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MG MGF Technical - MGF Centre

I've just been quite astounded by the attitude of the MGF centre.

I was attempting to purchase a replacement engine for my F and asked some straightforward questions regarding the supply of the engines, to be told if I did not trust them I should go elsewhere.

This is a very poor attitude in my opinion, has anyone else encountered this type of rudeness or did I just catch them on a bad day or wind them up.

I'd like to give them another chance, but isn't the customer always supposed to be right?

Russ Mellor

Russ,

Would say that you caught them on a bad day!

Used loads of times with no complaint. Received a christamas card this morning aswell!

I won't be the only one confirming this!
Rob Copeland

I once sent them an email asking them if they had a windstop in stock. I got a reply saying (wait for it!) -

No.

I sent one back saying many thanks for all your help, kind regards!

Dolly
Dolly D

Cheers Rob & Dolly, so far its 50 / 50.

The stupid thing was I wasn't being untrusting re the supply of engines, I was just interested (well aren't we supposed to be enthusiasts?!). Besides this engine is going in my pride and joy, I wanted to know where it came from.

I was originally recommended to the company via the BBS and until this episode I was very happy to go ahead.

Any further comments?
Russ Mellor

>regarding the supply of the engines,

At a guess - how do I know the engine has only done 5k miles?

>to be told if I did not trust them I should go elsewhere

I agree with both of you, with second hand bits you have to trust the integraty of the seller, I mean how diffrent does a 10k or 70k miles engine of the same age look? But to be told "no trust no sale" is a bit off, maybe they were expecing you to react diffrently, maybe you were expecting them to react diffrently, I would expect a dismantler to speak diffrently to a direct customer than a garage, and I would expect a dismantler to react diffrently than a shop, problem is the MGF centre is both a shop and a dismantler talking to both customers and garages.
Will Munns

Cheers Will, no I had no real problem with the milage and apparantly that is documented.

The thing was that these engine apparantly come from test and prototype cars used by MG Rover then passed over to the MGF Centre for breaking. I could not get my head around how come there was such a ready and constant supply of 2001 F's for breaking from the factory.

I did not think I was being untrusting and certainly not rude, I'm an enthusiast and was simply being...well...enthusiatic!

Was I out of order, she all but told me she would not sell me the engine.
Russ Mellor

That does sound like a 'story', I'd assumed that the engines came from crunched cars, It may be that there is only one engine from a prototype, and thats the particular one you are looking at.

Maybe Andy (sf) would be able to shead some light on this for you (he spent some time there with his car (crash/rebuild).

I doubt they get thru a /lot/ of engines, the K is used in a number of other cars, commonly available and usualy not fataly damaged by a HGF or damaged at all in an accident (the 400 I brought had a head on smash, apparently into a piller, the car was a write-off, but the closest the engine got was the exaust pipe just touching the rad)
Will Munns

"but isn't the customer always supposed to be right?"

Now that's a good question.

jt
John Thomas

Cheers Will, you could see where I was coming from then.

Anyway, I think we're back on track now, I called them back and apologised if my questions were misconstrued, I honestly was not distructing them or calling them into disrepute.

But with 2 HGF's and now this it's been nearly 2 months since I had proper use of the car and I'm going crazy!!!!!!
Russ Mellor

I am surprised that more people have not jumped to the defence of Victoria and the MGF Centre here. So I will, sort of.

I have had 3 or 4 dealings with them now and have to say that overall I am very happy. I think the problem you have had may be due to the situation Victoria is in, and that is of a young woman in what is generally a male dominated industry. As a result she can (by her own admission) get a little defensive when her company is called to question. I must say that I probably would do the same if I were her.

I can assure you that she is a very nice person and a pleasure to deal with on a professional level, I think that you just need to be careful when asking potentially contentious questions.

To conclude, an overall Thumbs Up from me!! :-)

HTH
Phil Brindley (Work)

Hmmm, just lost a posting - wonder how that happened... :-(

Oh well, looks like i'll have to re-type it then...

Russ,

>> Isn't the customer always right? << Yes - if they actually ARE a customer! I'll explain...

