Radiologists Know Cars -- I think they get the training during the first 6 months of residency.

 

Yew know, one of the first sings I espect from a "finest kuality airkraft grade" sort of company is good english grammer from their vendir posts.

Especially out of London.

 

DOPAMINE you said it all with ur first post

 

Okay okay... I'm sorry nixjosh2 and everyone but I gotta step in here for a second. When I read nixjosh2's comment this evening I couldn't believe my eyes so I went and read and reread the original post about seven times. Something caught my attention I couldn't quite figure out so I moved on to something else but then it hit me! I want to share it because I think I'm on to something but I can't quite keep it under 250 words or less. (Believe me, I tried!) Now, I'm no snob or anything but here's what gets me!

The official Press Release reads:

"...We have sold the rims to NAM members that include, archetects, [spelled wrong] structural engineer [a singular reference should include "a"], a principal of a Lambourghini [spelled wrong] dealership, Nascar sponser [another misspelling, c'mon?!], Comercial pilot [two m's in commercial, yo!], radiologist (MD) to mention a few...The reason we list this, is for one reason, These Guys Know Cars and Components [is that headline?] , and they ALL said the same thing...without question, the finest quality in both manufacturing and finsih [um, need i say more?], they couldnt be happier. We think by hearing from people who own our rims is the best way to evaluate your decision..."

I am far from a perfectionist but I might get fired or severely bitched at- for putting out stuff like that. Sure I write typos too- but certainly not in a Press Release I want the world to see and decide to buy my product! And if you thought that was strange, here's where it gets REALLY WEIRD- Did anyone notice the quote above is the only paragraph in the press release with any typos in it? There is something not quite right about that! And therein lies my point: A few minor typos might not seem a big deal, but in an otherwise perfect press release, it is in fact another example of how the message PU puts out is consistently inconsistent. And customers hate that! I don't know jack about manufacturing and I'm not going to pretend I do. But I do know how customers and potential customers think.

When customers are looking for a reason to (or not to) pay top dollar, it is the details that count! Every last one!

To folks like me, a paragraph full of typos is a big turnoff and makes me instantly wonder about quality control. Then I read three pages of comments that basically say the same thing. To bring it back on topic, it seems to me that at the end of the day, the majority of posters on this thread are suggesting (rather strongly at times) that the product simply does not match the message- i.e. the marketing angle- PU has chosen to adopt.

When one of my employees bought a pair of Donna Karan (sp?) sunglasses for $250, like some of the posters on this thread, she couldn't be happier with her purchase. I, like some of the other posters on this thread, put on my hater pants and mock hat. But guess what? After careful observation, I had to admit the build quality and attention to detail in that pair of shades was far beyond what I expected. Are they worth $250? Not in my opinion. Do they live up to the marketing angle DK has chosen? Mostly. The single PU post/vendor announcement referenced above sums up everything I have read about the company: When part of the message is delivering on the promise of high quality, they are not consistent in their message. And customers hate that. And then they talk about it.

I chose to share my observation tonight to perhaps put a more objective light on the issue for anyone reading along or stumbling on it from outside of NAM. And if any PU honchos stumble on my post I hope you'll understand I'm just trying to help you too! PLEASE NOTE that I have no personal experience or opinion about PU products. My post is only intended to provide further insight into what many see as an inferior brand and why.

And to point out those crazy typos. Man, were those crazy!

 

Good analysis, irieman -- although I see at least 3 other errors, and I'm just an engineer (I'd hate to see what my English-major wife would spot). Crazy thing is that 90% of what you point out would be spotted by a spell checker ("what is that red squiggly line under half of my words?") . . . and you're not even touching on the actual content and logical fallacies, but that would certainly push you over 250 words.

 

irieman - don't forget nascar should be NASCAR!

Seriously, all you have to do is take one look at the site and know something doesn't smell right. When they came around I took one read of the site, had a laugh, took another read, and then had a really good laugh and never looked back. He even states on his website that he's an obscure artist. I think he's just a obscure buisnessman with obscure marketing tactics. Anyone that fell for it got owned. big time.

 

Perfect

 

You guys/gals realize that there is no proof that the "person" you are refering to in your posts (as in "he's an obscure businessman/artist/whatever ..." ) exists, right? Talk about people getting owned...

