Garages / useless mechanics – That old rant

[tentonhammer 10]

Is it just me or are garages and the mechanics that work in them getting worse by the year? Gone are the days where you could drop your vehicle off to get it MOT’ed and if there were any issues whatsoever they would simply sort it out no questions asked at a fair price for you. OR if you needed someone else to take care of something for you because you were just too busy to do it yourself – sure no problem, they would just sort it out. Motorbike mechanics are nowhere near as bad, in fact I’ve never had any issues with them (no surprise though really bikers are generally pretty cool across the board ).

 

Lately though, I’ve found the local garages around me to be really awful, f*cking terrible even. They either don’t want to work on my car or just can’t be arsed, not sure whether this is down to the age of the car or whether they’re just bone idle? If I can get them to work on the car they either break something or give it back to me saying they couldn’t find the fault, or need me to order the parts for them (really?). I’m getting to a point now where I’m forced to expand my search outside of my local area for a friendly professional garage that actually wants the work! I’ve always been one to offer work to the small guy first but now I think I’m better off taking the car to a larger outlet like Kwik-Fit from now on (for MOT's etc) at least they’ll get on with it and not f*ck you about like some of the smaller garages would.

 

I was thinking about it and TBH, I’ve probably shot myself in the foot because the garages my way generally all know I work on my own car, they’ve seen my work and know I’m not stupid when it comes to mechanics. As a result though garages won’t touch my car and / or are reluctant to take it! Sometimes I just don’t have time to do various bits and pieces especially if it involves getting under the car. The fact that it’s in great condition, runs well, and is easy to fix is irrelevant. It’s like they know I’ll go over their work with a fine tooth comb to make sure the job was done correctly, and to be fair – I probably would. I was speaking to one of the lads in my closest garage and he pretty much confirmed this (off the record).

 

You expect these guys to be at the top of their game but in reality, I’m often the one telling them what the problems are and how to remedy them etc. Silly really!

 

Anybody else experienced anything like this?

Edited November 20, 2012 by tentonhammer

[Critical_Mass 10]

To be honest, i would say (personally) that Kwik fit wouldn't be better than a private garage, let alone allow them to do the work on my car... not a chance.

 

Is there a local VW specialist near you?

 

Got to say im lucky and have a VW specialist near me who i completely and utterly trust to do the work, tell me exactly how it is - no, telling me i need work doing that i dont. He even only charges cost price for parts. Wouldnt take the Corrado, or any other car any where else.

Edited November 20, 2012 by Critical_Mass

[iamsilverfox 10]

it's entirely down to your personal experience. i work for my local dealer as a service tech, and about 70% of the techs are flawless, and the rest, not so much. same with so called specialists. ive worked on vehicles from vw specialist places, with all sorts of butchery and **** going on.

 

you need to find somewhere that you can make a relationship with. either dealer/chain/private etc doesnt matter. but its what you find acceptable in the situation. there's a few older cars that come into us, and its got to a point where they ask for me because of the relationship built and i know them and their car.

 

sometimes it is worth travelling to find a place suitable. its a hugely varied industry, but dont tar everyone with the same brush.

[KIPVW 0]

I have a cracking garage i use for jobs i cant do or dont have time to do, they completely respect the condition of all our cars and the mot is a joy for them to do they say and are happy to do the mot's while we wait too so no drop off & come back scenarios.

 

Also had my VR in to a new place i'd not used before and spoke to them on the phone briefly and they were so attentative it was unreal, they even worked after hours to get the alignment done as they wanted what they called quiet time on it rather than doing it as part of their busy daily schedule.

 

As said it's often the luck of the draw but there are still mechanics out there that actually give a damn. :)

[CazzaVR 0]

Had this a few times now. Seems to be getting worse :( I just wish I had the expertise/equipment to do everything myself. I do what I can, but certain stuff is impossible/not worth the hassle without the correct equipment.

 

I've had poor service from a couple of the supposidly best specialists in the country. Last time my car was in the garage, it came out with as more probs than it went in with...