Please do not think ill of Victoria, i'm sure if you enquired about anything else you would get a different reaction - the problem here is engines, and more specifically crank phone calls enquiring about them (and VVC heads) from competitors checking out her prices. I feel there may have been a case of mistaken identity here.

Whilst i was there recently she received 4 of them, apparently from the same person, who turned out to be a competitior (who shall remain nameless) price checking. Eventually she gave them short shrift, and she said that she has been getting a lot of these types of call recently.

My advice is this. If you are serious about purchasing an engine, ring them up again and make it clear, mention my name if you like (Andrew Phillips or 'Scarlet' will do!) and mention that you were recommended to them by the BBS. Hopefully you will find some joy.

Good luck

SF
Scarlet Fever

>>I am surprised that more people have not jumped to the defence of Victoria and the MGF Centre here. So I will, sort of.<< Threads only been on an hour or so Phil iv'e just spotted it, im'e with you Phil and Scarlet Victoria is Top Lady so is her team, thanks for Xmas card Victoria , Scarlet i wonder who the Nameless person is??, now let me think, OH Yes think i know , Dave ;-))
DC Morris T6 DCM

Cheers Phil, thanks for your comment.

When I've spoken to Victoria previously I was impressed with her attitude and knowledge. I think you have a valid point re the position she is in and her understandably protective attitude towards the reputation of her business.

I put my hands up earlier (figuratively speaking) and apologised to the centre if I had caused unintended offence & I'm happy to say that we're close to getting things sorted out. If we do I'll certainly tread carefully in future dealings, as the centre does seem to offer a good service for us "F" enthusiasts.
Russ Mellor

Oh, one more thing...

>> I could not get my head around how come there was such a ready and constant supply of 2001 F's for breaking from the factory. <<

They get thier stock from a number of sources, most are from salvage companies. They do have a deal for parts from ex-prototype and demo cars within the factory, testing mules etc but this is not thier only source. They also have a stock of items to be envied by the dealerships.

Not sure where your engine would come from, but it would be sold with provenance and could very well have come from the factory, although it may have been in stock with them for some time.

An example of this is Scarlet needed a new steering collumn, but being a 1996 non-EPAS F they had a devil of a time getting hold of one. In the end i enquired about retro fitting EPAS (with the intention of doing Will's 'parking assist' button mod), but was told that there was loom modification needed as well and it wasn't really a practical option. Bearing in mind that the last car to have a non-EPAS, non adjustable steering collumn was the 1.6 MGF you can see how they might have had a problem. It arrived a month or so ago. :-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

>> mention my name if you like (Andrew Phillips or 'Scarlet' will do!) and mention that you were recommended to them by the BBS

... and I guess all those 'competitors' will be doing the same ...

Hmmm ...

Gaz
Gaz R

D'OH! (_8(I)

Sorry, had a Homer Simpson moment there...

SF
Scarlet Fever

Scarlet / Dave and Phil etc,

Thanks for your comments, you’ve decided me, I can well understand the situation regarding competitors and other issues and I was probably being a pain in the butt anyhow, asking too many questions etc.

But I am a genuine customer with a currently dead “F” that I’m itching to get back on the road, it’s obviously a case of crossed wires and I hope to have the situation fully resolved and the opportunity to laugh about it with Victoria sometime in the future.
Russ Mellor

i like a happy ending well done guy's, im'e sure you will have a laugh about it one day Russ,Pop over for the MGCC Annual Silverstone event next year if possible, a good oppertunity for you to and come and say hi on this bbs BBQ which i will be doing again as last one so good, Dave
DC Morris T6 DCM


My vote goes to Victoria, I regularly annoy her on the phone and yet she is always pleasant and friendly. Glad to hear you've worked things out. I know I'd be lost without her help, advice and parts.

Rich
Richard Petrocochino

Hi Dave,

Not quite a happy ending yet but it will be soon I hope. If the centre gets me my engine I cheerfully withdraw any suggestion of critism from them and recommend them wholeheartedly in the future.

I'll definetly be up for the Silverstone event year have dates been confirmed yet?

I'm relatively new to the BBS so forgive me if its posted somewhere obvious, Russ.
Russ Mellor

"but isn't the customer always supposed to be right?"

Now that's a good question.