 

Midnite:

I have had 2 sets of the PU tuner lugs rust on me. I have a review of them posted in the review section and a thread about them too under the modification (1st gen) forum; my negative customer service issues are covered there too.

Please see both links and take a look at the evidence.

review: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uct/198/cat/90

thread (page 23 of it, where the rusty lug photo can be viewed): https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...108918&page=23

Certainly anyone considering your advice on PU in general or the tuner lugs in particular ought to know both sides of the story, or do you NOT agree? So, how long ago did you get these lugs? You seem to be the only person I know of who posted here on NAM that has not had a rust problem. Do you have photos of them (close-ups) on your Mini? Do you not think that many of us would love to see their condition (after how many months of use)?

It is not the tuner lugs only that were a problem. I bought their sales line about needing their special wrench to properly torque their tuner lugs and both the wrench socket and the tuner lug key snapped on me after only two uses (from hand tightening; go figure); they replaced both for me, but all communications with PU about anything that is a problem seem to start off with blame being directed at the customer for improper application of the world-class PU product. One would think that products manufactured to such high standards would hold up far better than has been my personal experience.

The wrench handle is an improvement, no doubt, as the telescope feature provides greater leverage, but it seems similar (or as some have claimed the very same, just not badged as a PU product) to the wrenches that are avaliable through Gorilla or American Mini Mates for less money. Many folks here have made this observation.

I have their CF scoop, as well as the M7 (the same 2 you have). They were both reviewed by me and I gave both favorable comments. I notice no difference though in performance. Did you run any actual tests to support your findings?

The bottom line is I have purchased several of PU's products and I am unhappy enough with some that I am beginning to wonder when the ones I like will turn sour. Maybe you are legitimately pleased, but I am sure many are wondering if you've been paid off to say what you have said here.

 

I agree; as long as it is kept clean this thread should remain open. The PU thread I started about the lugs is already on page 24.

 

For the purposes of this discussion, we refer to palo uber as who ever owns the buisness palo uber mini and palo ubers art website. Think of the name Palo Uber as a stripper; they never go by their real name. It could very well be carol for all I care, but some real person is claiming ownership to this trash.

If art is your thing you can purchase some obscure and overpriced art at palouber.com

 

I already bought 2 -- just tell them to charge in on Blackie's card

 

Hey Blackie,

Just wanted to start off by saying this is getting a bit ridiculous.

1) To be PM'ed into info that you have posted and I have already read.
2) To be looked at as being Paid off by PU since I have had no problems with their products. Honestly, if they played me to post here I think I would be posting all day and every day to back them up.

I like their products and am trying to simply get the message out.

I totally agree with you on this one, both sides of the story should be heard and that is ALL I'm trying to do here.
If you have read my threads, I have stated that many times.
Every time I post my side of the story I'm slammed by many unhappy PU people, many who don't even own their products.
So to be honest that isn't a viable source for me, that is simply someone jumping on the bandwagon.
I am sorry to hear that you had to go through that. Did you finally get a set replaced that hasn't rusted on you, or did you switch brands?

I have the black anodized lugs on my mini and have had no issues with mounting them or rusting.
If you would like I will take some pictures when I get a chance.
The next few days will be crazy for me and I will be unable to.
I will post some pics once I can.
I've had them on for 2 months now.

Yes the tuner lugs and wrench, I know!
I am sorry to hear that, I only have the tuner key which worked fine when I mounted my Lugs. They replaced them, didn't they?

FYI, I'm waiting on a new version of the New Extension Wing to be shipped to me, it will be going out this Thursday.
The reason I mention it is the fact that there was no blame placed on me, right away they were very eager to trouble shoot the issue.
They went to Crevier to get an OEM 05 wing in order to fit a new Extension wing and find out where the issues were.
Out of 17 sold only one other 05 owner in NH was having the same issues I was.
So they have Re-Worked the wing into a Flex Mold in order to resolve ANY fitment issues.
They were grateful for my feedback in order to improve the product.

You got me man, yes they look similar. Are they the same? You got me.


Your right, I have had both as well, to be honest I was able to mount the PU Scoop with great ease! For starters.!
When I mounted the M7 scoop I had to bend my hood inserts in order for their scoop to fit.
And no I didn't run any tests to back my info, it was INHO.
All I can say is the car sounded a bit deeper and it felt a bit more responsive, IMHO.


