Good small bodyshops in Aberdeen?
Discussion
I want to get a couple of small bits painted on the cars I have, 3 out of 4 needs minor paint and I want to start looking for someone who can do this well and at a reasonable price.It's just small jobs like tiny rust patches and arches.
I live in Blackburn so somewhere near there would be ideal, but not essential. Also, I am not keen on frnachises or larger companies like Kinghorn etc who are not interested in small odd jobs off the street.
I live in Blackburn so somewhere near there would be ideal, but not essential. Also, I am not keen on frnachises or larger companies like Kinghorn etc who are not interested in small odd jobs off the street.
There is this place in Kintore, but I've not used it myself or know anyone who has: http://www.kintoreautobody-restorationcentre.com/
I haven't heard of any horror stories either.
I haven't heard of any horror stories either.
Call MMC Motors in Peterculter. There is a bodyshop attached run by a guy called Davey. Can't remember the name of the business but he's good, reasonably priced and reliable.
http://www.mmcmotors.co.uk/
http://www.mmcmotors.co.uk/
I've only had good dealings with Kinghorn and they seem happy enough for work (when you can get it, verey busy) But can understand not going to palces like that.
North east autobody are just off great western road, when I went past they had elises, jags etc. Really decent sounding guys but i've never had work done by them.
North east autobody are just off great western road, when I went past they had elises, jags etc. Really decent sounding guys but i've never had work done by them.
Heard good things about North East Autobody. Also had Paint Technics in Tullos recommended a few times.
I've used the body shop on the Netherly Road (Coney Hatch Farm turn off) several times and they've been excellent. They recently changed their name though (still same staff though, I believe) and I can't remember what they're called now though. Steve something Autobody rings bells?
Edit - Steve Reid Autobody. I wasn't far out...
I've used the body shop on the Netherly Road (Coney Hatch Farm turn off) several times and they've been excellent. They recently changed their name though (still same staff though, I believe) and I can't remember what they're called now though. Steve something Autobody rings bells?
Edit - Steve Reid Autobody. I wasn't far out...
JohnS said:
There is this place in Kintore, but I've not used it myself or know anyone who has: http://www.kintoreautobody-restorationcentre.com/
I haven't heard of any horror stories either.
Kintore do all my work.I haven't heard of any horror stories either.
They did my 2002, from this:
To this:
Thanks to all for your suggestions! 
Here's an update;
On saturday AM I decided to try a few places for quotes, NE Autobody, King street Autobody, and Kintore, I called all in advance as the weather and roads were still a bit dodgy so I didn't want to waste time and money trecking to places that weren't open, glad I called ahead as all 3 places had no answer so I figured they were really busy painting or closed.
Anyway, since I live near Kinghorn and I knew they were open I thought I'd not be biased and at least give them the chance to quote for the work, keeping an open mind. When I arrived I walked into their lovely reception area, filled with 'Porsche approved' repair type plauques and all the marketing gubbins you could shake a stick at, all very reassuring to the average joe that may know FA about cars. So then I was greeted by the receptionist, who politely asked me if I my quote was for 'private or business'.....no shock there.
After waiting for 5 minutes, I met the estimator who proceeded to look at my car and make some notes, that took all of two minutes since it was very minor work, i then got told i would be emailed a quote out on Monday, but asked for a rough price, i was told he would have to work this out and get back to me..Pffft.
So, true to his work I receieved the quote on Monday morning first thing, to paint a tiny piece on the back of my car, and a small piece no bigger than a 50p on the pass rear arch, £1100, needless to say i am not shocked at all, I was proven 100% correct on my initial impression of these types of outfits, and I feel sorry for anyone that walks in off the street and gets these type of quotes, and thinks that 'it's the going rate'.
Now, I am not doubting they will do a good job, however the price does not in no way, shape, or form warrant the work they needed to do to the car.
Moral of the story, I visited NE Autobody yesterday lunchtime, rocked up, got told "£350, I can do it tomorrow", so the car is in there getting painted as we speak, job jobbed.
Here's an update;
On saturday AM I decided to try a few places for quotes, NE Autobody, King street Autobody, and Kintore, I called all in advance as the weather and roads were still a bit dodgy so I didn't want to waste time and money trecking to places that weren't open, glad I called ahead as all 3 places had no answer so I figured they were really busy painting or closed.
Anyway, since I live near Kinghorn and I knew they were open I thought I'd not be biased and at least give them the chance to quote for the work, keeping an open mind. When I arrived I walked into their lovely reception area, filled with 'Porsche approved' repair type plauques and all the marketing gubbins you could shake a stick at, all very reassuring to the average joe that may know FA about cars. So then I was greeted by the receptionist, who politely asked me if I my quote was for 'private or business'.....no shock there.
After waiting for 5 minutes, I met the estimator who proceeded to look at my car and make some notes, that took all of two minutes since it was very minor work, i then got told i would be emailed a quote out on Monday, but asked for a rough price, i was told he would have to work this out and get back to me..Pffft.
