Melbourne Holden Dealers (Good Ones and Bad Ones)

[loudvtss]

Hi All,
Just thought I'd start this thread so we can all get a picture of the good and bad holden dealers.

The best one I've found is Penfold Holden in Burnley.. The worst would have to be South City Holden. I bought my car from there and they couldn't get the noise from my driver's window fixed. Rang Holden and they suggested I try another Holden dealer. Penfold Holden fixed it straight away. South City Holden couldn't diagnose the problem. The changed rubbers and seals and nothing. They even stopped returning my calls. Like always quick and polite to screw you out of your money but then they become Houdini when you have a problem..

In summary,

Good => Penfold Holden Burnley
Bad (Shithouse) => Sth City Holden.

[Quark]

I've had a good run with the sales and service people at Garry & Warren Smith Oakleigh.

I did try both the sales (rude *!$*s!) and service (e.g. apply *bulk* grease to door seals to fix exhaust rubbing on rear bumper!!) at South City some years ago.

[Timmy]

Bad is certainly South city Holden, not just there service department put their sheer pricing is ridicules, they wanted 52k for a VZ SS with leather and a few other options we wanted, ended up driving out to Ferntree Gully and got the same car for 48k, only downside is driving up to there every service would be a drag, as for their service still a bit early...

[Clint]

Spot on loudvtss
I have also found Penfold Burnley sensational. They held a HSV Owners Club meeting back in Oct04 and found the entire crew down to earth and simply good blokes to deal with. Picked up my VZ SS from Burwood but took it to Burnley for its 1st inspection last week and felt really confident they would do a good job - if something goes wrong, it usually does. Good old Murphy's Law.
I remember taking my VT R8 to South City for a 'routine recall' on the fuel pump from memory. After waiting for it, drove it thru the city to work. While stopped at red lights in Flinders St, a bloke at the tram stop was pointing to the ground. Put down the window and he says ' I think you are leaking fuel'. Did the u bolt and headed straight back... Sorry mate, we forgot to fit the clamp back on the fuel line. No harm done, he says!
Haven't been back since, but I suppose we all have similar stories, so if you have found a good thing, stick to it...

[dmhhsv]

Bad, both Booran Holden at Dandenong and Cheltenham, made all the promises under the sun during negotiations, hours and hours of them over the price of a new clubsport.
Good, Garry and Warren Smith, Oakleigh, picked up new clubsport R8 $3000 cheaper than what Boorans wanted for the clubbie, plus extras, bonnet protectors, mats and free servicing. Excellent service.

[Brendan]

For workshop service, Preston Motors at Melbourne Airport. Good guys and they fix stuff.

[dark]

Agree South City Holden, buyers beware. Advertised an R8 which I went and had a look at. Had R8 on the stickers and of coursse the pricing but it was the Clubsport model not an R8. Told them, walked off and never came back.
I think that we are dealing with car salesman and it does not matter who they are working for, Holden, Mazda, Ford etc, but an attempt to rip you off is not excusable. I had an issue with my car being serviced at BayCity Holden Frankston, will cheat, lie and whatever to avoid fixing it properly. By their bad luck I witnessed my car going for a test drive. I am not sure what you would do if you witness a 20 year old trying to do beat most quarter time trials on the street.

[quicksilverss]

Bad Alan Mance Footscray, from service to sales just stay away from them.
Kevin Dennis Sunshine is a rip off on prices, not sure about the service department.

[wrexed03]

Barlow World mmmmm not good Multiple times to fix same problems. Still not fixed try another dealer.
Ralph D'Silva. What can i say good at scratching the plastic trims in the car. 2 hours to rotate some tyres front to back and vice versa. The boys in the workshop would rather have their smoke while the customer has been there a total of 3 hours waiting for an hours worth of work max. I hope Holdens and some of the dealers mentioned read this thread.

