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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Mar 10, 2011 14:57:20 GMT 2
I HAD A CLIENT WHO HAD A SERVICE DONE IN THE CAPE AND COST HER R25K NOT RIGHT THIS IS I presume it wasn't you that charged 25 000 for the service?? Ari
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spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
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Post by spikes on Mar 10, 2011 18:46:37 GMT 2
Welcome Denise, sorry about the terrible experience you had from a "Lada dealer" I have to assume from Marius's comments that this happened at Centurion Lada? Find a lawyer who will take the case on, on a "No success, No fee" basis. From your description there is definite proof of shoddy workmanship. Regards Spikes PS "DMS" in your bio, does it refer to Drumblade Maintenance and Safety" systems?
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Post by danie on Mar 10, 2011 19:17:33 GMT 2
Hi Denise
Welcome to the Forum - sorry to hear about yet another rip off deal(s) in Gauteng.
We have attended an Consumers Protection Act seminar at work during the previous week - the good news is that the new Act kicks off on within three weeks, and rip off artists are going to destroy themselves financially very soon !
Unfortunately you have been ripped off by more than one "artist" before the Act kicks in - but there is still some more good news:
A prominent Government official indicated that should they receive information about Rip Off Deals by any specific "artist" - they will launch an independent investigation about the "artists" activities anyway.
So I think all we need is a few Lada owners who have been conned by a specific conn artist - and who are prepared to wait until the Act kicks in !
I am quite convinced this "artist" will get the surprise of his life very soon !
Danie
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Post by marje46nuns on Mar 10, 2011 19:51:34 GMT 2
Hi Denise Welcome to the forum - sorry to hear about your terrible experience. As another female Lada owner I can imagine just how you must be feeling but hopefully the guys on the forum will be able to assist. When you talk about ‘overheating’ if there are no other signs besides the gauge – viz. boiling, steam, etc., I would get down to one of the bigger branches of Silverton Radiators who have a type of lazer gun that can determine if the reading on your gauge is accurate. Phone before you go to check that they have this gadget as not all branches do - it won’t cost you anything either! As a female I know nothing about cars but I did have a similar problem a few years ago when ongoing overheating problems caused me a great deal of grief for months. The overheating also resulted in a cylinder head job but the problem continued after it was fixed. I then had the radiator tests and the coolant changed, changed thermostats, then had them removed, changed radiator caps, changed the sender unit, added electric fans and even replaced the water pump. I checked every possible cause of overheating apart from the accuracy of the gauge which turned out to be the problem as it was reading over 20deg too high! I knew this was something I had to check but living in the sticks it took me quite a while to find out where I could get it done. I’m not sure exactly when or what caused the gauge to malfunction but maybe it had something to do with the ‘real’ overheating. Another bit of advice from a female Lada owner – I never let any mechanic loose on my Lada without loaning him a copy of my workshop manual (or the relevant section) so they have no excuses for getting things wrong. You can find this and other technical stuff on the HOME page. I hope that everything works out alright. Best regards
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Post by ronnie on Mar 10, 2011 20:30:00 GMT 2
Hi Denise Welcome to the Forum. I can only assume you are referring to Centurion Lada. If it is them I consider them to be crooks and no one should deal with them. I was caught at the same place, so if it any consolation you are not alone. Without seeing the vehicle it is difficult to suggest a simple cure. One thing to check is the thermostat if it is made out of copper it is a piece of home made crap made by Lada Centurion, who call it a thermostat. . I don`t know if you live near Benoni, but one of our members who does repairs and services lives there. His name is Hercules and no doubt will respond when he reads your post. You have spent so much on your Niva, you really have no option but to overcome the problems so you can then enjoy driving it. You will be able to learn a lot if you read the posts on the Forum. That way even if you cannot do the repairs yourself, at least no one will bullshit you. Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Mar 10, 2011 20:42:52 GMT 2
Hi Denise
Just so you know, My wife bought me a rebuilt Niva from Lada Centurion for R60000. I flew up to Pretoria to collect it and got as far as Amanzimtoti on the South Coast about eight at night with a broken fan belt. When I towed the car home the following day I discovered the Alternator pulley was about 1.5 mm out of line. That was the first of a long line of problems caused by this Dealer.
Ronnie
PS Make sure you Photograph all the problems you discover. That way the dealer cannot blame others.
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Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Lada - your peace of mind to take on the world's vast landscapes.
Posts: 785
Location: Gauteng
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Post by Hercules on Mar 10, 2011 20:43:52 GMT 2
Hi Denise.
A warm and hartly welcome to Lada land. Hope you can sort out your problems and enjoy the little beast.
