Servicing costs

[crossle]

What do you think is a reasonable price to pay for a 6000 or 12000 mile service on a 2.8 S1?

It's not exactly bristling with high tech systems or complex electroics is it?

So, were talking about plugs, filters, fluids and a check-up...

The sort of thing any half-competent mechanic could tackle?

[Podie]

6k on my S3c came it at £300 at David Batty's... take a look at my profile.. all details and costs in there...

www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?carId=6345

[WildfireS3]

Personally I would do it all myself for well under £100, less if youhave Magnecore Leads from ACT, but if you are going to take it anywhere go with David Batty. Cannot reccomend his services enough! He has helped me out via telephone on may an occasion.

[Podie]

I should point out that the cost includes the fitting of the new (supplied) headlights, and remaking connections to the driving lamps which were a bit dodgy….

[ukBOB]

You could easily check the fluids yourself.

I know Austec.co.uk have a special on S's, £250 is what they would charge.

[crossle]

Mmmmmm. Just as I thought....

So you reckon the £528.51 quoted by Tower View might be a little ambitious?

My local mechanic has quoted me £200, and I know he'll do a good job.

I'd do it myself if I had the time and inclination - maybe 20 years ago, but I'm beyond all that now!

[Podie]

Depends what they're going to do for that money...

Advantage of a TVR specialist is that they KNOW what the cars are like... not saying your local mechanic isn't any good; just that personally I'd prefer to go with a TVR independent..

[crossle]

Sorry Podie, but as much as love my TVR, they're not exactly Swiss watches are they?

I'd rather give my local man the business, and spend the other £300 on a new carpet re-trim...

[Podie]

crossle said:

Sorry Podie, but as much as love my TVR, they're not exactly Swiss watches are they? I'd rather give my local man the business, and spend the other £300 on a new carpet re-trim...

Mate, at the end of the day it's YOUR car, not mine…. You pays yer money, you takes your choice.

[Colin Blues2]

Don't forget it's not just the mechanicals. Yes they are simple cars but the inspections required on the chassis, suspension etc are quite time consuming

[GreenV8S]

Servicing involves (or should involve) a lot more than a routine replacement of the disposables. It includes various checks of the transmssion, chassis, suspension plus greasing all those out-of-sight points. I think DIY or non-specialist servicing is a mistake unless it is done using the correct service schedule. This is likely to take a non-specialist longer and less likely to do a good job (is this much play normal? does it matter? where can I source a replacement for this part? what is the best way to get access to that bit? etc). People who speialise in TVRs will be doing this day in day out and have all the righ tools and parts to hand. To some extent, non-specialists without significant TVR experience wil be learning as they go, at your expense. You might still save money if you find somebody with a significantly lower hourly rate than your specialist/dealer.

[V8Smith]

Got to agree with Pete and Podie on this one, Id always go with a TVR indie and it shouldnt be much more than your local garage! IIRC Offord Motor Company serviced my V8S for £330 for a full 12 month service and the 6 month service was only £225 IIRC. Its worth the little extra as they know what to look for on the chassis, fuel tank, gearbox etc... they know the tell tale signs, if they pick up on something before it actually goes this could save you money! Also when you come to sell, if its not been serviced by a dealer or indie, then any potential buyer is going to wonder what other corners have been cut to save money, I know I would.

My two penneth anyway

Mike