Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Just thought I would share my experience.
Got a quote on the phone to take out cat and replace with silencer. Install a 2 box system after that (3 silencers in total, as I wanted a standard noise) £399. Wasn't the cheapest or most expensive quote I had, so I booked it in.
On the day I was advised I would only need 2 silencers, as it would be quiet enough so a 2 box system was made up and fitted. I was still charged £399, but saw past that. On the way home it became apparent the exhaust was very loud and embarrassing to drive through a built up area. So I booked it in to have a 3rd silencer fitted in the middle. That was done and they agreed it was too loud before. After hearing a noise when I went over a bump on a corner,I got it on axle stands and inspected underneath. The new, middle box was touching the floorpan on one side and about 3cm from the otherside. Booked in again the sort it out. It was leavered across and tightened up again, which moved it about 2mm.

Saying that wasn't good enough and still too close, they agreed to fettle the exhaust properly, but I had to leave it with them. When that was done, they explained they had to take it apart and bend the pipe more. I asked if they , cleaned up the joint to remove the old exhaust paste to get a proper seal, but they said just a smear would be enough to reseal it and it wouldn't blow. 2 days later guess what, yes the joint was blowing. Booked it in again to sort. I stood there watching them do it to make sure it was done properly. Unfortunately i got home and now the rear tail pipe is now wonky. I really can not be bothered to go there again as in real terms the exhaust has cost , me £399 to buy and about £400-500 in time wasted/lost revenue (im self-employed)so £800-900 in total. Bargain!

I have read multiple threads over various forums for a few makes all saying the same about long life! Very sorry you've had the problems though, I'd be badgering them to death to get some money back as that is seriously sub standard service!

They seemed the best of a bad bunch really. Don't understand places like this, what ever happened to taking a bit of pride in your work. The Porsche Shop is another one!

Hi all

Hope you don't mind me getting involved in this thread. I'm the Franchise Manager for Longlife and as such look across the internet for experiences good and bad at our Franchisees. I'm sorry that we don't seem to have met your expectations on this occasion.

I've spoken to Paul, the Franchise Owner in Birmingham who is sorry to hear that you're not satisfied, it's unusual for any of his customers not to be happy. He's quite prepared to do whatever needs doing to get this right so if you want to ring him directly he'll be happy to take your call.

Regards

Jason - Longlife

Gotta love the power of the internet. Wouldn't it have been better if they had used a second round silencer, surely the oval should only be used at the rear of the car.

Hi Jason,
My issue is time. I've wasted too much of it on this. I have no issue with Paul and he seems genuine enough. If i had been happy with the job, I would have still written a review, it just would have been a positive one. But a 5th visit to get it sorted?! PM me if you wish to discuss further.

Yep, I was suprised when I saw the oval one there.

Well, just got off the phone to Jason at longlife, as i had no response I ended up calling them. He has basically said I would need to go back to birmingham to sort. This kind of detracts from my issue of having my time wasn't. He said they may be able to collect my car my car and drive it back (I don't think so!).
I said the only way I would be happy is if I had a partial refund to make up for my lost time and the exhaust redone. But he has no authority to do that, it was the franchisees decision.
Stikes me the post has only been put on here in an attempt to neutralize a negative review. If they had really wanted this sorted they could have called me. I've been offered nothing I couldn't have actioned myself.

I think you are right, as mentioned elsewhere on the post there are plenty of negative reviews of Longlife.

Thing is Jason has shot himself in the foot really, to quote;

"I've spoken to Paul, the Franchise Owner in Birmingham who is sorry to hear that you're not satisfied, it's unusual for any of his customers not to be happy. He's quite prepared to do whatever needs doing to get this right so if you want to ring him directly he'll be happy to take your call.
"

So if you want a partial refund, that is what Paul will give you, if he doesn't then take them to small claims court as you have already given them plenty of opportunity to rectify their mistakes.