Perception vs Reality - Dealer Service

[Bytemrk]

We have all heard it - the negative comments about Land Rover dealers.

Reading this forum and many others, one could easily get the perception that all their work is sloppy, they are out to rip us all off and avoid any costs through warranty claims.

I just wanted to highlight my experience with Melbourne Land Rover could not be further from that perception.

For the last 12 months MLR have looked after my vehicle. I did not buy it from them, I am the second owner.

The staff there have been outstandingly helpful and from my experience the work done has been first class. Nothing seems to be too much trouble and getting problems with the vehicle sorted out is just easy! I've had quite a few things sorted out under warranty, including several that existed when i bought the car.

As you can see, my car is not standard, it has plenty of modifications, but unlike the perception I read about, that does not seem to impact the way they deal with me or the vehicle - they understand some of us actually use them.

Before a recent trip to S.A (Here) - I had a pre trip inspection done by my previous Land Rover independent to ensure MLR had not missed anything. Just peace of mind Zilch - nothing needed. The car performed perfectly and we had an amazing trip.

I know not all dealers are the same.... but I thought I'd just highlight that good dealer service does exist.

I found a good one and I know I'm not alone. Don't hesitate to use MLR if you're thinking about it. I couldn't be happier.

[ATH]

My experience of Barbagallo in Osborne Park WA is much the same. Second owner but everything has been fixed without hesitation including a new transfer box at 98K.
Only one of the service "advisers" has been a bit off probably because it's a Deafener as he falls over himself if a Rangie comes in.
Couldn't say the same a few years back but the so called service manager then has been moved on long ago.
I've heard much the same about Southern who are part of the same group so maybe it's catching.....
AlanH.

[BMKal]

Have to agree.

I bought the D2 which my son still has from Gold City Land Rover, which was part of Southern Land Rover. I bought the D4 new from Barbagallo, which also owns Southern Land Rover.

Have never had any warranty issues with either vehicle - all faults that I pointed out have always been addressed during normal servicing visits - and I have always been very pleased with the service provided by both. Unfortunately, Gold City Land Rover no longer exists, so it means that I have to drive 600km to Perth for any services etc now, but that has never been a problem, as I always schedule it in with other requirements down there, and I've always been provided with a loan vehicle.

Thumbs up to the dealers in WA from my experience.

[LandyAndy]

I bought my D2 from Southerns,it was cheap,and bought as a as is sale,they were very good sorting a few issues out when I first bought it.Told George Little,the salesman ONEDAY I would be back to buy a new one.I kept my part of the deal,George had health issues so wasnt there to sell me the new one.
I will be going back there for the first service,and probably any more if the experience is good.The Lotto Godz are welcome to step in any time,then I will have a local dealer in Albany
Andrew

[Redback]

We bought our car from Trivetts, had some work done at Purnells.

The End.

We took our car to Lincoln Land Rover in Port Lincoln, the guys there were brilliant, fixed our issue and we were on our way, great father and son operation.

Baz.

[Eevo]

i dont think the negative stories are just about LR dealers, but about all dealers.

i hears lots about LR & toyota.

[PAT303]

I've used Barbagallo's in WA for our L322 and TDCi,Alto's for the L322 and TDCi in NSW and Sovereign in SA and have never had any drama's,I can't help but wonder that the people who have bad service might be the cause of the bad service. Pat

[D110V8D]

We have all heard it - the negative comments about Land Rover dealers.

Reading this forum and many others, one could easily get the perception that all their work is sloppy, they are out to rip us all off and avoid any costs through warranty claims.

I just wanted to highlight my experience with Melbourne Land Rover could not be further from that perception.

For the last 12 months MLR have looked after my vehicle. I did not buy it from them, I am the second owner.

The staff there have been outstandingly helpful and from my experience the work done has been first class. Nothing seems to be too much trouble and getting problems with the vehicle sorted out is just easy! I've had quite a few things sorted out under warranty, including several that existed when i bought the car.

As you can see, my car is not standard, it has plenty of modifications, but unlike the perception I read about, that does not seem to impact the way they deal with me or the vehicle - they understand some of us actually use them.

Before a recent trip to S.A (Here) - I had a pre trip inspection done by my previous Land Rover independent to ensure MLR had not missed anything. Just peace of mind Zilch - nothing needed. The car performed perfectly and we had an amazing trip.

I know not all dealers are the same.... but I thought I'd just highlight that good dealer service does exist.

I found a good one and I know I'm not alone. Don't hesitate to use MLR if you're thinking about it. I couldn't be happier.

Can I ask who was your previous Land Rover independent?

[Basil135]

Going out on a bit of a limb here, but it would appear that Land Rover dealers in general have lifted their game.

Solitaire look after mine, even though I bought it from MLR.

Had it in for a couple of trivial things to be looked at, and mentioned we were embarking on a trip to Canberra.

They went right over the car to make sure everything was all good for the trip. Best bit was, there was nothing to report.

ONLY minor issue I had, was a parker globe in the bull bar was blown, and they replaced it during the regular service. Handed me a bill for $57.

Before I could say anything, they took it back, and said that amount was ridiculous. Best they could do was $25, and I accepted that. Still a bit steep, but they did what they could.

[Sandgroper]

I'd just like to echo the comments about Southern's here in W.A., they have been fantastic in my opinion as has land rover assist. I've had one warranty issue with my defender, a turbo hose which went a month ago, landrover assist organised to have my defender trucked to the dealer, then a taxi took me to a hire car mob to pick up a new holden, I had the use of that for two days before returning it, having another taxi take me back to Southern's where I picked up my defender. None of the above cost me a cent and both Southern's and land rover assist couldn't have been more helpful.


I've never owned a new vehicle before so have never had anything covered by warranty etc.. so I have nothing to compare this experience to, but, if this is how a problem like mine is handled I couldn't be more pleased.