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Anyone tried GSC for car servicing?


Tanlc
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I also went to this shop in Northlink to replace my Cruz's right side signal bulb, very small thing to do :).  Well story happened ahead i am new driver and just purchased my ride so was not that much well aware of the shops.

 

mechanics replaced bulb lady got me the receipt of 11 SGD everything done i am ready to go back, started the car, car was very lethargic somehow not picking up pace. After 5 mins on road even on 4k RPM it is sluggish, i started getting burning smell i stopped at road shoulder and checked fumes were coming out from right hand tire side. i immediately opened the bonnet and checked some burning smell from light assembly but no visible things, front rim was very hot so i thought may be my break calliper has not released and break pad gone.(initial symptoms). called up lady she said i can drive back and they will check , went back on very low speeds no burning smell now and car is running fine (miracle) they checked mechanic don't know how to talk in English 5 mins gone asked boss to take a look he said we just change bulb(that's true).

He was not ready to check anything on break and wheel side i just asked him to take a look and tell me if this is safe to drive or not nothing else. he was just  giving shit replies in the end he told me i will replace old bulb back :) (what to say). closed bonnet and i started back called my car dealer he told me  car shop where this vehicle was serviced, next day visited that shop mechanic (boss) very  knowledgeable fist thing he did is checked OBD for any faults and there it is electric fault somehow because of bulb change ( i am really not sure how this can happen). they checked entire break assembly nothing wrong find with break. Car is still running great without any issues.

 

Final verdict i will never go there even not give them benefit of doubt.

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GSC Northlink near Sembawang

 

I went to this workshop to get my spark plug change yesterday.

Not a very honest workshop and the threaten tactic apply.

 

Definitely a No No No for this workshop.

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BE WARNED. If I can give 0 stars I would. Scammer workshop that uses threat tactics and puts wrong parts in your car.

Will tell you to change a whole list of things that is not necessary. Use wrong oil and parts that would damage your car.

And tells you to do bulls**t treatments to your car which doesn’t exist. And there’s no way to check.

The stupid woman manager, jasmine, is so pushy and has such bad attitude. Lies to get you to change unnecessary things so they can chop you. DONT EVER GO TO THIS PLACE. Will end up spending even more rectifying the issues they cause on your car.

In the many years of my experience with turbo cars, first time I heard of turbo treatment and flush. classic....
 

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Neutral Newbie

*WARNING TO ALL*

NEVER go to GSC Automotive. Went there to service air con, and was told that the compressor was spoilt.

They charged me $700 for a “reconditioned” import set, but the aircon spoilt another 2 times in less than 6 months!! I wasted so much time leaving the car there, but that’s not the worst part  

Even though it’s under 6 months warranty, they now disclaim responsibility, saying that the compressor is spoilt because my air con system was “dirty” and the condenser was dirty.

I checked with my regular workshop and they told me this does not make sense at all! In fact, the “reconditioned” compressor is so old and for the same price, most workshops can give you a brand new OEM compressor. I feel so cheated. 

Bottom line: never go there. Even if you need to wait until Monday to repair at other workshop, just do it. 

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Neutral Newbie

Avoid this workshop at all cost!

Went to this workshop yesterday based on the Internet review which says this workshop is the best 3 workshops in Sembawang area....

But only found out this workshop super dishonest and charge very high premium. One lower arm charged $195 and not included labour yet.

Part of my mistake and it was really my bad didn't check on the price before proceed. So don't blindly believe the Internet review and do more research like read more in carforum. 

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On 3/23/2020 at 5:58 PM, Rtls said:

*WARNING TO ALL*

NEVER go to GSC Automotive. Went there to service air con, and was told that the compressor was spoilt.

They charged me $700 for a “reconditioned” import set, but the aircon spoilt another 2 times in less than 6 months!! I wasted so much time leaving the car there, but that’s not the worst part  

Even though it’s under 6 months warranty, they now disclaim responsibility, saying that the compressor is spoilt because my air con system was “dirty” and the condenser was dirty.

I checked with my regular workshop and they told me this does not make sense at all! In fact, the “reconditioned” compressor is so old and for the same price, most workshops can give you a brand new OEM compressor. I feel so cheated. 

Bottom line: never go there. Even if you need to wait until Monday to repair at other workshop, just do it. 

Apologies that I saw your post 10 months too late - but the rule for aircon compressor is: Do not ever buy a recon/refurbished unit.

Aircon compressors have way too many moving parts; the failure rate is as high as a worn-out/used aircon compressor.

Always buy a new aircon compressor (regardless of the cost) - otherwise you are most certain to encounter the story as mentioned above.

