Southern Counties - a step change in experience?
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From: Ferndown, Dorset
Southern Counties - a step change in experience?
Looking at the post regarding the Mugen Demo car at SC, prompted me to give some feedback of recent (today!) experience at SC. This is limited to the Sales process, my servicing is performed elsewhere.
We are looking to move from our Citroen Picasso to something smaller and a bit more modern. Ironically, as the kids get bigger, we need a smaller car to cart all their stuff around. This has prompted us to look at a Toyota Corolla Verso (yuk), a Citroen C3 (also yuk, but getting closer) and today, a Jazz 1.4 SE (more of which later).
Bearing in mind the recent feedback re. SC, it was with some reluctance and trepidation that we stepped across their threshold this morning.
We were immediately greeted with smiles by the staff that saw us, but "allowed" to wander around the showroom unmolested looking at various models, until we focused on the green Jazz they have there. We had a good fiddle around, moving the seats about and generally having a good look.
It was at this point that "Gerry" approached us to tell us more about the car. He was very polite and personable and offered us a test drive there & then. We piled all the kids and car seats into the little Jazz and off we went. Driving the Jazz was a revelation compared with the other small cars we have driven. The ride is a little bumpy (fixed in MY'03 cars apparently), but the steering, brakes, gear change (as you'd expect!) were first class. OK, it's not the fastest car in the world (I've already got one of those!), but a really entertaining drive in the same vain as the original Mini or even a Golf Mk1 - very little body roll and quick steering.
The interior is first class and a real step up (from the Picasso even). When we got back to the showroom, we met another Sales guy
We are looking to move from our Citroen Picasso to something smaller and a bit more modern. Ironically, as the kids get bigger, we need a smaller car to cart all their stuff around. This has prompted us to look at a Toyota Corolla Verso (yuk), a Citroen C3 (also yuk, but getting closer) and today, a Jazz 1.4 SE (more of which later).
Bearing in mind the recent feedback re. SC, it was with some reluctance and trepidation that we stepped across their threshold this morning.
We were immediately greeted with smiles by the staff that saw us, but "allowed" to wander around the showroom unmolested looking at various models, until we focused on the green Jazz they have there. We had a good fiddle around, moving the seats about and generally having a good look.
It was at this point that "Gerry" approached us to tell us more about the car. He was very polite and personable and offered us a test drive there & then. We piled all the kids and car seats into the little Jazz and off we went. Driving the Jazz was a revelation compared with the other small cars we have driven. The ride is a little bumpy (fixed in MY'03 cars apparently), but the steering, brakes, gear change (as you'd expect!) were first class. OK, it's not the fastest car in the world (I've already got one of those!), but a really entertaining drive in the same vain as the original Mini or even a Golf Mk1 - very little body roll and quick steering.
The interior is first class and a real step up (from the Picasso even). When we got back to the showroom, we met another Sales guy
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From: Horsham
John
Thanks for the feedback it is much appreciated.
I have known Gerry for a number of years. He has joined us recently. My emphasis is to bring a fresh approach to the motor retail business. I am from Deloittes. Gerry is from a similiar financial and service orientated background.
We plan to break the mould.
I am sure that we will be competitive on Jazz price. Please call me if you believe we are not.
Regards
David
Thanks for the feedback it is much appreciated.
I have known Gerry for a number of years. He has joined us recently. My emphasis is to bring a fresh approach to the motor retail business. I am from Deloittes. Gerry is from a similiar financial and service orientated background.
We plan to break the mould.
I am sure that we will be competitive on Jazz price. Please call me if you believe we are not.
Regards
David
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From: West Sussex
I have to agree with John in that I had very good service when my S exhibited the common faults of pitted wheels and gearbox notchiness.
The pitting wasn't at all bad and gearbox notchiness was intermittant. However, all four wheels were replaced and a new gearbox and clutch installed without any hesitation or problems.
The only problem is I cannot get them to hardwire my Road Angel and they probably wouldn't install my PRM
The pitting wasn't at all bad and gearbox notchiness was intermittant. However, all four wheels were replaced and a new gearbox and clutch installed without any hesitation or problems.
The only problem is I cannot get them to hardwire my Road Angel and they probably wouldn't install my PRM
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: ...by a lake...somewhere
Originally posted by microbe
The only problem is I cannot get them to hardwire my Road Angel and they probably wouldn't install my PRM
The only problem is I cannot get them to hardwire my Road Angel and they probably wouldn't install my PRM
Why? Can`t they find the fusebox, strip two foot of wire and solder on a female lucar? Boy....easily flumoxed those guys....
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From: Ferndown, Dorset
Originally posted by cheshire_carper
Not convinced on the Mugen thing. All too `unnofficial` for my liking.
Now, If I bought an S and added the bits fine. But to be sold as a `Mugen edition` when it simply is not is not good practice.
Smells of all those crazy Fords and those stupid dealer specific models they pumped out years ago, Fiesta Blitz and Escort Wingnuts, etc.
Now if Honda had come up with it, fine. Don`t give me any `we`re doing this with help and approval from Honda` musings, because it doesn`t cut it.
When the car is priced in Parkers or recognised in Glasses, then I`ll agree a `Mugen Edition` exists. Until then, my advice to you is DON`T pay a premium for all those aftermarket add ons, pre market. Because when (if) you come to sell, you`ll have to pitch it at the same level as the rest of them. A Mugen badge will mean nothing to the new buyer. To me, at time of purchase, it would`ve but me off to be honest.
Not convinced on the Mugen thing. All too `unnofficial` for my liking.
Now, If I bought an S and added the bits fine. But to be sold as a `Mugen edition` when it simply is not is not good practice.
Smells of all those crazy Fords and those stupid dealer specific models they pumped out years ago, Fiesta Blitz and Escort Wingnuts, etc.
Now if Honda had come up with it, fine. Don`t give me any `we`re doing this with help and approval from Honda` musings, because it doesn`t cut it.
When the car is priced in Parkers or recognised in Glasses, then I`ll agree a `Mugen Edition` exists. Until then, my advice to you is DON`T pay a premium for all those aftermarket add ons, pre market. Because when (if) you come to sell, you`ll have to pitch it at the same level as the rest of them. A Mugen badge will mean nothing to the new buyer. To me, at time of purchase, it would`ve but me off to be honest.
Whilst I understand your point (who can forget the Cortina Crusader or Mini Wimbledon?
), I'm hoping this will have more substance than a few cheap stickers.As for re-sale value, what's the difference between a car with bits added on after sale and one with bits added pre-sale by the Dealer? I guess it all depends on the price difference though......
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From: North Herts
Southern Counties could do with their dealer rating being improved (https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=124126) - bottom of the league at present.
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: The Beautiful South
Originally posted by cheshire_carper
Now if Honda had come up with it, fine. Don`t give me any `we`re doing this with help and approval from Honda` musings, because it doesn`t cut it.
Now if Honda had come up with it, fine. Don`t give me any `we`re doing this with help and approval from Honda` musings, because it doesn`t cut it.
