Ford servicing in Stillorgan?

Stevie Dakota

Nearly time to get the Ford serviced, and a well know Ford dealer in Stillorgan (Dublin) is handy for me. My first impressions were not good though, the place is a bit of a kip and the service person I spoke to was less than professional or polite. The workshop was also a bit of a state.

I'm trying not to judge a book by its cover here, does anyone have any experience of them?

antodeco

I know people who have, and seemed to have no problems with them. I cant vouch for myself though.

Does it need to be an actual Ford garage? Ive learnt the hard way not to go to Main Dealers!

R.O.R

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Nearly time to get the Ford serviced, and a well know Ford dealer in Stillorgan (Dublin) is handy for me. My first impressions were not good though, the place is a bit of a kip and the service person I spoke to was less than professional or polite. The workshop was also a bit of a state.

I'm trying not to judge a book by its cover here, does anyone have any experience of them?

Had some very positive experiences with them. Bought a used car, had it serviced there at a lower cost than using Advance Pitstop, had the only thing to go wrong with it fixed under warranty.

Was a good few years ago, but I wouldn't judge that particular book by it's really shabby cover.

VolvoMan

The premises (Esmonde Motors) may be seriously under invested in but I've heard the service is quite good. They are supposed to be very cheap too.

Alun

Yeah, they're not bad really and seem to know what they're doing, although the whole place, from sales through to servicing is indeed a kip. Another Ford dealer in Bray, who shall remain nameless, who used to inhabit an even worse kip, but now has a shiny new glass and chrome showroom are the most ignorant and unhelpful bunch it's ever been my displeasure to deal with, so never judge a book by it's cover.

BeardyGit

I've had good experience there in the past and can't really say anything bad about the place.

I'd rather a real mechanic fix my car, in a real workshop with a bit of grime about the place, with real tools, for fair money. Depending on what needs doing with your car, this could be much more appropriate for your needs and your pocket book.

The alternative is that you might pay through the nose for someone to run diagnostics because that's what the book suggests, replace parts that may be just fine but are swapped because that's what the book says, while you sit on the calf leather couch in the polished showroom out front....all the time paying for the privelage. And for the apprentice to polish the sealed workshop floor.

Anyway, I'd have no hesitation in heading there for routine mechanical work or as a first stop for a more complicated fault. I'd rather a mechanic had a quick look before sending me to a technician for detailed diags.

Stevie Dakota

Thanks people, I have to say I was taken aback by the surroundings and general level of basic manners, and when I queried a warranty issue the response was far from helpful. Our second car is a Renault and the service at Sandyford Renault is outstanding by comparison.

Having said that I will give them a try and go from there.

fightin irish

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Thanks people, I have to say I was taken aback by the surroundings and general level of basic manners, and when I queried a warranty issue the response was far from helpful. Our second car is a Renault and the service at Sandyford Renault is outstanding by comparison.

Having said that I will give them a try and go from there.

They've let a few people go this last month(including managers) and the rumour mill has that the place is sold and they still havn't bought a new premises. Maybe that might explain the lack of courtsey?? No excuse all the same but it may be the reason.

whowantstwoknow

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Thanks people, I have to say I was taken aback by the surroundings and general level of basic manners, and when I queried a warranty issue the response was far from helpful. Our second car is a Renault and the service at Sandyford Renault is outstanding by comparison.

Having said that I will give them a try and go from there.

Hi Stevie,

Did you try them out in the end? My first service is also coming up?

Thanks
W.

ardmacha

This premises was going to become 1000 apartments or the like, so they haven't been investing in it. Not sure how things will work out now.
I've had several services done there, nothing particular to report.

Stevie Dakota

whowantstwoknow wrote: »

Hi Stevie,

Did you try them out in the end? My first service is also coming up?

Thanks
W.

Yes, service was fine and the car was given a good clean as well, even tyre dressing! The place is a mess but the work seems fine, would use them again.

whowantstwoknow

I'm aware that you must use original ford parts on the service so as not to invalidate their warranty, but is it also necessary to use a ford main dealer, or can an independent be used?

Thanks

W.

Seth Brundle

No, the EU block exemption removed this requirement as long as any replacement parts are of OEM quality and installed by someone qualified IIRC.

whowantstwoknow

VolvoMan wrote: »

The premises (Esmonde Motors) may be seriously under invested in but I've heard the service is quite good. They are supposed to be very cheap too.

Just rang up to check on their price to find out they too have closed their business, sad to hear.

Car still needs a service, so any other recommendations in the Dublin south or Kildare area?

Also I recall seeing a large thread here about the service/valet offer etc, but cant seem to find it now, has it been removed?

Thanks

W.

ardmacha

South Dublin Ford in Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham might suit. They will give you a courtesy car if you book your service well in advance, which is handy as they are rather remote from bus routes etc once you leave off the car (Esmonde motors were handy as you could easily head on to work on the bus).

Stevie Dakota

Esmonde are gone?!

Alun

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Esmonde are gone?!

I'll be disappointed if they are. The premises, especially the showrooms were very dated and a bit shabby, but from my dealings with the servicing department I got the general idea they actually knew what they were doing unlike another Ford dealer much closer to me.

Seth Brundle

Esmonde apparently closed on May 1st
A colleagues father used to work for them (retired a year ago). The stock is all but gone now.

VolvoMan

Their recently opened premises in Goatstown (Old Victor Motors garage) is listed as having its stock updated on carzone today, although only 5 cars are listed.

colm_c

VolvoMan wrote: »

Their recently opened premises in Goatstown (Old Victor Motors garage) is listed as having its stock updated on carzone today, although only 5 cars are listed.

I was down there today in their Goatstown premises, guy said they were closing down, and in fact had sold the car I went to look at (and 6 others) to another dealer 5 mins before I arrived!

R.O.R

Unfortunately Esmonde's have gone - it's been one of the worst kept "secrets" in the Industry for a while.

Unlike most though it was a voluntary liquidation. It's a real shame to see them go, they've supplied hundreds of cars to me over the years and I bought my old Mondeo off them in 03.