[NORTY8]

Spot on loudvtss
I have also found Penfold Burnley sensational. They held a HSV Owners Club meeting back in Oct04 and found the entire crew down to earth and simply good blokes to deal with. Picked up my VZ SS from Burwood but took it to Burnley for its 1st inspection last week and felt really confident they would do a good job - if something goes wrong, it usually does. Good old Murphy's Law.
I remember taking my VT R8 to South City for a 'routine recall' on the fuel pump from memory. After waiting for it, drove it thru the city to work. While stopped at red lights in Flinders St, a bloke at the tram stop was pointing to the ground. Put down the window and he says ' I think you are leaking fuel'. Did the u bolt and headed straight back... Sorry mate, we forgot to fit the clamp back on the fuel line. No harm done, he says!
Haven't been back since, but I suppose we all have similar stories, so if you have found a good thing, stick to it...


I had BAD experience with Penfold Burnley. Witnessed mechanic revving the shit out of my car in park/neutral whilst I had brakes looked at!!!

Never ever again!!!!
'
Best service I have had was Ralph D'Silva Preston

[nickh]

Doncaster Holden always serviced my car without any issues and the nick bloke always did great prices i think he even sold cars to interstate ppl.. :cool: :p

[MARTY]

Have also had bad experiences at Penfold serviceing, and will NEVER return.

[CALDIR]

Hi

I have heard Doncaster Holden are good as well as Barry Bourke Holden in Berwick. I would stay well away from the service department of Garry & Warren Smith Oakleigh.....

regards,

Richard
RIP CLUBVX

[NORTY8]

Have also had bad experiences at Penfold serviceing, and will NEVER return.


Beware of them, very dodgey young mechanics that thrash your car!!!

[MNR-0]

Ralph D'Silva. What can i say good at scratching the plastic trims in the car. 2 hours to rotate some tyres...
That's interesting. I get my car serviced by them and CSV and have never had a problem dealing with Ralph D'Silva. Even when I turn up un-announced the forman is happy to put my car on the hoist and give it a once over.

As for plastic trim scratches - you will get that with most workshops. Ask Statie who busted his rear panel insert!? :D

However, when I menton it to them the guys at Ralph are happy to pay for the replacement scratched items (aka. shroud around gear selector). 12 months on and it's now so scratched from dust and shit I just throw over the top of it I just accept it as part of normal wear and tear.

[Stuart]

My last service was at Doncaster Holden and they were good. I bought my car from Penfolds and they have been ok on the most part, but I've had mixed experiences with them depending on who you deal with.

[Drewie]

I have always had good dealings with Patterson Cheney in Ringwood, always very helpful and things that needed fixing have been fixed right first time round. Been going there for many years.

[NORTY8]

Penfold tried to sell me a 2003 plated car last year claiming it was a 2004! Good try!! ;)

[MNR-0]

Penfold tried to sell me a 2003 plated car last year claiming it was a 2004! Good try!! ;)
Yeah dealers often do that - trying to pull the wool over your eyes. They sell you a run-out model citing that even though its plated 2003 its first registered in 2004 and that's what counts. But... try selling or trading back in the vehicle 3 years time and they won't care about anything but the compliance date of manufacture. Resale value is mainly based off this date. Bloody salespeople.

[T-Dub]

South City are Great !!!! I don't doubt your story or situation, but I have found South City really helpful. They have always gone the extra mile for me with warranty, parts and service.
Maybe given the size of these dealerships it depends on who you speak with.
I have a simple policy that if I'm not happy I get the next person up the food chain to deal with the issue. Most managers in any of these dealerships would be horrified to hear what some of their staff say and do, let them know.
T-Dub

[Harvs82]

Ferntree Gully Holden have been pretty good for me, especially their parts department. Service department hasn't been too bad on the odd occasion that I have needed them to do some work, but I still prefer doing it myself where possible.

My old man gets his car serviced at Barloworld Holden in Glen Waverley, and they seem pretty good as far as servicing goes.