There is three things to look at for overheating and is: 1. Waterpump. 2. Radiator. 3. Thermostat.
Regards.
Hercules
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spencer
Full Niva Petrol Head
"In Soviet Russia, Niva drives you"
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Post by spencer on Mar 10, 2011 22:27:46 GMT 2
Hi Denise.
Hercules is right, but check that your radiator cap actually seats. I overheated but once I replaced the cap with the long neck version, the problem was sorted. The part number was posted on the thread about cooling mods.
Spencer
Spencer
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Post by hotstuff on Mar 10, 2011 22:46:59 GMT 2
I HAD A CLIENT WHO HAD A SERVICE DONE IN THE CAPE AND COST HER R25K NOT RIGHT THIS IS I presume it wasn't you that charged 25 000 for the service?? Ari no not me the other dude we don"t like to talk about mine for an entire full service and fuel tank flush and other stuff only cost her just over 5k
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Post by hotstuff on Mar 10, 2011 23:03:10 GMT 2
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Post by ronnie on Mar 10, 2011 23:26:48 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
This is the kind of thing which happens only too often and causes the kind of letter which you do not like. You can see why some of our members are up in arms about prices and service. I am one of them.
Ronnie
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sj
Junior Niva Petrol Head
Live the life you love and love the life you live
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Post by sj on Mar 10, 2011 23:49:19 GMT 2
Hi Denise Welcome to Lada land. I am so sorry you have had this experience it is disgusting.
Please follow Ronnie's advice and read the posts on the forum. You will enjoy it and save money.
I am one who has had no mechanical experience and detest the taste one is left with after been ripped off by a Conn artist, that can see it.
I have been following the posts and advice for about 5-6 weeks and now will be removing my Lada gearbox myself.Tacking it to a reputable dealer this way saving thousands of hard earned rands. Thanks to the forum members.They have helped me and will help you.
I think i should name my newly acquired land after them,250h,a of mountain and rivers, the right place for a lada to ride.
Good luck Denise
Regards
sj
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Ventzel on Mar 11, 2011 10:52:19 GMT 2
Yes Ronnie,,
I also hate such a things happened to Denise very much. You too of course. But do you have any complains about my work? Do anyone else has any complains of my work? Why the hell me or Mike must be put in the same boat? Why we must swallow somebody else sins?
Does anybody wish to make another private investigation to find how many unhappy clients ran away from me? I can't remember anyone but I could be wrong. As I wrote a few days ago, all my cars are still safely on the road for the last 14 years.
What about the prices I'm sure I do not overcharge for labour. Meanwhile I suggest a 28 year experience and knowhow with Lada in 4 countries deserves decent payment.
What about for spare parts' prices, sometimes they could be higher but all of them are purchased in Central or Western Europe. RETAIL FROM THE SHELF in retail shop on the street. For EUROS not for ROUBLES. I never deal with Russia. That's easier for me, I prefer that, mainly I'm sure no pirate part will come to my stock. Currently Russia is over flooded with pirate parts, mainly from Ukraine.
This is quite more expensive. Also - VAT over there (20%), VAT here, custom duty here, commission for my associates over there, payment in advance from my side via bank in RSA in hard currency which always is difficult and they are always suspicious, fees, packaging, no discounts for quantity because I order only a few, delivery by air or even with DHL, some security checks for potential bomb inside parcels, inspections and certificates for non-military use of parts (very strict regulations), storage, telephones, faxes, fuel, not possible to claim taxes and VAT more - I de-registered myself 2 years ago. Do you mind if I stop here..........
Why I must talk about my private matters here, I don't like that? And after all I'm not ready to gift my parts. And how many times I mentioned that I import parts for my own work not for resale, but if I have something which I don't need it urgently I'm happy to help anyone in trouble. But not for free, as you can see there is a lot of expenses. Latter I will order the same part again and in 2-3 weeks it will be in my place.
The majority of my customers fully agree with this attitude. No one is obliged to buy parts from me or repair his/her car at my place. If not happy - look elsewhere, look in Centurion, try to fix it by yourself... I don't mind. BUT DON"T SLANDER!!
I'm the guy who want these cars on the road more than anyone else. With good reputation for the brand and reliable performance. Sometimes I rebuild almost scraped cars with hard work and no any profit just to bring them back on the road; I enjoy that. But for some other people the modifications and cheap replacement is the priority mission in their life. OK, it's their business, the vehicle is their property, they can do whatever they want - but why they push everyone else to do the same. The forum is full, full of such a nonsense.
Another member noticed that is always good to have an options. I fully agree but the options also need some limits.
