- Joined
- Sep 14, 2006
- Messages
- 142
- Points
- 31
Just returned from our hols at Lake Garda, Italy. We drove down in the Stilo through France, Switzerland and past Milan to Garda. Ran like a dream and averaged 44mpg doing 80mph and with a roof box on! However 3 days before our return, my front offside spring broke and I had to go to the nearest Fiat dealer for a replacement. I found one at Desenzano who was a Fiat, Alfa & Lancia main dealer and with my pidgeon Italian explained the problem. He didn't have one in stock, but got one from Torino next day delivery then fitted it for a total of, wait for it....137 euros which is £97.16.
Their labour rate is 35 euros an hour. So I just rang Mangoletsi my local dealer and was quoted £199.75 inc vat for the same job
What a difference and just goes to show what a rip off dealers are in the UK. Can you imagine what a foreign tourist might get shafted for here from a main dealer 
The car itself attracted more than a few looks, as you don't get many British Tourists there, mainly German & Dutch.
The car itself attracted more than a few looks, as you don't get many British Tourists there, mainly German & Dutch.