Support in the UK for C8 owners.

[TheEscapist]

As the last post was closed by the U.K. “chairman” here is the reply I was trying to make before I was cut off. Perhaps our US colleagues see the problem in the arak now as we aren’t supported at all, even by the so called Owners Club!

…….i think we see the issue now clearly that you as Chairman of the club in the UK don’t actually, want to support members at all and only want to collect money. I don’t think I’m really that bothered about £45 having just paid nearly £100,000 for a vehicle and will gladly pay you if that what you’re after but my issue is more about why you aren’t able to give any definitive support For C8 owners, not just me, but the other hundreds? you should not be doing any escalation for me, bit as a good chairman, should recognise the issue and either escalate or answer for others. Isn’t that what a forum is for?

to be clear I’m not on a crusade to get anything changed here but would like Some answers to simple questions. I have the members here getting very animated regarding the differences in support in the U.K. and the US. I don’t know why there are differences and if there should be differences but you should know, shouldn’t you?

don‘t do me any favours, Peter, as you’re obviously not prepared to until you get your £45 but maybe for the benefit of all the other members who have paid you the £45, you can answer these questions for them:….

 

[DunkyKeith]

The other franchised service centre (Parts USA) in Manchester do perform software checks and updates as part of their normal service and are very familiar with the C8 formally (GM training) and informally (forums etc.). They are closer to me than IAM and I prefer their style of service - although IAM didn't do anything wrong to my car (that I'm aware of). Parts USA are small but Neil MacDonald (the owner) there is great and a real enthusiast. IAM did my first inspection and first service, changed the DCT filter and added two quarts of oil at my request. I got Neil/Parts USA to help with my CEL and he did the second service. The car has been problem free. I particularly like that Neil attends some of the same shows and engages professionally and socially with owners.

 

[TheEscapist]

The other franchised service centre (Parts USA) in Manchester do perform software checks and updates as part of their normal service and are very familiar with the C8 formally (GM training) and informally (forums etc.). They are closer to me than IAM and I prefer their style of service - although IAM didn't do anything wrong to my car (that I'm aware of). Parts USA are small but Neil MacDonald (the owner) there is great and a real enthusiast. IAM did my first inspection and first service, changed the DCT filter and added two quarts of oil at my request. I got Neil/Parts USA to help with my CEL and he did the second service. The car has been problem free. I particularly like that Neil attends some of the same shows and engages professionally and socially with owners.

That’s great to hear. I wish I wish I was a little closer to Neil up north ;(. Did you have the two quarts added to track the car or for your own piece of mind?

 

[DunkyKeith]

Peter is a very hard working chair and like all committee members and regional reps he is a volunteer and puts hours a week into this as do many other of the members and reps. Full disclosure - I'm also on the committee and a regional rep and perhaps unsurprisingly I think a bit more respect is due. If you knew Peter I would hope you'd agree. Just use Parts USA and have a nice trip to the North once a year for a service, pity they are not more local to you. I have done almost 15k in the C8 since 2022. By all means give me a call as I could talk you through a few bits and pieces. I'm Dunkykeith on Facebook and I don't suppose your at SuperCarFest tomorrow because we could meet there. If you're keeping the car joining the club is well worthwhile. Local meets, several shows and a community it's part of the ownership experience for me. There are costs to running a club and Pete is in reality just tyring to make sure we all contribute.

 

[TheEscapist]

As the last post was closed by the U.K. “chairman” here is the reply I was trying to make before I was cut off. Perhaps our US colleagues see the problem in the arak now as we aren’t supported at all, even by the so called Owners Club!

…….i think we see the issue now clearly that you as Chairman of the club in the UK don’t actually, want to support members at all and only want to collect money. I don’t think I’m really that bothered about £45 having just paid nearly £100,000 for a vehicle and will gladly pay you if that what you’re after but my issue is more about why you aren’t able to give any definitive support For C8 owners, not just me, but the other hundreds? you should not be doing any escalation for me, bit as a good chairman, should recognise the issue and either escalate or answer for others. Isn’t that what a forum is for?

to be clear I’m not on a crusade to get anything changed here but would like Some answers to simple questions. I have the members here getting very animated regarding the differences in support in the U.K. and the US. I don’t know why there are differences and if there should be differences but you should know, shouldn’t you?

don‘t do me any favours, Peter, as you’re obviously not prepared to until you get your £45 but maybe for the benefit of all the other members who have paid you the £45, you can answer these questions for them:….

