| Author |
Message |
Ghostrider (Threefivefive)
New member
Username: Threefivefive
Post Number: 17
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 7:07 pm: | |
Luciano, I expressed my thoughts in the main forum too, and just want to reitarate the comment that we should all compare notes, to ensure that nobody else falls into this trap, and more importantly, that this guy doesn't get any more business from any of us (and hopefully others).
Reputation is everything in their line, and by knowing the name, we can hopefully turn others (F-Car owners and otherwise) away from him. I personally get a lot of requests for shops given some of the exotics I have, and I can help in this manner.
Do let us know.
Regards. |
Bob Campen (Bob308gts)
Member
Username: Bob308gts
Post Number: 378
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 3:56 pm: | |
Please inform us who did this work, $4100 for carb sync/set, replace brake hose and repair oil leak????????? The carbs setting can be a real B to do worst case 20hrs, brake hose 1 hr oil leak 2-10 hrs, at $100 per hour 3100, parts at the outside 100. Even getting ripped per example still 900 high. We really need to know so none of us ever go there. |
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 617
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 2:45 pm: | |
Luciano, that's incredible. I would post the name, personally. There's a repair shop in the city that I pass on the train every day. For the past 6 weeks or so they have had a 308 sitting outside, adjacent to the train tracks, just soaking up the lovely Chicago fall weather. That was the first thing I thought of when I read your story. |
Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Junior Member
Username: Tifosi12
Post Number: 96
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 12:53 pm: | |
Not necessarily (and hard to imagine IMHO). There are other non official places around, which do however service Ferraris (along with Bentleys, R&R, Lambos etc). |
Bak-a-lack-a Bak-a-lacka-lacka ! (Chris_n_chicago)
Junior Member
Username: Chris_n_chicago
Post Number: 113
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 11:26 am: | |
well it has to be Continental. There are only two Ferrari service shops in Illinois.
But of course, inquiring minds want to know for sure... |
Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Junior Member
Username: Tifosi12
Post Number: 94
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 11:17 am: | |
Luciano,
sounds absolutely terrible. Sorry about your car. However without telling us who this facility is, we won't be safe to make the same mistake (unless we take it to Lake Forest, which you excluded from the list of suspects). If you don't like to put the name out here, pls send me an email, since myself, I haven't really settled on a service shop.
I took my previous cars to various garages of good reputation around Chicago and always tested the cars before and after. Never did I have your misfortune, but I did find some astonishing results, which caused me to take some names off that list. Right now I have one place in mind, which I think I would trust, but so far I haven't brought them my Ferrari yet (just because no service was due so far, I bought it freshly serviced).
Anyway, with only a few places doing Ferraris officially around Chicagoland, I think it would be a good idea if we all compare notes. Good and bad that is. |
luciano favero (Ontogenetic1007)
New member
Username: Ontogenetic1007
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 10:06 pm: | |
Good evening,
Having just been shocked by a very catastrophic and damaging experience with a Ferrari
repair facility in the Chicago Area, I wish to share it with you, as a preventive and
per chance constructive measure.
I have recently purchased a Ferrari in excellent overall condition.
Two independent inspections revealed that required work consisted of carburetors
synchronization, two right front brake hoses and a rear valve cover seal.
Initially I had intended to service the car at a facility in Wisconsin
whose work and reputation I am acquainted with or LFSC.
Unfortunately both were fully booked at the time, and
thus, in the interest of avoiding winter's temperament,
the car was foolishly entrusted with another facility which I shall refrain
from naming presently.
I obtained a quote and time frame from them for performing the work mentioned
above. Both the cost and time frame matched others'.
The car was dropped off on a Monday. By Friday hardly any progress had been made.
The person (owner) I communicated with was polite and the reasons given plausible.
The situation extended into the second week. During this week the excuses
became more artistic, e.g. "I have locked myself out of the shop", etc.
I became somewhat concerned. I was assured innumerable times that the
car would be ready the next day. Yet Friday came again and the situation
had hardly progressed. The third week brought ever more excuses,
with little progress.
Realizing that the situation was quickly spiraling out of control,
and having become extremely suspicious of what this facility may be doing to
the car, I informed them I shall be picking the car up.
I was told that the car is not drivable, that many parts were removed from the car.
This situation continued for the entirety of the third week, until finally, exasperated and
concerned, I informed them I shall be telephoning the police. Shortly after, I received a
telephone call stating that the car is ready. Subsequently I was faxed a bill in excess of $4100,
After questioning the integrity of this bill, I was promised a complimentary major service.
Although the car is not due for a major service for another 20k+ miles,
the offer did appear to avoid a potential law suit.
However, a visual inspection of the car revealed that it had suffered
some cosmetic damage, some parts had been badly mounted on the car,
screws were missing, and the engine bonnet was dangling.
The real surprise was the mechanical condition of the car.
Again, prior to being "serviced" by this facility, the car
started immediately, and drove and idled excellently, with the exception of occasional
backfire when downshifting at above 3500 rpms and slight
hesitation in 3rd gear at approximately 3500 rpms.
The condition after receiving a $4000+ "service" from this facility
was, to be polite and quote the facility's owner, terrible.
The car proved very difficult to start, and the owner of this facility
made some rough adjustments on the spot (he indicated that he has to do the entire job over).
During the short drive home, the car stalled at almost every stop light,
smoked and made rattling, popping and generally embarrassing noises,
as I sadly glanced the tachometer dance frantically in the absence of any right foot motion.
Upon arrival home, I inspected the car more thoroughly.
I proceeded to start the car again and a vast cloud of white smoke
was emitted from the rear. I became very concerned that
the car is unsafe for myself and others, eg. that it may catch on fire.
I immediately drove back to said facility and requested that
the owner test drive the car. Upon doing so, he confirmed that
the car is in terrible shape and that he wouldn't drive it in that condition.
What a "pleasant" surprise!
I asked if he doesn't find it embarrassing (politely speaking)
that he kept the car hostage for three weeks and what he was able to accomplish is monstrous.
He reminded me that he offered a free major service and that he will
correct everything that needs to be corrected in _two days_, from Monday, November 25th to just before the Thanksgiving holidays.
I was perplexed to say the least; particularly the two days comment struck me as far too
outlandish, much more suited for fairy tales than the base surroundings of this firm.
I asked for a prompt refund. He refused, stating that I had already paid (hence the refund mister)
and that he will correct everything. He asked me to leave the car with him.
Naturally, I walked out, with the intention of rapidly escaping this Ferrari "repair" facility.
During my exit, one of his employees informed me that my car was used to provide
mechanic's lessons to a newly hired employee. I thought perhaps this is a "dream" after all, but
managed to seriously ask the owner if what the employee had indicated was true.
He confirmed - IT WAS TRUE!
A very absurd evening, I thought, as I entered my brutally wounded, sickly, sniffling,
very tearful Ferrari, and drove it slowly towards home, imploring the cover of night to
protect it from the laughter and index fingers of commuter automobile owners.
And sadly, for the first time, the question did not arise:
Shall I listen to Bach's Cello Suites or Maranello concertos.
In retrospect it is my wish I had never chanced upon this less than estimable Ferrari
"repair" facility, that I had never signed ... Naturally I also wish that this Ferrari "repair" facility,
never ever touches any of my cars, and possibly others'.
But, the damage has been done and it is cruel.
Have you any suggestions from experience or otherwise,
towards a speedy and pleasant resolution?
Best Regards, Luciano
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