SERVICING & REPAIRS

[SMALLEY]

I own a 2000 edition Chimaera 400. At 4k miles the previous owner had a 12k service on the car. It now has 9k miles on the clock and I think I must be looking at having a 6k service at the 10k mark.

I live in Guildford, Surrey and I wonder if anyone can recommend the best place for me to take my pride and joy for its service.

I should add I bought the car from TMS in Melton and it still has 9 months of warranty remaining.

Thanks for your help

Jason

[sybaseian]

quote:I own a 2000 edition Chimaera 400. At 4k miles the previous owner had a 12k service on the car. It now has 9k miles on the clock and I think I must be looking at having a 6k service at the 10k mark.

I live in Guildford, Surrey and I wonder if anyone can recommend the best place for me to take my pride and joy for its service.

I should add I bought the car from TMS in Melton and it still has 9 months of warranty remaining.

Thanks for your help

Jason

Jason - which services have been carried out, what mileage and when?

normally, it should be a minor service either once per 12 months or at 6k, 18k, 24k with a major service in between.

If you want to keep a full dealer history, try Mole Valley but ring around all the dealers to get the best price as labour rates do vary. If you are prepaired to travel you could always take it back to TMS and make a weekend of it if necessary.

[SMALLEY]

Sybaseian - The service book is in the car and its too wet to get it this evening! However, I recall it had a standard 1k service in around October 2000. Then at 4k miles a 12k service(!) in October 2001 - the bloke hardly used the beauty.

In April this year, I bought the car with 6k miles and its now on 9k.

I think I must be right, that a 6k service at 10k miles is all that is needed now?

I've heard mixed reports about Mole Valley.

Jason

[sybaseian]

quote:
Sybaseian - The service book is in the car and its too wet to get it this evening! However, I recall it had a standard 1k service in around October 2000. Then at 4k miles a 12k service(!) in October 2001 - the bloke hardly used the beauty.

In April this year, I bought the car with 6k miles and its now on 9k.

I think I must be right, that a 6k service at 10k miles is all that is needed now?

I've heard mixed reports about Mole Valley.

Jason

should be a minor service then. I used to use Fernhurst until they went independant last November even though it meant a day off work for a service - I haven't decided where I'm going to get the next service 36K done yet.

You will always find that there are good and bad reports about most dealers - join your local TVRCC and speak to the members about where to go/avoid. A lot of the time it's down to how you get on with the service manager/mechanics - I always take the time to have a chat when I drop the car off.

Ian

[Pepsi_x]

For what it's worth, if you want to keep the service with TMS they do a collection and delivery service.

If I remember correctly, they offered to collect and delivery my Chim (on a truck) when the service is due and charge me about £60 for this.

>> Edited by Pepsi_x on Wednesday 3rd July 07:32

[APMAUTO]

im based in passfield near liphook and have been independent since sept 2001 prior to that i was at SHG/Hawthorns for approx seven years if your intrested in prices let me know and i will e-mail them to you

regards andy

[Steve _T]

If you live in Guildford, it's definitely worth talking to David Batty (details on www.oilypages.com), as he's right on your door step, won't rip you off and does excellent quality work. The only downside is that you may have to wait a while to get your car looked at as he's always busy. There are no doubt other good independents in your vicinity too, if you need the car looked at urgently. I'm increasingly of the opinion that the use of main dealers doesn't necessarily mean better care of your pride and joy, so shop around first.

Cheers,
Steve.

[squirrelz]

I think jason is probably worried about an independant service affecting the warranty. Does anyone know?

I would have thought that the manufacturer warranty would probably dictact main dealer servicing, and a 3rd party warranty should permit independant specialist servicing.

[mikemv]

Jason
I would be very happy to service your pride and joy at Motorvation Motorsport in Dorking. We have TVR factory trained staff, all TVR dianostic equipment and a rolling road. We also offer a collection and delivery service or a loan car. Our website is
motorvation-motorsport.co.uk

yours

Mike

[SMALLEY]

Thanks for all the replies, chaps.

Before I read them this evening, I had a very long chat with David Batty (an Independent) just near me. Frankly, could not find any reason to fault him. Knows his stuff, owns a Griff and the best part, for my 6k service a fixed price of £170 fully inclusive parts and labour.

The service is not due for another 1k miles so although he is very busy, it is not a problem to me. At present (touching everything wooden) the only thing faulty at the moment is one of the wiper blades.

So if you are looking for a more "personal" touch then David is your man.

To the two of you who offered your services - I shall be in touch.

Regards,

Jason

PS Not sure if using David will affect my warranty. Will need to check. Can anyone help? It is not a manufactuers warranty but the 12 month job that TMS dished out to me when I bought the car in April this year.

[gazzab]

I use APM and live just south of Guildford (Chiddingfold). I can recommend him.
Havent used Batty boy but I think he has a good reputation. If they are VAT regd then they can do wtty work.

[Pepsi_x]

SMALLEY, I bought my Chim from TMS and asked them the same question.

"Is my warrenty affected if I use an independant to service my car."

Although he kinda said it through clenched teeth, he said as long as it's done by someone recognised as a good TVR servicer, then the warrenty would not be invalidated. I guess it just means you can't take to your local Ford etc garage for a service.

[SMALLEY]

PEPSI - Have checked my warranty doc from TMS. It appears the only condition is the repairer has to be VAT registered.