Which garage ???
Discussion
Gorvid said:
I had assumed TVR dealer would be the place to go but advice here suggests a good independent is better...
It's not quite as clear as that. Make sure it's an indy that knows TVRs and is generally recommended as such - the Griff is not exactly rocket science but it does need more specialist knowledge and experience than the average car.
Equally I've heard good reports about main dealers. Seems that there are good ones and not-so-good ones, but either way it'll cost you much more. Part of the problem is that TVR don't seem to police their dealers which is why you hear so many conflicting reports. A good dealer can become a poor one simply if the resident expert leaves.
Gorvid said:
I did feel that I could sense 'issues' re Penninsula. I have only been down there on test drives so far - but am keen on the Gfiff 500 they currently have...
Does anyone know what the 'issues' relate to ??
If you buy from Peninsula with a fresh service, MOT and a warranty you won't go far wrong I suspect. From a main dealer I think the above is totally justified. Peninsula enjoyed a fantastic reputation as an independent. Since they got official status their (service) prices have gone up. I guess this is to be expected as they have incurred certain costs as a result. I went there expecting outstanding service and came away satisfied. Not delighted, not disappointed, just satisfied.
Based on experience I would go for an Indie as second choice but first choice would always be to do it myself. Nothing on a Griff is particularly complex.
The key thing wherever you go is to ensure that you get the “man” and not the boy working on your car. Ideally it should be the “man” that directly benefits from you being a happy customer, ie. the boss man. Learnt this by bitter experience at well respected West Sussex Indie where the “ man” was directing several boys which was not a success.
Same applies I think with lesser brands as well. The local BM dealer is super slick with the Smarm, Coffee, Biscuits and blond receptionist, but completely hopeless at fixing the car. Local BM Indie is grumpy as hell, with not a chance of any coffee but superb at fixing the car and about a quarter the cost.
The key thing wherever you go is to ensure that you get the “man” and not the boy working on your car. Ideally it should be the “man” that directly benefits from you being a happy customer, ie. the boss man. Learnt this by bitter experience at well respected West Sussex Indie where the “ man” was directing several boys which was not a success.
Same applies I think with lesser brands as well. The local BM dealer is super slick with the Smarm, Coffee, Biscuits and blond receptionist, but completely hopeless at fixing the car. Local BM Indie is grumpy as hell, with not a chance of any coffee but superb at fixing the car and about a quarter the cost.
I think much of the enthusiasm about indies around here is from people in areas where there is not a good dealer, and there is a good indie. From what little I've heard, Peninsula have a good reputation, and therefore there is not much call for a good indie in that area.
Also, alot of people around here go for mods like engine tune-ups, replacement shocks, big brakes, etc, which indies are often the best place for. Having said that, I believe Peninsula can do this kind of thing too - I know they can do a HiSpec big brake kit for about £640, which seems pretty good.
Also, alot of people around here go for mods like engine tune-ups, replacement shocks, big brakes, etc, which indies are often the best place for. Having said that, I believe Peninsula can do this kind of thing too - I know they can do a HiSpec big brake kit for about £640, which seems pretty good.
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff