Shane C

Avoid avoid avoid

Bought a 3-year-old Golf in Strabane. My experience of both Omagh & Strabane is very poor. Prepurchase, I regret not bringing a mechanic with me or getting it checked over post purchase. During test drive, I pointed out the battery key needed replaced and the brake disks were rough. I knew they weren’t servicing my car as they had serviced it 3 months beforehand. I was assured the car would be fully inspected however. Upon collection, when I started up the car, battery key warning light still remained. No big issue but I was dubious how a mechanic/valeter could inspect/wash a car and not spot the dash light. The battery key did get changed that day whilst we went to the nearby shops. Other precollection issues: At initial phone enquiry, I was told the car had a full-service history. When I went to view the car, the service book could not be found, and they could only provide paperwork for the service they did 3 months prior and an oral history for before that. They kept saying all service histories are gone digital yet couldn’t print me out this digital history. I suggested they order a new service book off VW. I then went to Belfast to get the prior services filled in after purchase. After doing the deal, I realised the car had no mudflaps. An understandable extra charge; but one I was overcharged for. I said nothing on the day as there'd already been enough delays with the battery key. 3 months later and my first service was due. By just looking at the car, my mechanic could see the rear pads were worn to nothing and disks corroded. I then noticed the service they last did said 20% rear pads remained on the invoice. I called Omagh to enquire and was told 20% is loads on a Golf. I then contacted 2 VW dealerships to ask when they change pads. Both said between 20 and 30%. Contacting Strabane sales, the response was ‘you have a warranty with the car’. Then realising brakes aren’t covered under their 3rd party warranty I was told sorry ’nothing they can do’. Being surprised how a car was sold in this condition, all the salesperson could say was 'they knew nothing about brakes' and the car was originally an Omagh car and I’d have to contact them. Here I was passed from Strabane sales to Omagh sales, Omagh service and Omagh management over a number of weeks for a simple brake issue. When Omagh contacted me, they clearly stated ‘they won’t be putting any pads or disks on my car’. All they could refer to was the miles I covered in the car and not explain why the car was sold in that condition. When they realised my car was due a service, the offered to replace the rear pads and disks free if I paid £300 for a service. Declining this offer, they now wanted to 'inspect the car' despite me sending pics. This was no issue. Here, they noted the rear disk corrosion but stated rear pads had now 40% remaining. The Service manager said he'd have to speak with senior management and would call me Monday. I said I'd been messed about for 3 weeks now and could he not go into his ‘senior management’ in the office next door. At this point, myself and father were brought into the senior managers office. I’ve never met a more patronising and rude man. His attitude was ‘who did we think we were’ stating ‘he employs managers to deal with people like us’. The manner in which we were berated was uncalled for considering how courteous, realistic, and fair I had been at all times. That Monday I got a call to say as a gesture of goodwill, they would cover ‘only’ the rear disks. I'd have to pay for the rear pads + 1 hr labour (£129). Without any goodwill, my own mechanic quoted me the same price using VW parts. Losing all trust and credibility I got the work done myself. My mechanic confirmed that both front&rear disks&pads needed replaced. I pursued the small claims court and got awarded full judgment. Payment was not received within the judgment timeframe. After engaging a solicitor, full payment was then received. The only small thing is their extended used car warranty is very good. To date, its covered 2 rear shocks+ a full timing belt kit.