Independent garage Recommendations

Clovertech in Dagenham are by far the best garage in East London.

For west and southwest London, definitely Phil at:

Alfa Craft
126 Kingsway (rear)
Mortlake
London SW14 7HN
020-8878-8636

Not a recommendation for mechanical work, but I had accident damage repaired at Jones and Bramley, and they did an excellent job. The new bonnet fits better than the original one did!
They seem to do work for all the major insurance companies. They were also very helpful in sorting out my door water leak, which wasn't even their fault originally. See here (147 water in door pocket).

Jones & Bramley Coachworks Ltd
Factory Road
Newport
South Wales
NP20 5FA
01633 259367

Any recommendations for South London? I think people (me for one) have asked on other threads about Firella Motors in Clapham Road, but I haven't seen any feedback. I saw the recommendation for Sendon Motor Services - any others?

did you ever manage to find a place in manchester to sort your alfa i am finding it hard to find one cheers

Hi,
I think if I am right that there are only 2 Alfa garages around Manchester, one in Manchester itself (don't remember the name but easy to find on the web) and Mangoletsi in Knudsford. Personally, I have used Mangoletsi in the past because I bought my 147 from them. I found them expensive, although they claim to have competitive prices... not difficult without any concurent on the near them...
Moreover, if the job was OK I found the customer service a bit light... I had to go back to get a real explanation about what the secretary told me over the phone (obviously she was reading some vague notes)... I had a report on the back on an enveloppe containing the bill
and while I was there I wanted 1 liter of oil (just in case to top up)... not in stock and the shop was closed... the guy said "I'll order one for you, and call you when your order will be there..." I am still waiting for his call.
So... Neither bad or good, probably good mech but not enough customer care (seems quite everywhere now)... no one to compare to anyway.

Although my Alfa Romeo Owners Club membership has lapsed, David Thomas of Codicote,Herts. used to regularly advertise in their mag.
I gave him all of my servicing before buying a new 156 GTA required me to go to a main dealer. Now that the warranty has expired I emailed David Thomas ( who races Alfas) asking if he had the capability of servicing a 156 GTA ( which might require expensive computer hard/ware) but received no reply. Does anyone know if he is still in business ?

Originally Posted by steve lyden brown

Does anyone know if he is still in business ?

He certainly is
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/1155706-post29.html

If you looking for a place in Hampshire then theres Roberts Aerospace and Automotive near Fareham.

Just had a oil and filters service, cambelt, tensioner set, balance belt and lambda sensor check, cost was £550. Which I thought was excellent. Check out the weblink

Roberts Aerospace and Automotive - Italian and Sports Car Servicing and Repairs in Hampshire and on the South Coast

There a Italian car specialist at a resonable price and very knowledgable and helpful. Not the easiest place to find though.

For an exemplary independent garage in the Greater Manchester area you will do no better than:

Atherton Car Safety Centre
Unit 4, Atherton Industrial Estate
Bolton Road
Atherton
Manchester M46 9RB
Tel: 01942 876138
Ask for Chris who is extremely helpful.

I have recently had the timing belt, water pump and auxiliary belt changed on my 2004 147 JTD M-Jet for price way less than an Alfa dealer. They also upgraded my suspension to Koni FSD shock absorbers and Eibach Pro-Kit springs last year. They keep all your old parts to show you and have a very clean, well maintained workshop.

Originally Posted by Scrumpy

Bristol - AlfaNet (Duncan 07968488942) He doesn't normally ring back (because he gets a lot of time wasters and he has lots of work to be getting on with). You could leave a message but it's best to call until you get him. I have always found him honest, truthful and very helpful and he keeps the costs as low as poss too. He specialises in Alfas and Maseratis but will tackle almost any make, particularly Italian.

do you know if they provide a courtesy car for the day that it's in. i have to drive 35 miles to work and have to use a car

does anyone also know how much a 60k service inc spark plugs would cost? (147 ts)

Thorobred Cars in Laleham nr Staines Middlesex.

01784 451195

probably not the cheapest but good work and good customer service.

hi graz, how you doing,
is that nick holmes still available , as i call a few times with no avail ?
thanks for any info,
sincerely
nino

I use Rusper Alfa Romeo and i can confirm they are the best garage ive used. Very impressed with their attention to detail.
Rusper Alfa Romeo - Sales Servicing & Restoration Specialists on the Surrey / Sussex Border

Gotta give a mention to Black & White at Cold Ash near Newbury... came in nearly £150 below quote for suspension work on my GTV.... friendly service, clean tidy courtesy cars (fiat not Alfa)... will use them again.

Hi all great info,
anyone know of any Alfa specialists in Cornwall/far South West please as I'm just about to take delivery of a 147 Lusso.

Cheers

Hi - does anyone know where to service an alfa in the Hull area? I'm toying with the idea of buying a 159 but cannot seem to find where to take it for service.....thanks.

I've just got back from a 200 mile round trip to get my 48k service done for the 156 at Chris Variava in Notts. ok it was quite a way to go and my wife thinks I'm bonkers but it was well worth the trip! In short I received excellent and friendly service from Darren and the team there, all the niggles/problems were sorted on the car with no extra charge, even my window switch was replaced under warranty!! More importantly the gear linkage was cleaned and re-lubricated again all in the same excellent quoted price, so all I can say is 'thanks again' Darren for an excellent service! If you're within reasonable travelling distance, or you just want a day out, give them a go!

Why the hell can't all Alfa dealers look after their After Sales customers like this??

Might it be a good idea to add a 'sticky' for recommended dealers??

I've said the same about Darren and CV

Tim Hulbert is also one of the managers there and he is atruly top fella

I drive a fair way too but the other two (South / West) Midlands dealers are crap IMHO

The only thing that hampers CV is Alfa's ability to provide the correct parts

I will merge this into the sticky thread above.

Would it be a good idea to start a new 'sticky' thread for offical Alfa Romeo dealers? Admittedly there are not many about IMO but I think it may be worth highlighting the good Authorised Dealers for those who'd like to use one (particularly with the manufacturer/dealer warranty in mind?) Just a thought

anyone knows a good alfa mechanic for my selespeed around doncaster, south yorkshire,
cheers,

Has anyone heard of David Thomas Ltd.,of either Kimpton or Codicote in Herts. ? As well as having a workshop he also races Alfas , or used to, anyway. He also used to advertise regularly in the AROC magazines. Can anyone report as to his workmanship ?

Originally Posted by steve lyden brown

Has anyone heard of David Thomas Ltd.,of either Kimpton or Codicote in Herts. ? As well as having a workshop he also races Alfas , or used to, anyway. He also used to advertise regularly in the AROC magazines. Can anyone report as to his workmanship ?

Again... Yes

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/1788958-post183.html (Independent garage Recommendations)

and I use him regularly with no problems