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Would I build another mnr
mr T - 31/8/13 at 11:23 AM

Well the short answer is no
There are plenty of peeps on ere that would say yes but all I can say is there experience must have been different to mine
I bought my kit from a bloke that never started the build so when I bought it I didn't now if mnr would help me through the build the same
Having spoken to quite a few peeps it turns out my experience with Chris was the same as there's , I don't want to start ripping into this bloke on this forum I understand he's in business to make money but its totally at the other end of the scale to how I run my business and deal with customers .
Feel free to rip me to bits but this is just my experience I just hope people with the same experience as me back me up a little
I'd just like to say I found Marc to be a nice bloke and always tried to help me
Tony


loggyboy - 31/8/13 at 11:33 AM

Is chris the older chap?


theduck - 31/8/13 at 11:36 AM

I'm not sure exactly what your experience has been from that post?


mr T - 31/8/13 at 11:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Is chris the older chap?


Yes


mr T - 31/8/13 at 11:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by theduck
I'm not sure exactly what your experience has been from that post?


Don't want to go into to much detail but there are people out there with the same experiences just don't think they will post up
All I'm trying to say is that mnr owners on this forum say mnr is the best thing ever and I do think its a good package but its not quite as Rosie as they all make out


busakid - 31/8/13 at 11:52 AM

I have built two cars a rt r1 powered and a rt+ hayabusa and would build another never found a problem and ended up been friends with chris and marc good team


snapper - 31/8/13 at 11:53 AM

Is this a bit like buying a secondhand Ford off ebay and expecting a dealer warranty?
If you didn't buy direct then this forum is your backup
I bought a secondhand Robin Hood (Richard Stewart, Tricky Dicky peripd) how much factory backup do you think I got, Robin Hood owners club got me out of trouble.


theduck - 31/8/13 at 12:00 PM

Glad I'm not the only one seeing it like that snapper, without details this thread is pointless.

"I bought something second hand and the manufacturer won't help me but I won't say what the problem was"

How that is meant to be helpful to anyone I don't know.


scootz - 31/8/13 at 12:17 PM

I spoke with someone from MNR about their reverse box a couple of years ago at either Stoneleigh or the Autosport show (my memory is as bad as my project decison making!)... the chap I spoke with couldn't have been more unhelpful.

I maybe caught him on a bad day... or maybe he just wasn't interested in selling a part for a non-MNR application. Either way, I wasnt best impressed.

Still think they make a cracking kit though.


mr T - 31/8/13 at 12:26 PM

I never said I didn't get back up from mnr I did , but having to deal with Chris and the lies he told things not right that needed returning or replacing and these were things I bought from him
Even though they got it through iva for me the process from start to finish was an arse
Canceled dates lies told I was told it was booked for rolling road Damian didn't even now one week later it went to him things done to my car that wouldn't pass Iva and charged for holes cut in body work cracks on scuttle from holes drilled for mirrors I could go on
This is just my experience but for a firm that makes a living out of this thing that are the specialists it's bullshit


daniel mason - 31/8/13 at 12:42 PM

let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


mr T - 31/8/13 at 12:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


Yes that's right I must have been on drugs I didn't want to take it for iva I thought I'd let the guys that do it all the time how can a job go from £900 to 2k and you don't know about it until its done

I rang once to see how it was going I was told every thing was ok we've ordered the power commander for it??????? Why I asked because it needs one ,it already had one on it, has it were is it ,


daniel mason - 31/8/13 at 01:10 PM

oh dear. sorry to hear this as ive done 2x mnrs now and never had a single issue with delivery of items,quality of items etc. not the cheapest,but i didnt mind paying a little bit more for quality items which were tried and tested on the car.


kimbo1982 - 31/8/13 at 02:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


Yes that's right I must have been on drugs I didn't want to take it for iva I thought I'd let the guys that do it all the time how can a job go from £900 to 2k and you don't know about it until its done

I rang once to see how it was going I was told every thing was ok we've ordered the power commander for it??????? Why I asked because it needs one ,it already had one on it, has it were is it ,


Or you bought a second hand power commander trying to save money and it didn't work! It failed the IVA on emissions costing you the price of a new power commander and an IVA retest! I was there the day your car failed.

Personally found the guys at MNR really helpful, they too got my car through the IVA (first time).


daniel mason - 31/8/13 at 03:14 PM


brookie - 31/8/13 at 03:32 PM

not going well is it lol


mr T - 31/8/13 at 04:06 PM

quote:
Originally posted by brookie
not going well is it lol



Hahaha no


mr T - 31/8/13 at 04:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by kimbo1982
quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


Yes that's right I must have been on drugs I didn't want to take it for iva I thought I'd let the guys that do it all the time how can a job go from £900 to 2k and you don't know about it until its done

I rang once to see how it was going I was told every thing was ok we've ordered the power commander for it??????? Why I asked because it needs one ,it already had one on it, has it were is it ,


Or you bought a second hand power commander trying to save money and it didn't work! It failed the IVA on emissions costing you the price of a new power commander and an IVA retest! I was there the day your car failed.

Personally found the guys at MNR really helpful, they too got my car through the IVA (first time).



Funny one that it did fail on the test but it was working fine when it went to Daytuner just so you know the 2k it cost me was without a retest and new power commander
I know you were there wen it failed and also know what they had to say about your car and it wasn't nice


gingerprince - 31/8/13 at 04:27 PM


Hector.Brocklebank - 31/8/13 at 04:35 PM

Its long been known in private that quite a few folk consider Chris to be a "male chicken", you know that saying about how we make our personal evaluations in the first few minutes of meeting someone..... first time I met the Gentleman in question at Newark 2007 left me thinking the same as listed above, and conversely that Mark is thankfully a completely different animal to deal with.

I know from personal experience when I wanted extra info before I committed to buying that the info was promised by Chris both via email and verbally on a number of occasions but never materialized, hence neither did my order.

Mind you they still sell a far superior kit & service when compared to certain other kit makers.

Sorry to hear about your experience, ALL kit makers need to work on their customer service skills as well as having a good product, as in this financial climate buyers with shed loads of cash to spend must be thin on the ground and those that stroke the buyers feathers the best with a good product too will do well


ashg - 31/8/13 at 06:40 PM

god this is a boring thread.

its the age old saying if you want something done right do it yourself! or spend lots of money.

i built mine from scratch it was hard work but it was cheap.


joni - 31/8/13 at 07:01 PM

I found the same rang him to order a set of raceleda front wishbones for my westfield and the chap said to me why would I build parts for a crap car when I am so busy making parts for the MNR .... I thought he was the agent for raceleda or his website says that ????????????


daniel mason - 31/8/13 at 07:37 PM

i thought they stopped using raceleda items as there own have same geometry and are stronger and lighter?


loggyboy - 1/9/13 at 10:48 AM

I'm assuming it was Chris I spoke to at Detling a few years back when weighing up which kit i was going to order, which id narrows down between Raw and MNR. He came out with this gem 'we dont let people register our cars on Q plates, only new or donor age related'. I thought 'whose car?' If ive paid upwards of 6k for a kit its MINE and il register it exactly how I like!


coozer - 1/9/13 at 12:03 PM

Back in 2006 I was in the market for a 7, tried round all the usual suspects, some were very good, one in particular was crap..

Then, I came across MNR, I phoned and asked if I could come and have look at the car, was told be quick we have a kit here going out tomorrow.

I went down sharpish and was amazed at the quality of the kit, the attitude of the guys and how helpful they were.

So, I ordered collected and built mine, had a few technical issues that were sorted out without any problems. All I can say is Chris and Marc were really helpful during the build and after, OK its a business and sometimes they are rushed off their feet as its not just the 7 they deal with so a bit of patience is helpful.

Now I've moved on, sold the car but still get a warm welcome off the guys at the shows.

Would I build another MNR? Well probably, but I'm in the market for something else now, but, I would recommend them and send anyone who asks there.


snakebelly - 1/9/13 at 02:55 PM

Have to agree that dealing with Mark and Chris is like chalk and cheese, the couple of times i spoke to them in the past re racelada stuff Mark was very helpful unfortunately i found Chris brusque bordering on rude, that said they turn out good stuff by all accounts.


Fencewrecker - 3/9/13 at 08:42 PM

I have just read all this, frankly it sounds like someone with a grudge, or as is often found a "tyre kicker". I agree that Chris can be brisk (he is a busy man. However, MNR are a quality company with a quality range of products that are enjoyed by many.

I have built one of there cars, both Mark, Chris and there team have been very helpful, supportive, and indeed open to suggestions. It is the 4th car I have built the 3rd of my own (ranging from a Cobra to a Tiger to a Vincent). So would I build another Vortx, YES.

If you want a trouble free process to get a car on the road buy a tin top! If you want a cheap car try "ToysRUs" there Dinky range my 5 year old says is very good.