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1 hour ago, Comage said:

Apologies that I saw your post 10 months too late - but the rule for aircon compressor is: Do not ever buy a recon/refurbished unit.

Aircon compressors have way too many moving parts; the failure rate is as high as a worn-out/used aircon compressor.

Always buy a new aircon compressor (regardless of the cost) - otherwise you are most certain to encounter the story as mentioned above.

The more important point is how could a recon compressor cost $700. 

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9 hours ago, Ct3833 said:

The more important point is how could a recon compressor cost $700. 

He said it was "imported" - so I am guessing it is not for a Japanese brand of car?

I know the typical Toyota aircon compressor (new) costs around $600... 

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1 hour ago, Comage said:

He said it was "imported" - so I am guessing it is not for a Japanese brand of car?

I know the typical Toyota aircon compressor (new) costs around $600... 

It could still be a Japanese brand because some used compressors from Japan can be quite new. 

I dont know if any auto maker produces their own compressors , but there  are so many third party brands out there, the common one like Denso and Sanden are less than $700  for new unit, to charge $700 for a reCON plus labor is expensive.

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30 minutes ago, Ct3833 said:

It could still be a Japanese brand because some used compressors from Japan can be quite new. 

I dont know if any auto maker produces their own compressors , but there  are so many third party brands out there, the common one like Denso and Sanden are less than $700  for new unit, to charge $700 for a reCON plus labor is expensive.

Kenna ketok lor. Anyway I always only go to Aircon specialist. 

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56 minutes ago, Ct3833 said:

It could still be a Japanese brand because some used compressors from Japan can be quite new. 

I dont know if any auto maker produces their own compressors , but there  are so many third party brands out there, the common one like Denso and Sanden are less than $700  for new unit, to charge $700 for a reCON plus labor is expensive.

Yeah, but some parts of the story are not so clear-cut.

Of course, if a workshop has hundreds of reviews against it, then obviously there must be something really bad about the place.

Sometimes I think drivers also need to be honest and fair to garages:
- If a compressor fails and they opt for a recon unit despite the workshop warning them against this, or simply because they try to save a buck, and the short 3-6mths warranty runs out on the n+1 day (i.e., 1 day right after warranty ends) - then who's to blame?
- If a compressor or alternator needs changing, and after acknowledging the repairs needed, then during dismantling of the compressor or alternator, the fan belt is found to be old and saggy, and requires a new change - then how? If the workshop charges for a new fan belt, the customer cries foul. If the workshop doesn't, the fan belt starts squeaking or stop working after a few days?

Many customers don't seem to understand the complication of car repairs - and cry foul when the workshop finds additional parts that require replacing...

(And btw, I don't work for any workshop, but I do dabble in some DIY repairs of my own vehicle.)

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Neutral Newbie

 

I should check this forum prior to sending my car to this workshop...

I would like to share with you guys the cost that I paid for:

1. Servicing package (4L - Shell - 5W40 F/Synthetic, oil filter Labour charge) - $85.00

2. Air filter (OEM) - $28.00

3. Auto transmission fluid (OEM) - $90.00

4. Brake fluid & flushing - $35.00

5. Power steering oil & flushing - $35.00

6. Tyre rotate & balancing - $25.00

7. Wheel alignment (Manual) - $30.00

8. Radiator coolant & flushing - $48.00

Total damage - S$388 (after $13.38 discount and gst)

Upon completion, I asked how the wheel alignment services been performed (as I did not notice there is any wheel alignment equipment/facilities.). They pointed me to an abandoned equipment and saying, it is there, but the computer is down, however, we have performed a manual wheel alignment for your car, and not every technician knows the skills. Funny part is that the receptionist told me that the wheel alignment was performed on a rusty iron plate at in front of the workshop. (I am attaching it together with this post.) I wonder how accurate it could be with the manual wheel alignment as compared with the computer and equipment. 

Hopefully, they did perform the services as stated on the tax invoice. 

Also, this Ms. J told me that my car's lower arm is crack... Well, I kept smiling and listening what she's saying. If lower arm is crack, what can't I feel it while driving. Please stop threatening your customers! 

I keep telling myself that it is okay, as I believe in karma what you give is what you get returned.

Thank you for your time, and please share...

 

 

 

 

WhatsApp Image 2021-02-20 at 3.57.09 PM.jpeg

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14 minutes ago, ybp0995 said:

. They pointed me to an abandoned equipment and saying, it is there, but the computer is down, however, we have performed a manual wheel alignment for your car, and not every technician knows the skills. Funny part is that the receptionist told me that the wheel alignment was performed on a rusty iron plate at in front of the workshop. (I am attaching it together with this post.) I wonder how accurate it could be with the manual wheel alignment as compared with the computer and equipment. 

