Last time my car was in for a service they....

1/Changed the Spark Plugs. Problem was they didn't need changing.
2/Didn't change the Climate Control Pollen Filters. Result? They broke up and made a mess of the trunking and also blew one of the motors.
3/ Overtightened the Oil Sump plug leaving me with a hairline crack. A crack they proceeded to cover up with mastic!

They refunded the costs on 1, refunded the repair costs on 2 (I had it repaired elsewhere), on point 3 they didn't believe me. Saying it was done prior to their "service" (and I use the term Service very loosly). Quite obvious to me they didn't use a torque wrench!! I had to have a new Sump fitted at my cost. Again elsewhere.

I have heard many bad stories since about this dealership.

hiya, is that the desira southgate fiat place? on colney hatch lane? i just bought my car from them, they did me out of a months tax and insurance so wasnt pleased myself, thanx for the warning, will go to another fiat dealer for my service xx

If you're unhappy with Desira Southgate, then try Continental in Tufnell Park. They're a FIAT Aftersales Dealer and do a very good job.

Desira Southgate (or Disaster Motors, as my wife calls them) can vary enormously.

eg
1. Failed to fix slow electric window - still slow.
2. Temporary relief only from clonking rear susp - handbrake bush, apparently.

BUT !!
Heroic effort to turn round failed ECU under warranty. The car wasn't trailered to them until midday, it was fixed by 3.30. Beat That!!Thanks, Dino.

AA recovered in punto to AHF Southampton with misfire, diagnosed still on the truck,renewed ECU as AA were booking in car details Job done before he got back to his truck........I think that beat that!!!!

I wouldn't wish Desira in Southgate upon anybody. Their customer service is v.poor. I don't think i've ever been to their service counter without seeing an arguement in proccess. They actually try and talk their way out of situations, which, is all good if you haven't got a clue about cars, but if you have they just dig their hole even deeper! There was only one guy I used to talk to there who actually knew what he was talking about and his name was Dino. However he has now moved over to the Alfa service team.

An alternative to Desira is Glyn Hopkin in epping.

Carlo

Good Garage in London

If you are looking for a good garage, then I highly recommend that you try Continental Cars in Tuffnel Park. Thair Website address is http://www.continentalcars.net/

I beleive that they offer a really good service, their prices are pretty much standard as they use the menu pricing scheme. They did all the work I wanted in the time that they quoted, Nice job done and the car runs like a dream. They are only a 5 min walk from Tuffnel Park Underground Station (Northern Line) so it is handy for collection.

The staff are friendly and put up with my nagging like an ald woman when I dropped it off.

If enough people mention the fiat forum then we may eventually earn a discount !!!!.

Regards
Peter

You could try dtrsports in East Cheam. Very pleased with their work.

i never realised that some people here actually lived in my area.. a good fiat dealer is Glyn Hopkin in Woodford. its the other side of enfield to you guys (only about 15mins drive round the A406) or 30mins drive through enfield (via Town). I dont have one complaint from them, they are friendly and reliable. Obviously they rip you off, they are fiat afterall, but what can you do everywhere rips you off nowadays.

its just here - http://www.multimap.com/map/browse....ble=&ovtype=&zm=0&scale=5000&out.x=6&out.y=13

just where it says "tennish courts" is the place, on the corner of brook road

Nice to hear there are some locals in this forum

Hey guys i'm in Enfield, north london, and looking for someone to fit a set of new springs to my stilo as my existing need replacing...anyone know of a garage willing to fit already purchased springs to my car?

Took in my Ulesse as the FAP level too low warning was being displayed.

They took 2 hours and charged me for a diagnostic check (£40 + VAT) which I do not beleive was carried out as they gave me no print-out and told me that the FAP level was too low.(Surprise Eh! as that was why I took it in))

They told me it needed 5 LTR of FAP additive at £40 per litre, total job would cost over £300.

I took it to another Fiat service centre in Hemel Hempstead who connected it to a diagnostic unit and gave me the print-out showing that the fuel cap sensor was in fact faulty. They topped up the FAP additive, it took only 3 LTR and charged me the list price of £27 per LTR plus the labour (1/2 Hour)

I would avoid desira like the plague.

I nearly booked my Cinq into Desira today, now I won't be. Cheers!

I live in Walthamstow - it's good to see a couple of recommendations on here, thanks guys

Fabien

Walthamstow eh? Try Grove Coachworks in Chingford next time you need anything done. They arent a dealers but are a Fiat approved garage. they specialise in alfas and fiats but will work on anything. very large place behind the texaco garage on Sewardstone Road.

Avoid Desira.

Thanks Bushboy for the heads up
Mine's a cinq with a punto 1242 - I'd prefer to use a dealership which has warranty and Fiat parts

I use Startec in Wood Green N london. Reasonably priced MOT's and run by all Italians.The owner ,Lee, runs a 156 alfa.Lee is from Sicilly and the head mechanic is from Naples. Ask for Lee who is the boss.

There are a couple of good mechanics at desira (one changed my belts , no income tax no vat). I think it just depends who works on your car tbh.