If you want to be involved in the process of creating your own unique road and track car, then there are going to be pitfalls, but its worth it. So stop getting personal about people and lets enjoy our cars.


markyb - 3/9/13 at 09:04 PM

I realised early on that Marc was the builder with all the technical info whilst Chris was the salesman so I always knew who to go to depending on my particular issue during the build.

Three years after building my car I had a query and Marc made time on several occasions to help me via email and then more time on the phone until the issue was resolved - not many businesses these days provide that sort of aftercare

I can only speak from my own experience but I would have no qualms about builing another MNR


daniel mason - 3/9/13 at 09:40 PM

i feel the same. im not knocking the o/p as everyones issues are different but i feel i got nothing short of incredible service from the guys up there.
i also agree that chris is brisk! but so what? hes a buisness man whos extremely busy and constantly has people phoning him with technical questions. chris runs the office/paperwork side of the business on his own whils marcs in the workshop building cars.
youll get the same kind of response asking chris with anything majorly techical (obviously he knows the cars) as you would asking marc on paperwork matters etc.
thats why in my opinion they are a great team.chris is good at what he does and marc is good at what he does. theres no point running a buisness like this with mechanics only and likewise with people with only office skills. each to their own i suppose!


big_l - 4/9/13 at 10:32 AM

MR T you must be a be a very hard man to please !

I cannot fault MNR In any way theve always bent over backwards to help me all the way through my build and are always there if I'm stick on something
And the quality of there stuff speaks for its self !

I'm sure if your not happy the best thing to do is call Chris and mark direct and not slag them of on a public forum



The reason MNR Like all there cars on new registration plates is it keeps the value of the cars higher for everyone
They do it to try and look after our investment ....


Chris may sometimes come across a bit harsh
But that's how he is.

You shoukd see how he is with all the owners at shows
Providing free beer and food to anyone even my family tucked in the the Newark BBQ lol
Not to mention the gannets that are the northern roadsters !!

I'm sure over time you will realise how good MNR'S backup really is ...


loggyboy - 4/9/13 at 10:51 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
The reason MNR Like all there cars on new registration plates is it keeps the value of the cars higher for everyone
They do it to try and look after our investment ....



Rubbish, its just being snobs. Besides they are happy to use donor registration age, if I used an C reg donor sierra it would look no worse than a Q plate.


big_l - 4/9/13 at 11:30 AM

I'm not looking for an argument

But a c registration would allow you to put a private reg on it and also if you ever wanted to export the car to another country !

Therefore making the cars more desirable and therefore worth more ...

[Edited on 4/9/13 by big_l]


adithorp - 4/9/13 at 11:35 AM

I have no connection or dealings with MNR (other than finding it very hard work trying to discuss their reverse box with Chris a couple of years ago at Newark... and being virtually ignored) but I find this interesting all the same.

quote:
Originally posted by big_l

Chris may sometimes come across a bit harsh
But that's how he is.




So does that make it all this OK...

"Unhelpfull, Lie, Bullshit, Male Chicken, Brusque, Rude, Snob"

Just a few of the words used by various people in this thread. Hardly words to describe a good "salesman" that he's also been described as.

If this had been an anti-MK thread, how many of the pro-MNR posters would have piped up saying you should have built an MNR and happily joined in slagging off MK (and pro-MK posters)? People often accuse MK of treating some customers differenly from others. From what I read in this thread you could come to the conclution MNR are perhaps guilty of the same.

How many MNR owners are there out there, who feel they need to keep quiet for an easy life when they need parts or services in future?


big_l - 4/9/13 at 11:46 AM

I think this is getting a bit personal tbh and totally unjust

Chris is a really good guy and is always willing to help in my experience !

Not saying anyone is perfect all the time.
Do you honestly think that there is any company on the kit car industry that will please everyone ??

I just don't think it's fair to personally attack people on a public forum !


adithorp - 4/9/13 at 12:06 PM

So why did you use 'k**b jocky' tofinish your first sentence i(now edited) in reply to loggy boy. appology due i'd say


franky - 4/9/13 at 12:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
I have no connection or dealings with MNR (other than finding it very hard work trying to discuss their reverse box with Chris a couple of years ago at Newark... and being virtually ignored) but I find this interesting all the same.

quote:
Originally posted by big_l

Chris may sometimes come across a bit harsh
But that's how he is.




So does that make it all this OK...

"Unhelpfull, Lie, Bullshit, Male Chicken, Brusque, Rude, Snob"

Just a few of the words used by various people in this thread. Hardly words to describe a good "salesman" that he's also been described as.

If this had been an anti-MK thread, how many of the pro-MNR posters would have piped up saying you should have built an MNR and happily joined in slagging off MK (and pro-MK posters)? People often accuse MK of treating some customers differenly from others. From what I read in this thread you could come to the conclution MNR are perhaps guilty of the same.

How many MNR owners are there out there, who feel they need to keep quiet for an easy life when they need parts or services in future?


Very true. I don't see how/why MNR values are higher than any other kit? They all seem to sell for about the same amount don't they?

I imagine if you buy lots of bits off them they will be nice to you as you're keep giving them money.


silky16v - 4/9/13 at 12:27 PM

Can't Fault Chris TBH whenever i've rang he's been most helpful,
I've only owned a MNR never bought a thing off them

I even last minute couple of weeks ago asked if i could visit the factory, he welcomed myself and wife gave an hr of his time to show us around and for me to look at a MX5 based MNR, couldn't be more helpful and friendly

fingers crossed i'll be back in the spring to look at purchasing a brand new MNR


big_l - 4/9/13 at 12:33 PM

Fair play adithorp I was out of order using knob jockey

But I'm not stupid and I realised that myself before anyone commented and edited it

I just think its proper harsh saying nasty and hurtful things about someone who reads this forum.

And I don't think that is acceptable either!


gaz_gaz - 4/9/13 at 12:50 PM

I bought my MNR already built.
Rang Chris while viewing the car to ask some advice and he told me the builder was an idiot and he could do me a turn key build for 17k.

I purchased the car anyway and everything was ok until broken rear wishbone mounts became frequent and MNR didnt want to know when I asked about taking it for repair.
I then broke a front wishbone (my fault)
Rang to ask for a replacement , was told I had to send the old 1 back and it would be copied as the design had changed but was going to be upto 12 weeks as they where busy building new cars and racing.

MK sorted me out in 10 days and half the price for a pair. They even came with new bushes that I hadn't asked for.

I did ring up for a price to swap my R1 for a CBR1000rr and Chris was really friendly and helpful. Reponded to emails quickly and sent quotes as promised so can't fault him for that.

I don't think I would build an MNR
Probably MK Indy RR for me. Went and seen Danny at Blyton and despite problems with his own cars clutch he found time for a chat and used another MK that was there for a few hot laps. Responds to my many requests for prices and has called back when he says he will.


RichardK - 4/9/13 at 01:09 PM

My experience of MNR has always been great, I was building a scratch build Locost and I sent them a plan of my roll bar and Marc made some suggestions and made me a kit that I could weld together.

Always been friendly when possible at shows and stuff but obviously busy which is why Chris can sometimes come across as curt but I'd say maybe out of the 20 or so times we've met he's been that busy maybe twice when at shows. However his tea making skills are pretty w@nk

However Marc is a legend and they make good stuff, they do have a great reputation within the industry which takes years to build up so can't be that bad but they are also human too, however I suspect that their is another side to this story, maybe we'll find out maybe not, tbh I don't really care, I will alway go by my own personal experiences over somebody else's any day.

Cheers

Rich


Jon Ison - 4/9/13 at 03:41 PM

Not in the market for a kit and neither have I ever needed to pick the phone up to speak to them, but........there's always a but

The olny time I have ever bumped into them was at Cadwell couple of years ago, I broke my gear lever, would have been on trailer had it not been for their help so my one and olny experience is very positive. Thanks Marc.


loggyboy - 4/9/13 at 03:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
Fair play adithorp I was out of order using knob jockey

But I'm not stupid and I realised that myself before anyone commented and edited it

I just think its proper harsh saying nasty and hurtful things about someone who reads this forum.

And I don't think that is acceptable either!


I did read it before the edit but didn't bite! lol

I dont mind a bit of banter - ive been called worse!

I dont beleive a car on a Q cant be exported anyway?

[Edited on 4-9-13 by loggyboy]


sonic - 4/9/13 at 04:15 PM

My dealings with MNR many moons ago have all been posotive, i do think Chris probabley takes to much on and could do with help at times.

