Reliable independent garage for Cambelt (Guildford)

[mikes]

Can anyone recommed a decent, reliable and economic independent garage in the Guildford area for the dreaded cambelt/waterpump etc, etc plus 60K (variable) service? '05 Elegance 2.5 Tdi Auto

Guildford area.

I've tried Unit 18 in Milton Keynes, but Warranty Direct insist that the garage be VAT registered which Unit 18 isn't (as yet)

Local Skoda delare is quoting £1000 for the work to be done. The car's not worth more than £5K (if I'm lucky!) and it's going later on this year, so spending dealer money is mad.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

[tsp]

http://www.thephirm.co.uk/Pages/ArticlePage.aspx?sec=services&name=services

I wouldn't have anyone else look at my car

[rotodiesel]

Fox's Garage on the Midleton Industrial Estate 01483 567069 are a reputable and honest Independent. I have been using them for MOT tests for the last 20 years and all vehicles are properly treated (however old) and tested fairly.

Not a "cut price" outfit but run by the owner with all work done to a high standard (I've watched). He also showed me how to test for worn suspension joints on my Superb - none found - and is always very helpful and constructive.

A real contrast to the toffee nosed dealers with a tribe of monkeys round the back.

Recommended. Don't go to a cheapskate, especially with a V6 - you'll pay more in the end, in cash and grief.

rotodiesel.

[mikes]

Cheers, I'll give them a ring.

[Hedge]

You could have a trundle down the A3 to JKM.

[mikes]

Fox's want over £1100! The dealer is cheaper. Difficult to justify spending this money on a £5K car!

Anyone know of a cheper independent close to Guildfore/Leatherhead?

Thanks

[rotodiesel]

Well, I did say they were not cheapskates!

Seriously, I suspect that's their way of saying they don't want the job. I hope they didn't waste your time.

Try these people - VAG specialists. I've heard good reports of them locally but have no first-hand feedback:

VAS Motion, Merrow Industrial Estate 01483 577782.

rotodiesel.

Edited 15 January, 2010 by rotodiesel

[mikes]

Thanks, I'll give them a try on Monday

[skodanut]

i suppose if you compare the price of the work required for your car and compare it with loosing the value of driving a new car out the showroom it has to be cheaper to get the work done.....thats of course if you love your superb !!

[rotodiesel]

I definitely don't love mine enough to spend £1100 in maintenance on a 5 year old car.

This is the overriding reason for getting the 1.9PD. A cambelt change on this engine is an easy(ish) DIY job if you buy the Laser locking tools and a proper Continental cambelt kit and metal impeller pump from ECP. About £100 and half a day's work.

rotodiesel.

Edited 16 January, 2010 by rotodiesel

[mikes]

Finally went to JKM in Portsmouth, just off the end of the A3

£498 for cambelt, waterpump etc

£198 for the 60K variable service

£100 for a tyre and £30 to cure the tracking problem (steering wheel slightly off centre)

I could not recommend them more highly - it was almost a pleasure to hand over £830!!

Polite, tea and on time. Quality of the mags was a bit naff though.

Tracking problem solved completely. Car running fine (so far).

If you're planning to get them to service your car, as there's nothing to do once you drop the car off (JKM is in the middle of an industrial estate), take your laptop with you and walk to Hilsea station (5 Minutes). A £3 return ticket takes you into central Portsmouth. I found a Starbucks where for £1.80 I got endless coffee refills all day and free wi-fi.

If you can call £830 lighter pleasant, then it was a pleasant day!

[Hedge]

Glad to see you're kind of happy.

Another alternative is to get the train to Gunwharf Quays where there is plenty to do.

[ericsuperbee]

I have used VAS Motion (Merrow Lane, Guildford) more or less since they opened. It is run by a couple of ex - Colbournes, Guildford lads who have set up on their own. |They took on my V6 TDI cambelt / water pump etc change without batting an eyelid (none of your 'don't see many of these') and did a good job at a sensible price. More than happy to recommend them.

There's a bus stop at the bottom of the road for anyone wanting to pass time away in central Guildford. (Decent Wetherspoons just around the corner from the bus station.......) :p

[JackDeath]

Can anyone recommed a decent, reliable and economic independent garage in the Guildford area for the dreaded cambelt/waterpump etc, etc plus 60K (variable) service? '05 Elegance 2.5 Tdi Auto

Guildford area.

I've tried Unit 18 in Milton Keynes, but Warranty Direct insist that the garage be VAT registered which Unit 18 isn't (as yet)

Local Skoda delare is quoting £1000 for the work to be done. The car's not worth more than £5K (if I'm lucky!) and it's going later on this year, so spending dealer money is mad.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

So glad i have some1 in the family with garage :p

Just had my belt>pump>oils>plugs>filters>and D bushes>and brakes stripped and cleaned.

Just under 400

[Stuart_J]

If you ever get stuck again try AH Autos in Guildford, theyve done a lot for me over the last couple of years & I cant recomend Ashley & his workers highly enough. the prices are rather pleasing as well

[LeeFincken]

If you ever get stuck again try AH Autos in Guildford, theyve done a lot for me over the last couple of years & I cant recomend Ashley & his workers highly enough. the prices are rather pleasing as well

if your still looking.. SJB Autotech Basingstoke are independant VAG agent....

Very competitive