Option 1 - put whatever spare part rubbish in the car, do the modifications, abuse the car and wait for the event happened to Denise. Option 2 - do the right things and drive for years in peace in mind.
Well..., I was decided not to participate more in the forum and to quit LOCSA. I'm out of place here. But I felt anger with the Denise's story; but the anger is not good adviser... that's why I wrote again, probably for the last time...
Meanwhile I remember the name Denise Downing, we exchange some opinions few years ago but we never met and I don't remember what was the problem.....
..........................
V.
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Des
Junior Niva Petrol Head
Bruce All Mighty
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Post by Des on Mar 11, 2011 11:45:39 GMT 2
Hi All I have been following all the whining and moaning about bad service ,ripping off and really slanderous remarks thrown at certain dealers. The easy way to solve this, is simply to stop using said dealer or prosecute through the legal channels. Everybody knows about the bad ones, and then after the fact. Enough is enough... come on guys. We are running the risk of painting all dealers with the same brush, as well as turning the forum into an ax grinding platform. I certainly hope the that Ventz will reconsider dropping this forum, because he is the only qualified voice in the country and has given this forum nothing but sound advice. Ventz, reading between the lines, I cannot see anyone pointing a bad finger at you, on the contrary, only good things. I personally have not made use of your services, only because I have not needed to, but should I need someone I surely would use you. I just makes good business sense. My brother in Stillbaai( we have 2 Ladas in the family. So we are confident in the product) has used Ventz' services and has only good things to say about this man. The problem is, that we only hear these terrible reports about other dealers from people joining the forum. There is no excuse for this sort of thing happening to someone after joining because all the tools are available to make educated choices. Which is very positive for this forum " it is a great success". Guys, the damage is done. Lets, as members prevent more people getting hurt by promoting the forum in the street by, slipping a flyer under the wiper of every Lada we see, I do it. Then they too can get good advise. You all have a great ho-LADA-y Des
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Post by Charles on Mar 11, 2011 11:53:16 GMT 2
Ventz i hope you will reconsider.
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Post by ronnie on Mar 11, 2011 13:13:06 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
You will have noticed I have been very care full not to label you in any way but good. I have in most posts made that clear. If we do not keep our members advised of what is going on, many more will fall into the same trap, only to spend a fortune and have little to show for it. In my own case I have photographic evidence to back up my gripes. I did go back to the dealer with the known complaints at that time, but there was so little interest paid to me, that I simply left, and resolved that I would do what I could to make sure no one else was subject to the same treatment. To my knowledge, no one on this Forum has said one adverse word about your service or prices. This in its self should tell you a story. I trust you will reconsider you decision not to participate in the Forum, as we do really need each other. As far as doing modifications goes, a lot of that was caused by the ridiculous prices being charged by some dealers, forcing owners to explore other options. IE. One dealer in this country still states "The thermostat fitted by the factory is unsuitable for this country" and then proceeds to fit a "thermostat" that can only cause damage to the motor as it runs very cold all the time. I know as I had one. If it had not been for this Forum I would not have known you existed.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Mar 11, 2011 13:33:00 GMT 2
Hi Des
I agree with what you say. However, the only way the members on this Forum know who is good or bad is due to the posts from the members. The sad thing is people are still being taken for a ride at great expense. It is very difficult to keep quite under the circumstances. I really hope Danie is correct, that there will be big changes when the Consumer Protection Act comes into Force. The sooner the better.
Ronnie
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Post by marius on Mar 11, 2011 14:54:08 GMT 2
Hi Ventz There is no need for you to take any of this discussion personally - NONE of this is about you. Every single member that has dealt with you (as far as I know) is 100% happy with your service. All of us were very happy with your "discovery" and we are honoured to have you as a member. I have stated before that we all need each other in order to move forward in a positive way and you are a key role player in this regard. There are times that we will have our differences - that is the nature of a forum such as this, but we need to look at the bigger picture. You have made it quite clear that you have a vested interest in keeping Lada alive in this country and that you care a great deal about this great little car. I think it would be a foolish thing for you to consider a drastic step like this - just because of a misunderstanding. The fiasco about the starter and the latest debacle around Centurion Lada has in no way got anything to do with you. There were some argument between you and Danie, but he has already apologized. Even you and I had a lengthy argument at one time or another ;D In the interest of LOCSA and Lada as a whole, let's move forward Regards Marius PS - this in no way disqualifies you from any future arguments ;D
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Post by danie on Mar 11, 2011 19:30:30 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
I have already apologized about a certain statement by myself, and I honestly hope that you did accepted my apology.
