not for the build quality! I am sorry you have had your issues, but they werent 100% unexpected.
The same way as when i bought my car i should have known better as i have never broken down in any other car due to things out of my control.
In your opinion, the issues weren't 100% unexpected. Somebody who has clearly had some problems with the brand and has hindsight. For someone purchasing the brand for the first time it is COMPLETELY unexpected and I'm sorry that you feel everybody should share your cynicism.
You can only judge on one's own experience - you cannot expect to have issues with no prior experience.
And yes - perhaps you should have known better. But then at least it gives you the chance to tell people on a forum that they've learnt a lesson that they had no idea was there to learn.
Let's keep this forum supportive and constructive not denegrate it into a pity party.
You can only judge on one's own experience - you cannot expect to have issues with no prior experience.
And yes - perhaps you should have known better. But then at least it gives you the chance to tell people on a forum that they've learnt a lesson that they had no idea was there to learn.
Let's keep this forum supportive and constructive not denegrate it into a pity party.
ahmett
Prominent member
well, you see if i made some research on my gearbox before buying it, i would have realised that there were many problems with the system. so its 100% my fault.
Well put. I've driven FIATs for over 30 years and apart from two disastrous flings with German cars (reliability) I've never had any major issues, unless I did expect them (i.e. I paid £50 at auction).
The curent FIAT 500 issue is nothing to do with the excellent Polish build-quality - it's clearly software. And like many issues with software-systems these days, it probably was rushed-out without proper testing to meet a deadline. We all know the score - hello Apple and Android.
What I cannot fathom is why the fix has taken so long. The brand new 1.2 500 I hired in Spain last month was fine - even though I was expecting the 'hill-start' issues in a hilly country.
As for you, I'm pretty certain that had you expected any issues with the car you probably wouldn't have bought it in the first place, soul or not.
But there are not several issues, there are countless dualogics which have no issues what so ever!