Ariel.Club Forum

[quote="gavstoke"]
For me, it's the reassurance a prospective new owner can rely on that the car has been serviced and maintained by competent people, it definitely played a part in my buying process - I bought Triggers old car btw.
With all due respect, Chuck may be the most professional, competent and ultimately best person to be working on his car, but I don't know chuck, so he could simply be the best salesman and car polisher on the planet(if he was selling it, and I was looking at buying it).
This is in no way a swipe at Chuck, and everyone has their own opinions, but in this scenario, it's the factory for me every time. and it's 200 miles and 3.5 hrs away from home.
I must also add, at one visit to the factory for a service, a brake hose was showing signs of 'misting' this was replaced, free of charge, I did not expect to get this for free and would have paid for the new hose, like I do with everything that they recommend needs doing, but Rookie said they shouldn't be like that and replaced it. Admittedly, I do usually say 'get it done' to whatever is recommended but just thought it was worthy of a mention, in this thread.
Cheers,

Gav
[/quote]



When you know the car this is the type of thing you will spot! out of place, the experience is priceless in this instance.
I am a pretty good spanner and understand the car, But I am unsure on some parts of the Atoms - Anatomy - like the above for example. little experience of braided flexi pressure hoses especially pvc sleeved ones..These are seldom used on most lightweight sports cars...

I will be looking at other marques as well as the Atom community before I proceed...


I thank you once again for all the input, very helpfull

For me, it's the reassurance a prospective new owner can rely on that the car has been serviced and maintained by competent people, it definitely played a part in my buying process - I bought Triggers old car btw.
With all due respect, Chuck may be the most professional, competent and ultimately best person to be working on his car, but I don't know chuck, so he could simply be the best salesman and car polisher on the planet(if he was selling it, and I was looking at buying it).
This is in no way a swipe at Chuck, and everyone has their own opinions, but in this scenario, it's the factory for me every time. and it's 200 miles and 3.5 hrs away from home.
I must also add, at one visit to the factory for a service, a brake hose was showing signs of 'misting' this was replaced, free of charge, I did not expect to get this for free and would have paid for the new hose, like I do with everything that they recommend needs doing, but Rookie said they shouldn't be like that and replaced it. Admittedly, I do usually say 'get it done' to whatever is recommended but just thought it was worthy of a mention, in this thread.
Cheers,

Gav

[quote="Trigger"]
But this is the point - Atoms are so different and so totally unique they just are not like any other manufacturer ![/quote]

I agree, but in a positive way, how many cars do you know where you can get better access to the oil filter ? If you have worked on many car's yourself an Atom is a dream. If you always had you cars serviced by the main dealer then I'm sure the Atom will follow the same suit. For me, I know no one will service the car and take the time I will therefore I do the work myself.

[quote="ChuckUK"]
[quote="Trigger"]
I looked at a car with somebody a few years back and it had been serviced by Honda specialists and not Ariel and the cars was awful - all the painted marks on builders etc were off, all the wires broken etc.
[/quote]

I don't really think is has any relevance, ask any car owner of any manufacturer and you will always find good and bad for car servicing. Take the GTR, no one uses Nissan they all use private companies.
[/quote]

But this is the point - Atoms are so different and so totally unique they just are not like any other manufacturer ! I cannot stress enough how much a factory history to me and so many others is vitally important. It's not like the factory labour rate is high either - so it comes down to accessibility.

The ability to get to the factory was the only thing that would have stopped me taking it there for work. It was always a day off and 2.5 hrs drive each way for me. Or a train back and forth to deliver then collect. But if a reasonably priced service like this existed it would be superb.

Well Will I think £350 is a bargain and a service I would defo use, especialy if you look how long it is going to take you to make the trip for us northern folk in your Atom and it could be even chukin it down, then your fuel, got to be a week day so there is also a day off work.

Thanks for all the replies.....

After a chat with the factory on what they would charge as a service to their clients I was not surprised at the prices. Compared to a car transport service that are national and have a network Both Ariel and Myself could not touch them for price.

The service I would provide would be specific and I would be transporting your pride and joy, the car would be treated like it was my own.

Covered BJ RS 5 trailer
Correctly stropped
Fully insured
Door to door service
Picked up within 40 miles of mu base or further if south and taken to factory for a day turnaround I would be looking at around 350 all in to make it work.

It would be a service for people who have work commitments that make it financially unviable to make the journey themselves and would not trust a generic company who has little experience or indeed may not take the care I would.

This was an idea I had as I have a chance to buy the trailer but would need it to pay for itself. I would also market this to other specialised car owners like 7 owners and others.

I do understand through that many owners are enthusiasts and like to DIY when it comes to taking the car back to the factory.

Its only an idea at the moment....


Thanks for the feedback


Cheers Kieth for the recommendation - a little OCD

Agree with Julian, no ones knows them better than the factory and an Ariel service history would clinch the deal if I was buying a used one.

well back on the topic of off topic, i think Will (Meladdo) is the man for this service. Hi is a true Atom friendly OCD car nut. Perhaps you could also provide this service to your old 7 buddies also!!

[quote="Trigger"]
I looked at a car with somebody a few years back and it had been serviced by Honda specialists and not Ariel and the cars was awful - all the painted marks on builders etc were off, all the wires broken etc.
[/quote]

I don't really think is has any relevance, ask any car owner of any manufacturer and you will always find good and bad for car servicing. Take the GTR, no one uses Nissan they all use private companies.

It may not apply to you but it does apply to most of the Atom community. I would prefer a car that has been to the factory every time. I looked at a car with somebody a few years back and it had been serviced by Honda specialists and not Ariel and the cars was awful - all the painted marks on builders etc were off, all the wires broken etc.

There may not be a warranty but I would say imho it matters even more on a car liek this that the factory sees it.

[quote="julian"]
Factory every time. Far more desirable for purchaser when it's time to sell.
[/quote]

Personally on a car like an Atom this doesn't apply, I'm interested in the condition/mileage and how it's been driven than servicing. Buying a low mileage car that's three years old with no service is far more desirable than one with more miles/5yrs old serviced every 6months.

I agree with Trigger and Julian on this.

Cheers,

Gav

Factory every time. Far more desirable for purchaser when it's time to sell.

I always wanted the factory to cast their eye over the car once a year - eventhough I am sure I could do the basic service items - what if rod ends/bearings etc need changing ? I wouldnt have a clue.

Didn't you mean with a hammer?