[VScalais]

Have had several bad experiences with Penfold in Burwood... level and quality of service left a lot to be desired

[VXSS346]

I think it is more complicated than just whose good and whose bad. I had good and bad experiences (minor only) with 3 different dealers around Melbourne. I feel most are pretty good in general but it depends on how you confront them with a problem.
All the major problems (eg. engine rebuild) I had, were done without question. Its the little things that cause a bit of friction.
As for servicing I really don't trust anyone at all, not just holden dealers. No bad experiences, but you have to wonder how a mechanic will drive someone elses pride and joy.

Just my humble opinion!

[VooDoo]

Why is it we cant say negitive comments about tuners, workshops etc (even if true) but can bag out Holden dealers ???

[BigFella]

Worst service dpt is Ralph D Silva holden....will never go back they have no bloody idea and charge for stuff they dont even do!

I got to watson holden now....not bad but last service asked to replace my rear garnish (Vx calais) caz it was gettin condensation in it, i think they re sealed it instead and its still the same now.....so i hope they change it next time round.
But i am happy with the services i have had....

But things could change after my warrenty runs out......

[loudvtss]

Look guys,
As was stated in the thread. These dealerships have between 10-50 people working there. You'll catch someone on a bad day or you'll interpret them thrashing your car and lack of care when they're trying to solve a problem/complaint. Human error will always cause problems. I guess the
thing to note is the response to your complaints and the action taken to rectify your complaint. Look if I had 1 or 2 bad dealings with the dealer in say 3 years in a whole I'd be happy but as I stated in the start of the thread South City Holden were pathetic. I went there at least 6 times in the first year to get the problem fixed. It was patched and 2 weeks later the problem would come back. Then the foreman stopped returning my calls. This being the case my issue/problem could not be rectified...

Anyway guys thanks for the contribution to the thread. I hope this helps people when deciding where to take your car.

[Villainous_j]

I own a VTII V6 and looking at a VY SV8 around the middle of this year and I'd love to see this thread continue so I've got an idea of where to go for a good deal and trade in on the current ride.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

PS: The V6 came from Sunbury Holden, good bunch of people, if anybody has different experiences let us know.

[dark]

Why is it we cant say negitive comments about tuners, workshops etc (even if true) but can bag out Holden dealers ???

I think because we take our cars to tuners a lot less than the Holden Dealers and warranties are always an issue, considering warranties get up to 175,000 nowadays. Some might not want to offend a sponsor either. Dealers are everywhere. My dealer the person who sold me the car gives me his car whilst my car is serviced, free. Works for me.

[Nidz]

Fty Gully are rip offs as far as i've come to known as i sued to get my VR serviced there

Burwood Holden are ok but they still make up prices for parts off the top of thewir heads and took em 3 times to fix a problem.. they like to try the cheapest fix first for anything

[slickholden]

Kevin dennis... Ballarat Rd 272 braybrook. Ask for Charlie borg top guy, Took me aside when i had no cash and spoke to me for 30min. I will see him soon with cash:D

[NORTY8]

Worst service dpt is Ralph D Silva holden....will never go back they have no bloody idea and charge for stuff they dont even do!

I got to watson holden now....not bad but last service asked to replace my rear garnish (Vx calais) caz it was gettin condensation in it, i think they re sealed it instead and its still the same now.....so i hope they change it next time round.
But i am happy with the services i have had....

But things could change after my warrenty runs out......


I have found Ralph D Silva to be the best that I have been to so far.
I remain at dealership til car is finished and only problems encountered have been slow delivery of parts to the dealership.

[VZSS250]

Ralph D'Silva were tireless in fixing a fuel problem with my old man's VQ Caprice. Great service. BUT then they took my VX SS for a week to do an engine rebuild and brought it back to me with a knock in the from right quarter panel.

Holden dealerships generally have a bad culture which allows too many incompetent wankers slip through who couldn't give a crap about your unmarked brand new clubby. They scrape the bumper on the driveway, they put a scratch or two in your leather, they do minor damage to your panels, just enough so you cant be stuffed launching a full blown complaint.

[exwrx]

I found Ralph D'Silva used car sales to be less than impressive.