My only negative was many years ago i was passing and went to pick up a part, i was suited and booted in my best work suit and the bloody dogs went mad jumping all over me, mud all over! i wasn't impressed at the time and it cost me a dry clean. I do like dog's though so morral of story don't go suited and booted on a bad weather day


troop - 4/9/13 at 09:58 PM

Hi, thought I would put my tuppence worth in....I have been building an Mnr since nov of last year and I really can't fault Mnr! I certainly wouldn't say Chris is rude or arrogant etc, I would say he is very well spoken and professional , (which maybe taken the wrong way depending where your from)I have brought my car in stages and by no means have I brought everything from Mnr, Chris and mark have been fantastic..even to the point that Chris sent my digidash for repair foc!! After I dropped it!!(I didn't buy the digidash from Mnr!!!!). The original post that started this thread stated that he wasn't happy that his iva prep cost more than he was expecting, if a customer takes a car to a garage and asks them to 'get his car through an mot' they would test it and then do any work req to get a pass!!....is that not what the op did... Send his car to Mnr to get it through the iva!!!! I think different people have different experiences with manufactures(I was all set to buy another kit untill I found the manufacture disinterested at donnington show last year,but I haven't felt the need to slag them off on here, it is mentioned on my build blog though.)..I think the op as been unfair and a little nieve!

I certainly would not hesitate to recommend Mnr!!


road warrior - 5/9/13 at 07:09 AM

Another + for a positive MNR experience.

Maybe I'm biased because I look after MNR here in Oz, but a few years ago we were just interested customers looking for something different to build.

Chris and Marc have, without fail, accomodated anything we needed over the years. Chris is a straight shooter, and that's a good thing. Marc is happy inventing the next mod.......and that's how teams work.

When was the last time you could come back with a laugh and a story from your local car dealer!

Looking forward to my next trip........and pint(s) at the Wellington.

Cheers

Greg & Sonja


DanG - 6/9/13 at 06:47 PM

I think you can only really comment on what experiences you have had yourself.

I have been dealing with MNR for a few years and my most recent experience was only yesterday (5th Sept 2013).

I was booked in to have a new steering boss fitted whilst there they repaired my broken exhaust bracket - FOR FREE.

They did not need to repair my exhaust bracket at all and were already full with work. They knew I had to drive home in my kit and so wanted it to be right for my journey home. Not only did they do the repair but to then do it out of goodwill was top notch.


big_l - 6/9/13 at 07:18 PM

shit the bed thats pretty dam handy maybe ill tralior my car up there in the morning so they can fix the diff a smashed at santa pod lol now that there doing free repairs

[Edited on 6/9/13 by big_l]


daniel mason - 6/9/13 at 07:48 PM

this thread is rediculous. fair enough,the o/p has struggled but pretty much everyone who actually owns an mnr says otherwise. those that dont just want to stir the situation.
as said above there has been to my knowledge 1x negaticve thread regarding mnr but dozens of them regarding mk and others! but ive dealt with danny keenan and found him spot on.
the difference is that this post was regarding work needed for iva running over budget. but others threads about other manufacturers have been pretty much theft! as in a customer paying for a product for it not even to arrive.for years


mr T - 7/9/13 at 08:07 AM

I would just like to thank all the peeps that have posted on this thread good or bad
I built a mnr because
I liked the look
They mainly build becs and that's wot I wanted
It looks a quality product
And because I never found a bad word said about them

I do think its a good product and the quality is excellent for a kit car
I did have problems through my build but I would have probably had problems with any kit


I could have never posted this topic up but the amount of pms I got from another tread on suspension set up from people that weren't happy with there car or the quality of the stuf or the service from mnr made me think i should put something up
Looks like these people don't wont to post up because there building or own a mnr and still have to deal with them
Cheers tony


marc n - 7/9/13 at 10:34 AM

I was extremely disappointed to read this thread-we at MNR pride ourselves on quality and customer service-our goal is to provide a hassle free process to make sure that our customers enjoy the kit car experience , and like the vast majority of MNR owners , become good friends.
This tread goes against all that philosophy.
We have had absolutely no contact from MR T-since the car was delivered back to him-over a month ago reagarding any of these issues
He was kept fully, and regularly informed of the costs-he made numerous phone calls to us , and also visited the workshop to view the remedial work necessary to pass the IVA test-there is a list of the work carried out , listed below-the car as supplied had no chance of an IVA pass.

1. Front top wishbones where the wrong way round ( no castor )removal of all front suspension and refit
2. Steering rack gaiter holes not large enough in body so rack fouled in lock-enlarged
3. Electric current draw even, when switched off ( fitted a master switch to try and solve temporarily )
4. Fog light wiring incompatible with iva test requirements-autoelectrician rewire
5. Leaking front brake t-piece -replaced
6. Incorrectly bled rear brakes –full rebleed necessary
7. Hazard switch rear relay block broken and super glued on ( latching switch got stuck )
8. Hazards not wired in accordance to iva requirements –autoelectrician rewire
9. Loose connections on rear side lights ( intermittent side light operation )-repaired
10. Immobiliser not Iva compliant-Thatcham fitted
11. Insufficient fixing of wiring under dash-rectified
12. Bias bar adjuster not adjusting freely needed to be greased-rectified
13. Both upright retaining bolts and spacers where incorrectly fitted and damaged-replaced and refitted
14. Lack of grease in front wheel bearings –would have led to bearing failure-rectified
15. Rear top wishbones to uprights had incorrect spacing and fixing-rectified
16. Rear shockers incorrectly spaced and fouling body-rectified
17. Handbrake cables incorrectly routed and rubbing on wheel-rectified
18. Roll over valve fitted inline in the wrong direction-dangerous-rectified
19. Handbrake compensation quadrant not adjusted correctly ( low hand brake effort on brake rollers at local mot station ) tunnel glued and screwed in place near seat fixings so tunnel removal not possible-rectified at the workshop prior to retest
20. Retest promise undertaken even though i had to drop my partner at the hospital , pending imminent 2nd child arrival! i drove 2 hrs for the retest, i was at the station for 1 3/4 hours and then a had 2 hour return journey, all of this whilst my partner was in labour alone at hospital. So Mr T could get his car back as soon as possible ( i think this alone goes a long way to demonstrate our commitment to customer care )
21. Power commander was demonstrated not working- customer was with me for 2 hours ( not charged for time ,as we tried to redo emissions )
22. Spent 1 hr on phone to Daytuner and dynojet to try reset customer supplied faulty power commander
23. Power commander was the older type with a short earth lead, so tried to extend as per dynojet recommendation-not charged
24. Power commander hidden under dash and wiring was hidden in tunnel and virtually impossible to reach
25. New power commander fitted and setup for iva ( second trip to Daytuner necessary for power map, as there is an extra throttle site point in the newer power commanders )
26. Customer visited 4 times and was given updates each time
27. we also had numerous phone calls from him
28. He was given the opportunity to fix the issues himself, at our work to save money-but instructed us to proceed
29. Exhaust was blowing -rectified –not charged
30. Full tracking and camber setup- ride heights adjusted ( but car has not done enough miles to fully setup )-as instructed



The costs included a full set up and corner weighting-emissions-full rolling road , the fitting of all the IVA parts , a new powercommander and fit , the IVA test and retest , including transportation[only the cost of derv]-not travelling time.
He was given the option of doing the work himself , but instructed us to proceed.-We even significantly discounted the final bill , to try to help him out.
He did not purchase the kit from ourselves , but nevertheless , was afforded the same service as a kit buyer-all the IVA paperwork was completed by MNR foc , and all the IVA equipment provided foc , to avoid extra non refundable costs to him.
There is no mention of us collecting the car from his house , and returning it ,having to get up very early on a Saturday morning , as he was desperate to get the car back after the IVA pass-this was charged only on the cost of the derv-our travelling time of over 8 hours was given freely!-we also put other work back to get the car back for remapping , and the retest that was necessary, after he had supplied the car to us with a defective powercommander.
As regards the delivery to Daytuner, the car had issues passing the emissions , due to removal of the ais system , modifications made by the current owner or the previous owner-there must be some misunderstanding between Daytuner and the owner , as the car went to Daytuner as soon as we had solved the emissions issue-Daytuner is also not always aware of the owners name-we send all our cars there , so maybe that is the confusion.
I totally deny making any comments regarding Paul Kimbers car-it is not our place to comment on customers builds , but in this case , we can confirm he did a good job.Why on earth would we put pictures of his car on our facebook , promoting our product-and getting many comments of what a good car it was!
As regards the Westfield comment , we are fortunate to be extremely busy so requests for locost parts or westfield parts i.e wishbones etc come with a large leadtime as our own cars and customers take priority. In many cases i have recommended alternative suppliers who can supply the products off the shelf, we have helped many owners with stocked spare parts , and currently are sorting out same day ,two owners with steering arms and brake parts.The Raceleda set up was causing problems for Westfield owners , some of whom experienced ball joint lock out , and others suffering bent steering arms-we therefore decided not to continue with the Raceleda set up , and have for many years, produced our own stronger and lighter uprights.-at no time have we ever referred to any our competitors as crap-there is a market for everyone-we all need to pull together in these increasingly difficult times .
The issue regarding the comments on the reverse box are puzzling-we have not made our in line box for over 2 years-instead we have offered , a electric reverse system , that is much cheaper , and lighter- I can only recall a conversation at a show where a kit car owner was desperate for an in line box , and we could not supply , and he was disappointed,- or a prospective purchaser insisted on viewing the internals-which I politely refused , as other MNR items have already been copied..
There is obviously confusion over the Q plate situation-we would never tell anyone how to register their own car-we at MNR , believe we are acting in the best interests of MNR owners , by trying to avoid a Q plate , as we know from them , and the market , that resale values , and the ability to put a private plate on the cars, are an important factor.
Many thanks for the many positive posts , phone calls and messages of support
There are always two sides to a situation-sorry that has come to this –but even some communication ,from the owner would have helped!


amalyos - 7/9/13 at 01:23 PM

Well Marc, that's your Saturday morning wasted replying to a pointless post.