So, true to his work I receieved the quote on Monday morning first thing, to paint a tiny piece on the back of my car, and a small piece no bigger than a 50p on the pass rear arch, £1100, needless to say i am not shocked at all, I was proven 100% correct on my initial impression of these types of outfits, and I feel sorry for anyone that walks in off the street and gets these type of quotes, and thinks that 'it's the going rate'.
Now, I am not doubting they will do a good job, however the price does not in no way, shape, or form warrant the work they needed to do to the car.
Moral of the story, I visited NE Autobody yesterday lunchtime, rocked up, got told "£350, I can do it tomorrow", so the car is in there getting painted as we speak, job jobbed.
Edited by Rog B on Tuesday 29th January 09:24
Tis the way it seems. All my repairs for my cars have been through Kinghorn (Insurance) and they have been great. If you want the paint match perfect and absolutely immaculate, they are worth the cash. But most other places will get it done to a good standard much cheaper and faster.
Rog B said:
So, true to his work I receieved the quote on Monday morning first thing, to paint a tiny piece on the back of my car, and a small piece no bigger than a 50p on the pass rear arch, £1100, needless to say i am not shocked at all, I was proven 100% correct on my initial impression of these types of outfits, and I feel sorry for anyone that walks in off the street and gets these type of quotes, and thinks that 'it's the going rate'.
Now, I am not doubting they will do a good job, however the price does not in no way, shape, or form warrant the work they needed to do to the car.
Moral of the story, I visited NE Autobody yesterday lunchtime, rocked up, got told "£350, I can do it tomorrow", so the car is in there getting painted as we speak, job jobbed.
Glad you got a result mate. I wouldn't ever use Kinghorn for that very reason but that is just my preference, small local outfits are the better choice as you get a fair price for a fair job.Now, I am not doubting they will do a good job, however the price does not in no way, shape, or form warrant the work they needed to do to the car.
Moral of the story, I visited NE Autobody yesterday lunchtime, rocked up, got told "£350, I can do it tomorrow", so the car is in there getting painted as we speak, job jobbed.
I am inclined to agree, the main reason for my post is really to educate others who may unwittingly be drawn to using these types of places, when in reality you can get a perfectly good service at a much more reasonable cost from a smaller place.
My recent expereince of using a large company of this nature in Aberdeen only one month ago as a result of an insurance claim was not good, when I went back to inspect the car after it had been repaired, the inner lip of the front wing was still bare metal and naturally I refused to accept the car until this had been properly fixed. Unfortunately priced and stature does not always guarantee a good job.
My recent expereince of using a large company of this nature in Aberdeen only one month ago as a result of an insurance claim was not good, when I went back to inspect the car after it had been repaired, the inner lip of the front wing was still bare metal and naturally I refused to accept the car until this had been properly fixed. Unfortunately priced and stature does not always guarantee a good job.
I'm a bit of respray w
e tbh...Here's my view(s) of the Aberdeen dealers i've used.
Kinghorn - 6/10. First time they did my car was a front bumper spray and plate mount removal and sills, was on the pricey side at £800ish but thought okay...Not the kind of establishment that accepts a deal *cough cough* when i got the car back i was nearly very happy but there was a tiny imperfection in the paint, i thought okay, the number plate will cover it, so i'll ignore it. 5miles later and both my washer jet covers had come off! Went straight back and asked them to do it again; all of it. They obliged and the job was faultless, great finshing work needing next to no paint correction.
I then approached them two years later for a quote for the front bumper, usual stone chips and they quoted me £900! lol. They weren't interested and obviously i pissed them off. Ah well. Overall i'd say they are overpriced but do a decent job; 2nd time around.
Paint Technik - 0/10. I genuinely can't even give them a point. Infact i was that fked off with them that i made a point of slandering their business for a good few months. I'll explain why; following my ott quote from Kinghorn i approached Stuart @ Paint Technik, we agreed on a price £1000 to spray the front end in full and fit and spray aero sills. He was quick to push a cash deal; fine, i'm not going to moan, it's not my business afterall.
The keys were handed over and he confirmed it would take 1wk, collecting at 12 on the Saturday. Phoned on wed to be told that the car was all stripped...okay, still on for Saturday? - yes, shouldn't be a problem.
Phoned Stuart on Friday for an update and was told, the bumper had reacted and i wasn't going to get it back. Ah well...no biggy, these things do happen. I did moot to him that i'd like to be kept in the loop and requested he called me on monday. Come Monday COB and i hadn't heard anything, phoned and was told he wasn't well. Okay...again these things happen, left a message.....
Long story short, close to 3wks later i got the car back and what a state it was in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely bogging, interior was marked, dust everywhere, literally everywhere, when i turned on the airvents i got covered in dust. The buffer trails in modest light was horrific, bit of overspray too.
Here's my detailing thread for reference...as they say, pics tell the story. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
Overall i thought Stuart was an inefficient and cheeky bd. I asked him to paint the mirrors also and when i came to pay he was like "Have you not got the money with you? - Would you go to Tesco's without money" - Well no, because you haven't given me the overall price" Smartarse.
