AMERICAN CAR WASH: Don't take your 'dirty' car there, or

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 17:49

This night my wife is returning form a stay in Holland and I wanted to surprise her at Ercan International Airport with her washed and cleaned car. So I went again, like many years before, to the "American Car Wash" in Karaoğlanoğlu, almost next to Lemar.

When I wanted to pay the advertised 20TL for in- and outside cleaning, the man behind the till looked at the car and said: "This car is very dirty, I have to charge you 5 TL extra".

OK, the car wasn't used for four weeks and there was dust outside and inside.

But - is that a reason to charge extra outside the price list?

Since when does one have to take a clean or reasonable clean car to a car wash?

Well, the "American Car Wash" in Karaoğlanoğlu lost two regular customers (my wife's car and mine).

P.S. I paid, because I wanted a beer at nearby Morellis and didn't feel like looking for another car wash.

P.P.S. For the first time in my years in TRNC I feel ripped-off. Very sad.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 17:51

The bill: not 20 TL as advertised but 25 TL because the car was dirty....



http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/110812_car_wash_72.jpg



Be careful here, you may have to pay extra for your 'dirty car'...



http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/S5000118_72.jpg

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:02

DC ,if you have travelled in Africa as you say you have ,you should be familiar with the words "Mzungu Price"..



For those who have not visited Kenya etc;,"Mzungu Price" means "White Man Price"in Swahili....I guess your time finally came..

But five Lira is hardly a major rip off................Be Happy...

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:04

I wont go there again either. They charge 5tl more than the one near the DVD shop in Alsancak. It hardly took them 10 minutes and we still found a lot of dirt in various places.

cyprusLulz


Joined: 01/08/2011
Posts: 113

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:06

then you should retort them on the TRNC consumer hotline 171 http://tinyurl.com/3j69zyt

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:13

@ msg 3, martinD41: (...) if you have travelled in Africa as you say you have ,you should be familiar with the words "Mzungu Price".. (...)

▶ It's not easy to explain easy facts to you, I know, but I'll try again: "the "American Car Wash" in Karaoğlanoğlu, almost next to Lemar." is not in Africa, but "the "American Car Wash" in Karaoğlanoğlu, almost next to Lemar." is in Karaoğlanoğlu, almost next to Lemar."

And we didn't speak Swahili or whatever other African language - we were talking about the price list, which is in plain English.

This price list say 20 TL to have your car washed and cleaned inside. If you still don't understand it, let me know.

And it's not a matter of a minor or major rip off - it's a matter of asking money where it should not have been done.

Get it now?

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:14

Just take your clean car in and ask for a refund..

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:20

@ msg 7, Groucho: Will you accompany me? Have you seen the giant behind the till...?!

cyprusLulz


Joined: 01/08/2011
Posts: 113

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:23

Do your duty report them on the TRNC consumer hotline 171



http://tinyurl.com/3j69zyt



come back and tell us the result.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:25

Hey, Dutch, sorry to hear about your unfair treatment and "good on ya" for highlighting the 'con' but are you able to check your email concerning other matters of 'fairness' ? ;)

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:28

Hans he might look like a giant to you....

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:34

DC ....Here is one Very Easy fact...It could have happened to a nicer person.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:36

As a matter of interest, we can thoroughly recommend Quick Shine at Catalköy (turn in opposite Lemar) where for 15 TL they clean inside and out and do a really good job.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:40

Dutch sorry a shame you were ripped off for 5ytl . However I feel sorrier for the folk who have been ripped off for more than that in the TRNC !!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:40

Same as that Gavin ,they are very good indeed......Well, to the English anyway.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:49

Some in this thread, with their senseless posts, send more people away from this board than I could ever accomplish. Thank you. Keep up your good work.

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:56

I use the "American car wash" to have my car cleaned and have always been happy with the service and the price. Personally I do not think it is a rip off for them to charge more for an exceptionaly dirty car, as long as that is made clear when you arrive and you have the option of deciding to go elsewhere when informed of this.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:58

And 'some' will ensure sure that THIS board remains a place where diverse viewpoints - however 'robust' at least see the light of day ...

0maintenance


Joined: 22/09/2010
Posts: 2179

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:59

You are now sounding like a moaning ninnie.



If the beer in Morellis had not of been so important you may of looked else where to have your car washed and used up 1 or 2 TL in juice looking for another car wash.



You had a choice to refuse to pay and go else where,they give you the option,you could of refused,but you decided to have a beer and pay the extra and then come on here and moan about it,is this something that will not be allowed on your own forum,slagging off a business?

I do not think they have done anything wrong,at least they told you it would be extra and did not just wash it and then ask for extra.Give them credit for there honesty!