Great response, and typical of a good supplier.

Hope you didn't waste time on getting the engine in for Donington


RichardK - 7/9/13 at 02:34 PM

Thanks for giving us MNR's point of view, I was hoping for a slightly more detailed answer, so put a bit more effort into it next time will you

Take care mate , and hope you and the family are well.

Cheers

R


mr T - 7/9/13 at 05:10 PM

quote:
Originally posted by amalyos
Well Marc, that's your Saturday morning wasted replying to a pointless post.

Great response, and typical of a good supplier.

Hope you didn't waste time on getting the engine in for Donington



Cheers Stephen would you still think it was pointless if the boot was on the other foot


daniel mason - 7/9/13 at 05:42 PM

its a tough one this,and you must feel everyone is getting at you. but this is not the case from me anyway. i feel for you,if you were un aware of the costs mounting up.
but id imagine you didnt realise at the time that all those faults on your car were present? if they had charged you £500 but not rectified the faults and had a huge fail list after iva. what would you have said then?
as i said, if you have any issues with mnr then maybe a call to them would be a better way to aoid any hard feeling, as id imagine there will be a time when you may need bits from them again. and hopefully once your car is sorted you will get some real enjoyment out of it! they are a great car and great fun to drive! good luck with it


mr T - 7/9/13 at 06:26 PM

Cheers Marc


1. Front top wishbones where the wrong way round ( no castor )removal of all front suspension and refit
2. Steering rack gaiter holes not large enough in body so rack fouled in lock-enlarged
3. Electric current draw even, when switched off ( fitted a master switch to try and solve temporarily )
4. Fog light wiring incompatible with iva test requirements-autoelectrician rewire
5. Leaking front brake t-piece -replaced
6. Incorrectly bled rear brakes –full rebleed necessary
7. Hazard switch rear relay block broken and super glued on ( latching switch got stuck )
8. Hazards not wired in accordance to iva requirements –autoelectrician rewire
9. Loose connections on rear side lights ( intermittent side light operation )-repaired
10. Immobiliser not Iva compliant-Thatcham fitted
11. Insufficient fixing of wiring under dash-rectified
12. Bias bar adjuster not adjusting freely needed to be greased-rectified
13. Both upright retaining bolts and spacers where incorrectly fitted and damaged-replaced and refitted
14. Lack of grease in front wheel bearings –would have led to bearing failure-rectified
15. Rear top wishbones to uprights had incorrect spacing and fixing-rectified
16. Rear shockers incorrectly spaced and fouling body-rectified
17. Handbrake cables incorrectly routed and rubbing on wheel-rectified
18. Roll over valve fitted inline in the wrong direction-dangerous-rectified
19. Handbrake compensation quadrant not adjusted correctly ( low hand brake effort on brake rollers at local mot station ) tunnel glued and screwed in place near seat fixings so tunnel removal not possible-rectified at the workshop prior to retest
20. Retest promise undertaken even though i had to drop my partner at the hospital , pending imminent 2nd child arrival! i drove 2 hrs for the retest, i was at the station for 1 3/4 hours and then a had 2 hour return journey, all of this whilst my partner was in labour alone at hospital. So Mr T could get his car back as soon as possible ( i think this alone goes a long way to demonstrate our commitment to customer care )
21. Power commander was demonstrated not working- customer was with me for 2 hours ( not charged for time ,as we tried to redo emissions )
22. Spent 1 hr on phone to Daytuner and dynojet to try reset customer supplied faulty power commander
23. Power commander was the older type with a short earth lead, so tried to extend as per dynojet recommendation-not charged
24. Power commander hidden under dash and wiring was hidden in tunnel and virtually impossible to reach
25. New power commander fitted and setup for iva ( second trip to Daytuner necessary for power map, as there is an extra throttle site point in the newer power commanders )
26. Customer visited 4 times and was given updates each time
27. we also had numerous phone calls from him
28. He was given the opportunity to fix the issues himself, at our work to save money-but instructed us to proceed
29. Exhaust was blowing -rectified –not charged
30. Full tracking and camber setup- ride heights adjusted ( but car has not done enough miles to fully setup )-as instructed



Before


http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss256/wizzer_photo/image.jpg

After

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss256/wizzer_photo/image-1.jpg

Please make your own minds up on this but it looks exactly the same to me

2 maybe there wasn't enough clearance but it looks like no care and effort has been applied
3 no don't think so you fitted that to act as an immobiliser but it faild iva at a cost of £240
4 no all my wiring was completed by a fully skilled auto electrician
5 don't think so and if it was why would it be replaced
6 no they were fully bled
7 not by me maybe your spark broke it
8 they were
9 as number 4
10 as number 3
11 no it was all fixed and tie warped to the scuttle tube
12 it was working but you move the knob from under the scuttle to on the top
13 looks exactly the same now as it did before I could post pics
14 there was that much grease in them that for weeks later the dust seals kept creeping out
15 looks the Same as before
16 no that's the same to
17 no that's in exactly the same place with the same tie wraps that I fitted
18 I fitted this as to let air out of the tank but wouldn't let fuel out that's the way I thought right or wrong
19 no I've had the tunnel out to fix the revers box and there's nothing changed there
20 I'm very sorry if you missed the birth of your child but Chris did say the test could get canceled
And wasn't it more the case that Chris wanted his cash and workshop space
21 true
22 true
23 we fixed this together
24 no power commander was on top of the ally panel under the sutle to the front the other end was connected to the throttle body's
25 true
26 I visited once and was never given updates when I did ring to see how things were going I was told every thing was ok and it didn't need a lot doing to it ,the day it failed I called and Marc was on his way back I was talking to Wes he told me there wasn't much that needed doing and it was a good build
27 yes I called because you never called me
28 no never came up as I was told there wasn't much wrong
29 it never had a exhaust on the car you fitted that for me so I'm stumped by that
30 true but I was never told the car hasn't done enough miles


Full set up and corner weights never happened so I've been overcharged
I was never given the option to do the work myself as I was told there wasn't much wrong
I asked for costs to collect and deliver my car and that is what I payed
As for issues passing emissions due to removal of ais system and modifications this was done by your selfs for David Phillips even though Chris told me he never suplyed this engine I have a full receipt given to me from David that he got of mnr and on it it states breather mod work had been carried out by mnr, i rang and spoke to Chris when they had my car and he told me there was a problem it would cost £250 my engine needed a modification doing to it to help it breath , it told him it had been done already and he said ok onlif your sure , I am sure I've seen the mod and the bill
Well say no more about Paul's car


Thanks tony

[Edited on 7/9/13 by mr T]

[Edited on 7/9/13 by mr T]

[Edited on 7/9/13 by mr T]


mr T - 7/9/13 at 06:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
its a tough one this,and you must feel everyone is getting at you. but this is not the case from me anyway. i feel for you,if you were un aware of the costs mounting up.
but id imagine you didnt realise at the time that all those faults on your car were present? if they had charged you £500 but not rectified the faults and had a huge fail list after iva. what would you have said then?
as i said, if you have any issues with mnr then maybe a call to them would be a better way to aoid any hard feeling, as id imagine there will be a time when you may need bits from them again. and hopefully once your car is sorted you will get some real enjoyment out of it! they are a great car and great fun to drive! good luck with it


Cheers Daniel
I do love the car and just hope I never need any bits , I didn't want to post any more up on this but I couldn't leave it at that I'm not saying my car was perfect but I was never told any different and after iva I just thought happy days I don't have to deal with mnr (Chris) any more but the handling was rubbish and I posted on ere and the rest is history
Tony


daniel mason - 7/9/13 at 07:07 PM

i think the cars need time to settle down. bed in suspension etc.
once this is done. id take it to procomp for a full setup as shocks wont be properly valved for application so adjustments wont work identically. they will sort this out and transform the car. you do actually here nothing bad said about procomp (EVER)

[Edited on 7/9/13 by daniel mason]


gavin174 - 7/9/13 at 08:14 PM

maybe its just me...
but WTF...

