Using main dealer for wheel alignment?

[aww999]

I normally steer clear of main dealers because I like doing things myself, and try to keep costs down on my old low-value cars. However, after doing a total suspension rebuild on my MR2, my local Toyota place have quoted me £60 for a full four wheel alignment.

This seems pretty cheap to set toe,caster and camber on all four wheels. Will they do a decent job or should I find a specialist? Interested to hear the PH collective opinion...

[Davie]

Like many other jobs, it's really down to the skill of the individual rather than the establishment itself.

Can you get some personal recommendations via the MR2 owners club?

[All that jazz]

aww999 said:

I normally steer clear of main dealers because I like doing things myself, and try to keep costs down on my old low-value cars. However, after doing a total suspension rebuild on my MR2, my local Toyota place have quoted me £60 for a full four wheel alignment.

This seems pretty cheap to set toe,caster and camber on all four wheels. Will they do a decent job or should I find a specialist? Interested to hear the PH collective opinion...

Are you sure they do in fact adjust all those things you've mentioned? That sounds more like full geometry set up to me. 4 wheel alignment is what it says on the tin - aligns your front wheels with your back wheels (basically just the 'toe'), which is pointless if one set isn't properly aligned to begin with. Geometry does the toe, camber and caster.

As someone else said, it depends whether they have someone that understands the kit and knows how to use it and it's not a job I'd entrust to a car dealer. Take it to a proper wheel alignment/geometry place. Up here in northern parts a full geometry setup can typically be had for around £40-50.

[Dodsy]

Wheels in motion in chesham. Its worth a drive out to get it properly sorted, should be about £90 and will be set up properly

[welaye]

Got mine done for £31 all in at kwik-st

[The Restorer]

Believe most dealers use the Hunter alignment kit. Have a look at http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/ and find your local place. To be fair it'll cost similar to what Toyota quoted you but you do get a before and after so you known what they've done.