1. why are U.K. cars different from US cars and don’t need software updates?
2. why do U.K. customers not get a free DCT oil change?

to be clear, I am getting plenty of “joy“ as you out it with Ian Allen. My issue is not with them. It is understanding if their approach is correct or the recommendations from our US friends on here.

 

[DunkyKeith]

I use the car at the odd exhibition (CarFest, Sywell) and although I run a track day once a year (for club cars in the Rocketeer and Corvette Club) I don't drive the car nearly as hard as I do my dedicated Track Car. It's great to experience the car on track but it's my pride and joy also. It seemed wise to add the oil. I wouldn't do it as a pure road user unless your a full on boy racer. Next track day is 5th July at Blyton, Santa Pod on the 13th July with a CCCUK contingent.

 

[TheEscapist]

Peter is a very hard working chair and like all committee members and regional reps he is a volunteer and puts hours a week into this as do many other of the members and reps. Full disclosure - I'm also on the committee and a regional rep and perhaps unsurprisingly I think a bit more respect is due. If you knew Peter I would hope you'd agree. Just use Parts USA and have a nice trip to the North once a year for a service, pity they are not more local to you. I have done almost 15k in the C8 since 2022. By all means give me a call as I could talk you through a few bits and pieces. I'm Dunkykeith on Facebook and I don't suppose your at SuperCarFest tomorrow because we could meet there. If you're keeping the car joining the club is well worthwhile. Local meets, several shows and a community it's part of the ownership experience for me. There are costs to running a club and Pete is in reality just tyring to make sure we all contribute.

I’m sure he isa nice person but it doesn’t show in his manner and withholding info and blocking me from a post for £45 is pathetic, to say the least. Forums are for everyone to help everyone. I’ll pay my £45 now just to keep him happy but I have to say respect and money is earned in a way very different from the one he uses….

thanks for your hekodu’ advice. I think you’re a good enough judge of character to know I’m trying my best to keep the car and be happy but understandably am worried when I get the sort of feedback I’ve had re U.K./US differences and have to go to the north of England a software update!

£45 incoming. Then I’m no longer a freeloader i hope. Now I’ll have to pay for the Ford, Mustang, Chevy truck, AMG and all the other forums I suppose… no they give free help

 

[DunkyKeith]

The cars are not different, GM determine that there are different market conditions and norms in the UK vs. US. We don't get a free service of any kind, or the Ron Fellows voucher and we pay more for the vehicles. The UK environment is less harsh at the extremes than the US (Arizona / Chicago). although I don't think that's the issue. It's also much more common for US owners of any marque to change the oil winter and summer for example. It is what it is - but I'll the use the dealer that checks and updates the cars system and pores over the forums and will debate the merits of pad compounds, aftermarket parts and anything remotely US car related.

 

[TheEscapist]

Hurray….

 

[TheEscapist]

The cars are not different, GM determine that there are different market conditions and norms in the UK vs. US. We don't get a free service of any kind, or the Ron Fellows voucher and we pay more for the vehicles. The UK environment is less harsh at the extremes than the US (Arizona / Chicago). although I don't think that's the issue. It's also much more common for US owners of any marque to change the oil winter and summer for example. It is what it is - but I'll the use the dealer that checks and updates the cars system and pores over the forums and will debate the merits of pad compounds, aftermarket parts and anything remotely US car related.

So far I think I’ve got Ian Allen to do a service, canister change and software updates. If not I’ll drive up north I suppose…. Makes me wonder why Ian Allen say GM doesn’t require them to even do software updates…. Has to be essential.

 

[teamzr1]

As the last post was closed by the U.K. “chairman” here is the reply I was trying to make before I was cut off. Perhaps our US colleagues see the problem in the arak now as we aren’t supported at all, even by the so called Owners Club!

…….i think we see the issue now clearly that you as Chairman of the club in the UK don’t actually, want to support members at all and only want to collect money. I don’t think I’m really that bothered about £45 having just paid nearly £100,000 for a vehicle and will gladly pay you if that what you’re after but my issue is more about why you aren’t able to give any definitive support For C8 owners, not just me, but the other hundreds? you should not be doing any escalation for me, bit as a good chairman, should recognise the issue and either escalate or answer for others. Isn’t that what a forum is for?

to be clear I’m not on a crusade to get anything changed here but would like Some answers to simple questions. I have the members here getting very animated regarding the differences in support in the U.K. and the US. I don’t know why there are differences and if there should be differences but you should know, shouldn’t you?

don‘t do me any favours, Peter, as you’re obviously not prepared to until you get your £45 but maybe for the benefit of all the other members who have paid you the £45, you can answer these questions for them:….

I think you're missing what the total costs of this Corvette club has to pay out to maintain this internet services and that is mostly by club members dues paying a very low price to pay all those costs

Just think if these people who donate all their time to keep their club, internet services events, magazine, etc
Wanted to be paid for their time, you would not have been able to get all this techie content as I spend much time 2 finger typing
to your thread and also donated my time, and I am not even in the UK

Corvette owners are also a close, tight family, so paying just $45 for a whole year of techie content is a real bargain
I know the costs and have one of the oldest since 1995 and donated most of the costs in having one of the first Corvette websites and forum

Pete's a good guy, so give him the thanks for all the labor he does so you have a Corvette club in the UK and access to all this content

JR

 

[Mr. Cricket]

TheEscapist! Great handle..

What Keith and Teams say is quite true. We are always looking for new members especially those that have ventured into Corvette ownership for maybe the first time and the £45 quid 'entrance fee' barely covers the 6 magazines you'll now get being a member. You've received a lot of great advice from some very experienced Corvette owners for the cost of £0.00 and that's how we are.

Parts USA are in my region and as Keith mentioned, they do great work and are easy to deal with. They also discount their labour rates for club members from £90 to £60 per hour and discount parts. No brainer really and your membership fee covered in short order.

Enjoy your Corvette and go easy on those that give up their time to run the club maybe?

Stuart

 

[TheEscapist]

I think you're missing what the total costs of this Corvette club has to pay out to maintain this internet services and that is mostly by club members dues paying a very low price to pay all those costs

Just think if these people who donate all their time to keep their club, internet services events, magazine, etc
Wanted to be paid for their time, you would not have been able to get all this techie content as I spend much time 2 finger typing
to your thread and also donated my time, and I am not even in the UK

Corvette owners are also a close, tight family, so paying just $45 for a whole year of techie content is a real bargain
I know the costs and have one of the oldest since 1995 and donated most of the costs in having one of the first Corvette websites and forum

Pete's a good guy, so give him the thanks for all the labor he does so you have a Corvette club in the UK and access to all this content

JR

Yes, I get it. I’ve paid now and always was going to pay as I can afford £50 but next time I don’t expect to be blackmailed into joining. Nice people help people regsrdless of cost and then appreciation follows. If we are a “family“ I’d exoect things to be more based on friendship and support and less on constantly asking for money,

remember, I never said I wasn’t paying; rather I was cut off suddenly for not paying. Is that really how the U.K. Club operates? Bizarre If so and maybe they should just say upfront members only!

ive never come across a forum that operates like this S9 excuse me for not realising. Other car forums I am a member of give advice and veneer ask for money. Again, I’m happy to pay bjt there are far nicer ways to operate, trust me!

 

[Mr. Cricket]

Yes, I get it. I’ve paid now and always was going to pay as I can afford £50 but next time I don’t expect to be blackmailed into joining. Nice people help people regsrdless of cost and then appreciation follows. If we are a “family“ I’d exoect things to be more based on friendship and support and less on constantly asking for money,

remember, I never said I wasn’t paying; rather I was cut off suddenly for not paying. Is that really how the U.K. Club operates? Bizarre If so and maybe they should just say upfront members only!

ive never come across a forum that operates like this S9 excuse me for not realising. Other car forums I am a member of give advice and veneer ask for money. Again, I’m happy to pay bjt there are far nicer ways to operate, trust me!

Feedback is good (you just missed a member survey by a month or so)

When you get your membership pack, check out the members benefits you get on cut price tyres, servicing, insurance etc and that £45 that keeps us committee members in cigars and champagne will seem like a drop in a bucket

 

[Chuffer]

Peter is a very hard working chair and like all committee members and regional reps he is a volunteer and puts hours a week into this as do many other of the members and reps. Full disclosure - I'm also on the committee and a regional rep and perhaps unsurprisingly I think a bit more respect is due. If you knew Peter I would hope you'd agree. Just use Parts USA and have a nice trip to the North once a year for a service, pity they are not more local to you. I have done almost 15k in the C8 since 2022. By all means give me a call as I could talk you through a few bits and pieces. I'm Dunkykeith on Facebook and I don't suppose your at SuperCarFest tomorrow because we could meet there. If you're keeping the car joining the club is well worthwhile. Local meets, several shows and a community it's part of the ownership experience for me. There are costs to running a club and Pete is in reality just tyring to make sure we all contribute.

