General Service advice

[boozyjay]

Hi all,

I've just booked my Panda TwinAir in for it's annual service at my local Fiat dealer. It's a 2018 model and it's done 18,000 miles. it's a minor service this year, but the service receptionist has advised a cambelt and water pump change as it's five years old. Now I know main dealers like to add things on and charge accordingly (£445.00 for cambelt and water pump alone on this occasion) I said no and would just like the service carrying out, but does anyone advise getting this done on my Panda yet, considering the age and low mileage? If so, I'll get my local garage to do it and save the money.

Thanks.

 

[varesecrazy]

IT HAS NO CAMBELT..!!

its a chain..

 

[boozyjay]

IT HAS NO CAMBELT..!!

its a chain..

The crafty so and so's!!

 

[Marcus Daly]

Stoneacre, by any chance?

 

[andyvee]

IT HAS NO CAMBELT..!!

its a chain..

Was about to say the same but you beat me to it

 

[boozyjay]

Stoneacre, by any chance?

Research Fiat Nuneaton.

 

[KPat]

I was in the same situation a while ago. Five years old Panda with only 17,000 miles clocked. Fiat service advised new cambelt due but I waited another year then did the job myself. Piece of cake with the right tools.

 

[porta]

Stoneacre, by any chance?

I think it’s a trait of Stoneacre, they were the same with Suzuki (wife’s past cars)

 

[Panda IIs]

Hi all,

I've just booked my Panda TwinAir in for it's annual service at my local Fiat dealer. It's a 2018 model and it's done 18,000 miles. it's a minor service this year, but the service receptionist has advised a cambelt and water pump change as it's five years old. Now I know main dealers like to add things on and charge accordingly (£445.00 for cambelt and water pump alone on this occasion) I said no and would just like the service carrying out, but does anyone advise getting this done on my Panda yet, considering the age and low mileage? If so, I'll get my local garage to do it and save the money.

Thanks.

Doh; their not knowing the engine architecture would be enough for me to pull the plug on them and go find a decent Independent! Sometimes easier said than done but the above would not give me confidence - maybe you should ask them to check out the DPF as a last chance..?

 

[KPat]

I think it’s a trait of Stoneacre, they were the same with Suzuki (wife’s past cars)

Yes they are always pushing extra products. I keep away from them now. They didn't even put the correct oil grade in the engine when it was serviced.

 

[varesecrazy]

They didn't even put the correct oil grade in the engine when it was serviced.

Thats not unusual..

A big Plus for DIY... especially if your vehicle is 'fussy'

 

[Mouse1903]

Pretty poor from a dealer who should know about the car. Only belt on the TA is the aux which isn't due until 8 years from new

 

[The Panda Nut]

Research Fiat Nuneaton.

Well I suggest you write to Fiat customer services and ask what they are going to do about this bunch of idiots trying to do work of this typre on your car and charge for it. Its fraud and there is NO EXCUSE whatsoever for this being suggetsed. Also ring trading standards and report it as they have specialists who look into this sort of thing. The person suggesting this need to be corrected and retrained and the garage need to apologise. WHAT A BUNCH OF WASTERS they are! Clearly not to be trusted with any further work in case they try fitting air suspension or wings or filling the sump with milk!

 

[Marcus Daly]

Yes they are always pushing extra products. I keep away from them now. They didn't even put the correct oil grade in the engine when it was serviced.

It's one of the reasons I've kicked Stoneacre into the long grass. Life's too short to have to say "no thank you" to a hundred different bull**** add-ons when you're just trying to book the manufacturer's recommended service.

Fiat and I also both caught my local Stoneacre service manager lying to both of us, which sealed the deal (but that's a whole 'nother story).