Aston Martin Servicing - East London

[seligc]

Hi there,

Thinking about upgrading the Cayman S to a Vantage and wondered if anyone would recommend any decent independent servicing centres that would cover Astons in the East London (or South West Essex / North West Kent)?

Many thanks,

Charlie

PS - I searched the forum for similar posts but only found one from about 3 years ago and covered a far wider area.

[Jockman]

Nicholas Mee any good to you in W6

[Sump]

I wouldn't entertain them, I had a bad experience with their parts department. Dishonest and bordering fraudulent! When approached with evidence they decided to hide

[downr]

i also wouldn't recommend N Mee.

How about Rikki Cann?

http://www.rikkicann.com/

Not used them myself, but I know of other owners who rate them highly

[seligc]

Thanks for the replies guys. Was ideally hoping there might be somewhere under an hour from Greenwich, so was ideally looking for someone slightly nearer than Southend.

[downr]

drive faster?

[downr]

or you could try Aston Services London (part of DJ Smail). Or at a push you might be able to make RS Williams in an hour (both West London).

But being West London based the hourly labour rate is high...

[AdamV8V]

Hi Charlie,

First of all, welcome and congrats on considering a Vantage.

I live in East London and, to be honest, Indie's are a little thin on the ground. Pugsley & Lewis are definitely in your "catchment area". I haven't used them, but I understand their sweet spot is more of the classic stuff as opposed to the Gaydon era cars (buy Grant's book - sticky at the top of the forum page). They do service the newer stuff though.

I have used both Grange in Brentwood (franchised dealer) and Nicholas Mee in West London who are an AM "Heritage" dealer, so you still get the AM stamp in your service book (and it's a nice drive across town on a Saturday!).

Both are excellent, with Grange giving you the shiny dealer experience (and a dangerous showroom!) and factory warranty support, and Nick Mee more of a traditional garage with both a showroom full of lovely stuff from DB4s to DBSs and a workshop of mega-money restorations etc.

You may find the price difference between main dealers and independents less extreme than in Porsche-land (I'd say +/- 10-15% from experience) so if Grange is most convenient for you then this may be the way to go.

Happy shopping

[AdamV8V]

Interesting comments re Nicholas Mee above (my response was in draft when these came through).

Personally can't fault them and have bought 2 cars from them, and they serviced all three of the V8V's I've owned, but seems this experience is not consistent...

Again, don't be too set on Independents. Main dealers will often haggle.

[dkatwa]

Phone AM Works and see if they offer collection/ delivery for your postcode. Prices for my DB9 were competitive

[downr]

I agree with what Adam said about the gap between independents and the dealers; Nicholas mee, Aston services and re Williams are all going to charge £110+ an hour for labour. To see it drop from there you're going to need to look at a non-London based Indy

Works Service from memory do a free pickup within a 60 mile range, but they do stretch that a bit with negotiation

[bjc388]

Just had my V8V serviced at Grange Brentwood - and it's also thumbs up from me. Another main dealer stamp, courtesy car, friendly service and yes there's a 'dangerous' glass and metal showroom (best to avert your eyes as you walk through).

[JohnG1]

downr said:

i also wouldn't recommend N Mee.

How about Rikki Cann?

http://www.rikkicann.com/

Not used them myself, but I know of other owners who rate them highly

He's always worth a google :-)

[stimshady]

I live in East London and use Grange in Brentwood...

(oops, just reread and you said independent, Nicholas Mee I found very good, but not in East).

[seligc]

Thanks for all the comments guys - much appreciated.

Good to know indy vs official prices are similar. Might try out the Grange - especially if they provide courtesy car.. always fun to drive other astons.

Looking at some cars this weekend so fingers crossed. Just got to find a decent inspection person now :-)

Cheers again. Charlie