Servicing in Hampshire (Southampton area)

[RobM]

Can anybody recommend a good garage for general servicing, part fitting etc in and around the Southmapton, Hampshire area?

I'm starting to think towards the 40k service that will be due next year and instead of leaving it to the last minute and paying the £310 the local Seat stealer want, I thought I'd find an independent that people know and trust instead.

I know there is JKM in Portsmouth... has anybody used them before? How are they priced compared to Seat?

Anybody else to bear in mind? I'd obviously rather go to a VAG specialist if possible, or at least somebody with access to the correct Seat parts and information.

Cheers

Rob

 

[Timthebrief]

I haven't used them but others have spoken highly of JKM and there was a thread about them relatively recently.

For my 40K I also decided to abandon the stealers ridiculous charges, and used D&C autos a small independent in Station Rd, Overton. They had been recommended by several owners of other marques.

Not an out an out specialist but he has VAG-Com, sources genuine parts via Kings and labour is only £45 per hour. Friendly and knows his stuff. Also not trying to me rip off as he checked and cleaned the spark plugs said they were in fine nick so didn't replace them (at significant expense) although the schedule says so. Full 40k came in at under £200

Not sure about courtesy car position but right next to station so you could let the train take the strain whilst the car is in.

 

[RobM]

Cheers fella, will give them a call when the time comes I think

I've spoke to JKM since posting and they quoted £220-230 for the full service, but did say they wouldn't bother changing filters if they didn't need it, which helps bring the price down

 

[Nathanio]

I use fleet repair centre in Havant cos their next door to where i work! They give a discount to our company and I get a discount cos the owners my uncles next door neighbour

Number of nice motors in there (1928 Rolls Royce worth £125k!) meant I was happy to leave the tolly.

They also use genuine parts and very reasonable. 60k service (without cambelt but with brake fluid change) was £160 all in. Better than the £250 from kings!

EDIT: I know Pabs uses JKM for his work and sung their praises last time I spoke to him

 

[Gin Monster]

Try Meadens of Sway (bit of a trek, but through the New Forest and a nice drive), the guys there are pretty friendly, or the one in North Baddesley (can't remember the name), I took my Beezer up there when I had it, requested a Leon as a courtesy car and they sorted it for me without question.

 

[RobM]

It was Seat in North Baddesley that quoted me £310 for the service plus £435 to change the front brakes (discs and pads) if needed. That's what's prompted me to look for alternatives!

Cheers for the suggestions though, will give them all a call and see who can do what

 

[bentaw]

JKM there is no other place really in my opinion

 

[RobM]

I have to admit, they are my favourite place so far. I spoke to a lovely lady there yesterday who was really helpful, and that counts for a lot

 

[richybigman]

I've had work done by JKM and they are excellent. I haven't had a service done by them though only modifications.

 

[bentaw]

that would be Kate, she and Jim own the place Jim Kate Mew ie JKM most family run places are good i only hope one day autotechnic maybe back but that wil only happen if Alan takes it back over

 

[RobM]

They have offered to take a look at my LCR for me to see if it really is running badly, or if it's just my imagination, so that's an added bonus. I might take it to them for that before the service and if all goes well, they will become my garage of choice.
I like the idea of using one garage for everything as then they get to know you and the car

 

[Pabs]

Hi Rob:

JKM come highly recommended from me too! They are a sponsor on SCN, and I get ALL my Leon work carried out by them.

Fantastic service, and they know what they're doing too. Price is nearly £20/hr cheaper than my local SEAT garage.

 

[Arctic]

if you get a service there would it still comply with warrenty? as my 20k is due now

 

[m0rk]

Any VAT registered garage using OEM quality parts, to manufacturers standards & intervals can perform your service leaving your warrantee intact.

That's EU block exemption to thank

 

[Arctic]

Cool, will give them a ring in the morning

 

[Pabs]

yep - as m0rk said - so long as the garage uses proper parts you're covered
I used JKM throughout my warranty period and had no problems.

 

[lorne]

This is a very late reply,but DO NOT and I stress DO NOT use the north baddesly stealer,very rude and very unhelpfull.This has been noted not just by me,but at least 6 other people I know who have independently been there.

 

[Pabs]

yep - ditto.

North Baddesley are sh*te. I waited and waited for them to find me a leon - 2 months into owning one they call me and tell me they have one for me - when i told them i had already purchased one, they asked where from - i told them portsmouth and the reply was quite abrupt and rude to say the least.

 

[RobM]

I did find them a bit short when I've visited for parts before, so I'm not all that keen to hand my car over to them for servicing. Quite content to stick with JKM

Although, credit where credit is due, on the first day I got the LCR the windows, mirrors and central locking stopped working and I took it there out of desperation and not knowing where else to take it. They were packed up and ready to go home but managed to find 5 minutes to change the fuse that had blown for free.

But that's about as good as it gets with them from my experience so far!

 

[65coupe]

If you're not bothered about main dealer or even specialist, I ALWAYS use a local garage for anything that's too technical (or too risky!) for me - ie cam belts etc.

Richard Mitchell car sales in Botley Road Park Gate - they have a mechanic/garage on site. the mechanic is called LES and he is extremely knowledgeable - and honest too.
Several times I've taken my car in suggesting what the problem might be (last one was a new power steering pump after an engine rebuild) only for him to tighten up a few loose bolts and solve the problem! (for nothing very often)

Also, try £200 for a Vectra V6 cambelt and roller change using genuine Vauxhall parts!!!!!! (everyone else wanted nearly £300 and Vauxhall - well I won't even go there!)