Before


http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss256/wizzer_photo/image.jpg

After

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss256/wizzer_photo/image-1.jpg

you might as well post a pic of a tomato and an elephant...
I am sorry you feel like you have been treated badly by MNR..
I have never bought anything from them, but have always been made more than welcome at thier bbq etc.

If you have a problem with a company speak to them, dont sound off on a public forum.


daniel mason - 7/9/13 at 08:22 PM

bit harsh that. i think he was refering to the fact that the wishbones were correct before it went to factory. so apple and elephant?
anyway no need to fall out on here.so good luck to op in his kit ownership and all all the best to mnr in the future!
ps mr T. youve done very well to bite your tongue so far. id have exploded a long time ago!

[Edited on 7/9/13 by daniel mason]


gavin174 - 7/9/13 at 08:28 PM

sorry..

I didnt see the connection between the two photos...

appologies to Mr T.

but if you post a thread like this, surely you must expect people to reply.


daniel mason - 7/9/13 at 08:38 PM

people have replied but its tough as you can see both halves of the story! hes entitled to his opinion if he feels hard done by,but on the other hand mnr have a good name and i for one would not hesitate to use them again. even if i need help on my current car (which is a radical and not an mnr) i would call them first as my service,help,and beer has been first class up to now from them!


mr T - 7/9/13 at 08:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gavin174
sorry..

I didnt see the connection between the two photos...

appologies to Mr T.

but if you post a thread like this, surely you must expect people to reply.



Cheers Gavin apology accepted


marc n - 7/9/13 at 11:52 PM

promised myself i wouldn't get dragged into this however...

We iva on average 2 / 3 cars a month. Some cars require lots of work some don't, so each car is different, so you can only give an indication as to cost as you initially inspect the car, and yes we do find sometimes hidden pitfalls as we delve deeper but we always let the customer know before hand without exception, and when there are serious issues we always offer the option ( which many have taken the opportunity ) for the customer to fix themselves.

1. i didn't do all the work on your car however i do the ground work and fault finding when i checked your car it had positive caster whereas norm is 3.9 neg caster the only way this can happen is either the top wishbone is the wrong way round or lower wishbone fitted to wrong side .
2. not sure??? why ??????... done with a die grinder and template ???
3. why was a current draw evident when a multimeter was placed on the battery ??? possibly bad earths ??? ;- ) i cant take the chance im there for a test no second chances, if anything is in doubt i don't take that chance, as it costs the customer more money and me more time. its in both our interests for a car to pass first time
4. please feel free to take a picture of the underside of the dash to show the crows nest and let people make their own mind up.
5. because it had been cross threaded
6. A std brake pedal does not have that kind of travel. yes the brakes worked but even the slightest leak which you had over the duration of a journey would have resulted in no reserve travel on the pedal and as it was at the maximum before the piston bottomed out.
7. pressed the button to check hazard operation and it stuck. hazard switch was so close to radius of scuttle ( incorrect choice of positioning ) i can see how it broke on installation . i removed scuttle to see copious amounts of glue and i could only remove switch by cutting just above main terminal block with a hacksaw.
8. ?????? ( copied and pasted from the current iva manual :- Hazard Warning Lights;
7.
Must operate with the ignition switched on and off.
8.
The hazard warning device must operate all of the direction indicators
simultaneously
9.
The hazard warning device must have a telltale warning light (see note 1)

9. intermittent fault ( found due to the fact the barbs of the connector where not fully engaged in the outer housing ) when i checked the other pins it looked like they had been removed after initial fit ?? they have a barb to locate them in the housing and the barbs where only just proud of the terminal.

10. you had the Yamaha key and barrel however they would not accept as there was no documentary evidence to support as the setup is no longer in a bike. please feel free to ring the Iva station to clarify this point

11. please see 4

12. didnt turn so came off the end of the bias assembly when i tried more force ( had to be moved as its a contactable radius ) surely the fact it rubbed on your kneecap when sat in the car is not great ???

13. when spaced correctly a shocker does not rest on the washers that are further away than the side spacer its supposed to work on

14. not disputing there wasn't grease evident . however copious amounts of sun cream on my leg doesn't stop my nose from burning

15. refer to 13 :-)
16. part of 15 and 13 all part of the same assembly
17. when running at correct ride height and shocker is correctly spaced when going through bump it gets closer to body
18. that is how it should work but however that wasn't the case as removal of fuel filler cap to fit the cap tether indicated a vacuum in the tank so valve got rotated 180 degrees and was never an issue again
19. ?????#
20. that certainly was not the case. and to be fair i should have put my foot down and said no.. but a small business builds itself on a reputation and the ability to deliver so i accept half of the blame for that scenario as i wanted you to be a happy customer with his car ready to go on the road ( and trust me Ive had more ear ache from my other half and my family than any customer has ever given me ) thank god the rule of second child is delivered quickly after going into labour was wrong in this case !!!!!!!!!!!!! feel free to ask Beverly test station for an affidavit as to how twitchy i was
21. no comment needed other than in true business sense all time must be accounted for and charged. fail on my part for being kind it would appear
22. as above and Damien didn't charge either fail on his part
23. yes we both worked on it ( but hang on you only visited once so cant of happened ) 21 / 22 / 23 happened all in the same day and yet you visited and spoke to wez however i wasn't there that day the only reason i remember is i had to wrack my brain when i returned to work to be told a customer who is a trades man came to visit
24. power commander was under dash ( my fault kind of expected it under the engine bay ) so i ordered one..... however i fucked up and ordered the wrong year :-) according to our notes and log on that kit it had an 07 engine so wrongly presumed that's what it was. however after ordering i spoke to you on the phone and was told of location so sent it back. then discovered that infact it was an earlier engine so had to order a different power commander ( can show parcel mandates to substantiate )
25.............
26. im sorry but that is so not true and you know its not !!!!!!!!!!!. Perhaps the thing that upsets me most out of all of this is the lack of truth on your side . If we have made mistakes with the car ( which i honestly know we haven't ), if Ive actively acted against your best interests ( which i know i haven't ) and if i had lied to you ( which i know i haven't ) i would look at ways to resolve this problem amicably
27.you have said you never had any communication ???
28. You where fully aware of the issues , and where given the option of come and fix it yourself at our premises to save transportation costs money etc. However you declined !!! im not sure there are many places where you can book a car in for a list of work at an agreed price, the garage finds problems and gives you the option to use all the facilities and for you to fix it yourself at no extra cost ?????????? however you declined said you had borrowed some money so we should proceed and you would like the car back asap.. When the power commander failed and you said you could not afford a retest we offered to deliver the car back ( cost of diesel again ) and told you a six month grace period is granted before it needed a full test
29. sorry should have been more specific it was both the blanked off ais port pipes and one tube on the collector ( basically any air leak gives false readings on rolling road and also causes loss of power due to lack of back pressure )
30. Its a std line we have that yes we can set tracking / camber / ride height and achieve a base corner weight setting ( within 20 / 30 kilos ) but the car needs to settle before proper and final adjustment can be made. and yes 20 to 30 kilos is a lot to feel and confidence.

re breather mods it is std practice on 05 onwards r1s to sort the crankcase and rocker breathers

at the end of the day i dont know how much of the car the current owner has completed or instigated himself as he is not the original purchaser, and he has outsourced certain jobs so he cant be fully held accountable for this mess. So he may have taken some of the comments personally when he is not at fault for some of the issues on the car but as he has presented it to us he feels that our findings / short comings of the car rest on his shoulders which if he hasnt fully built the car is unfair. However we are also in the difficult situation of taking over an aborted build and know nothing of the car since it was sold as a kit, so in may ways we are working blind, and all we can do is our best to try help and sort. Sadly in this case we are now being slated and having untrue and unfair statements broadcast on the www for our efforts.

And im genuinely dumbfounded about the comments ref Paul car ( the only thing i can say negative is i think the cage is to low ) if its such a bad build why did it attract so many views and compliments on our Facebook page ???