Some cars can be much dirtier than others,which then they have to use the pressure washer a longer time.



I think they where very fair to you and also informing you of the 5tl increase before washing your car.

bigjuss


Joined: 09/09/2010
Posts: 221

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 18:59

why allow yourself to be ripped off?

if a carwash is advertised at 20tl,then it is 20tl.if he told you he wanted 25tl,you should have told him hes only getting 20tl,if he mumbles about it,tell him to p*ss off,and you will take it elsewhere.......simple.

no good keeping your gob shut and paying 25tl then coming on a forum and moaning about bein ripped for 5tl.

its not just the trnc,people try it on worldwide,if you are gullible enough to allow yourself to be ripped off...........more fool you!!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 19:07

@ msg 17, ErolZ: (...) as long as that is made clear when you arrive and you have the option of deciding to go elsewhere when informed of this. (...)



▶ Erol, you may be satisfied with this unique TRNC (American Car Wash) system of "flexible prices". I for one don't expect a price list and than a judgement of "acceptable dirty", "very dirty", "exceptionally dirty" and what else have you. But, let's forget it - the company made 5 TL extra today and lost two customers for ever.

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 19:14

I do not think it is uniquely TRNC to be honest. Maybe they should have a small asterisk on the price list and a little disclaimer at the bottom, but you see this kind of thing all over the place in my experience. In the UK adverts for 'Sky installation' at a fixed price for example, but then if your location turns out to require atypical amounts of work, they will ask for an extra fee for installation, to give just one example of many from the UK. I can understand your point, I just do not share your view personally. I will now forget it.

0maintenance


Joined: 22/09/2010
Posts: 2179

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 19:25

Are Maps in cyprus more expensive than A to Zs in the UK .

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 19:44

The 'giant' has in the past issued threats of violence to customers refusing to stump-up extra cash so I'm pretty sure this is not acceptable behaviour in anybody's book. As a result of earlier posts (just after they opened) we made a conscious decision never to frequent the place.

marvin


Joined: 23/06/2009
Posts: 68

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 20:58

message 3 you have got more money than sense people like you are are putting the prices up for ex pats

because you just get your wallet out and pay bet the locals dont pay that price.

Marvin

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 20:58

msg21" The company lost 2 customers "for ever" or even "forever,",,,do you think they give a s**t....I don't...Why don't you post this on your new forum DC...or is it for positive I love TRNC posters only Funny how the only Paradise you can afford would stoop to such a thing........... Have a lovely Hieniken at 5 TL and forget about it .........

marvin


Joined: 23/06/2009
Posts: 68

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:07

You are so aggresive you should think before saying its only 5tl more this is happenining all the time here

adding 2 or 3 lira here and there not all people can afford it.

Marvin

Jetski


Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 584

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:14

25TL?........Ten quid for a full valet clean? Get real Hans. Stop squeaking and bu..er off to your own board where some people (if you allow them) may be able to post their own opinions regarding your cheapskate views of the local economy. BTW..... how much do a few photocopies cost?

marvin


Joined: 23/06/2009
Posts: 68

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:20

Msg 26 If you think the price is to high for a car wash you should go somewhere else just because i love

living here does not mean i want to get ripped off,I am a good guy and if i meet you i would gladly buy you a beer.

Marvin

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:44

Funny, Hans post made me think.. we have loads of car washes charging less than he paid in 'TRNC' ..



The irony of him knocking something about 'TRNC' is somewhat amusing .. will he ( as MartinD41 suggests ) be banning himself on his playground for 'derisory' posts about 'TRNC ? ;))))))

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:46

I agree, clear off cloggy to your own board for "quality people" What a joke! You come crawling back to this board when it suits you, stop whinging, no one on here is in the slightest bit interested. For you nothing in the TRNC is wrong, thank god you got ripped off

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 21:58

Is someone fishing for a free car wash I wonder? Worked when he criticised a certain Indian restaurant..

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 22:08

Hi Hector.. to be 'fair' to our Hans, I don't think he was expecting lightening to strike twice...



But, I doubt he was expecting the 'hostility' he has got ...



Over the years I've known him, he's resigned from many boards - only to return - as if it never happened..

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 22:12

mmmmmm, you are so right! He comes back from under his stone because he know he needs this board more than this board needs him! Watch his reaction next time he logs on.

denizen



Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 23:57

Yeah DC, stop ya whinging, I mean, ya aint even bludy English so stop ya copycatting

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 01:24

I'm mystified at some of these posts/threads. DC might not be the most liked person on this board and I'm most certainly not a fan of him however, the warning, if true, is justified. The whole idea of taking a car to a car-wash/valeting shop is to get it cleaned because it's dirty and pay the advertised amount and not a surcharge because the cleaners need to WORK! I'm with Hans on this one! Try 'Sam's Place' next time in his brand new car-wash facility.