Not necessarily but THEY ARE ALWAYS THE CUSTOMER.

JohnP

Cannot be bothered to read the full thread but my 2 dealings with MGF Centre so far have been excellent:

1 Purchased item at Silverstone this year but their card swiper wouldn't work so I was sent off with the goods and a request to phone them in a few days and make some payment. At that time I had never even spoken to the company before.

2 Ordered a clock for the F, arrived in 2 days at a very good price.

3 XMAS card received today


BTW thanks Victoria
JohnP

Russ dates for Silverstone not confirmed yet,date usually comes out in Feb,but it will be June or July,you wont miss,just keep eye on mgf gen threads from feb onwards, Dave
DC Morris T6 DCM

Some may know that only 2-3 months ago that I purchased an engine from Victoria and to be honest there is not much else that either Victoria or Bill could have done for me. Normally I would be wary of motor suppliers but to be honest having ordered a mountain of stuff from Victoria I have no problems at all.

I think it would be fair to say that the two owners are very very knowlegable and extremley hard working. Probably stressed out.

Russ I would be very very surprised if you are dissapointed.
S Laithwaite

Thanks Steve, I'm waiting to hear from them and look forward to getting it all sorted, Russ.
Russ Mellor

To put the record straight. Used parts which MGF centre sell are all obtained from a single source. This is the breakers which have the contract to break MGR test cars. MGR regularly test their products (that's reassuring) and the cars these cars are not availble for selling on and must be broken. The shells are distroyed but the panels are available, and other items ie engines, radiators....etc are then available. There are very few people with the contract to obtain these parts and MGF Centre has this contract.

Testing of these vehicles may result in very limited mileage and this is strictly recorded by MGR and when the car is broken this information is documented with the engine. So if the documents say 2000 miles then that is all it has done.

I am not just relaying verbal information, I have visited breakers appointed by MGR and can vouch for the professional nature of the company.

Tim
Tim

Cheers Tim, that makes sense, thanks very much.
Russ Mellor

Provisional dates for Silverstone are July 23-25th, but there is a possibility it could move to June 18-20th dependant on factors outside of MGCC control!
David Clelland

I can only add to the endorsements for the excellent service from the MGF Centre. I was at the MGF centre during your call and can only say that the labourious questioning of Victoria and Bill over the same point seemed unfair on two people who have spent so much time trying to help. They are rightly proud of their reputation and always strive to provide the best possible service.

Andy


Andy

Thanks for the comment Andy, I did not consider my questions laborious, Tim succinctly explained the sourcing above in a matter of a couple of sentences and this was all I wanted to know. Up until the misunderstanding I had been very impressed with the centre and having had the opportunity to speak to Bill and straighten things out since then, I look forward also to endorsing them for excellent service.

It definitely seems like a case of crossed wires and I’m pleased we’re getting it sorted out.
Russ Mellor

It might have passed some folk's by, but there was a case recently, well-reported locally, of two people caught stealing complete engines and other components from the Longbridge site. Might explain a few things.
David Dewick

'cept it doesn't. MGF Centre have a legitimate deal and provide provenance, the theives were caught and dealt with.

SF
Scarlet Fever

David, that was uncalled for. What bit of what Tim, SF and the rest have posted do you not understand?

Andy
Andy

Crikey David, some Statement that, hope your not suggesting what it looks like your saying, Dave
DC Morris T6 DCM

Lets hope that David forgot to put a ;-) on the end !
Richard Petrocochino

Might it explain how David hurt his back? :-) :-)
JohnP

Russ,
Go to Brown & Gammons at Baldock !.
Robert
R J Hemphill

I have a complaint about the MGF Centre. 12 months ago my MGF was almost bog standard and my bank account was decent. Now my MGF looks brilliant and my bank account looks sh*t.
Hope it is not too long before Anita stops wasting money on food, nappies, clothes etc so I can get on with essential MGF business.
Also hope the old bill don't come knocking to recover all of my mods.
Nik & Anita

I have used the MGF Centre a few times now and can honestly say that i have had exceptionally good service and a positively friendly attitude every visit, and to top it all an xmas card in the post yesterday.

Thats a thumbs up from me !

Nik
n stretton

And a thumbs up from me as well.