Having said that - I must admit, although I love my Lada to bits - I am one of those owners who are simply not prepared to pay prices for spare parts which I consider as " way out of line" , if compared with prices of other similar components - which are freely available at the local market.
I have no doubt that many other local owners also often compare prices of Lada "fast moving" spare part components (like waterpumps, gearbox gears, starter motors etc.) with prices of other car brands on the local market.
I am also aware of several owners whose "Lada dreams" have been "brutally ended" - because they were not prepared ,or they simply couldn't afford to keep their Ladas going any longer.
We all love our Ladas- but there seem to be a clear clash of interest at this forum.
On the one hand we do have owners who are keen in keeping their Ladas going as cheap as possible (for financial reasons) - while we have a Spare Part Supplier (who also loves Ladas), and is clearly interested in keeping this cars going .
So why not trying our utmost best to keep all concerned parties happy.??
Maybe the time has finally arrived to stop passing "brutally honest" comments at this forum. I am fully prepared to do that.
But having said that - I believe the purpose of this Forum is to serve the best interest of all Lada owners in South Africa - including the owners who cannot afford, or are not prepared to pay prices for components which they consider "unacceptable / unfordable.
After all, I believe all Locsa members have the the right to be fully informed about more affordable spare part prices - therefore I will never stop informing our members about the cheaper, and yes, reliable supplier in Russia.
Danie
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excreamer
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by excreamer on Mar 12, 2011 5:07:55 GMT 2
I purchased pretty much every new part you see on my niva from my russian friend and I will keep continuing to do so
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Post by marius on Mar 12, 2011 7:08:23 GMT 2
Hi Excreamer
Ordering your parts from Russia is definitely the cheapest way to go by far and in most cases they are original parts that you can get for a song.
Regards Marius
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Post by danie on Mar 12, 2011 7:13:43 GMT 2
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Post by danie on Mar 12, 2011 18:03:41 GMT 2
On a positive note - since I heard about another quote for R5000.00 on a starter yesterday, I started believing it might be a good investment for somebody out there just to order two or three starters + a few solenoids from Russia , get it in South Africa by sea freight, and sell it to local owners at a smaller profit . Danie
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Ventzel on Mar 14, 2011 12:13:21 GMT 2
Hi Marius and everyone,
You are right, I took all very personally and I regret for that. We don't need to use the forum for such a matter and I hope it will not happen again in future. I felt later how everything was foolish and senseless. Apologies for hi-jacking the thread. Just I was put in the same mud as somebody others without anything done wrong and I felt I have to do something to clear myself, otherwise I will remain crook and fool.
What about the future, I'll continue to concentrate on the quality of the work and spares rather than cheaply.
King regards
Ventz
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spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
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Town: Nelspruit
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Post by spikes on Mar 14, 2011 12:16:33 GMT 2
Hi Ventz Thanks for the positive attitude! Regards all Spikes
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Des
Junior Niva Petrol Head
Bruce All Mighty
Posts: 91
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Post by Des on Mar 14, 2011 12:24:03 GMT 2
Hi All I'm happy to see that there is peace in the home again. Mike, any update on the "Gathering of the Tribes"? Des
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Post by ronnie on Mar 14, 2011 16:28:56 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
Very glad to see you are still here. I always read and enjoy your posts.
Ronnie
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Post by hotstuff on Mar 14, 2011 17:25:42 GMT 2
Hi All I'm happy to see that there is peace in the home again. Mike, any update on the "Gathering of the Tribes"? Des will update shortly in the post jst very busy i have 6 ladas standing outside that need my attention badly...
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Post by hotstuff on Mar 14, 2011 17:37:40 GMT 2
well Vents thanks for clearing that up you are valuable just as much as i hope to be to all my clients and i think that by all my clients i mean that they do not have issues with me either. thanks to this forum and hours of work on the internet and emails i have built a reputation of excellent service to my clients and to all future Lada owners out there that seem to call me on a regular basis. I truly hope to build a lasting relationship with all involved and maybe one day be recognised as an official lada service centre.(which i claim at the moment in The Cape ) as man i never knew we had so many in the Cape. Lada C.......... not to mention loudly needs to be sorted out and io think with this forum and VENTS AND MYSELF we will simply nock that company off the map.
any ways my 2c........and if there is ever anything that some one wants to say about CAPE LADA DOCTOR OR VENTS....GIVE US A RING AND SAY IT DIRECT TO US. BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND AND THINGS ARE TAKEN THE WRONG WAY.
REGARDS MIKE
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Post by marius on Mar 14, 2011 18:15:46 GMT 2
Hi Ventz Great to have you back! Regards Marius
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