Bay City Holden's used car sales people were good, but their service dept left a lot to be desired IMHO ie several visits to have warranty items looked at without being fixed, engine teardown showed that the service history from the same dealer was not wirth the paper it was written on... :mad:

[emotive]

I have always had good dealings with Patterson Cheney in Ringwood, always very helpful and things that needed fixing have been fixed right first time round. Been going there for many years.

I had no dramas servicing my VY S there, but they refused to look at the starting problem with the SS because it has a MAFless edit. They blame the tune, which has been running fine since I bought the car in August 04. So I'm looking for an 'edit friendly' Holden dealer (to fix the problem under warranty) if you know of one?

[nols1yet]

With all the varied options coming out about the same dealerships, Im wondering if there is a bias, not only in terms of getting the wrong person on the wrong day etc etc, but in terms of the age of people bringing cars in? Say perhaps an older bloke brining his car in might be treated with a bit more respect than a young fella with a nice car, the garage/sales manager whoever might decide "how dare this bloke have such a car" "he/she's young, we can screw em around an they wont know enough to complain" etc etc.


...or I could just be paranoid :confused: Only thing going against this is the past few times my dad has had to take his car back to his dealer for his benz, he has had crappy service, little dings in the car etc and i've had to talk him into taking the car back to explain that the work done was not satisfactory :mad:

[JimHsv]

I had problems with my alarm,stopping my car to start,took it to Booran Dandenong and they told me it was a battery,so I put the bloody dearest battery they had it started next day it wouldnt.

So i take my car to Cranbourne Holden where they had it for the day and said nothing was wrong with it until i went to pick it up.then they had it for the next 2 days to figure it was the alarm when i told them that it was the alarm from the start.

Then it only took 2 days for HSV to come out and fix it because Holden arnt allowed to fix HSV alarms and now all my lights on my dash arnt as bright,my car is nealy out of warranty i will not go back to Holden for service again.

[JezzaB]

Barry Bourke in Berwick are great. Fast and keep in contact all the way through. Haven't had any problems with them, and my boss and I both get our cars serviced there.

Cheers,
Jez

[RARASV8]

Mantello Holden
if i have had a problem its been fixed there and then or as soon as parts have been delivered, the only problem is they haven't washed or detailed the car once. :lol:

[RedCV8R]

Have had bad experiences with Penfold in Burnley, they used to service my company car when it was under warranty. Wouldn't use them again.

[TigerMon]

I'm about to get my engine rebuilt (piston slap) at Bay City, stay tuned for that one!

Summit did good services and cleaned the car :cool: but I took it in twice for engine harshness and they said there was nothing wrong. One day at Bay City and they booked it for a rebuild.

[JCL]

Ive taken my Gts Coupe to Ralph D Silva for sevice & warranty issues. Never been satisfied.Once was charged for a HSV wheel service that was never carried out(proven because they couldnt show me where I hid the wheel locks when I asked why the wheels were'nt rotated).Ive had the car there 3 times to fix a notchy gear shift in all gears.The last time the clutch was to the floor & struggled to get there.I was assured it was fixed.Clutch was fixed but gears are still as notchy as ever.I also complained about a strange groan type noise when turning in reverse & was told it was the power steering fluid needing a flush($150).Noise is still there!.Also reset the trip computer to see If they abused the car.Passenger seat was moved back to sit a large adult,5 km travelled & average fuel consumption 58ltrs/100km!!Yes you read it right. This was after I was assured only the dedicated HSV sevice manager would drive the car.

[boldeman]

Ive taken my Gts Coupe to Ralph D Silva for sevice & warranty issues. Never been satisfied.Once was charged for a HSV wheel service that was never carried out(proven because they couldnt show me where I hid the wheel locks when I asked why the wheels were'nt rotated).Ive had the car there 3 times to fix a notchy gear shift in all gears.The last time the clutch was to the floor & struggled to get there.I was assured it was fixed.Clutch was fixed but gears are still as notchy as ever.I also complained about a strange groan type noise when turning in reverse & was told it was the power steering fluid needing a flush($150).Noise is still there!.Also reset the trip computer to see If they abused the car.Passenger seat was moved back to sit a large adult,5 km travelled & average fuel consumption 58ltrs/100km!!Yes you read it right. This was after I was assured only the dedicated HSV sevice manager would drive the car.


