Hi All,

It's been a while since I posted (around 4 months, cos thats how long it took to fix my car!) A brief re-cap. Driving down the motorway 15 miles after a refuel at around 80 so not stressing the engine. Restricted performance mode comes on. I already have my GAP tool connected so pull over, clear the fault and set off. Immediately it did it again so I stopped and waited for recovery.

2.5 hours later they arrived and got the car on the back of the lorry. After much waiting a local garage thought the timing chain had slipped but they didn't have the necessary to equipment to deal with it so would send it off to a specialist in Cumnock.

After waiting a while for proper diagnosis it is confirmed the timing chain has slipped but luckily no damage to the the engine otherwise. I was told this would be a 3 day Job to do chains and tensioners. Keen to keep on track for my Easter caravan break I was like, ok lets get it fixed.

After they had removed the covers and top bits of the engine (technical, I know) it is discovered they need a special tool to pull out the injectors. This is to come from somewhere on mainland Europe and will be sometime before it is delivered. As this is a tool the garage won't use again he tells me he will pass the cost on to me.

So after a few weeks of waiting I decide, having spoken to a friend who is a mechanic to make a surprise visit, hoping that they aren't as far down the road as they said so I can get the car picked up and taken somewhere else. Unfortunately they are. The supercharger is in the boot and the top of the engine is to the level they can get to while waiting for the tool.

I talk to the owner of the garage and voice my concerns about the fact if he couldn't do the job then he shouldn't have taken it on..... After much discussion it is agreed that he won't be charging me for the special tools.

After 3 months another part needs to be ordered but it has to come from America so is up to a 3 week lead time. I tell him to order it as it is cheaper than the jaguar repair kit.

I had decided to sell the car before this happened which I had interest in but the length of time the repair took obviously the buyer found something else. I decided, after a few weeks that I will order a new car with warranty etc. Enter (wait of it.....) Skoda Superb L&K 280 4x4 estate. The shock from people when you go from a FF to a Skoda is not inconsiderable.

I think to my self. I know it is a 4 month lead time but I will have the FF between time to see me through. My Skoda came a little early. I picked it up on the 27th June. Went to Croatia for 10 days (Flying, not driving), and called the garage where the FF is to check if it is fixed. It is!!!

The cost of this. £4,198.00 . They had to take the engine out apparently to get access to the oil spray bar at the bottom which had been mashed up so the labour was longer than originally quoted. I haven't been to see the car yet as I am going through the invoice to check everything they have done.

One thing I can see is that they have put 5w 30 oil in. Shouldn't it be 5w 20?

I have missed a few things out here about the garage. I feel the service they have provided versus the expectation when the car went in has been way below where I would expect. Is it reasonable I ask for a discount or some form combo for the length of time they have had the car when I was originally told it was a 3 day job?

I suppose I am writing this cathartically but would welcome opinions. My wife thinks I have been way to soft and should have kicked up a right stink.

The Skoda is excellent. Not a Fatty but it's new and it cost less to run that on a PCP than it did to fuel they fatty. incase it isn't obvious by now.... I am still selling it.

I have spent a lot of money on it. Had it detailed professionally, It has a full set of low mileage winter tyres. I have lavished it but I have had enough. If anyone is interested in it let me know. It will be going on Autotrader again when I get it back and take some fresh pics. Would take £19k for it. 97k miles 2 owners inc and has a full history. Detachable tow bar, roof bars etc...

Thanks

Kev

That's what I call bad luck I hope you get what you are are asking for the FATTY😥. I have to say I was also thinking of a skoda as it's almost bullet proof part of the VAG group it's at the bottom of he chain so you know it works tried and tested parts 👍

Bad luck Mcnallykev, glwts. 3 months is a long time and I don't really have sny solution for you.
my wife would have been on the case quicker than me.
Glad you like the skoda, I too will be vacating ffrr ownership before the winter, it looks like a blue oval job for us.
greg

Cheers guys. The skoda is excellent. The stereo is much better than the rr. It has similar performance and is a bit more economical! Factory fitted tow bar and reversing camera are excellent options for hitching up as you can change the view to be directly above the tow ball. I get some pics of the fatty when I get it.l back and cleaned.