Hear hear ! Like you say , area reps and committee members are all volunteers giving up the free time for the betterment of the club and it`s members . I get totally fed up of free loaders ( aka non members ) on this forum taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge available from club members or expecting assistance on issues the rest of us are paying for . I have long held the view that the club should set up a `5 strikes and your out ` system on the forum whereby non members are automatically struck off if they are non members . If you want freebies , use Facebook or Twitter .

 

[TheEscapist]

TheEscapist! Great handle..

What Keith and Teams say is quite true. We are always looking for new members especially those that have ventured into Corvette ownership for maybe the first time and the £45 quid 'entrance fee' barely covers the 6 magazines you'll now get being a member. You've received a lot of great advice from some very experienced Corvette owners for the cost of £0.00 and that's how we are.

Parts USA are in my region and as Keith mentioned, they do great work and are easy to deal with. They also discount their labour rates for club members from £90 to £60 per hour and discount parts. No brainer really and your membership fee covered in short order.

Enjoy your Corvette and go easy on those that give up their time to run the club maybe?

Stuart

Thanks but last time I checked I joined a free forum to get and share advice. Then US members rant about how things aren’t right in the UK. Then I get blackmailed into joining by being shut oit of posts. I then pay up to the blackmail and get a ton of emotional blackmail from you and others about how mean I am for not recognising the huge value. At the same time we overlook the fact that the UK “comittEe” has existed for how long and it’s US counterparts don’t seem to know that there are no OTA updates or software upgrades from IA. It all sounds t9 me like a very weird, almost sinister cult. Are you going to drug me OTA and turn me into an AI chatbot for you? Guys, how much so far have a8 actually learned and gained for my time and money. Hmmm… nothing as Ian Allen are the U.K. official importer and disagree with every single thing said here. I’ve gained all I know from several calls to then and elsewhere Nevertheless, I’ve been very very polite and grateful as I always am on forums bjt when I was blackmailed into joining it was a step too far. Forgive me for waitimg for something constructive to be said for the hundreds of UK owners:

1. why are there no software updates as standard?
2. why do we have to pay for the first 7,500 DCT change?
3. why does GM not enforce minimum standards on ALL U.K. dealers to US standards?
4. why does the U.K. Corvette Club not do anything to address fhe above points? If it has, please share details…
5. why are there no GM contacts for members?

it’s all very well hearing colourful language from the US how it should be, but it isn’t in the UK so what are the committee doing about it? It’s not down to simple me, it’s down to those with the titles, such as chairman, to take action, isn’t it?

 

[DunkyKeith]

Hear hear ! Like you say , area reps and committee members are all volunteers giving up the free time for the betterment of the club and it`s members . I get totally fed up of free loaders ( aka non members ) on this forum taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge available from club members or expecting assistance on issues the rest of us are paying for . I have long held the view that the club should set up a `5 strikes and your out ` system on the forum whereby non members are automatically struck off if they are non members . If you want freebies , use Facebook or Twitter .

Indeed, but until people do know the club, what we do and don't do it's easy to get a bit wrong sided and its common in clubs and especially online. Let's not alienate the newbies either - even if they cross the odd line, I can see how the club's approach can seem dismissive sometimes. Even the name wound me up initially until I learnt to think that a brand new C8 can still be "Classic". Thinking about it, probably 90 + % of our members own a decades old, non supported import and we aren't set-up like say a BMW club with lots of new car issues, warranties, manufacturer representation and accountability etc. When we all get together for a pint and to discuss things we may find we all get on. TBH I'd quite like to trade the C8 for a C6 Z06 and try the more authentic ownership experience!

 

[TheEscapist]

Hear hear ! Like you say , area reps and committee members are all volunteers giving up the free time for the betterment of the club and it`s members . I get totally fed up of free loaders ( aka non members ) on this forum taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge available from club members or expecting assistance on issues the rest of us are paying for . I have long held the view that the club should set up a `5 strikes and your out ` system on the forum whereby non members are automatically struck off if they are non members . If you want freebies , use Facebook or Twitter .

And the next…. funny how you all show up and bitch AFTER Ive joined and paid! And something helpful is?

 

[Rich]

That’s great to hear. I wish I wish I was a little closer to Neil up north ;(.

So do I, but that hasn't stopped me booking my car in with them next month and I'm in Bournemouth. 500 mile round trip plus hotel.

 

[Mr. Cricket]

Maybe Pete was right Ah well, I tried