If you reset the trip computer it takes a couple of km to sort it self out. Mine sometimes reads over 50 when first reset, about give it 10km.... then its all good.

[TOYLS1]

For me it would have to be watson holden, i took my 1st ls1 a vy ss ute back to where i brought it as wouldn't select gear properly and they told me i needed new clutch, pressure plate after only 8000kms, so decided to get 2nd opion at watson, all they did was tighten the screws on pressure plate! ALL FIXED, i recommend them to anyone and also very very good with warranty issues! now i take my calais there and never have a drama, polite know what there doing, so scrathes on anything! :D

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

HOW abought changing thread name to good and bad AUSTRALIA WIDE cairns one is crap to .

[sloone]

Doncaster Holden always serviced my car without any issues and the nick bloke always did great prices i think he even sold cars to interstate ppl.. :cool: :p
:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Glenn@Autowerks]

Got my 1500 service done at Heartland at Parra in Syd, they put the sticker on it next service due at 15,000. I think they forgot to read the manual which says 10,000 :bash:

Holden will never touch it again apart from warranty issues :booty:

Then I it took Heartland at Blacktown 3 goes at getting in the right replacement tail light which fell apart.

Some good, but where are they ? :rolleyes:

[RedCV8R]

If we're opening it up Australia wide. I thought only Suttons Rosebery didn't read their new car service manuals. 1st sticker had wrong kms on it 3000 instead of 1500. 2nd sticker had wrong date 6 months forward instead of 5. However their customer service and car wash are excellent, I don't know about how well they service the car though, it's too early to tell either way.

[Glenn@Autowerks]

car wash are excellent, I don't know about how well they service the car though, it's too early to tell either way.

A clean car always represents a well serviced car :confused:

Some think that anyway :lol:

Good to see a nice clean car after a service, as long as they did the service. Had mine in the past where the apprentice did it and missed a few things, normally un-supervised :mad: But its clean, this aint a go against u RedCV8R (sorry if it sounds that way)

[kane_tools]

Glendon Motors Holden Bomaderry (Nowra) NSW are shockers...

Have managed to burn me each time, lied about what was replaced NOT (rear shocks under warranty), dicked me around waiting for them to finally come in after I convinced them they were the same shocks as when the car was first presented albeit wiped clean!!! then lost my locknut key when they finally really did replace them!!! Farken wankers :mad:

Although all the boys in parts are gentlemen and good at what they do.
The contrast is remarkable, it's hard to believe they work for the same company :eek:

[Wonky]

Barry Bourke in Berwick are great. Fast and keep in contact all the way through. Haven't had any problems with them, and my boss and I both get our cars serviced there.

Cheers,
Jez

Yeah, I've found Barry Bourke great too - drop SVEE8 off there about 17:30 for 1500/10000/20000 service and ready by about 20:00. Admittedly haven't needed any problems checking, just a straight service. They have never put any marks on the car and are very friendly and helpful.

Jezzab, judging from the description of your car you're probably the guy in the black VU SS who took off from there one night as I was dropping my car off. Screamed out of the place and headed back in Berwick direction - best damned sounding LS1 I have ever heard!! :cool:

[dark]

Get my car serviced there for the first time, Monday.

[huggies]

Good=Barry Bourke in Warrigal & Bay City In Frankston
Bad=Baroloworld & FTG

[pah]

Hi all,

I got jerked around by a Holden Dedaler a few years ago so I sent a fax to the CEO of GMH in Melbourne. Head Office chased me up for extra details so I assume they took it seriously.

I've always been on my guard after I saw a zit faced apprentice bouncing my car off the rev limiter around the corner from the dealership. I worked in the street that he was using as his test pilot drag strip. The service dept manager didn't seem to give a stuff. Not impressed.