Facts are facts, but genuinely im not sure how this has evolved to this situation ??? i think maybe some of it may be trying to emphasize a point or grievance, and is a way of venting frustration of the situation he found himself in, i don't know and i can only assume this as he hasn't rung me or visited to air any of his grievances
however we have acted in the customers best interests as we always do and my way of working is prevention is always better than fire fighting hence some of the works on the car. Some of the accusations and stated fact by the owner are so far from the truth that it has not just disappointed me but really annoyed me, and makes me question why i care so much and why i shouldn't take the cold approach that every customer should just be number / statistic and a revenue stream. However despite my disappointment and disbelief right now i will continue to operate as i do. My current approach has cost me / bit me in the arse a handful of times whereas i have made many great friends / acquaintances in the last 9 years so far and that far outweighs the negatives.

best regards

marc


marc n - 7/9/13 at 11:59 PM

apologies in relation to no. 4 forgot to paste iva bit

1.
They must be operational
2.
The correct number must be fitted to the vehicle (Table 1)
3.
They must only emit a red light
4.
The rear fog lamp(s) must only illuminate when dipped beam, main beam or front
fog lamps are lit (See Notes 3 & 4)
5.
They must be positioned correctly to meet
a.
the positional requirements of Table 1
b.
the angles of visibility requirements of Table 1
6.
Must be fitted with an operational “tell-tale” lamp (non-flashing) visible from the
driving position
7.
Either the switch or tell tale must clearly indicate that operation relates to the
Rear Fog lights (see Note 1).
8.
Must not be operated by a brake control
9.
Fitted so that the reflector is facing squarely to the rear
10.
An optional rear fog lamp must form a matched pair with the obligatory lamp.


mr T - 8/9/13 at 07:23 AM

The dozens of people who have pm'd me about there bad experiences cannot all be liars either, like you make me out to be .
I feel sad that somebody wants to offer a great "service" but are so " blinkered" by there own vanity and greed that they refuse to acknowledge there faults and failings
The only good that will come out of this is that peeps can now read this thread' make up there own minds' and just maybe ' you will start to treat paying customers with the truth ' honesty and respect that we all deserve .


Sorry it's turned out like this Marc I know you were only involved with the practical side' and whenever I've spoken to you ' I've always thought you to be very helpfully and sound .
Most of the grievances ( including pm's ) have been against your dad ' as already stated by some on this thread .

P.s I am so glad that you have highlighted all the faults that you have put right on my car' because when I sell it ' you can guarantee the quality of the finished product ,




Cheers Tony

[Edited on 8/9/13 by mr T]

[Edited on 8/9/13 by mr T]


big_l - 8/9/13 at 08:58 AM

In a nut shell I think this thread shows that not everyone shares mr T's opinion
And thanks to Marc taking even more time to show that clearly 99% was untrue
I have no doubt that MNR are not perfect but genuinely in the time I've been into kit cars 4 years
I've had dealings with MNR MK GBS CBS RALLY DESIGN DAYTUNER
And none of them were 100% perfect I'm afraid the kit car industry is a very small thing and the companies within it must find it hard to remain profitable and generally most companies are under staffed ! This is the economic climate we live in now I'm afraid
I know all the companies I've mentioned have all met my expectations easily and I've never had issues with anyone
But maybe that's because I cut them some slack as no ones 100% perfect .


As for Chris Nordon I can genuinely say 100% I would never have made such a move car without his help and advice !
He is a sound bloke !!!

[Edited on 8/9/13 by big_l]


corrado vr6 - 8/9/13 at 09:07 AM

Sorry but how can you say that just because Marc has come on here and defended himself (his company) that what Mr T is saying is 99% untrue, it's still only the other side to the story and does not mean that either opinion is true, yes the reasons have been justified, but still only one word against another and only the two involved know the truth

[Edited on 8/9/13 by corrado vr6]


daniel mason - 8/9/13 at 09:14 AM

i too have had no issues with chris and certainly not with marc! (would be almost impossible too) but on this instance we dont know whats 'TRUE' and whats not.
if i were the o/p id call mnr and try to settle this once and for all. at least to make peace!


big_l - 8/9/13 at 09:15 AM

Yes I'm afraid your right only persons involved know the truth !
But that's why this type of thread is pointless !


marc n - 8/9/13 at 09:42 AM

quote:

The dozens of people who have pm'd me about there bad experiences cannot all be liars either, like you make me out to be . I feel sad that somebody wants to offer a great "service" but are so " blinkered" by there own vanity and greed that they refuse to acknowledge there faults and failings The only good that will come out of this is that peeps can now read this thread' make up there own minds' and just maybe ' you will start to treat paying customers with the truth ' honesty and respect that we all deserve . Sorry it's turned out like this Marc I know you were only involved with the practical side' and whenever I've spoken to you ' I've always thought you to be very helpfully and sound . Most of the grievances ( including pm's ) have been against your dad ' as already stated by some on this thread . P.s I am so glad that you have highlighted all the faults that you have put right on my car' because when I sell it ' you can guarantee the quality of the finished product ,



My final input :-

This thread you started was about your "experience " And i have replied to those points only as im not the sort of person to start trading insults . I have posted about the short comings of the car as it shows how the bill became more than the original estimate of a car that typically needs emissions and a quick check round, as the list shows in this case the car certainly needed more than this to meet iva requirements, That said a car that passes an iva is still not a fully checked car so the builder / owner has to take responsibility after that day. To put it bluntly it has passed the minimum requirements on that day to be road legal, much like an mot test it can only be guaranteed on that day to comply. So its not a guarantee and should never be the basis for someone to buy a car, and any purchaser of any car should always do their own checks and inspection to satisfy themselves.

best regards

marc


Dave W - 8/9/13 at 12:04 PM

I have read through all the comments on this thread and felt that I’d throw in my two penneth as well….

I’ll start by saying I am a very happy MNR owner, I have had two MNR’s one I bought off Daniel Mason, who I see has commented on this thread and one that was factory built by MNR for racing.

I have had nothing but positive experiences when dealing with MNR and both Chris and Marc have bent over backwards to accommodate me and both my cars when I’ve needed assistance. This ranges from basic help and advice to quick major rebuilds between races after some pretty big smashes (including rebuilding the front of my chassis and getting it ready to race within a week).

Nothing but excellent and supportive service from MNR and to finally put to rest another moronic comment on here, if either Chris or Marc were snobs, they certainly would show someone like me the time of day… so get over yourself IDIOT.

Why oh why has Mr T decided to go public on a forum with slanderous and business debilitating post like this in times of economic unrest? I too am a businessman and have to deal with many issues that I find annoying and anger me with other businesses, do I pick up the phone or arrange a meeting to sort these issues out and continue to try and build a harmonious relationship or do I take to a public forum to belittle the people who have created such a excellent car/product? I think I’d ring them up or go and see them rather than hide behind my computer…

Notwithstanding that I see Mr T has taken on the self appointed roll as the MNR complaints officer with a number of unhappy customers e-mailing him about their dissatisfaction with MNR or Chris Nordon’s abrupt business manner and whilst representing the interests of these customers thought he’d get the best air time by posting on a forum rather than dealing with the issues in person with the rest of the unsatisfied customers (who haven’t chirped up on here yet) and resolving the matters.

MNR is a small family run business which in my opinion offers a great product which can out perform many of its competitors. No small business deserves bad press that could potentially prevent future business; each customer will no doubt judge their own individual experience with MNR, most good, a few bad… if it’s bad talk to them about it, don’t right a pointless forum thread like this… There is a great saying that goes something like ‘Opinions are like arse holes, everyone’s got one but most people don’t want to see it or hear it unless asked’ a little like this thread!

I know my rant and thread is just as point less as all the other that go before it but I wanted to get on my high horse too!! Please just think people in the future before you post things like this the effect it has on the small business at the other end.


Charlie_Zetec - 8/9/13 at 12:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marc n

My final input :-

This thread you started was about your "experience "......
I have posted about the short comings of the car as it shows how the bill became more than the original estimate......
best regards

marc


I've never had any experiences with MNR whatsoever, so can't really comment, but thought I'd paraphrase Marcs' last message;

As a GTS owner (wait for it....) I repeatedly read threads about the ups and downs of their customers. As Marc said, it's all down to personal experience of building cars and dealing with suppliers, and I'm pretty confident in saying that you can't please all of the people all of the time. As for the cost implication, I'd really like to hear from anyone who's actually prepared a budget and managed to stick to it throughout the build process!


Jon Ison - 8/9/13 at 06:04 PM

I think the paragraph copied below penned by Marc should be the last word in his thread, Marc if ever building kits or anything with wheels (which I dout it will) end then you should defiantly take up writing comedy scripts, the following qoute had me in stitches and as been securly logged in my memory bank for future use, copyright permitting.


Pure genius........


"14. not disputing there wasn't grease evident . however copious amounts of sun cream on my leg doesn't stop my nose from burning"


big_l - 8/9/13 at 07:07 PM

In afraid I'm guilty of under packing front wheel bearings I noticed when my front left wheel tried to fall off !!!

Needless to say Marc Nordon helped me out and showed me how it should be done

[Edited on 8/9/13 by big_l]


MK9R - 8/9/13 at 10:32 PM

I cant praise Marc and Chris any higher, always helpful, very knowledgeable and truly committed to their product. When i was looking for a basis for the new car, i looked at virtually every manufacturer and the quality of the chassis and engineering stood out, but the main reason for going with MNR was Marc and Chris. Anything i have asked for or wanted to buy they have sorted out quickly and efficiently, and have even order and paid for stuff on their accounts (to get their trade discount) for me and charged me cost, not making a penny from it. Every other customer of MNR i have met have had nothing but positive things to say. I've invested a lot of time and money in my current project, and if it takes off it will benefit MNR, something i wouldn't have done for people i didn't respect or get on with.

