Hi Guys
Ok so I am about to hit the go button and order the kit. I was toying with buying a built car but fancy having a go at building one. Think half the
fun will be building it.
The factory is about 4 hours (200miles) away from me, it's a long way and I'm just wondering if I need to make the trip. I can always order
the kit and have it delivered.
How important is a factory visit?
Cheers
Dave
100% important in my opinion.
What if you don't get on with the people? What if you don't like the quality of work in the workshop?
Don't even think about it anymore, arrange a day!
Totally agree, do the visit. You will be spending significant sum of mny with them and a great deal of time on the phone to these guys/gals during the
build and if you get the feeling that they are not bothered about aftersale help then walk away and find a kit manufacturer that will.
One of the main reason I bought I bouthg t a Fury was the welcome/interest/help I recieved when doing a factory visit with Mark Fisher - top bloke and
his staff were excellent. That help continued even after my car was on the road and he di not have the company any more !
I think it is a good idea to visit a kit supplier's factory - as you will inevitably have to deal with them during the build and it's a
great way to introduce yourself and get to see for yourself who you are buying from.
For me, building is part and parcel of the whole kit thing - I am loving it (despite the odd frustration due to my occasional off-track build
choices). Besides, it's the only way to guarantee that the build is up to your own standard (which may be higher or lower than other's of
course) and to really understand how it all 'works'.
Oh - and it will cost more than your current budget no matter what that is!
.....and i would definitely try and arrange a spin in a demonstrator car while you're there if possible aswell as a mental 'keepsake' and motivator during the long cold months of building as to why and What you can look forward to once all the hard work is over(!!)
When I was looking to buy a kit I visisted a whole load of "factories" beforehand as well as demo days and it was a real eye-opener. Some of
the more established companies (no names givens) completely put me off with their poor practices and bad attitudes, whereas some smaller outfits
(particular mention to Aries Motorsport) really made me feel welcome and like I was being listened to and would be treated well a a customer.
Dont just base your decision on one visit, definitely visit a few.
I made a 400 mile round trip to visit MK before buying my kit. Had a drive of their original blade demonstrator car (this was 2003).
Well worth it IMHO, got to meet the people, see the workshop, work in progress etc.
I made the trip again to collect my kit, which I'd also recommend. Gives you the opportunity to check everything before you pay and leave.
I'd visit them. order in person leave a deposit and collect the kit yourself as trying to get parts delivered is how can I put it time consuming. .
Thanks for the comments. Will make the trip.
I would agree with all of the above but would also add that when you are buying a kit they want your money so will be nice to you, or should be.
For me the after service is just as important, so I would say go to more than just one factory if you are going all that distance anyway and use the
search function on here for people having problems with getting parts/support for the kits you are looking at.
Collect your kit as mentioned above and check every single package before you leave, you will be excited so it wont seam important so maybe worth
taking someone level headed to ensure you check everything that you have ordered is in perfect condition and all there, and I wouldn't hand over
any cash until the order is spot on.
quote:
Originally posted by YQUSTA
I would agree with all of the above but would also add that when you are buying a kit they want your money so will be nice to you, or should be.
For me the after service is just as important, so I would say go to more than just one factory if you are going all that distance anyway and use the search function on here for people having problems with getting parts/support for the kits you are looking at.
Collect your kit as mentioned above and check every single package before you leave, you will be excited so it wont seam important so maybe worth taking someone level headed to ensure you check everything that you have ordered is in perfect condition and all there, and I wouldn't hand over any cash until the order is spot on.