Where To Service My 'rolla In Herts?

[obsidian]

As the 86K service is coming up soon, I need to find a decent/reputable garage who can service my baby.

I can't justify paying about 500 quid (that's the quote) for a new alternator/big service/belt change being done by Toyota, as the car cost me £2K. Doesn't really seem worthwhile spending a quarter of the car's value on a big service, but I do want a decent job to be done.

Seems a contrast, but I don't want to put the car in some learner-mechanic's hands.

Has anyone got advice for a dealer they frequent in Herts? I live in Stevenage but I don't mind travelling, I'll get to see the countryside as well...

[TOYMOTA]

As the 86K service is coming up soon, I need to find a decent/reputable garage who can service my baby.

I can't justify paying about 500 quid (that's the quote) for a new alternator/big service/belt change being done by Toyota, as the car cost me £2K. Doesn't really seem worthwhile spending a quarter of the car's value on a big service, but I do want a decent job to be done.

Seems a contrast, but I don't want to put the car in some learner-mechanic's hands.

Has anyone got advice for a dealer they frequent in Herts? I live in Stevenage but I don't mind travelling, I'll get to see the countryside as well...

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Hi mate. Your best bet and cheapest would be to do the service yourself. You mentioned you needed and alternator (New or 2nd hand). You could try www.fensport.com for a 2nd hand one.

As far as good mechanics etc are concerned, try Royston Vehicle Services on 01763 241199. Ask for Neil Stewart, he owns the place. If and when you go to see him, tell him I sent you (Jake) and that I thought he'd give you a competative price. If you're feeling cheeky, you could see if he is able to do a cash job for you in his spare time.

P.S If you're a Gold Member it may be better for you to get the parts in yourself because of your TOC discounts.

[obsidian]

Thanks, I'll give him a shout.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

[TOYMOTA]

No worries mate.

[obsidian]

Went round there today, spoke to Neil Stewart, and he advised me what is required with respect to the alternator and the belt, and also what a general quote would be for a big service.

What he quoted was a few hundred quid cheaper than a fullblown dealer would charge, and as soon as I know what my days-off look like at the end of the month, I'm booking my baby in. B)

I also asked him to give the car a once-over with respect to suspension, brakes, power steering, exhaust, etc etc, and he is going to include that in the labour price he quoted.

At first I was a bit sceptical, his garage is in a residential area, but after seeing his workshop and speaking to him I am confident that he can do an ace job. After telling him I was referred to him by you, he was quite chuffed, and sends his regards.

As soon as I've had the service and alternator/belt done, I'll let you know what the final costs are.

Thanks again for the headsup!

(the MOT is due soon as well, so might as well get that done while I'm at it. :) )

[obsidian]

'llo there,

Just thought I'd update you on the topic I started a while back.

Had the car in on Wednesday evening, and picked it up this morning. Total tab came to just under 300 quid, and that included 2 new tyres.

So I'm well impressed. Neil's service was excellent, and he did a few little niggly things that I hadn't even asked him to do.

For example:

He oiled the hinges on the doors, tightened up the seatbelts, adjusted the handbrake, all these little things that make the whole happening a more memorable one.

Thanks again for the headsup, he sends his regards. I've now got a few hundred quid saved that I can blow on something else.

My car is purring like a kitten once more.

Cheers!