Big Car Club - MPV and SUV Forums

I've started this thread to allow Members to recommend Specialists who have provided good service.  I suggest if you have problems with a Specialist you use a new "Specialists to Avoid"? thread.

I wasn't sure if I should start a thread specifically for Air Con as this seems to be a particular issue that most people can't fix themselves because of the gases and equipment required.

Anyway my recommendation is

CoolDrive
cooldrive@ntlworld.com
Stuart Simpson
0776 997 5946

He is based in the Leeds area and is mobile so can suitable locations to check/repair/service.  He was very friendly and did everything professionally as far as I could tell at a very reasonable price.

In my case I was able to strip back the Galaxy (to save money - I am a Yorkshireman!) to allow access to a broken pipe, which he was able to repair.  I am unlikely to use/recommend anyone else for any Automotive Air conditioning issues.

Good Idea.
any recommendations for Edinburgh or Dundee area?

Blue metal
Mod
please shift post if needed

OK here's a recommended mobile aircon specialist for the North Kent Medway & Maidstone area.

Keepkool (Steve) 07960 869688

I can heartily recommend Dent Diamond for any PDR work you need done. I've had three car's done by Craig now and his work is excellent.

http://www.dentdiamond.co.uk/contact-us/

For automatic transmission repairs in the north Kent area I can recommend http://automatixkent.co.uk/ they reconditioned my AG5 (tiptronic) back in 2011 and is still good, they charged an all in price back then of Ã,£1650

Automatic gearbox specialist in east london/west Essex

J. Judge & sons
37 Melbourne rd ilford Essex

Rebuilt my AG4 very good service
Good old fashioned garage family run.

My main tips are:

1. Always make sure you know the Garage's proper name. The full company name and ideally the company number too.

2. Be suspicious of referrals you get from sources like facebook. Oftentimes they are just family or friends making the recommendation, not actual customers.

3. Never trust a garage that offers a cash discount. Get a receipt and a proper warranty.

4. Know who you're dealing with. "Bob" and a mobile phone number isn't enough. Make sure you know who they are.

5. Check reviews on the internet.

6. Be wary of any garages that give you "attitude" when you ask simple questions or try to book your car in. If they're unhelpful or unwilling to explain, or if they try to rush you along or fob you off, then their customer service probably isn't very good.

7. Sometimes, calling and asking a simple question can help you gauge whether the garage is any good. Maybe ask them how much new front shocks would be and act all uninformed and naive. If they quote you a silly figure (compare it with other garages to find out), you know they're prone to taking advantage.

8. Check your mileage and take a photo of the odometer before you drop the car off. That way you can check if they've been using it for personal purposes out of hours or for deliveries and dropping off/picking up customers and so on during the day. It does happen!

Any more tips?