This review requires a little background first. At the end of January I was involved in a minor argument with another driver, unfortunately he had a tow bar on the back of his car and I inevitably lost.
After the usual insurance based calls I took my car here for an estimate and then again to get the work done. I was quoted 5 working days, not an issue as I had arranged a hire car through my fleet department.
The five days came and went, I phoned to check the progress and was promised a call back which never materialised. Many subsequent calls later (all with failed promises of call backs) I discovered that my car had been taken to a different branch to complete the work. Nearly a week beyond the original work estimate my car was ready... at the other branch which was miles away - when I asked if they could drop it home for me I was told their drivers had clocked off for the day. So off I went to collect my car even though I had plans in the evening which this extra detour would make me late for. Still... the work was completed and I had my car back. (by this point it is the middle of March)
Less than a fortnight later driving down the M6 halfway between Birmingham and Coventry in Friday evening rush hour traffic I started to hear a worrying grinding noise emanating from beneath like something was trapped beneath my front wheels. A quick lump in the road and I saw a flash of something fly out from behind my car. Naturally panicking and fortunately very close to a service station I stopped at Corley services to inspect what had happened.
Shoddy work on the part of the garage meant that whilst on the motorway the front grill trim and manufacturer's badge had fallen off. Not best pleased I phoned the garage to complain and ask them to obtain replacements. For which I had to take my car in again and was promised a call as soon as the parts arrived.
Days passed. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned to a month. I made phone call after phone call and every time I was promised they'd look into it and call me back. Nothing. Not even a courtesy call to let me know they were investigating it.
Eventually I managed to get through to someone who actually looked into it while I was on the phone and for some reason the estimator had ordered the a none existent part. I informed them of the part required and was told it would be shipped to me within 24 hours. Lo and behold a part arrived for me! Not the entirety of what I required but after nearly 2 months this was a whole world of progress. I rang back and spoke to Emma again (the only helpful member of staff there I think - and the only reason this is a 2 star review) who apologised and asked me to send over some photos so they could determine exactly what parts were required. They should be in stock today... I will keep you informed.
So, in short, if you want substandard work that doesn't last and takes a hell of a lot longer than you think with as much aftercare as a trout then head down to P J Rhodes. If you're lucky you'll speak to their one competent member of staff. Don't count on it though. read more
