Caledonia Manchester & Mangoletsi

After unsuccessfully managing to fix my airbag problem myself on my Stilo JTD, even with all the good tips on this forum, I decided to ring a couple of dealers, to price up putting it on a tester.

Mangoletsi near Knutsford wanted £78 which seemed expensive (everything always is with them!) as I only wanted a diagnostic report. So I tried Caledonia in Manchester. They wanted £38 so off I went.

After about 40 minutes in the workshop they handed it back not only diagnosed, but repaired and guaranteed it against the same fault reoccuring .

Throughout my visit, the service was good and courteous, unlike Mangoletsi who's snotty Alfa Romeo staff always seem to be looking down their noses at the Fiat owners.

I used Mangoletsi when I first got my Coupe in 2001 - they are expensive (although seem to do a good job).

They told me my turbo seals were going and arranged for the warranty chap to come and have a look - warrenty people said it was fine and Mangoletsi charged me £175 for dismantling and refitting the turbo (was really pissed off as they assured me the turbo would be replaced under warranty)

I have never used them again and the turbo lasted until this summer before it gave up (plumes of smoke when it happened!)

And yes, they are snotty!

Cheapest diagnostic place I have found was in Congleton - £20 at this place Mikeanics http://mikeanics.ohuk1st.net/index.htm

I bought my car from Mangoletsi & ok it was used and had a few stone chips but was otherwise a good car . The salesman promised a full valet and that they would get a 'Chips Away' type firm in the attend to these. Also it would have full service & a years MOT. I didn't worry as it was advertised as a 'Fiat Approved' car.

When I collected the car ok they had put 4 new tyres on it and changed the oil but not the fuel filter, pollen filter (filthy) no valet, the seat belt didn't retract properly and as for the stone chips, a 5 year old kid could have done better. The MOT hadn't been done either, it had 4 months left.

The point is that he offered all this & I didn't go for the hard haggle, if he had offered me a touch up pen at the point of sale I would have accepted that, but they treat you like a moron.

After a few phone calls including one to the sales manager, they sorted it all out, including a courtesy car with no fuel in it, very courteous!, but you don't need the hassle. I suppose I bought the spin about them being one of the oldest Fiat dealers etc.

The moral of the story is, if you buy from them, get everything in writing no matter how small. It's no wonder people get irritated with dealers.

I'm still really pleased with the car though.

Hi i have personal experience with the lads at fiat caledonian did'nt you mean in salford, i used to work with them as they are all ex DC cook (fiat) i was in the bodyshop, great lads know there stuff especialy delmo the big italian mech, and andy parts man, he still gets me parts for my uno turbo and gives me his 15% off, and is realy helpfull not like most parts people at all dealerships, there no is 0161 7089400

ive had nothing but trouble from caledonia manchester and refuse to use them anymore. Ive logged a complaint with fiat UK and written a letter of complaint to the dealership.

complete f**kwits

Yes you are quite right I do mean Salford. Not being from Manchester thought it was classed as Manchester! Sorry Salford

what problems did you have if it was the parts,well if it is thats because colin the old bald bloke (top parts man if fiat circles,, well known, respected,) has left well retired, but also has aquired 25+ years of parts from 06 models back and is making a list , and the 2 guys left, well not quite the same,