WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???

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Spider1V
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Joined: 21.10.2007
Location: Beaconsfield, Bucks
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I have noted the dates on the various posts and although some time back, am now mighty worried. :!: I have just gone and brought a G500 (2001) from Ballon/Gwagen Centre in Mapledurham, due to get it on the third nov. I understand it (caversham) is now under new management, and while all checks have come back with good news (AA and some tips from the troops in Malvern), reading through the various horror stories I am now concerned!

I have written up my opinion of the new owner - James and my experiance so far (quite good), and have had some positive feed back from other members on that, but coming across this part of the forum has really shaken me up! :shock:

Being new to G Wagens and not being covered under the 'bullet proof' MB shield and non practical, changing a plug yes, maintenance on a car - no, I would hate to get the car down the road and everything go wrong!

Please, please, please could you post some positive remarks as experience has taught me a leopard can't change it's spots! – Still want a G – bit not of I have to deal with a hole load pf poo!

Spider1V

Maxwell Smart
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Joined: 04.11.2003
Location: London
Re: WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???

The bad press relates to the previous owner called Max from whom James took over.

The only bad press that James is so far getting is the fact that he is a little overworked and not returning calls/messges as promptly as he should.

Have sent you a PM.

mortinson
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Joined: 05.11.2003
Location: Old beehive, Madrid, Spain
Re: WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???

No worries Spiderman, as Maxwell says the bad vibrations were all due to the previous owner. It looks to me that we have to give the benefit of the doubt to the current owner and see if we can trust on him!

Spider1V
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Joined: 21.10.2007
Location: Beaconsfield, Bucks
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Re: WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???

As promised an update now I am in possession of my new (ish) G500.

James has done everything I have asked; MOT, TAX, CERT to try and beat the Congestion charge, removed the badges from the car, full professional valet, change all the wiper blades (and I only asked for one), replaced the whole front screen (when it could have got away with an in fill), did a walk around and explained what did what and how to use the various buttons – a process that I found professional and extremely courteous he even provided the car 24hrs early! We walked through the paper work step by step, he was clear and concise and made sure I was happy by explaining any bits I was unsure about and was happy to go at my pace and not his – unlike a lot of car sales I have experienced!

What a great drive home – stuck in traffic but a great drive home none the less.

So, the challenges he has to address;

Provide a new spare key (only one supplied, and that was broken)
Address one of the illuminated plate steps (it is bent and does not allow easy access to the CD player located under the passenger seat)
Some how re –adherer the small bit of wood that has come off on the passenger side
One of the binical lamps lighting the Speedo works intermittently
And a slight rattle that has developed (it was not there on both the test drives) on the drivers door.
Oh yes….
While driving today, had an issue with the ‘kick down’ feature on the accelerator – see technical forums - Petrol.

All of these have been reported in to James and to his credit he has called me back today (Saturday) and given me an update on the key and doing the fixing of the wood and illuminated step and I will be taking it down to him later next week – Tuesday/Wednesday.

Overall the experience, so far, has been good on the pre sales side and hand over – which is to be expected, however I will keep you posted on the after sales service which is where the real test will come.

Spider1V

Maxwell Smart
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Joined: 04.11.2003
Location: London
Re: WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???

That wood falling off is all too common - particularly when people pull the door shut by the front of the handle. Which make sure they don't do as eventually it will pull the top of the handle off.