[nrc 0]

Got to say im lucky and have a VW specialist near me who i completely and utterly trust to do the work, tell me exactly how it is - no, telling me i need work doing that i dont. He even only charges cost price for parts. Wouldnt take the Corrado, or any other car any where else.

 

Which one's that, Gaz?

[Critical_Mass 10]

Its on Methley Road in Castleford.

 

Can PM you the address and number if you wish. He's a one man band and always busy, knows his stuff.

[16VG60 0]

It genuinely saddens me to hear people telling of such poor personal experience with their local garage services. As a garage owner and mechanic of some years standing, I fail to comprehend how business's can afford to impart such a bitter taste to their work, particularly when everyone is seeking value for money in these austere times.

We work tirelessly to ensure we deliver a quality product at all levels, every customer is valued and deserves our best attention. Communication is key, as too is transparency. It also helps if those who are serving you, share your passion for engineering equally. Quite simply treat your customers as you would wish to be treated.

[n3p 3]

I can recommend you some really good, local places Matt. Don't ever resort to Kwik Fit, especially the ones around this area!

[krishen 2]

This is exactly why i take my car to Graham at DG for nearly everything that needs doing. Knows whats what and any issues will sort it out for you.

 

I haven't been able to find a decent garage in london. In fact the last garage in london i used for my old Gti, all i wanted doing was to have new rear brake pads fitted (the snow put me off doing it myself). Half an hour after after they started working on the brakes they tell me that the piston is seized and they can't push it in. I asked them if they had the caliper wind back tool to which he replied "yeh yeh mate tried it all". They then tried to fob me off that i needed a new rear caliper which they could source for a "good price" of..........£268!!

 

Told them to sod off. Following weekend dressed like an eskimo I changed the pads over in less than 30 mins both sideS. Caliper was fine just needed the right BLOODY tool.

[corrado_sunderland 0]

Alot of mechanics are mere time served fitters now Aka ****,ive found a lad who lives near me to do my work but i pay a little more than a small garage just to know everything will be done right and copper greased.If they are scared of you checking their work,they must be useless.

[MarkFoster 0]

I can recommend you some really good, local places Matt. Don't ever resort to Kwik Fit, especially the ones around this area!

 

 

Do tell if you've found a reputable VAG specialist in the London area....

 

Mark

[corrado_sunderland 0]

Gwerks,not far from you southerners :lol:

[n3p 3]

Do tell if you've found a reputable VAG specialist in the London area....

 

Mark

 

AJ Turners just off the Purley Way in Croydon are excellent, friendly and honest. One of the guys there says he loves Corrados too and back when I had a 16v he knew everything about those engines.

 

BTW Corrado_Sunderland, I don't think he'll be able to get work done at G Werks :lol:

[Jim 1]

G-Werks closed up shop quite some time ago unfortunately.

 

Personally I've had largely positive experience even with independent garages in the area but I do pick pretty carefully.. but 95% of the time I only ever take my car to Stealth Racing, DG Autotech, or do the work myself with friends.

 

You hear more than enough horror stories to know that it's a total minefield out there - just like so many things in this day and age! :|

[tentonhammer 10]

It genuinely saddens me to hear people telling of such poor personal experience with their local garage services. As a garage owner and mechanic of some years standing, I fail to comprehend how business's can afford to impart such a bitter taste to their work, particularly when everyone is seeking value for money in these austere times.

We work tirelessly to ensure we deliver a quality product at all levels, every customer is valued and deserves our best attention. Communication is key, as too is transparency. It also helps if those who are serving you, share your passion for engineering equally. Quite simply treat your customers as you would wish to be treated.

 

Hi John - I totally agree, if only all mechanics shared this view!

 

I can recommend you some really good, local places Matt. Don't ever resort to Kwik Fit, especially the ones around this area!

