Rockhopper
Member
Hi, this is a message to everyone out there that has a certain mis trust of, or major dislike of mainline Land Rover Dealers. I had posted elsewhere that I was having trouble bleeding my brakes on my newly acquired Disco 2, with some great comments and suggestions as how to remedy the problem from other forum members.
Prior to me causing the problem, I searched hi and low for aftermarket parts from various motor factors in our region, one of which was particularly competitive , but who sold me completely the wrong parts, but in a very polite way. After a 50 mile round trip to return the wrong bits, and to collect the right bits I went home, fitted them, made myself a cup of tea and then got my wife to pat me on the back. Fame and Glory lasted 10 mins as the brakes are as spongy as hell, but that is another sad story.
BUT, if I had bothered to travel just 3 miles to my nearest highway robbery station (Land Rover dealership nr York) , I would have been greeted with a pleasant surprise. Little did I know that the dealerships are periodically offered limited quantities of stock for all L/R models, at knock down prices. I only found out as I needed a new sump plug and washer as the existing one was chewed to hell. When I telephoned the dealership I was asked by the parts dept what I was doing and scornfully told them "that I was saving myself a fortune by avoiding their gold plated snap on tool kitted workshop and the diamond studded floors in their Tea, Coffee and croissant cyber cafe that doubles as a Service reception area, thank you for asking!"
My response did not phase the parts manager, but instead he went on to tell me that he could save me nearly a hundred quid on the aftermarket equivalent price that In had recently paid. Two new vented front discs, Callipers plus pad carriers with the pads already fitted for £191.00 inc the VAT.
To me that seemed like a good deal and the parts manager advised me to call him with any future parts requirements and he would be only too happy to quote. Call me naive why dont you, but I thought he did me a pretty good deal there, and the moral of the story is that your local LR dealer could in fact turn out to be one of your very best allies (not necessarily your best friend). Plus, all parts original or approved by LR.
I must admit that I have warmed to my local dealer in a way that the Service , Sales and Warranty department could never do. So, when hunting around for parts, dont forget to ring the big boys too, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Finally, just give me a couple of minutes before lambasting my post so that I can strap on my tin helmet and stick a copy of the yellow pages down the back of my trousers before you all beat me senseless for making this post. I may be completely wrong about the dealers, or I may have overpaid for my aftermarket parts in the first place. All I am saying is give them a shout next time round. And by the way, I know what you are all thinking, and the answer is NO, my dad does not own the local LR Dealership! My Uncle does!
Prior to me causing the problem, I searched hi and low for aftermarket parts from various motor factors in our region, one of which was particularly competitive , but who sold me completely the wrong parts, but in a very polite way. After a 50 mile round trip to return the wrong bits, and to collect the right bits I went home, fitted them, made myself a cup of tea and then got my wife to pat me on the back. Fame and Glory lasted 10 mins as the brakes are as spongy as hell, but that is another sad story.
BUT, if I had bothered to travel just 3 miles to my nearest highway robbery station (Land Rover dealership nr York) , I would have been greeted with a pleasant surprise. Little did I know that the dealerships are periodically offered limited quantities of stock for all L/R models, at knock down prices. I only found out as I needed a new sump plug and washer as the existing one was chewed to hell. When I telephoned the dealership I was asked by the parts dept what I was doing and scornfully told them "that I was saving myself a fortune by avoiding their gold plated snap on tool kitted workshop and the diamond studded floors in their Tea, Coffee and croissant cyber cafe that doubles as a Service reception area, thank you for asking!"
My response did not phase the parts manager, but instead he went on to tell me that he could save me nearly a hundred quid on the aftermarket equivalent price that In had recently paid. Two new vented front discs, Callipers plus pad carriers with the pads already fitted for £191.00 inc the VAT.
To me that seemed like a good deal and the parts manager advised me to call him with any future parts requirements and he would be only too happy to quote. Call me naive why dont you, but I thought he did me a pretty good deal there, and the moral of the story is that your local LR dealer could in fact turn out to be one of your very best allies (not necessarily your best friend). Plus, all parts original or approved by LR.
I must admit that I have warmed to my local dealer in a way that the Service , Sales and Warranty department could never do. So, when hunting around for parts, dont forget to ring the big boys too, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Finally, just give me a couple of minutes before lambasting my post so that I can strap on my tin helmet and stick a copy of the yellow pages down the back of my trousers before you all beat me senseless for making this post. I may be completely wrong about the dealers, or I may have overpaid for my aftermarket parts in the first place. All I am saying is give them a shout next time round. And by the way, I know what you are all thinking, and the answer is NO, my dad does not own the local LR Dealership! My Uncle does!