My dad (and I to a lesser extent) has to deal with the general public day in day out, he runs a very specialised business and it very well respected, but this brings its own problems, the amount of time spent talking on the phone to people who don't actually want to buy stuff from you, just wanting advice, cost the business time and money. You try to accommodate it, but sometimes you just have to be blunt and put and end to it otherwise you will have no business to discuss in the future. Then there are the people who want the world for 2p, he expects to pay you the minimum amount for your product but expects an extended service putting everything else right in his world. You then get the worse type of customer, the bloke who thinks he knows more than you and will not listen to a word you are saying, then usually goes off and slags the company off to all and sundry. So when i hear people moaning about companies being "rude" or "short" i fully understand where they may be coming from, but there is a reason for it and sympathise with the company. BTW none of these are comment or observations aimed at anyone on this thread, just experience in dealing with customers.

Marc has come on here to defend himself and MNR, obviously spending a lot of time in doing that when he should be in the workshop working on customers cars and trying to make a living. Its easy to pick holes in somebody else, its easy to go and slag them off in public forums, but very difficult to build up a good reputation and impossible to please everybody. Just because your wishbone is 2 weeks late arriving, is that a reason to try and destroy someones reputation, business and livelihood??

[Edited on 8/9/13 by MK9R]


Fencewrecker - 9/9/13 at 08:16 PM

Well, following on from my earlier comment, and having read the good and the bad comments, I hope that this is the last time I feel compelled to respond.

Someone once said to me in business. "You can't please everyone all the time but if you please most of the people most of the time then, that is in reality the best you can hope for". As he also said "there is no pleasing some people". So true!!

My experience of Chris and Mark has been excellent both as a paying customer and as a free-loader, (my motor club have always been welcomed at MNR hospitality tents at the shows for years even though I currently am the only MNR owner in the club). On many occasion over the last 6 years, MNR have helped me out above and beyond, such as:

My car has been on the road 3 years, I wanted to modify the steering arrangement so stripped out the parts, called at MNR one Saturday morning, and even though they were busy, Mark did a smashing job of welding it up for me, and the cost FoC. Now that's only one of many occasions. Chris did the same with some parts that I couldn't source specific to my engine.

Cars cost money, usually more than we like to admit especially the fun ones, with all Kit Cars you are going to get costs if you don't like it then don't buy one, but, they aren't half fun.

I have to say I don't like the tone of Mr T's comments and find some hard to believe, because they are the complete opposite to everything I have experienced in the 6 years.

So in summary, the originator of this waffle, started by complaining about a person and being personal (not clever), then got on about the factory support he had, even though he didn't buy the car from MNR and in his own words didn't expect to get factory help. Though from what I have read he seems to have had lots of FoC time and his car is now sorted. So what is the point of all the above.


corrado vr6 - 10/9/13 at 06:57 AM

Sounds to me like poor communication perhaps on both sides, also from looking back I don't think Mr T made it personal against a certain person, he mentioned this persons name, but I believe it was others with their own experiences that ended up making it personal, yes it was instigated by this post but I don't know if it was ever the op's intention


Not Anumber - 10/9/13 at 11:46 AM

I dont have any connection with the MNR guys but am mightily impressed by their response on here and would not have a qualm about dealing with them.

Its clear this is a car that needed erm, shall we charitably say a little bit more than a tweak and a polish before being submitted for IVA.

If someone chooses to do the work themselves they will save money by relying on their skills and knowledge and taking risks that are their own responsibility.

If they pay someone else to do the work they agree a price for the job or an hourly labour rate and estimate, watch the money go from their account for the benefit of knowing it's someone else's responsibility to complete the work. They can then stand back and admire the finished article without getting their hands quite as dirty.

There is always a grey area in the middle and therefore relatively likely to be some level of disagreement about the work that is actually required however I don't think it's acceptable to go through the process and then throw mud in a public forum. Reputations take a long time to build up but can be damaged on a whim.

The time and place to air these differences was really at The time and The place, no grievances were aired then so why air them now - or is this perhaps more about you having second thoughts on the wisdom of going about things the way that you have ?

Are you sure you have received negative IMs from other forum members. Perhaps you would care to mention their names on here so they can be dealt with in open dialogue rather than just darkly alluded to....

What was it the real Mr T from the A team was famous for saying ? Ah yes 'Get some Nuts' Rather a good bit of advice really.


corrado vr6 - 10/9/13 at 03:23 PM

I don't think it would be a good idea to go naming names unless the op has those people's permission, as u2u's are obviously personal for a reason


richardm6994 - 10/9/13 at 03:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber
I dont have any connection with the MNR guys but am mightily impressed by their response on here and would not have a qualm about dealing with them.




Amen to that!!! I couldn't agree more!!

I also have no connection with MNR, however I would like them to know that reading this doesn't put me off buying from them!

Companies like MNR deserve all the best for the future

[Edited on 10/9/13 by richardm6994]


mr T - 10/9/13 at 03:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber

What was it the real Mr T from the A team was famous for saying ? Ah yes 'Get some Nuts' Rather a good bit of advice really.



Mr T also says stop your jibba jabba fool

[Edited on 10/9/13 by mr T]


mr T - 10/9/13 at 03:54 PM



Quote Richardm6994
I also have no connection with MNR, however I would like them to know that reading this does put me off buying from them!




Cheers pal

[Edited on 10/9/13 by mr T]


Not Anumber - 10/9/13 at 05:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber

What was it the real Mr T from the A team was famous for saying ? Ah yes 'Get some Nuts' Rather a good bit of advice really.



Mr T also says stop your jibba jabba fool

[Edited on 10/9/13 by mr T]


So, you call those who disagree with you fools. Right mate, that and your other snippy comments to others who have disagreed with you tells me everything i need to know about you then.


mr T - 10/9/13 at 05:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber
quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber

What was it the real Mr T from the A team was famous for saying ? Ah yes 'Get some Nuts' Rather a good bit of advice really.



Mr T also says stop your jibba jabba fool

[Edited on 10/9/13 by mr T]


So, you call those who disagree with you fools. Right mate, that and your other snippy comments to others who have disagreed with you tells me everything i need to know about you then.


That was for you mate no one else Grow up you've obviously never watched the A Team and shouldn't make comments about things you know nothing about


Peteff - 10/9/13 at 05:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr T I don't want to start ripping into this bloke on this forum I understand he's in business to make money but its totally at the other end of the scale to how I run my business and deal with customers .
Feel free to rip me to bits but this is just my experience I just hope people with the same experience as me back me up a little
I'd just like to say I found Marc to be a nice bloke and always tried to help me
Tony


And what would your business be ?
"I don't want to start ripping into this bloke on this forum I understand he's in business to make money" seems at odds with your next statement "Feel free to rip me to bits but this is just my experience I just hope people with the same experience as me back me up a little"
It seems a pretty pointless thread to me considering how long it's gone on for. You ask how a job can go from £900 to £2k ? Just look at the high speed rail link and see how much that has gone up in a few months. You know how much work costs and wanting to build a car cost dearly so why did you hand it over to someone else to finish the job. I'm not a MNR customer I built my Locost and tested it myself and then sold it on, gripe all you want but eventually it is all down to you.


Not Anumber - 10/9/13 at 06:11 PM

Oh you don't like being disagreed with at all do you young Mr T. I was in my 20s when the A team came to our screens in 1983 but still remember it fondly. Mind you i must confess to finding the original Charlie's Angels rather more stimulating but each to their own i suppose .


mr T - 10/9/13 at 06:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Not Anumber
Oh you don't like being disagreed with at all do you young Mr T. I was in my 20s when the A team came to our screens in 1983 but still remember it fondly. Mind you i must confess to finding the original Charlie's Angels rather more stimulating but each to their own i suppose .


Have to say it was starsky and hutch for me


richardm6994 - 10/9/13 at 07:27 PM

Edited my post!! It was meant to say...doesn't put me off!!! Dam ipad!!!


mr T - 10/9/13 at 07:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by richardm6994
Edited my post!! It was meant to say...doesn't put me off!!! Dam ipad!!!



Haha


sucksqueezebangblow - 17/9/13 at 11:50 AM

Marc and Chris run an excellent business delivering some of the best products in the industry. I spent a lot of time and research deciding which car to build and ultimately chose to build an MNR. Their chassis is in my view one of the very best out there.

MNR customer service goes beyond anything I have experienced anywhere else in any industry. They act more like friends or family, but they are very busy people, Marc in particular never stops, I don't know how he does it.

During my build I always used Locostbuilders first if ever I had any questions or doubts and most members were very helpful and almost invariably had the solution. On occasions when I needed to contact MNR they were very quick to respond and very helpful. Chris can be brusque some times, usually when he is very busy and is trying to be efficient and move on to the next task, but he always delivers. If he has a fault it is that like many of us he doesn't always suffer fools gladly.

