Autofficina/ Giallo/ QV London

[Blueberry]

just some observations from talking to a few specialists in the South East

I have been looking for someone to run a diagnostic on the new GTS - specifically to assess clutch wear, and advise what service work is required (bearing in mind that my 19,000 car has had its 25,000 mile service already but not had its 4 year service - which requires additional work such as lambda sensors replacement)

called up QV London in Windsor - very nice guy - said that whilst he doens't have SD2/SD3 diagnostics on site, he knows someone who can do this but not in the short term - quoted very reasonable set prices for services

Spellbound Cars in Farnham - new specialists that i found when i was looking for a GT - amazing workshop (612's and some old racing Maserati's in various stages of repair) and nice guys - they have the latest SD3 diagnostic tools and are keen to help - very responsive but waiting for a quote

pick of the bunch so far is Autofficina - lovely people to talk to - immediately said that they would run all tests and give car a once over for free just because they love the cars and love working on them - they suggested a time to pop over and have a chat with their workshop team - got a good feeling about them

Giallo - on same site as ADG dealership in Kent - i found ADG a bit hard work to deal with - for example, they don't let you test drive the cars (they were the only people who didn't) - and i don't see how you can ever buy a car without that test drive - so that put me off a bit - called Giallo twice and they have never called me back

Dan

 

[TridentTested]

Giallo - on same site as ADG dealership in Kent - i found ADG a bit hard work to deal with - for example, they don't let you test drive the cars (they were the only people who didn't) - and i don't see how you can ever buy a car without that test drive - so that put me off a bit - called Giallo twice and they have never called me back

I've never dealt with Giallo and I know ADG are a separate outfit so we shouldn't really be talking about both in the same breath but just for the record I had no trouble getting test drives at ADG.

I've not had any servicing done at Autoficcina but when I went tyre-kicking there last year I was very impressed with their knowledge and passion for the brand. I suspect they are safe pair of hands for your mistress.

 

[Tipmethewink]

Very useful, thanks.

 

[Chrisbassett]

Hmm, good info there. I got mine from ADG and had no issue with taking her for a spin first. Maybe things change?

 

[Ascott]

Dan

I have used Giallo and always find them very helpful and efficient and always return my calls, if they are convenient for you then I can certainly recommend you try again.

Ascott

 

[Blueberry]

Just to update - Giallo called back today and seemed very knowledgable and helpful - and I take the point that they are not formally connected to ADG

 

[conaero]

Mathew at Giallo is a sponsor on here so you will be very well looked after, as he knows any negatives will end up on here.

Did not know about the Farnham lot, Ill check them out.

Ill get Alistair, ADG, to comment on the test drive thingy as that does not sound right, maybe you caught them on an off day.

 

[MAF260]

To add another experience with both ADG and Giallo -

I bought my GS from ADG and found them extremely helpful. I certainly test drove my car before committing to buy it, but I'd imagine they would want to know that a potential buyer is serious before allowing general test drives of cars. They were courteous, good communicators and made the buying process straight forward. I would have no reservations in dealing with them again.

Giallo looked after my old 3200 for a few years and carried out agreed works/servicing on my GS at the time of purchase. Mathew is helpful and knowlegable and also provides good service.

TBH I'm surprised at the OP's initial feedback, but perception is everything.

 

[Parisien]

These things happen Dan....good that you had other positive experiences


P

 

[rossyl]

To be fair, and give the whole picture, there were negative comments for both ADG and Giallo dating back some time.

As said though, that was a while ago and there are many positive responses as well.

Everyone has had good and bad experiences with any company. You can't please everyone.

When I was looking I found great reviews for Robert Grimaldi engineering. I've never used him though.

One thing I will say, whoever you deal with, these are expensive cars and can have big repair bills: so specify exactly what you want and get quotes in writing.

 

[davidhowson]

Has anyone used Spellbound in Farnham? I drive by most days now and I am considering talking to them about my next service. Their website looks very professional.
-David-

 

[voicey]

Has anyone used Spellbound in Farnham? I drive by most days now and I am considering talking to them about my next service. Their website looks very professional.
-David-

I've spent a bit of time in their workshop as I was advising on the purchase of a Ferrari they had for sale. At that time (May/June) none of the workshop staff had experience with modern Ferrari/Maserati. However, the facility is very good and the techs seemed switched on, they were just from an Aston Martin background.

 

[hilts uk]

Bought my ghibli from Spellbound and the restoration has been problematical but mainly due to cock up by the firm who were re building the engine. They do cover modern masers as far as I know. They are very friendly and approachable so I'd have a chat and see what they say. You'll probably see my car down there if you go.

 

[hilts uk]

I use autofficina for my MCV. They have been great . Highly recommended. Real car people.

 

[Maser Sod]

I used Autofficina for about 3 years, I had an excellent experience on the servicing side. I had a negative experience with their sales guy though. Hopefully he has moved on!

 

[timpani]

just to add to OPs take on ADG, we bought our car from them just under 2 years ago, 1st visit after a call to check they still had the advertised car, was talked through the choices they had on QPs at the time (5 different ages and specs)
drove down from central london the same day, saw the car we wanted, sat in the others, had a slight moment of indecision over whether to take a 2008 GTS spec with a new engine 200 miles ago 32k showing or a 2010 facelift S with higher millage at 60k for virtually the same price
both the guys there were knowledgeable and courteous, and understood my indecision, we paid a deposit and arranged to collect once a service and a few snagging issues were sorted a week later,
2nd visit we turned up, went for a test drive of about 10 miles, liked the car so paid up and we swapped our PX etc
all was done in under an hour and felt looked after and welcomed throughout
have not looked back, dont use Gaillo for servicing as have a main dealer on my doorstep, the car is on the last knocking of the extended waranty and like the new cars as loaners and the fact my car is the cheapest in the garage by a large margin, along with the Italian ambassadors QP that is

 

[Bobby Dandruff]

For what it is worth:

I went to ADG before I bought my first Gran Turismo and they let me drive a car (but after a bit of persuading, which was awkward) - I even made them an offer for it afterwards....

I have also had dealings with Autofficina - I was initially disappointed that they didn't reply to my email inquiry BUT.......since then they have been superb and could not have been more helpful. I would recommend them, just based on the time, courtesy and patience that they have shown me, which is all too often lacking.