Bad experience RAC registered garage

  • Twomers's Avatar
    I sought the advice of an RAC approved garage in Cornwall, to investigate an intermittent whistle on acceleration and deceleration and fumes coming into the cab.

    They initially stated that it 'might' be the turbo and suggested a new one. I queried this, as there were no other issues, like loss of power, black smoke, pressure was ok. I was told the engine was noisy - but i'd had no issues with engine noise. Then I was told "well engine noise is quieter inside, and I probably hadn't noticed it before".

    I asked them to confirm whether it definitely was the turbo, I didn't want to replace a part needlessly. I was later told that it wasn't the turbo, it was a gasket. But I was also advise as they had taken out the turbo to diagnose the issue, if the turbo failed in the future, they would have to take it apart again .... I felt like I was being pressured to have the turbo replaced

    They were unable to fix it before I was due to go on holiday due to getting the parts. I asked them to return my van but they told me it was in bits and they couldn't get to it as there were other jobs in front of me. They kept my van for days, releasing it the day before my trip.

    The mechanics are all very young, I don't trust that they know what they are doing or that they are being honest with me. The whistle turned out to be feedback from an mp3 player through my radio.

    I returned to the garage, after my trip to have the gaskets replaced. Again I felt pressure to have the turbo replaced. I queried again if it was faulty, and was told that there was oil coming out of it and it was a bit worn, so I capitulated.

    A week later I collected my van, my total bill £1713.24. The van has been sluggish since the work was done and recently the 'Glow Plug' warning light came on.

    I had it diagnosed by an independent garage who found a VW Code P0299 which is a power drain diagnostic code that indicates a turbocharger under boost condition. I want this rectified at no further cost to me, but I don't trust the garage.

    Any advice would be appreciated[/LIST]



  • 1 Reply

  • NMNeil's Avatar
    Did they give any sort of warranty on their work?