General Customer service does not exist anymore

[Djbonnett]

REF:In the "Things to be aware of" thread


23. check how your rear number plate is affixed to the tailgate, it should be via 4 screws towards the corner of the plate, that locate neatly into four plastic plugs already fitted into the metalwork, alternatively, a trio of those super strong sticky pads. what it shouldn't be, are two screws which go THROUGH THE PAINTED METAL!! it's been seen on at least on car, and whilst not a manufacturer fault, i'd certainly be steaming at the dealer.....



I have just bought a brand new 1,1 active from Arnold Clarke in Ambelcote, Stourbridge, West Midlands and they have done exactly this AND to top it off... the number plate is not even straight!

I have challenged them about this and they are not interested, looks like I will be writing to the Director of Arnold Clarke for an official complaint.

Customer service does not exist anymore.

 

[kipster1]

I can understand why you are fuming .
At least my dealer used the correct fittings, but............the plate was wonky. Bought a new one on ebay for about £5.00 and fitted it myself.

Slackers!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Best of luck with trying to get it sorted

Keep us updated

Jon.

 

[doctorchris]

I don't think any UK Fiat dealer uses the correct method of fixing the rear number plate.
I asked the dealer to fix my rear plate with double-sided tape, which they did. However, when my Panda was rear-ended, needing a new tailgate, the plate was screwed into the metal with 2 screws.
The only consolation is that the car will long be of scrap value before any corrosion from these tailgate screwholes becomes apparent.

 

[Jai]

I don't think any UK Fiat dealer uses the correct method of fixing the rear number plate.

thames fiat do....well did in 2004

 

[ThisBitterPill]

thames fiat do....well did in 2004

And Perrys.... 4 x screws into the corners!

 

[puffed out daddy]

same with my 100 hp, bought august 07.
4 self tappers straight through the tail gate.

 

[306maxi]

I don't think any UK Fiat dealer uses the correct method of fixing the rear number plate.
I asked the dealer to fix my rear plate with double-sided tape, which they did. However, when my Panda was rear-ended, needing a new tailgate, the plate was screwed into the metal with 2 screws.
The only consolation is that the car will long be of scrap value before any corrosion from these tailgate screwholes becomes apparent.

Slaters in North Wales did!

 

[freehighlander]

It does at Arnold Clark Elgin Moray.
Plate afixed with the Sticky pads and the plastic plugs and screws in the glove box if I need them.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Sisters mk3 is done with 4 screws as it should be. Not sure exactly where it was brought, but somewhere around Glasgow, Scotland.

The same can't be said for my Ipswich Registered Stilo though :bang:

 

[trackdayqueen]

The dealer put two screws through the tailgate on my MJ. When I was buying the 100hp I mentione this, the dealer used sticky pads front and rear. The front number plate fell of a few months ago, so had to get another which has been stuck on and seems to be fine. Given the choice I wish they had drilled the front one due to the curvature of the bumper.

 

[306maxi]

The front is through the plastic bumper isn't it? It's not a problem through plastic

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

The front is through the plastic bumper isn't it? It's not a problem through plastic

Ah, but they can still even **** this up by the looks of sisters mk3 when transfering plates.

They've done 2 holes, which were directly infront of metal crossmember, so had to do another 2 it would seem.

Front is suppost to be done with 4 like the rear also. The little indentaions for screwing are there lol.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

I'm sorry but I've got to ask this. Has anyone actually had a rust problem with plates screwed through the metal on the Panda? (not 'do you have a prblem with the way they've done it'. Do you actually have rust?)

Many many years ago I had a Renualt 14, and yes, the tailgate rusted where the plate screws were. But then that car was water soluble and everything rusted away very quickly. The Panda tailgate is galvanised, and as such, a small hole made by a self tapper is not likely to cause rust, so long as you don't take the screws out again. (Look up how zinc moleclues are 'mobile' and offer protection even if small penetrations are made through the protected metal surface). My 2005 Panda has the rear plate held by two screws (plastic I think), and there's no sign of trouble (looking from inside behind the tailgate trim).

There's a good reason why some dealers do it -- cos it looks better. The 'proper' Fiat mounts don't look right: the bottom right corner screw is offset. I know this because on my Multi I complained that the screws weren't equally spaced in the corners of the plate, and they showed me why not (on a new car that had yet to have the plates fitted). The Panda's 'official' mounts give the same lop-sided look.

 

[Advanced Driver]

Hillhopper, Pandas have only been around for just over 5 years (I think), so there really shouldn't be any rust. Give it another 5-10 years though, and who knows what will happen? Very few people will actually remove the plates to take a look anyway though, so they wouldn't spot rust when it's just starting.

My car is from Thames Fiat too, and I did ask them to fit it correctly. When the car arrived they gave me a call, and asked me to visit them to confirm where I wanted the screws for the front one. For the rear they used the mounting holes, but they said that they don't use the correct holes for the front because it doesn't look good because of the way it is curved. I wasn't too bothered about the front anyway because it's plastic, but it was nice that they went out of their way to get it right. They knew what I was like though, they probably wouldn't do that with the majority of customers

 

[thetwonk]

Sept 08 Perry's of Aylesbury perfectly fitted plates in plastic inserts into pre-cut holes. Bought the car over the phone for the best ( equal to supersaver) price and with a fair trade in on top.

Car spotless even got free side strips could not be more satisfied.

 

[Djbonnett]

"The squeeky wheel gets the most grease!!! "

I love that saying.

This is the latest update on my complaint to Arnold Clarke:

After much writing of emails of complaints and getting Fiat involved they agreed to a new tailgate with number plate fitted as Fiat intended.

Looks like 7 years of working in RAC customer complaints actually helped me for something after all!

BUT it shouldnt have come to this.

I hope they sacked somone for this, they should be thankfull they have a job.

 

[Geddes]

After much writing of emails of complaints and getting Fiat involved they agreed to a new tailgate with number plate fitted as Fiat intended.

Welcome to an exciting new world of trying to get your tailgate painted to match the rest of the car.

Or if they're as good as BP Rolls:

Welcome to an exciting new world of trying to get your tailgate bolted on straight.

 

[rob_g_clarkson]

I hope they sacked somone for this, they should be thankfull they have a job.

glad your sorted, but come on, that's a bit harsh isn't it? You want to put someone out of work for incorrectly fitting a number plate?!?

 

[babbo umbro]

Vospers in Exeter stuck both plates on Mrs Babbo umbro's MJ and my 100HP - front one on 100HP was a bit flaky initially but lots of stickies seem to have sorted it out.