 

If you can mate that would be great. Tried CVG, they’re awful. Tried the Service Centre up by the station and they don’t want to know. Interested to know what the Surrey Garage is like opposite the pet shop? Worth a punt at least

 

I’ve heard AJ Turners is meant to be a fairly respectable garage actually – problem is, it’s a pain in the ar*e to get back from there once you’ve dropped the car off! Missus doesn’t drive unfortunately so she can’t follow me. I need one of those monkey bikes I think… lol

 

Spoke to Mastertechs in Morden (VW Specialists) and they seem to be pretty clued up, in fact they were the only garage who seem to have worked on Corrados before which is encouraging

Edited November 21, 2012 by tentonhammer

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Playing devil's advocate here on 2 counts. Firstly, some smaller garages or indies may turn down work (especially on enthusiast's cars) because of internet forums. Every garage makes mistakes, but it's how they are dealt with which is important.

 

Secondly, a lot of cars are genuinely a pig to work on. Modern ones in particular, with their 50,000 motors and 10 ECUs, all interconnected with proprietary software they may not have the diagnostic tools for. Granted, the Corrado doesn't fit that description but old VWs in general most mechanics will have experience of and know the common issues, such as seized bolts (meaning a lot more work for them) and hard to get at things. Having said that, they could at least take the car in for an hour, assess the work required and then report back if they can do it or not, rather just a flat out "No, not interested mate". As JMR said, it's surprising garages can afford to turn away work in these hard times!

 

 

Sadly, "Taking pride in one's work" is an ethos that's been in decline for years in this country. It seems to be all about a high price for sub standard work / goods these days. Obviously there are a few roses among the thorns, but it can be hard work finding them!

 

As with others, it's why I never take my cars to a garage unless I absolutely have to. For me it's a hobby though and I appreciate some people don't know how to fix cars, or can't be bothered (especially this time of year!) and they have my sympathies. I despair at the people who willingly pay £100s for a bloomin oil change at a dealer, just because they've been brain washed about dealer stamps.

 

And lastly, a good service is worth travelling for. A lot of people are reluctant to drive more than 30 mins to get to a decent garage or even pick up parts. I always treat it as a day out and meeting people, especially my trips to Stealth. Always an event. Lots of coffee and chit chat. You can't buy that online or have it delivered people. Get off your arses and get out and see the world FFS! :D

Edited November 21, 2012 by Kevin Bacon

[KIPVW 0]

Spot on Kev,

This also applies to my trade too, no amount of surfing the net looking at chaireaction cycles or wiggle will give the service we offer at our store.

 

& this week I've had a major wheel conpany get in touch with me as another shop thats only been going a short while made a conplete

hash of a customers £650 wheels just by fitting an upgrade kit that takes less than 5 mins to fit, there's even an excellent video of how to do

it on the company website.

 

Another customer gained for us I feel. :-)

[G60 CS 0]

Gwerks,not far from you southerners :lol:

 

gwerks gone bust, psd gone bust nowhere down here thats interested in C's esp. stroppy G60's !

Edited November 21, 2012 by G60 CS

[Kevin Bacon 5]

Spot on Kev,

This also applies to my trade too, no amount of surfing the net looking at chaireaction cycles or wiggle will give the service we offer at our store.

 

Tell me about it! It's no use reading online reviews about frames and components because they're very subjective to a particular rider / body type. Even silly things like brake lever reach etc being affected by hand size and what not.

 

I found a good bike shop local to me and I was always adamant a small frame was right for me, but the guys in the shop insisted I rode a the bike I initially chose around their business park and they could see from my posture that it was totally wrong for me. The bike I ended up with (A Gary Fisher hoo ko e koo) was considerably cheaper and MUCH more comfortable than the all-singing, all-dancing Specialized that caught my eye!

 

You just cannot buy experience online :D

[tentonhammer 10]

Just spoke with Tuning Werkes in South Croydon - Lovely bunch and are really keen to sort it out. They seem to know the 9A engine pretty well too which is a bonus. The car's going in tomorrow morning - Result.

 

Funny actually because one of the issues I'm sorting out is my emissions - my local garage said that my emissions were a tad high (not me the car) and so the car failed it's MOT. I explained that if I was to take the car out for a blast and get everything warmed up (which to be honest I should have done before hand but I was in a hurry, the garage is 20 seconds from me can you blame me!) we should see a reduction in my emissions, maybe we could get it through that way I said? The lad said no, sorry. Just spoke to a nice bloke at Tuning Werkes and he's openly said the opposite - warm everything up, it will reduce your emissions!

