Any reccomendations for a mechanic in South of England?

[codlord]

I need some work done on my surf (cambelt renewal and propshaft problem) and my mechanic friend who usually does stuff for me has quit his job and I don't have the time so I need to get someone to do this work.

I want to find a garage/mechanic that has experience with the surf and/or similar vehicles and who is not going to rip me off.

Anyone got any reccomendations in the South (preferably Portsmouth/Basingstoke sort of areas).

Thanks

[rich]

Hi Codlord,

I can recommend Newbury 4x4, I wouldn't say they are cheap - Had a major service filters/oil/all belts including cambelt/ front pads/brake fluid/ greasing/ etc £440

They specialise in 4x4's (There history is LR's) and they have always done a good job on mine. There lead fitter is sh1t hot.

They also do pick ups in a 35 mile radius and give you a courtesy KA so may be worth a call.

Rich.

http://www.newbury4x4.co.uk

[codlord]

Thanks Rich, sounds ideal - quite near where I work.

I now have it booked in there for next week while I am away snowboarding in Switzerland - I think it's gonna cost me a lot more than my holiday though as they are going to do a full service, cambelt, fit new head gasket and look at my propshaft problem, never mind, its only money, I can always earn some more....

[rich]

Thanks Rich, sounds ideal - quite near where I work.

I now have it booked in there for next week while I am away snowboarding in Switzerland - I think it's gonna cost me a lot more than my holiday though as they are going to do a full service, cambelt, fit new head gasket and look at my propshaft problem, never mind, its only money, I can always earn some more....

I must remember to go snowboarding next time I book mine in

I'll go down and have a sneaky at all your mod's too!

[codlord]

I'll go down and have a sneaky at all your mod's too!

Not quite sure if you are joking or not but if you really want to, feel free, it will be in there from Wednesday to Monday (only going on a quick 4 days snowboarding warmup).

[komodo]

Here is a place that services these. I don't know of the prices but he is at Guildford. It is called CCB imports, contact number (0)1483236770.

junction turn off at Guildford from the A3 and follow signs for Aldershot A232 Guildford Road, Normandy Surrey. I believe a courtesy vehicle may be provided?

regards

[TAZMAN]

Here is a place that services these. I don't know of the prices but he is at Guildford. It is called CCB imports, contact number (0)1483236770.

junction turn off at Guildford from the A3 and follow signs for Aldershot A232 Guildford Road, Normandy Surrey. I believe a courtesy vehicle may be provided?

regards

Or look on their website.. http://www.japanesecarimporters.co.uk/

[komodo]

a big oops, it is the A323 Aldershot road then the Guildford road.
I tried but failed. These directions are now correct.

regards

[codlord]

Just thought I would update on my results/thoughts on Newbury 4x4...

Not what I would call cheap (but to be honest don't know how they compare to other places) but certainly very helpful and polite at all times, you get a courtesy KA which is a necessity if like me you don't live near Newbury and so far so good with the work done but I guess only time will tell.

Labour costs were (excluding vat):
Full major service: £180
Replace cambelt: £90
Replace propshaft U/J: £45
Replace front brake pads: £20
Replace headgasket: £340*
*But this was replaced twice! due to problems with the gasket set I supplied (see this thread):
http://www.yotasurf.co.uk/Forums/showthread.php?t=2010

Parts prices seemed reasonableish (e.g. U/J £30 +vat front pads £30 + vat).