As you can see, i'm still a bit sore about this. Absolutely avoid them. I've close friends and a family member who has also had a bad experience with them...I understand he's gone or going through a divorse, but imo in business you can't let that affect your work.
e tbh...Here's my view(s) of the Aberdeen dealers i've used.Kinghorn - 6/10. First time they did my car was a front bumper spray and plate mount removal and sills, was on the pricey side at £800ish but thought okay...Not the kind of establishment that accepts a deal *cough cough* when i got the car back i was nearly very happy but there was a tiny imperfection in the paint, i thought okay, the number plate will cover it, so i'll ignore it. 5miles later and both my washer jet covers had come off! Went straight back and asked them to do it again; all of it. They obliged and the job was faultless, great finshing work needing next to no paint correction.
I then approached them two years later for a quote for the front bumper, usual stone chips and they quoted me £900! lol. They weren't interested and obviously i pissed them off. Ah well. Overall i'd say they are overpriced but do a decent job; 2nd time around.
Paint Technik - 0/10. I genuinely can't even give them a point. Infact i was that f
ked off with them that i made a point of slandering their business for a good few months. I'll explain why; following my ott quote from Kinghorn i approached Stuart @ Paint Technik, we agreed on a price £1000 to spray the front end in full and fit and spray aero sills. He was quick to push a cash deal; fine, i'm not going to moan, it's not my business afterall.The keys were handed over and he confirmed it would take 1wk, collecting at 12 on the Saturday. Phoned on wed to be told that the car was all stripped...okay, still on for Saturday? - yes, shouldn't be a problem.
Phoned Stuart on Friday for an update and was told, the bumper had reacted and i wasn't going to get it back. Ah well...no biggy, these things do happen. I did moot to him that i'd like to be kept in the loop and requested he called me on monday. Come Monday COB and i hadn't heard anything, phoned and was told he wasn't well. Okay...again these things happen, left a message.....
Long story short, close to 3wks later i got the car back and what a state it was in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely bogging, interior was marked, dust everywhere, literally everywhere, when i turned on the airvents i got covered in dust. The buffer trails in modest light was horrific, bit of overspray too.
Here's my detailing thread for reference...as they say, pics tell the story. http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.p...
Overall i thought Stuart was an inefficient and cheeky b
d. I asked him to paint the mirrors also and when i came to pay he was like "Have you not got the money with you? - Would you go to Tesco's without money" - Well no, because you haven't given me the overall price" Smartarse. As you can see, i'm still a bit sore about this. Absolutely avoid them. I've close friends and a family member who has also had a bad experience with them...I understand he's gone or going through a divorse, but imo in business you can't let that affect your work.
Gorgeous car Ali, do you still have it? I'm sure I saw a red one with a similar plate and Premier garage the last time I was in there a wee while ago.
I'll report back on the car when I pick it up from NE autobody, but i fear the weather will restrict some proper detailing and photos of the finished product.
I'll report back on the car when I pick it up from NE autobody, but i fear the weather will restrict some proper detailing and photos of the finished product.
Would also like to dish out some praise for Warren at North East. My wife required a new wing for her Mazda 3 after a misguided attempt to park. I got some ridiculous quotes ranging up to £1500. Warren did it for around £550 and was complete in three days from when I gave him the go ahead, only requiring the car for one night. It's pearlescent paint which must add the difficulty, but the colour match was spot on, no need to flick it in to the other panels which is great.
Will definitely be putting my S2000 in there for a front bumper respray in the spring.
Will definitely be putting my S2000 in there for a front bumper respray in the spring.
I've personally used Kinghorn a couple of times and my Dad has in the past too. We genuinely couldn't fault their work (I spent nearly 30 mins in the car park going over my WR1 before accepting it when they did a front end respray). Admittedly at £1100 it wasn't cheap however unless you ran a paint gauge over the painted panels you couldn't tell it had been painted, it was really that good and everything was properly stripped down - no masking lines etc etc. There were also no sanding ridges/pig tails/deep buffer trails that you will get more often than not from respray work.
We have alot of clients that have used them too and I can't recall any having problems apart from an R8 that needed a second attempt at alligning the bonnet correctly but they handled it with 100% proffesionalism that you would/should expect.
I guess you could argue that they know the standards that myself and clients have and perhaps they always have that in mind when doing any work for us but in saying that, I've always been extremely happy.
I do take the point that if you're not possibly "detailer" minded and are verging on the mentally ill side of OCD then they may seem a bit OTT for what they quote in terms of price and work required.
We have alot of clients that have used them too and I can't recall any having problems apart from an R8 that needed a second attempt at alligning the bonnet correctly but they handled it with 100% proffesionalism that you would/should expect.
I guess you could argue that they know the standards that myself and clients have and perhaps they always have that in mind when doing any work for us but in saying that, I've always been extremely happy.
I do take the point that if you're not possibly "detailer" minded and are verging on the mentally ill side of OCD then they may seem a bit OTT for what they quote in terms of price and work required.
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