Hi everyone

I had a service on my 2001 fabia Tdi estate the other week at a local dealer, it came back with a shopping list as long as my arm with problems, mainly to do with front suspension.

Seems like I need new front shocks, lower arms and console bushes (these seem like a real weak point on these cars!). With a few other bits and bobs thrown in, the quote for all the work came to about 1300 quid! The car is also running on lowered springs (Eibachs I think), which I'd like to swap for standard springs if possible. Seems like a good time to do it seeing as both front struts will be off the car.

Can anyone recommend a decent independent mechanic in the Cambridge area? I didn't get a good vibe from the dealer (surprise surprise) who I felt were very patronising and, IMHO, massively over-priced for the work they've quoted me for.

Also, can anyone recommend a good online parts supplier for OE suspension parts? I've found a few places selling pattern parts, but I'd like to stick with OE if possible.

Unit 18, site sponsors, excellent service, cheap prices.

Ok thanks for the reply. I will get in touch with them to see what they think, although they are a bit of a journey from Cambridge.

By the way, is it common to have to replace the entire lower arms on these cars, or would you typically expect to just have the bushes changed? Reason I ask, is that I've been quoted £268 fitted PER ARM! This seems insanely expensive.

Not an independent, but ALS Lock near Ely have an excellent reputation on these forums. They are an old-school family owned Skoda dealer and they make the dealer in Cambridge look like monkeys. Robinsons in Norwich are also excellent and won't lift your leg at all.

But I used U18 for most of my modifications and they are genuinely excellent and the difference in labour rates will more than cover the fuel to Milton Keynes if you decide to go down that route.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.062137,-2.507449

Just had a quick check on ebay, both lower arms and console bushes £64.99 delivered

Maybe worth trying a local motor factor?

To be honest, if the car is fairly high miles / not worth much, you couldn't do much worse than getting the suspension from a low mileage scrapper, eg a 2005/06 car. Just need to ensure free of damage though clearly. The right example could also provide you a good clean subframe/console setup as well.