Oil changes at the dealerships are a bit pricey, especially if the "technician" is a young bloke on apprentice money. I prefer to get my services done in my driveway if at all possible. I can watch the action and build up a bit of rapport with the mechanic.


PAH

[hithere]

Bad Alan Mance Footscray, from service to sales just stay away from them.
Kevin Dennis Sunshine is a rip off on prices, not sure about the service department.

First hand experience. Stay away from Sunshine Kevin Dennis. All talk and nothing gets fixed. Took it to Preston Motors Essendon and fixed many of the long term faults (you know the ones they tell you, its normal... there is nothing wrong with it!! line) in one visit. You will be amazed how different two dealers can be!!

[thorshammer33]

Was happy with the service I received at FT Gully this week.

Except for charging me $43 to pop my front bar back in (front right had popped out a little) and how dusty it was on drivers side skirt. (i'd washed it only the day before!)

[emotive]

Just had a good experience with Booran Holden in Glenhunly. See this thread for full details http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=417410#post417410

[NORTY8]

Look guys,
As was stated in the thread. These dealerships have between 10-50 people working there. You'll catch someone on a bad day or you'll interpret them thrashing your car and lack of care when they're trying to solve a problem/complaint. Human error will always cause problems. I guess the
thing to note is the response to your complaints and the action taken to rectify your complaint. Look if I had 1 or 2 bad dealings with the dealer in say 3 years in a whole I'd be happy but as I stated in the start of the thread South City Holden were pathetic. I went there at least 6 times in the first year to get the problem fixed. It was patched and 2 weeks later the problem would come back. Then the foreman stopped returning my calls. This being the case my issue/problem could not be rectified...

Anyway guys thanks for the contribution to the thread. I hope this helps people when deciding where to take your car.


I doubt the mechanic at Penfold Burnley was revving the sh#$ out of my car, in neutral, to find the fault considering my concern was about the brake squeal and suspension over bumps/speed humps!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[VX SS S2]

VERY GOOD - I have nothing but praise for the guys at Barry Bourke in Berwick, both in Sales and Service.

Sales- kept in touch whilst looking for a car (for over 12 months) and was even keen to have a look at the car i bought in the end- FROM ANOTHER DEALERSHIP!!! :eek:

Service - Took it in at 8am for service, had it back by 10am... 40,000 service done (inc air and fuel filter) - they even filled my windscreen washer fluid bottle...

AND they fixed the exhaust rattle i had for FREE as well... car out of warranty... They even used paper mat on the carpet, and plastic cover on the seat...

AND they even stuck the service sticker in the corner of the window on straight!! :D

Will be servicing my car there for a long time to come.

[red1]

Always had my car serviced at Summit Holden in Elsterwick - including 30k service today. I have always found them very helpfull and efficient.

(I didn't buy the car from them as a broker mate got it from a dealer in Horsham for a very sharp price)

- Never a problem fixing anything under warranty
- Put it in at 7.30 and its usually ready befiore lunch
- They always wash the car at n/c
- They have found stuff I didnt know about and have fixed it under warranty
- They send me a SMS message the day before to remind me of my booking
- The only complaint I have is they somewtimes leave the drivers seat in the wrong position

[JezzaB]

Yeah, I've found Barry Bourke great too - drop SVEE8 off there about 17:30 for 1500/10000/20000 service and ready by about 20:00. Admittedly haven't needed any problems checking, just a straight service. They have never put any marks on the car and are very friendly and helpful.

Jezzab, judging from the description of your car you're probably the guy in the black VU SS who took off from there one night as I was dropping my car off. Screamed out of the place and headed back in Berwick direction - best damned sounding LS1 I have ever heard!! :cool:

I do recall that night and I could safely say that was me. I mean you can't beat that "just serviced" feeling :D (gotta love doing a U-turn at that median strip just outside Holden)

PS. Im sure some time during the day the Holden apprentice did the same thing.