divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 The cambelt on Divo will need doing soon and have three choices where to take him. a. Alfa specialist I usually go to BUT although always been happy with work carried out plus am charged the best possible price for labour, the customer service is awful and had the hassle in January of being left without a car for a couple of days, (which some thought I was being OTT about but really wasn't, as believe me, my car is totally essential). b. The garage I used to go to who did the last belt change. Mechanic is Fiat/Alfa trained but prices are much steeper. Am pretty friendly with the owner and his wife, so could ask to give me discount. c. The garage who fits my Pirellis. They sorted out the undertray which came loose free of charge also last time but didn't like the fact they called me through to the workshop full of mechanics to 'explain' tyre wear to me/tracking - not the end of the world, though but found it all a little sexist! Apparently, they look after a Ferrari belonging to the boss, so sure Divo would be in good hands. I'm veering towards b. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bigdar 62 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 I would agree, B sounds like the better option, closely followed by A. You should go with the one that you think will definitely do the job properly though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyblo5 17 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 I would say cost and customer service are to a point secondry considerations. The main objective is to get the job done properly. There is nothing more expensive or inconvinient than leaving bits of your engine all over the motorway because it hasn't been repaired/serviced correctly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 Goes without saying that's of paramount importance and I've always looked after my Alfa merticulously. As both garages a and b are specialists, they'll both do a good job. Between these two really as never had more than tyres fitted at c. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan 46 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 Go for "B", and ask for a discount, hinting heavily that you'll use them again in future if they do a nice job for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 What Morgan said Get it done proper Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 B because Morgan & Smiffy said so if it was me i would rather pay the extra & try & get a discount if possible, knowing the way choice A let you down last time id not give them a look in Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 (edited) Go for "B", and ask for a discount, hinting heavily that you'll use them again in future if they do a nice job for you. I used to go to this garage previously. Oh, I won't hint I'll say! A good old 'play off' works wonders. What Morgan said Get it done proper I wouldn't get it done anything less than! B because Morgan & Smiffy said so if it was me i would rather pay the extra & try & get a discount if possible, knowing the way choice A let you down last time id not give them a look in They sure did mess me about at the beginning of the year but have always been looked after apart from that and always been happy with the workmanship. Not chancing being without my motor, though so decided b it is! Edited July 16, 2013 by divadiva Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bigdar 62 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 Just remember, it's nothing to do with us Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 I've not really been influenced in any way........just curious what others would do! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan 46 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 In the event of it all going pear shaped, just remember that Smiffy and LJ agreed with me. That makes them 33% responsible each. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LJ_GQV 115 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 Pfft, my post got modded it was all them 2, honest Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 29 Report post Posted July 16, 2013 D. Give it to me. I'll do a specialists job for half the price Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 17, 2013 I seen to remember you saying you'd hate to be my mechanic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted July 19, 2013 In the event of it all going pear shaped, just remember that Smiffy and LJ agreed with me. That makes them 33% responsible each. 33.3% responsible each (although no-one IS actually responsible, of course!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morgan 46 Report post Posted July 19, 2013 33.3% responsible each (although no-one IS actually responsible, of course!) Well, that's rather picky of you. As if I'd ever be picky like tha... No, wait. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
divadiva 15 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Well, I did actually go to garage b, and everything good. Unfortunately, the same month I needed 2 new Pirellis at £125 each! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiffy 99 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Ouch!!! Try ATS next time they normally have deals on pirellis and michelins Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