I have read ALL about the tainted PU products in the PAST and I am simply conveying my experience with their products in the PRESENT. That's all I can say, for all that had issues, honestly, that sucks! And hearing these issues makes me wonder about my products as well. Do you not understand that!
But honestly grow up and understand that I haven't been paid off.
This is almost along the lines of a conspiracy theory.
What has me confused is why reputable vendors would carry their products if they weren't a legit company.
That is what makes me laugh!

 

You mean like, why would toys r us carry kids toys loaded with lead from China? Why would safeway carry pot pies with samenella? Because they don't know about it. But once they do and continue to carry it, they aren't "reputable" any more, are they?

 

hahaha meet dop last weekend, cool guy

 

Gee.....i wonder why anyone would think that you were receiving special treament/payment from PU

All your quotes IN THIS THREAD:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh okay.....that pertains really well to the issue they have with their sub-par chrome finish and rust .....oh wait, no

With more rusty lugs.....again and again.....over and over with more rust. Bad batches every single time

2 out of only 17 is actually a very high rate of failure for a product like that. So you're just proving our point further. It also shows that they do next to NO testing before selling them to innocent customers. It's great that they hooked you up with the new version that doesnt cause problems.....but many people have a hard time getting PU to fix things for them.

And we are just sharing the PRESENT issues that still remain......that's hardly tainted.

 

Maybe its because you've already told us that you're being given a special deal. They granted you a sponsorship, but what does that entail? So far you've told us that they give you their parts at cost so you can "test" them, but the thing is that the parts you're testing are already on the market.

What are they getting out of the deal?

 

You know all I can say is, I have spent time talking with them.
I see both sides of the coin reading these posts and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.
They were eager to send out their NEWEST product, the extension wing which is the only one I am "Testing".
They hadn't anticipated anyone having a Warped OEM wing.
With two exceptions they are benefiting from the feedback in order to improve the product for EVERYONE.
You are all good at twisting ones words!

 

Alright time to sound cheeseball...

Many of us have had problems with many parts from many differnt companys. We take this info and share it with others MINI owners. Then we as consumers are able to make an informed decision. I dont own anything by PU and wouldnt buy anything do to the price. (it's gonna start getting cheesy) We all share one thing in common , The MINI!. Let people buy whatever it is that they like. I purchased stuff that (I) liked to customize MY MINI. I believe that we as consumers need to shed light of faulty, poorly made or even rip off products, This is half the reason why there is a NAM. But at the end of the day we all share one common intrest. You dont like it...dont buy it. You like something...great. But there is no need to bash other Motorist because of what they like, and it's not like your gonna change thier opinion anyways. Have fun and motor on!

Dan

 

or is it that you are good at convincing yourself?

 

I agree with this. People who have had faulty PU products and people who have had great PU experiences are simply never going to agree. The bottom line is that everyone needs to be sure to share their experiences truthfully, and let the reader/buyer make their own decision.

You're all beating your heads against a brick wall trying to convince one another. I think if you are THAT unhappy or happy with a vendor/product, it is your responsibility to post a review and leave it at that. I know that I have read the reviews and would choose to never buy from them. Others may make a different decision for any one of a number of reasons. Buyer beware.

 

Cheesy...Yes. But point well made!
You don't like it Don't buy it!
I like their parts, simply because some look like no other!
I am simply stating my opinion and am not bashing anyone!
Hope more can come to the same conclusion.

Take it easy Dan!

 

No, you have it all wrong....
Seeing how there are fewer happy PU owners out there, it becomes extremely easy for my words to get bent and miss interpreted by the masses of PU bashers as well as those hopping on the bashing wagon since they know the girlfriend of a guy they went to middle school with in their past life who had a faulty product of theirs.

What I'm convinced of is the fact that my car will look that much more unique. Since I, from the sound of this thread am the only one happy with their products.

 

Has PU ever responded to this thread?

 

Point well made!
I was going to write a review, although the reviews are often over looked.
First I noticed this thread and simply posted my experience within.
Apparently a big mistake.
I'm not beating my head about anything, I'm simply stating my opinion as a happy customer of theirs and I get attached by people who are going out of their way to cover up the fact that I am a happy customer.