 

this is a machine for side slip . its the 1 that is use at the inspection centre.

it can correct your toe in and out only.

a proper 4 wheel alignment will show your front toe, camber, caster, and your rear toe & camber, plus a proper alignment after your front toe ajustment will ensure your steering wheel is straight also.

normally it cost 60+-( for front ajustment only. )

a basic side slip ajustment is 30+-

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3 hours ago, ybp0995 said:

 

I should check this forum prior to sending my car to this workshop...

I would like to share with you guys the cost that I paid for:

1. Servicing package (4L - Shell - 5W40 F/Synthetic, oil filter Labour charge) - $85.00

2. Air filter (OEM) - $28.00

3. Auto transmission fluid (OEM) - $90.00

4. Brake fluid & flushing - $35.00

5. Power steering oil & flushing - $35.00

6. Tyre rotate & balancing - $25.00

7. Wheel alignment (Manual) - $30.00

8. Radiator coolant & flushing - $48.00

Total damage - S$388 (after $13.38 discount and gst)

Upon completion, I asked how the wheel alignment services been performed (as I did not notice there is any wheel alignment equipment/facilities.). They pointed me to an abandoned equipment and saying, it is there, but the computer is down, however, we have performed a manual wheel alignment for your car, and not every technician knows the skills. Funny part is that the receptionist told me that the wheel alignment was performed on a rusty iron plate at in front of the workshop. (I am attaching it together with this post.) I wonder how accurate it could be with the manual wheel alignment as compared with the computer and equipment. 

Hopefully, they did perform the services as stated on the tax invoice. 

Also, this Ms. J told me that my car's lower arm is crack... Well, I kept smiling and listening what she's saying. If lower arm is crack, what can't I feel it while driving. Please stop threatening your customers! 

I keep telling myself that it is okay, as I believe in karma what you give is what you get returned.

Thank you for your time, and please share...

 

 

 

 

WhatsApp Image 2021-02-20 at 3.57.09 PM.jpeg

The unit show in yr photo looks like a single plate side slip tester ( European design ) - it is either a mechanical unit or one with proximity electric switch that is connected to an analogue or digital display , showing the side slip reading in  "+" or " -"  in 5m / km range.

Base on my business experience with Equipment manufacturers for vehicle inspection testing equipment , I have never come across side slip tester that has computing ability except those use in vehicle inspection centres.

 

 

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Neutral Newbie

Today I sent my car to this GSC Automotive to change Ignition coils. This workshop is located at Northlink  Building(Admiralty).

The lady asked me whether I need to do a diagnose on my car(Toyota Altis). It will be extra $40. My car got jerk. I suspected it is spark plug and ignition coils. I change the spark plugs first(one day before). But still jerk and rpm cannot move more than  1500rpm. If with the diagnose and renew ignition coils(4 pcs), it will cost me $680. Exclude GST. Once i heard this amount, I know she want to rip me. She even tell me that if I don't renew now and carry on driving, the engine may dies half way while I drive.

After hearing the price, I said thank you and drove off. I go to another workshop in Woodlands(Mega) . I renew the ignition coils(4 pcs). The workshop technician also use Toyota machine to check again. Everything ok. It cost me only $250.  When I think back, I have saved $430.  

I will not go back to GSC Automotive again

 

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Neutral Newbie

@rence75 680 for 4 coil... good dodge..

btw bro if dont mind, can share the experience at the woodlands (mega)/ shop name? i looking for one in north area too. thanks. i'll drop you a pm. 

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went there for just an oil change... $88 for castrol, i thought..why not.

was told i had to wait for 2hours, so i left my car there and went to eat.

soon after, they whatsapp me the below had to be changed:

 

1) ATF $90

2) Brake fluid & flushing $35

3) Radiator Coolant & Flushing $48

4) Tyre rotate & Balancing $20

total $281


they had attached whatsapp photos to 'prove' that they required to be changed. im not an automotive mechanic expert, hence by the first instinct i just said proceed. i had to wait another 1 more hour.

when i asked what were the brands for the ATF, brake fluid and coolant they had changed to, the admin lady kept on saying OEM, OEM, seemed she had no clue what brand and just kept blabbering to me to pay.

after searching through the forums here i realised that this was a common tactic they used for new customers. my mistake for agreeing to proceed for the additional maintenance when in fact after realising it was not required.

 

i found a shop which is trustworthy and reasonably priced, been going there ever since: 

KHM AUTO SERVICE PTE LTD.   check them out, reliable and honest.

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