I received a handwritten Christmas card from them yesterday, and I've only ever bought two alloy wheels from them.

I think I shall be spending more of my meagre disposal income with them in the New Year.
SJ Perkins

The MGF Centre is the best to take the 'F' Russ.
I have Bought some great gear off them at Silverstone in the summer, all in great condition.
They were the best stand at last year's event by far.
Bill who works at the MGF centre is a top bloke. He is more than happy to give advise if needed and Victoria runs the place very well, it is nice to see a young Lady working well in a manly environment!!!!

Andy,Dudley are you the thing that lives under Victoria's jumper???? :))
Terry

lol ;o)

that's me, very nice it is too.

Andy

Hey Terry, are you really from the Isle of White?
Russ Mellor

OFF TOPIC

Russ,

'M' EFi ? Maestro or Montego?

Just curious, had a MG Monty EFi myself a few years ago (93/94/95) and look back on it fondly. :-)

SF
Scarlet Fever

Hi Scarlet,

'91 Maestro EFI actually, she's been great since I bought her in '98. I decided to keep her on after I bought the F thinking that on occasion 4 seats and a boot may come in handy!

It's just as well I did considering 2 HGFs and now a failed engine mean that I have not had use of the F for 2 months.

Russ.
Russ Mellor

<<Andy,Dudley are you the thing that lives under Victoria's jumper???? :))>>


yes, he's a right tit
Andy's Mrs

Russ

I've read through this thread and feel I must add my comment.

The team at the MGF Centre have built up a successful and well respected business that offers their customers the service required at a fair and honest price. They adopt the sound business principle that "the only good deal is one that satisfies both parties". This is the reason there are so many satisfied long term customers who keep going back, that in its self speaks volumes.

If you ask Victoria for a quote, you will get a fair price and be told the conditions they will work to. Sometimes these conditions might not be all that you ideally want, but it will be the best they can do for you and themselves. If you don't accept it, it's your prerogative to go elsewhere. I'm sure Victoria would prefer this than for customers to be feeling miffed, not happy or over a barrel.

The important issue is, you are put fully in the picture before any work commences and you have the choice whether or not to have the work done. If you choose to have them do the work, you'll get the best levels of customer service and quality of workmanship in the motor trade and the job will be done to the terms and conditions outlined at the onset.

What more can any of us want or expect ?

Mark
M N Edwards

Hear Hear, Dave
DC Morris T6 DCM

Dear All,

Many thanks for all your comments; I'm very pleased to say that since starting this thread I have had the opportunity to speak to both Bill and Victoria at the MGF Centre and clear up the original misunderstanding. They hope to have a replacement engine sourced for me next week and I look forward to being back on the road.

I believe the response from this thread has been one of overwhelming support for the Centre, which is testament to the hard work that Bill, Victoria and their staff have put into building a quality business with an excellent reputation. I was not aware of this as a new customer to the centre before my enquiry, but I certainly am now.

I would also like to take the opportunity of commending both Bill & Victoria for the helpful attitude they have shown me (and many others). They are knowledgeable are prepared to take time and effort with their customers and are justifiably proud of the service they offer and the business they have built up.

In my defence, purchasing a second hand engine without guarantee, is a major undertaking in trust and I felt justified in assuring myself of the provenance of the unit. As said I had not dealt with the Centre before so was not aware of their reputation. I am now completely satisfied with the source of the engines, I understand the Centre is in the enviable position of having the contract of receiving all the ex-test & prototype parts direct from MG / Rover and this is excellent news for us!

I look forward to receiving my engine next week and to rounding off this thread with an “All’s well that ends well” note and also to using the Centre in future whenever I have the opportunity (leather interior, induction kit and exhaust next year).

They say that no publicity is bad publicity! But I regret that I may have originally cast dispersions on a well respected, hardworking and extremely busy business, so I apologies for that and I’m glad that with your help we’ve all been able to put the record straight.

Best regards, Russ.
Russ Mellor

Nice comments from Russ. I hope his car is back on the road soon and that he enjoys many years of MG motoring.
JohnP

Russ,

Welcome to the MGF fold :o)

Tim
Tim

This thread was discussed between 03/12/2003 and 06/12/2003

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