NAVARRE AUTO FIAT, FIAT PROFESSIONAL, ALFA ROMEO, ABARTH - Lescar

Steve M.

So I was on a road trip, and developed a suspected front left wheel bearing issue on my Abarth Punto Evo.

I spoke to my Abarth specialist guy back in the UK and he said it's rare for the front bearings to fail on these, and that it's worth checking that the hub nut hadn't simply come loose, as that happened to his track Abarth Punto before.

After making my way through several towns, and being unable to find anyone willing to help, I found myself in town, and discovering a Fiat/Abarth/Alfa Romeo main dealer. Great! Or so I thought.

Upon speaking to the three staff at the service desk, it immediately became abundantly clear that they had no intention of providing any assistance whatsoever. Manning the desk were one middle-aged guy, a young girl and an older woman. The man conversed at length with the other two, and I don't need to speak the language to spot a bad attitude when I see one. Once he was done saying whatever he said, the attitude of the other two switched to offering no help whatsoever. I explained the situation, and asked that at the very least, could a technician simply check the hub nut. They said no, absolutely not, they're all busy. They didn't even ask in the workshop. They said no, the whole car would need an inspection, which is rubbish. All it needs is jacking up, taking the wheel off and checking one nut. That's less than 5 minutes to check the safety of an Abarth customer's car.

I explained that I need to make an 800km trip north to catch my ferry home. But the only time anyone touched their computer was when the young girl checked the calendar to offer me an appointment in about three weeks time.

I could change the wheel bearing myself, so I asked if they had the part in stock. She looked out the window at my car and said "for that car? No". Bearing in mind that this bearing is the same across numerous manufacturers, and not exclusive to my make and model, it's used in in several manufacturers listed here:

71745047 — FIAT / ALFA ROMEO / ABARTH / LANCIA

51753791 — LANCIA
71753061 — LANCIA
93188890 — OPEL / GENERAL MOTORS
3326.77 — PEUGEOT / CITROËN
3326.77[WB] — PEUGEOT / CITROËN
71714457 — FIAT / ALFA ROMEO
60815902 — FIAT / ALFA ROMEO
16 03 338 — OPEL
1587565 — FORD
9S 51 J1K01 8BA — FORD
71745047[WB] — FIAT / ALFA ROMEO / LANCIA
7174457 — FIAT

She didn't even check her computer or even suggest where I might look for one. They happily allowed an Abarth owner to walk out of the premises to potentially begin an 800km journey on a wheel that might fall off.

It turns out that there was a parts supplier just across the road about 30m from where I parked the car. She could have just pointed and suggested I try there. As it happened, the other place could supply me with everything I needed except the 34mm thin-walled socket required to remove/tighten the hub nut, something the Fiat garage absolutely would have in their workshop.

So I had to contact my European breakdown cover company back home to potentially have the vehicle recovered back to the UK. Something that would likely still cost me a great deal of money, as they'd likely arrange for it to be repaired and tell me where to collect it from. Meaning a flight out, and channel crossing on the return journey to pay for.

As it transpired, the recovery guy turned up, jacked the car up, removed the wheel and diagnosed a loose hub nut. He tightened it up and I was back on the road in ten minutes!

If the attitude of this dealership wasn't so appalling, and if they were even the slightest bit apathetic, I'd have had no issue and been back on the road SAFELY.

I'll also add that back in the UK, I've had a similar (but not nearly as potentially dangerous) issue, and the main dealer (Thames Fiat in Slough) sent a tech out to me immediately, who diagnosed the issue for free, whereupon I purchased the required part from their stores, and installed it before heading home. Totally different attitudes.

Appalling service from this dealership.

DO BETTER!

Lex H.

Great service. Emily was there to help me when i had a small emergency with my vehicles. Even though the shop was already closed, she went out of her way to ensure I could drive safe. Can recommend!!

Jay C.

Honestly, I thought about not writing a review because it's not my style even if the place is bad but now I have to. I have no idea how this place got 5 stars so often. Twice I was forgotten about, waited weeks and I paid 400 euros for a new starter which was not necessary and my breaks are making a loud high-pitched noise every time I break and my motor still has problems starting. Let's start: My first payment came in late because the wire transfer instructions were not included with the invoice and nowhere to be found. The scan of the wire transfer wasnt even aligned with the paper when I asked for it. Anyway. So I pay it. Then it was completely ignored. I send in and email and the person at the counter said they would take care of it keep me abreast. I come in many days later to find out the replacement piece arrived but I wasn't informed. Then I get an appointment again one week later. I arrive to the appointment to pick up the car later on the day. Pieces replaced including breaks. So far okay. Then i find out the beaks squeek and the replacement piece of the mirror is not fully tightened. Not a big deal everything works. My car has trouble starting occasionally. This I already said right in the beginning. After this work they tell me it's the starter of the motor. I asked them 3 times are you sure it's the starter and I explained the problem because I felt it's electrical. They assured me 3 times it's the starter. E. From reception and the mechanic. I pay the invoice on the 14th. I come in 10 days later to find out the piece hasn't even been ordered. E.was on vacation. All my emails went unanswered. I asked the woman that was at the reception. She at the beginning was kind of like not interested to talk to me but quickly realized it's her job so she was super nice then and said she would take care of it. I come in on the 6th to have the starter replaced. I drive to Spain and in spain it becomes clear it's not the starter the motor has the same problems starting. For the first time in my live I am actually learning about cars now but even as a layman I could guess it wasn't the starter and some contacts I have also questioned it. I paid +400 for the starter without any benefit. The 1500 I paid for the other I guess it was done okay but with squeeky brakes. Honestly, having waited 2 months for two appointments in total is no-go. Everyone at other shops said replacement parts and appointment is 1 week a the most. They kept asking me if the invoices were paid for. Jesus just get an updated system to take care of you everything. I am an IT specialist and this is standard stuff. And I am an easy client trust me. I have money and hardly requirements. But this is bullshit. I would improve IT Systems especially with client communication. Sorry but never coming back to this place. I gave the mechanic a tip in the beginning just cause I am a nice guy. Even if I were in pau again I wouldn't go there just to wait weeks again. Three people at the reception but chaos obviously. There is enough people looking for jobs. Sorry to have to write this review but too much is too much. I had to show up twice in person otherwise they would have totally ignored that I am waiting. What a joke. And I am the nicest probably most chill guy out there. I even didn't make a fuss the first time because I didn't want to embarass E in réception In front of the others.

Plus: a piece fell off from the window in the back on the inside which means somebody either tried to enter the back of the van through the side door or through the window while I left the car there. You don't need to get into the back of the van to change the starter. I am not mad. Just not returning to this place ever again.

bev R.

Huge thank you to the owner of the garage who opened his door to us . We had a very sticky situation with our motor home . Due to the virus all auto repair garages closed in the area,but thanks to him and his team they got us back on the road and now we can continue our journey back to the UK. Truly professional! !

Michele W.

Had a breakdown on our 18 month old campervan on fiat Ducato. Navarre autos went above and beyond to help us get back on the road before the weekend when we were due to meet up with our daughter. Michelle spoke good English, and with our own minimal French we managed to communicate quite well. Every bit of contact with everyone at Navarre was excellent. Polite and friendly, and very helpful. Would recommend 110%

Alastair S. (.

Very friendly and helpful , parts ordered at 9, available at 14.30.

Andrei C.

Nice welcoming, good service job!

manon A.

super