Audi - Audi Specialist - South London

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Sun 1 Jun 2008 18:57
Audi Specialist - South London - Dulwich Estate
I need a new cam belt + bits for my 56000 mile Audi A4 1.9TDi which will be nearer 60000 miles when I get the job done.

During the warranty period I had services done at a main dealer I found OK (nowhere near London, but convenient when combined with family visits) and failing finding a decent independent - it might be the same main dealer again.

Can any one save me a few bob by recommending someone within say 50 miles of South London. Presumably VW, Seat or Skoda will do as well, as they're all the same?

PS If they're any good I might (just this once) venture north of the river as my visa application is pending and my passport is up to date. Do they still drive on the left north of the River Thames?
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Sun 1 Jun 2008 19:15
Audi Specialist - South London - Lud
I know an independent VW/Audi/Porsche garage in Kilburn. It is outside the congestion zone but may be a bit of a pain to get to from Dulwich without going through the zone.

I'm sure it will be cheaper than a main dealer although it isn't super-cheap. I have recommended it to a number of people over the years and no one has ever complained about its work or attitude, both of which were certainly fine when I used to use it years ago. The guy who runs it talks sense. It has standard rates for different services. Complaints tend to focus on how far it is from Richmond (for example).

If you want to know, I'll give you its name.
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Mon 2 Jun 2008 09:52
Audi Specialist - South London - oldtoffee
I can recommend

www.theautopool.co.uk - (ask for Phil)

They've serviced and done the cam belt and water pump change on our Passat and done a very good job. They're always busy and judging by the amount of new and nearly new Audis (as well as older stuff like ours) queuing up for attention they seem to enjoy a good reputation.

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Mon 2 Jun 2008 21:28
Audi Specialist - South London - Dulwich Estate
Thanks NeilS. I'll give them a call.
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Mon 2 Jun 2008 21:47
Audi Specialist - South London - Mapmaker
I used these guys once. They seemed reasonably priced, and careful. Just up the A40

www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1075/28975.php


www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=13165

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Mon 2 Jun 2008 22:06
Audi Specialist - South London - perleman
Try The Phirm in Surrey, they know their VAG cars inside out & are respected by the 'heads'. They also specialise in power upgrades too.
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Mon 2 Jun 2008 22:19
Audi Specialist - South London - Dulwich Estate
Thanks all so far.

I've sent 4 emails and we'll see where I get.

It doesn't matter if the garage isn't too local as I can always try to get something back of the thousands and thousands I've spent on a pair of lazy teenagers, one of whom who can drive me home.
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Tue 3 Jun 2008 23:35
Audi Specialist - South London - Dulwich Estate
Interim Results:

One prompt email from the main dealer answering all my questions and breaking down the quote as I asked.

One email saying "give us a call".

That's it after 24 hours.

I'm making no judgements yet - the dealer has idle staff sitting at desks all day long, so it's easier to reply quickly. If you're an independent with your arms covered in grease up to your elbows as you work on a car as well as doing the emails, washing up, making tea and doing the VAT it all takes a bit longer.
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Mon 7 Jul 2008 21:59
Audi Specialist - South London - Dulwich Estate
The Final Result:

There was no contact from any other independents I had emailed. Are they too busy ? Or are they not too willing to compete on price ?

The non London Audi main dealer wanted £897 inc Vat.

The one independent quoted "about £570 inc. Vat" on the phone and he talked me through a lot of the job issues. His premises and knowledge looked good so I gave it a go.

I just collected the car from him this evening and paid £551 in total.

Happy ? You bet !
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