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MG Comet EV 1st service experience: Why I sent it back the next day

23rd January 2024, 09:33 by Rahul Nagaraj

The Comet also got a few accessories installed during its time at the workshop.

BHPian ALTIMAed recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I scheduled an appointment for the 1st service for 7th December 23 since Puchku had done 1392 kms. I decided to drive it down myself to check out the service facility and personally explain my concerns to the Service Advisor. I reached the service station reception 10 minutes before my appointment time. Had to wait for 1 hour before being attended by Mr. S. He told me that he was the only EV Service Advisor. Along with him, went to my car and told him what had to be done

1000 kms service
Brake pedal making metal to metal sound when taking my foot off the pedal (off-topic - this sound I have observed in my Uncle's Wagon R AMT also)
Steering sound when turning lock to lock (not at the extremities)
The button (located on the left bar of the steering wheel) which is used to change the page of the driver screen was not working, since day 1, hence I could not see the trip meter and motor rpm)
Accessories fitment: Lower Side Cladding / Body side moulding / Door edge guard / Seat covers / Teflon coating (provided as part of the deal sweetener).

I requested a drop back at my office by 6.45 PM as I had to drive back home, which is 40 kms from my office. Mr S very kindly agreed to arrange it. Not to forget, I also requested him to charge the car for an hour or two would give me enough juice to get back home with a decent factor of range safety (he obliged to this also).

Mr S created a WhatsApp group and kept updating the status on it.

Work done:

1000 kms service
Page change dial replaced under warranty (it's working fine now)

He then called me up to say rest of the work could not be done in the time frame that I had requested and that the vehicle could be picked up from my office on Sunday, to which I agreed.

10th December 23 - Sunday

The car was picked up on time from my office. To my surprise, I saw a Mr. K being added to the WhatsApp group. I immediately called up Mr K and enquired about Mr S. Mr K told me Sunday is Mr S's weekly off, hence he shall be attending to my car. For a second I wondered, why Mr. S had fixed an appointment on Sunday when it was his weekly off (keep in mind he told me he was the only EV Service Advisor) - anyway, I did not think much about it, explained the concerns to Mr. K and told him, I would need the car with all work done by 6.45 PM. Monday I had to attend a training program, hence the car was required to commute to the venue. Mr. K agreed to my request. Also, I requested him to charge the vehicle adequately keeping in mind the distance from the service station to my office and my home.
At 12.14 PM, Mr. K informed me the accessory fitter had not turned up for work, hence the installation would not be possible. The rest of the concerns shall be taken care of. To this also I agreed. At 6.30 PM I get a call from Mr. K confirming apart from the accessory fitment, the rest of the concerns have been addressed and that the car has left for my office. I thanked him. On the iSmart app, I started tracking the car and observed it was going towards the main office. I wanted to inform Mr. K but got an urgent call, hence it slipped my mind. At 7 PM the driver called me to inform me he had reached my office but no one seemed to know me!! I told him, you are at the wrong office, I am at the branch office, not the main office. I immediately called Mr K to inform him of the goof-up. By the time he could coordinate, I stayed put at my office, the car came to me at 9 PM. Looking at the charge percentage and range, I knew, it would be cutting just too close to get home. Anyway, since it was getting late, I took the risk and reached home with a 4% charge remaining. Lesson learnt, make sure the car is given for service with more than ample juice!! I reached home at 10.30 PM and put Puchku to charge.

The story does not end here

11th December 23