Richard

lovinit


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 745

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 06:48

I stopped using the American car wash some time ago, as when I got home and saw on the winshield was smeared with almost an oil like substance inside and out, took ages to clean off. Having spoken to them about it, it was just dissmissed.



When this happened for the 3rd time, i stopped going.



So now go to Catalkoy, further way but cheaper to canels itself out.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 07:39

There is an super car wash in the centre of Ozankoy opposite the Mosque, well worth a visit. Our car comes out the cleanest there than anywhere previously mentioned on this thread.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 07:51

It cost me 4x4 15tl inside and out Atakara, DVD shop, Alsancak village

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 08:06

Pretty ironic....But DC is right.

One goes to a car wash because the car is dirty. Why pay above the odds for a normal service ? This goes along with being deliberately short-changed at the supermarkets.

If one accepts these inflationary practices then it will not stop and you become part of the problem.

I will also look for another car-wash locally and continue demanding the 'right' change.



As an aside....The Central Bank here were to issue 1 and 2 kurus coins. It didn't happen and no doubt this was stopped by the "shopkeepers union" to increase profits.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 08:25

mess 1......



So Dutch, its your "bored" for all the happy clappy rose tinted posts about the KFC and this board for all the problems, winges and shite.......



how very convenient....



you couldn't do us all a favour could you ?? and sod off ..............

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 08:35

scoobydo, correct, I have our car cleaned there, great service, always have a smiley face, great value, no matter how dirty the car is!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 09:30

@ msg 41, NN: (...) So Dutch, its your "bored" for all the happy clappy rose tinted posts about the KFC and this board for all the problems, winges and shite....... how very convenient.... (...)

▶ Wrong. ( > You < can't write but you read there.).

(...) you couldn't do us all a favour could you ?? and sod off .............. (...)

▶ No.

stockiefan


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 574

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 09:35

Hey Dutch, some "surprise" for the wife on her arrival at the airport. I bet she can't wait for her birthday, you might treat her to a new hoover or a set of spanners Romance is not dead then in Dutchland!

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 09:40

Totally agree with DC we are encouraged, no warned with dire consequences that we should not use our Belediyesi water, so cars are going to get dirty.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 09:44

ask them to leave a little dirt oon the car and just have 20 tl worth of clean





the kp garage at ozankoy is very good 15 tl inside and out

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 09:51

What a lot of silly answers, but I suppose it keeps the topic on top

denizen



Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 10:19

44-Hey Dutch, some "surprise" for the wife on her arrival at the airport. I bet she can't wait for her birthday, you might treat her to a new hoover or a set of spanners Romance is not dead then in Dutchland!



that's funny SF, bet even DC laughed

InspironDream


Joined: 10/08/2011
Posts: 56

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:25

Well, I've gotta agree with Dutch..there shouldn't be a price quote outside of the price list. It clearly states the service and the cost.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:34

If DC 's car was looked at before washing, and he was told 25TL before washing..............Why is he crying in his beer?

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:44

Re : Msg 44, "Romance is not dead then in Dutchland! "



Romance is well and alive in Engerland too: how about a nice tattoo/breast enlargement/ hair extensions/ fake tan/acrylic nails or all the above for a birthday present?

Carndi


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 613

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:51

The car wash mentioned in Ozankoy is good BUT ask the price before they start.

vincent1


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 212

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:53

Clarissa2.



Dutchy could do with all of those !

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 12:59

It is a disgrace that someone can put a fair warning onto this Forum and then be subjected to a torrent of insults and abuse.



What on earth is wrong with you all?



I am happy to be warned about rip offs and I think he did nothing wrong wanting to share the experience.



So when you are ripped off will you just stay silent about it?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:02

How was he ripped off,if he was told the price Before the wash?

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:02

Hey Hans, is it SO quiet on 'your' board (nothing to delete today ? ) that you have to 'lower' yourself, here ? ;)

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:08

I totally agree with DC on this one. Are dry cleaners going to charge more because "your duvet was actually dirty". What is on the advertised price is what you should be asked to pay, regardless of the size of the Neandertal on the till!!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:13

I bet he was only told of the surcharge because being a wise old owl he asked before the process started.... If he was only told because he asked it begs the question at what stage the extra demanded would have been mentioned.

I've heard of this 'extra' being declared only at time of paying the bill. It's not so funny then is it? Personally I would go only with the advertised charge in my pocket and see what transpired.