 

I've been wanting to fit a new Lambda probe (BOSCH type) for a while now anyway to see if I can improve my mpg, so they've agreed to fit this too. It's a straight forward job I just don't have the time to sort at the moment.

 

Just goes to show that a garage is a as good as it's worse mechanic...

Edited November 21, 2012 by tentonhammer

[KIPVW 0]

That sounds promising then :)

 

---------- Post added at 12:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------

 

Tell me about it! It's no use reading online reviews about frames and components because they're very subjective to a particular rider / body type. Even silly things like brake lever reach etc being affected by hand size and what not.

 

I found a good bike shop local to me and I was always adamant a small frame was right for me, but the guys in the shop insisted I rode a the bike I initially chose around their business park and they could see from my posture that it was totally wrong for me. The bike I ended up with (A Gary Fisher hoo ko e koo) was considerably cheaper and MUCH more comfortable than the all-singing, all-dancing Specialized that caught my eye!

 

You just cannot buy experience online :D

 

Indeedy,

 

A good store can give this advice and see how you sit where an internet shop/forum cannot.

 

It's also becoming quite common for people demanding work to be done only by Cytech approved/accredited mechanics which I now am lol! after my boss and me thought it better to get it done for that very reason, makes no difference though as cytech dont teach how to stop creaking or to remove seized components. But in this day & age it's good to have a piece of paper to say i'm qualified :roll:

 

Cytech is basically a course where you have to build a wheel from scratch and strip down a bike & rebuild it. fairly standard procedure to be honest for any bike shop worker, or so you would think.

Edited November 21, 2012 by KIPVW

[VR-Sixy 0]

I've been taking all my cars to the same guy since i passed my test when i was 17!!

Not once has he ever let me down, not fixed something to my entire

satisfaction and better still - NEVER ripped me off. I think me might be a bit of a Corrado-Head as he

always seems pleased to see it and nothing is too much trouble. A rare find these days. :)

[craigowl 0]

Just spoke with Tuning Werkes in South Croydon - Lovely bunch and are really keen to sort it out. They seem to know the 9A engine pretty well too which is a bonus. The car's going in tomorrow morning - Result.

 

Funny actually because one of the issues I'm sorting out is my emissions - my local garage said that my emissions were a tad high (not me the car) and so the car failed it's MOT. I explained that if I was to take the car out for a blast and get everything warmed up (which to be honest I should have done before hand but I was in a hurry, the garage is 20 seconds from me can you blame me!) we should see a reduction in my emissions, maybe we could get it through that way I said? The lad said no, sorry. Just spoke to a nice bloke at Tuning Werkes and he's openly said the opposite - warm everything up, it will reduce your emissions!

 

I've been wanting to fit a new Lambda probe (BOSCH type) for a while now anyway to see if I can improve my mpg, so they've agreed to fit this too. It's a straight forward job I just don't have the time to sort at the moment.

 

Just goes to show that a garage is a as good as it's worse mechanic...

 

Funnily enough, though I do not normally deal with any "London" garages, my age and cynicism tells me they would be good places to be ripped off. Millions of punters/naivety/cherry-picking/the general hectic pace.

However, I bought my replacement CAT-back exhaust from Tuning Werkes (Croydon) and was impressed with my very personal, professional treatment online and by telephone. What a gent! I am sure I reported my experience on here at the time.

Find places and people like that - keep 'em if possible - and forget the Russian roulette you risk with others.

[corrado_sunderland 0]

gwerks gone bust, psd gone bust nowhere down here thats interested in C's esp. stroppy G60's !

 

Thats a shame m8, they were the best imho,might be worthwhile looking into classic cars clubs once your motor turns 20 year old.There is one up here 30 quid a year and you pay for consumables you use but other that no other cost,full ramp access,paint booth,shot blasting, lathe,miller the lot :) you just book ya time on and they even have bays to hire for short stay or long term.