I've just given a local Fiat/Alfa specialist a call to get a price for a full service and MOT and they've said they can't quote me a price without knowing my chassis number and Reg?!

What's their beef - you don't reckon they are going to clone my car, steal my details and maybe throw a bit of blackmail into the mix?! I really don't want to be on the next series of Facejacker either!

But on a more serious note, why do they need all that info, i've never had to give my chassis number out for a servicing quote before!?

Completely normal, Every main dealer garage I have ever had the pleasure of using asked the same question.

Toyota are horrendous for it, wont even let you order by part number

Well Sam, it's not completely normal is it? I see your point Darlo, this kind of information was never previously needed therefore why is it needed now??

I agree, why the hell do they need all this info?

maybe they've been asked to order something in the past for a "fiat coupé and when the part/car turned up it was the wrong vriant? just a guess, but personally it wouldn't bother me - i'd probably assume they were being very thorough in their checks

Nick

As a main dealer, alot of our systems are online fixed priced systems.

By dropping the chassis number it ensures we quote the right parts and current RRP's etc. Moons ago when I worked at Alfa and the twin spark engine came out, my apprentise was quoting 4 spark plugs at £20+ per plug.... only for me to have to pay for the other 4 plugs when the customer questioned the bill.

Don't worry about cloning your car etc.... all they need is a reg number to get your key

They take your numbers so they can be sure they have the right parts for the car for the service. For the most part the main dealers parts section has gone down hill

I have a few makes who used to work for i.e Jag & Toyota, They were replaced with monkeys who could use a PC. They know nothing of the car or different versions so its very much a "computer said no* situation. It was with a view to keeping costs down.

So yes, it is completely normal in my own experience.

Lets look at it this way, what are there, 7 variants of coupe?

16v
16vt
20v
20v vis
20vt
20vt + 6 speed
20vt LE 6 speed
hell, there is even late 20vt's with a 6 speed

then there are the sub changes with in each model, early 20vt's have a different dash than the later 20vt's (that's the only obvious one that most people will know.

I suppose one could say there just not opening them self's up to a mistake

Ah! Now we know - nice one chaps

Yea, i see how providing the number makes sense. I think it was more he caught me off guard when he asked for it as i've never been asked to provide it before from other garages!

So now i've get to get up from my comfy chair, go downstairs, go all the way across the carpark to get the chassis number...... they better give me a cheap quote!!

Gimme your reg... I'll give you your chassis number

Here in France i am allways asked if they can see my log book when ordering parts.As i have to have the log book in the vehicle by law,its never a problem.