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:30

Groucho at the 'American Car Wash' you pay up front and have done for as long as I have used them, which is several years. That is you drive up to the entrance , where there is a 'booth', go and pay and then your car is taken off to be washed. So if there is the need for a surcharge for exceptional conditions it would be asked for and paid for or not then, before the car is washed.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:38

Well, well, I distinctly remember some people reporting (on this or maybe the old North Cyprus Forum) that on returning to collect their cars having extra payment demanded, with the threat of physical violence should they refuse.

cyprusman3



Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:38

I personally know that particular car wash and the set up is very good, they do good job and if they ask for extra its for the extra work that they see your vehicle needs, they told you straight you have a mingy car and it will cost you extra to clean it !! What is your problem??? Get a life !!!

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:41

Groucho IF that is the case then clearly it is wrong, but that is NOT what DC was saying happened in this case. In this case as I understand it, DC was made aware of the extra charge up front and openly before the car was washed and no mention of threats of violence either and could have chosen to go elsewhere should he have wished too.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:41

msg61 Exactly............

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:47

What's he moaning for, here is a UK example,I think he had a good deal..





http://www.goringcarvalet.co.uk/price_guide.htm

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:48

Yes but who takes a clean car to get it washed?

The owners of establishments that advertise one price should be prepared to stick to it or remove the advert.

If you go for a meal, you don't expect the menu prices to be upped because the potatoes need to be washed.

I'm sorry but my instinct is that this is a con based on peoples' reluctance to back-out once they've decided to go in. That you choose to comply is your business but personally I would always refuse on principle.

cyprusLulz


Joined: 01/08/2011
Posts: 113

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:48

Hans we need clarification were you told of the extyra before or after the car was cleaned ?

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:53

Gavin ,perhaps the sign should read "Basic Clean" 20TL........But at the end of the day he had the Choice....

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:55

We took our's in for a clean when it used to be 20tl for a 4x4 (mine is a swb 4x4). We stopped near the cash desk and unloaded bags etc., that were in the car and then went to the cash desk. I was asked for 25tl and was shocked as I had only ever paid 20tl. I was told there had been a price rise. I thought that 25% price rise was too high and said I would go somewhere else. At the time we could get it washed for 10tl in Karsiyaka. Anyways, the car had been driven onto the wash circuit so it had to be backed out of there. I used to enjoy sitting there and having a coffee or a beer and watching the activites of the car wash. But I will never go back there now. I think their prices are far to high when I can get my car done for 15tl locally.

erolz


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3456

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:55

Groucho I understand your view but do not share it personally. I can undertstand the difference betwen a dirty car that has not been washed for a month or two and a dirty car that has not been washed for 6 months or more and can see why the later might attract a surcharge given the additional work needed. As long as the additional charge is up front and explained before the car is washed and not after, I personally see no problem with that. I do not think everyone has to feel the same way, I am just offering my own personal view.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 13:56

msg65..But if you want extra/different veg for example it's extra.........Or at least it is where I eat.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:02

Rob you greedy pig!

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:07

message 31: I agree, clear off cloggy to your own board for "quality people" What a joke! You come crawling back to this board when it suits you, stop whinging, no one on here is in the slightest bit interested. For you nothing in the TRNC is wrong, thank god you got ripped off



You said ' no one on here is in the slightest bit interested.' Yours was message 31 and at the moment there are 71 messages.



I'd say, stockiefan, you couldn't be more wrong. But more importantly, why the nasty remarks?

MotoMoto


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:10

Very surprised, considering the state of my vehicle when I take it in - never been the cheapest but you do not get a clean, your car is valeted - I for one am happy tp pay 20TL for that



As for the Giant - you must mean Big Mem - a real softie and nice man

cavalryman


Joined: 08/11/2010
Posts: 314

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:14

Must say I have used them two or three times a year and car has been really dirty and have NEVER been asked for extra.Maybe the boss was out and the guy was trying it on go back and speak to the boss.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:17

At the end of the day what is there to discuss 5TL or £1.75,that should have been the tip anyway....

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 14:41

re msg 72



Cygap



>>You said ' no one on here is in the slightest bit interested.' Yours was message 31 and at the moment there are 71 messages. <<



But how many are about the OP and his knocking this board and the posters as opposed to his 'overly dirty' ( according to the Car Wash man) vehicle ...

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 15:10

nnnnnn: Back to the nitpicking eh Mark?

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 15:15

re 77 Gygap..





Don't worry, I'm not worthy of deposing you.... and the irony of your post ( in view of your own) is rather deliciousness ;)

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2011 15:17

re 78 or delicious, even...... that's what happens when one tries to be 'smart' :(