From the outset of my build I planned to take up MNRs offer of taking the car to their factory at the end of my build and putting the final finishing touches to the car there. I spent a week at the factory working on my car, for which they charged me absolutely nothing. I used space, tools, lifts, equipment and even some consumables, for a week, all for absolutely no charge. They provided me with help and advice every time I asked and Chris did all my IVA paperwork, again all for no charge. I did ask for some work to be done for me by Marc, particularly help with my one-off GKN lowbro/tripod/halfshaft set up, corner weighting, suspension geometry etc. for which I was charged and I was happy to pay. Why wouldn't I be, they are a business supplying me with a service for which I should expect to pay. I also bought additional parts while I was there.

I stayed at the local pub, but when my stay over ran and the pub needed my room for the next guest, Chris provided me with two nights accommodation in his own holiday flats, free of charge. And Marc invited me home for dinner with his family. This is the kind of people that the Nordons are.

The Nordons I know are not the Nordons "Mr T" describes.

There are no short cuts to building your own car you either need the knowledge and skills, learn the knowledge and skills or buy the knowledge and skills. Most do a bit of all three. It is a big risk to take on anyone else's build and you should do so with your eyes open and a contingency fund to hand. It is certainly the experience of many that it may not be the bargain you expected!

[Edited on 17/9/13 by sucksqueezebangblow]


Krismc - 26/10/13 at 04:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


Yes that's right I must have been on drugs I didn't want to take it for iva I thought I'd let the guys that do it all the time how can a job go from £900 to 2k and you don't know about it until its done

I rang once to see how it was going I was told every thing was ok we've ordered the power commander for it??????? Why I asked because it needs one ,it already had one on it, has it were is it ,


my mnr iva bill was quoted as 700ish and ended up as 2000ish too, plus 2k of engine charges and a replacement block which cost me 2 days off work. this may not have bbeen mnrs fault as they used a external supplier but the engine and parts I was told where bad are now fitted in another ivaed kit car that passed with my engine setup I was told was wrong.

Marc is great, chris is sometimes too busy or not knowledgeable in his replys.

They dont like cec's and push towards becs and therefore provide little support which is what happened in my case and mybees my fault. but I only asked and I got the wrong info.

As for for blaming a self builder for the way some parts where fitted, this is offensive considering the state of the build manuals. Mine wasnt even for my car.

I would buy another car from them as the chassis is great but customer experience is poor.



[Edited on 26/10/13 by Krismc]


Krismc - 26/10/13 at 05:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Krismc
quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
let me get this straight. you hated dealing with mnr,they lied and sold you wrong parts during the build! then at the very end of the build,after all these issues,you went to them to put your car through, the IVA? something doesnt sound right


Yes that's right I must have been on drugs I didn't want to take it for iva I thought I'd let the guys that do it all the time how can a job go from £900 to 2k and you don't know about it until its done

I rang once to see how it was going I was told every thing was ok we've ordered the power commander for it??????? Why I asked because it needs one ,it already had one on it, has it were is it ,


my mnr iva bill was quoted as 700ish and ended up as 2000ish too, plus 2k of engine charges and a replacement block which cost me 2 days off work. this may not have bbeen mnrs fault as they used a external supplier but the engine and parts I was told where bad are now fitted in another ivaed kit car that passed with my engine setup I was told was wrong.

Marc is great, chris is sometimes too busy or not knowledgeable in his replys.

They dont like cec's and push towards becs and therefore provide little support which is what happened in my case and mybees my fault. but I only asked and I got the wrong info.

As for for blaming a self builder for the way some parts where fitted, this is offensive considering the state of the build manuals. Mine wasnt even for my car.

I would buy another car from them as the chassis is great but customer experience is questionable sometimes. Although when marcs dealing with you its great.



[Edited on 26/10/13 by Krismc]


daniel mason - 26/10/13 at 05:28 PM

i had bec and a cec and i got the same help for each. probably more help with the cec infact as they built the chassis around my own honda s2000 engine at no extra cost.
its difficult to accept.when they look at a car and give an estimate of cost. how can they possibly have forseen some of your errors?
and if they had just left them all and done the basic work they estimated and it failed iva with a huge list. what would you say then?
i suppose everyone has there own story and thoughts but mine were certainly positive.i for one really liked chris and its impossible not to like marc. we regularly went for a few beers and i enjoyed there company.as well as iain bakers!
i had made a few mistakes with my build which mnr had to put right,and i payed for them but didnt make as many as some that were in the workshop around that time!


Krismc - 26/10/13 at 06:36 PM

Im a repairs estimator/surveyor/technical sales engineer for a lift company and if I cant estimate the job or cant do I dont say I can for £100 then charge £200. They need to say to a customer, this isnt a fixed price and this is only a estimate. Several MNR owners have said they have changed the price but thought it was fixed.

Im trying to help here by saying what is not quite right, im not trying to put them down.....I actually would love another car.

Im not backing up Mr T or any one else who is disgruntled, but you and others praise MNR like they are the best kit car manufacturer on the planet and this leads people to actually trust they will no what they are doing 100% of the time. They are very good, actually excellent in some areas. But not all.

I had a problem with my inboard suspension, they said I had set it up wrong over the phone/internet (although disproved in the end as I had wrong shocks supplied, which they replaced (with is a postive)) but there was no set up in build manual and no pictures, I emailed Chris several times asking for installation and set up instructions for the suspension and I got some interesting reply's, some of them with some camber adjustments. But when Marc is free, and hes a busy man...the replys are excellent.

Im just saying that you have to look at this both ways and too blame a customer for installing a part wrong when there is no clear instructions with a kit is a big mistake. Ive been under 100s of cars but the installation inboard suspension and putting together raceleda hubs is something that I wanted to confirm, but no instructions and then poor email replys left me 'best guessing' and then I was told youve done it wrong when it was in for IVA.

Although in other areas, I had a chassis problem at start and couldnt get the engine and mounts in as when they had the engine to build chassis it appeared a 'apprentice' removed the front main pully on the engine when welding it up. Anyway Marc travelled 80miles to come to my garage to measure up the chassis and remake the mounts as i wasnt confortable with doing it.

So a half thumbs up from me for MNR.


PS personally id employ a sales person with some technical knowledge in MNR cars (daniel do you need a job), and provide more comprehensive build details.


daniel mason - 26/10/13 at 07:00 PM

i dont have the knowledge unfortunately and have a very good job.but if your wanting to get out of the lift industry.maybe send an application form?
and i have never said they are the best in the industry,but have dealt with many!and alongside andy bates and radical they are as good as any! to expect chris to give accurate setup details via email would be like asking marc to start working in the office.and simply wouldnt work. this is why i personally think they make a good team. chris delivers items bang on time,and assists greatly with iva stuff. marc builds great cars!


Krismc - 27/10/13 at 02:34 AM

quote:
Originally posted by daniel mason
i dont have the knowledge unfortunately and have a very good job.but if your wanting to get out of the lift industry.maybe send an application form?
and i have never said they are the best in the industry,but have dealt with many!and alongside andy bates and radical they are as good as any! to expect chris to give accurate setup details via email would be like asking marc to start working in the office.and simply wouldnt work. this is why i personally think they make a good team. chris delivers items bang on time,and assists greatly with iva stuff. marc builds great cars!


unfortunately no matey, im in the last of the industrys where qualifications are actually required by law. Plus moneys to good.

im not asking for much, a exploded diagram or a picture of the part fitted. its hardly rocket science for the co owner of a kit car company to address via email, other wise the section on web site should say "partial build manual" .

I can imagine people buying these kits who have no knowledge of building a car expecting a bit more in the build manual than is given. ive seen tiger, Westfield, caterham and they all superb considering.


mr T - 27/10/13 at 08:53 AM

There's a reason for having a poo build manual, it's so they can say you've done that wrong and charge 2k,
In my case it wasn't wrong and still got my pants pulled down , well never again, they will never get another penny out of me , my car is now sold not because I didn't like it , it was sold so I never had to deal with Chris again


big_l - 27/10/13 at 09:09 AM

Tbh I don't think Chris would ever sell you anything again anyway


mr T - 27/10/13 at 09:13 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_l
Tbh I don't think Chris would ever sell you anything again anyway


You've got that wrong bud he'd never get a chance


Krismc - 27/10/13 at 10:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mr T
quote:
Originally posted by big_l
Tbh I don't think Chris would ever sell you anything again anyway


You've got that wrong bud he'd never get a chance



Id pay you too try though.


prawnabie - 27/10/13 at 01:41 PM

Bloody hell Ive just spent 10 mins reading this thread and am astounded it hasn't been locked down already. I think MR T is perfectly justified in airing his grievances about his dealings with MNR, we will never know if they are "99% untrue" or not, but with Marcs reply at least we know both sides of the story.

The astonishing bit is all the bitching which tbh makes up 90% of this thread.