Agree that caution needs to be exercised here - phrases like "forum approved" narrow the field down massively, so unless you have something concrete to say about a specific person/business, and can/are prepared to substantiate it, it's best left non-specific.

No-one has said "forum approved" in the context of this issue though

Also, the forum approves no garages, they are just recommendations

Hence putting them in inverted commas

Whats wrong with narrowing down the field though? Am I not allowed to let others know what i experienced? whether or not it is a specialist or a barnyard garage is irrelevant.

I was referring to Cappo, not your post

If yours is a founded experience and founded on truth and not hearsay then I see no problem on airing your experience

The term was used above though - Kelv, not targeting you, I'm just saying (to everyone) if you have an issue which is real and which you can stand by, then say so and say who it is and let the other party respond; however, if you're just a bit generally pissed off with a garage "known" to this forum but won't be specific and justify your actions, then that's not good for anyone as all it does is leave everyone to speculate on who you're talking about and what they did/didn't do.

Sorry i didn't make this clear. When i mentioned 'forum approved' i was implying to the experience i had..nothing to do with the situation in which this thread was started upon.

My issue is nothing to shout about. The other party was contacted and the issue couldn't be rectified due to circumstances which neither me nor the person could blame. I'm not trying to attack any particular garage. What I am saying is that the forum doesn't really allow people to speak freely of their experiences of a well known garage?

As mentioned, i remember reading another thread whereby the forum member wasn't very happy..the other party responded but it was inconclusive and he still wasn't happy...its a situation whereby no one will ever know what the truth is without it going into litigation. However, the fact is that the person is unhappy and is entitled to give a negative feedback. Let that feedback be known.

If you look at the feedback system on ebay, you are allowed to put a negative feedback and if the situation is resolved, you can easily revoke it.

Not trying to antagonize anybody...

This started on the 27th June. It's now 13th July!!!!
The garage keeps putting him off (I'm assuming for the past fortnight)
They are now uncontactable and your mate doesn't even know where his car is anymore!!!!

It is completely inexcusable behaviour on the garages part. To say everyone deserves a chance to rectify the issue is laughable. Utterly utterly laughable.

I'd be beating down their door, naming and shaming them and never returning any work their way again.

This reminds me of a tale a neighbour told me about. Turned out the garage had taken the motor out for a spin and crashed it. Then gave the guy the runaround for nearly 4 weeks. Unfortunately for the garage the owner of the car was good friends with a guy who worked in a body shop and knew the car. And was able to tell on not too close of an inspection that the car had had new panels fitted and sprayed.

I'm not sure if Pistonheads are a bit OTT with regard to this, but they wont allow ANY name and shame threads due to fear of legal repercussions.

As long as what is stated is the truth there can be no legal reprecussions.

Also, isn't there sites out there for rating tradesmen?

I think you should make 'note to self' on this own bit of advice

Its been very difficult to sit on my fingers and not respond to this post up until now.

Its been an incredible thread which only highlights that an over zealous reaction is very foolish indeed considering the following FACTS:

1. The 'friend' in question had NOT sanctioned his situation to be discussed over the forum nor had he approved it.

2. He has been liasing with the garage through EVERY step of the way and had been informed of the processes and is in FULL picture of all the hows, whys and when...(The customer was not told the car is ready, so garage cannot be held responsible for customers logistic plans! In fact customer had told the garage the earliest he can pick up the car is 18th July)


Making analysis on one's own opinion and commenting on third hand information is gossip and this is no basis for a fair review. Good or bad.

This post has not prompted any accelerated resolution as the customer and garage agreement has not changed its original course.. No forum power here im afraid!

The customer and garage have been in contact with eachother and customer has NOT expressed any complaints nor is there any foul play on the behalf of the garage.

The only foul play to me, seems to be from an over zealous self appointed representative who has believed the ONLY logical action must be to consult the forum FIRST without obtaining full facts

Quite incredible that there's two versions of the same incident that are so at odds with eachother.

Incredible? Isn't it always the way!!

Yes I should have known better than to say that, considering I've just had a lengthy court battle with a garage whose version of events where completely at odds to mine.

i'm very surprised at how different the story's are, having now heard/read both sides... some one has been a little economical with the truth

I was told no contact had been made
no finish date had been given
and that the person had not wanted to go in person to make there own comment for the back lash complaining about a well respected garage. he had indeed sanctioned the post and asked for it to be made on his behaf

as ever, there are two sides to a story, and i suspect ill never know what really happened and who is telling the 100% truth here. mabe its now time for the member to come forth and lets here this first hand from the horses mouth

In all honesty, why on earth does this matter to you

With respect, these posts are only made silly by people sticking their tuppence in, where quite frankly, its not needed or even useful.

Yep, I'm also struggling to understand where anyone is adding any benefit to this entire situation, including this thread, and I think it's time it was locked. The parties involved should take it to a privtae discussion using a media of their own preference and bringing in friends if they think they need to.

because i have seeing people get taken the piss out of, simple as that. the lad involved is a nice chap but sadly doesn't have the balls to say anything him self.
On this occasion im not sure i was being told the hole truth, this is why i also said let the garage offer a reson before every one jumps on a bandwagon, lets here there side. there could be a very good reason for all of this....which there seems to be.

As regards your last statement, well, i dont know were to start. how about angree bitter chip on shoulder mods who couldn't mod there way out of a paper bag? You clearly don't care for the people you are here help, people are entitled to there opinions and thoughts. And i will be voicing mine at the next agm