Where do you take your car for MOT / Servicing / Repairs (West Midlands)

[Legojon]

Hi, my local garage is shutting down in the next few weeks (retiring). I've no idea where to take my car now that I'd trust for MOT / servicing / replacing standard parts.

Its needs to be somewhere easy to get to (ie, I've seen one with a good rep, but its right in Bham centre).

I'm considering having the car remapped at the end of the year (so somewhere that won't interfere or at least knows what a map is).

Doesn't overcharge (I'm fitting metal pedal covers when they arrive, I asked two garages to quote fitting them for me... one said it was 3 hours works - £165, the other 2 hours works £108. I've removed and refitted my current ones as a practice in 10 minutes and I'm useless with a spanner!).

And finally uses quality parts (I want them to be at least equal to whats being taken off the car, not cheap Euro replacements).

So... where do you guys take yours?

 

[CameronJohnston]

No help with what garage, but the metal pedals are simple to fit, only takes 5/10 minutes

 

[MJ]

midland vw?

 

[Chris Bartram]

midland vw?

This. So much this. VW rescue meant to be good too, but Midland VW are great, been using them since about 2007. Sensible prices, good knowledge.

 

[nilz]

Midland VW are very good, I have used them a few times and they have an excellent reputation, they are a bit of a trek from Bham City Centre though, alternatively there is a place in Acocks Green called Isa Technik, he has a very good reputation too, he is a VAG specialist.

 

[Chris Bartram]

Depends where the OP is. If he's north of the city, Midland VW is handy. Not so good if he's south, but then VW Rescue might be worth a look.. I notice the OP is looking for a remap- Midland can do those too.

 

[Legojon]

Thanks for the recommendations. Midland VW is pretty close to me. What are their prices like? Their site says £50 for aircon regas... but they do that for £30 at Halfords. Also, Auto Precision are fairly close. Anyone been there and what are they like?

 

[MJ]

If you shop around you can find everything cheaper, it doesn't mean you're getting the same quality of work carried out.

 

[kazand]

Halfords...... Good one. That's funny. ....

I take it you were joking? ...

 

[MJ]

Halfords who were recently fined for malpractice?

 

[Chris Bartram]

Halfords...... Good one. That's funny. ....

I take it you were joking? ...

I'd be f**cked if I'd let Halfords near my car.

Midland VW's prices are, IMO, great. Maybe not the absolute cheapest, but (unlike Halfords, IMO) they actually know what they are doing. If the OP is concerned, give them a call and ask for a price. My Wife's Lupo has just been in for a major service, exhaust hanger repair, and an MOT, bill was about 235 IIRC. They've been the only people other than me to do any mechanical work on my cars since about 2007, when I got sick of the local Skoda dealer.

Someone asked about Auto Precision- no experience, but it seems they are what VW Rescue call themselves now.

 

[Legojon]

Halfords...... Good one. That's funny. ....

I take it you were joking? ...

I was just using their price as an example. I'd never take this car to Halfords.

If you shop around you can find everything cheaper, it doesn't mean you're getting the same quality of work carried out.

Yeah, thats why I wouldn't take it anywhere like kwik fit, etc. When I need servicing / parts etc I want to make sure I get decent replacements. Not cheap euro compatible parts that last 12 months or less.

I don't mind paying the price for decent work. Just want to go somewhere on word of mouth to make sure I'm not getting ripped off.

 

[Veyron]

Booked mine In for Thursday at mid vw for topmount and wishbone bush