£585 worth of repairs today!

**john506** · 14th September 2011, 22:46

Had my car in the garage today from 8:40am - 17:30

Things I had done:

Cambelt
Waterpump
Alternator Belt
CV Joint
2 Front Springs
1 Drop Link
Several Bulbs
& I asked them to strip and re-do my brakes but it wasn't on the invoice so I'm not sure if they done it.

Also needs 2 new tyres but I said I would go elsewhere for that as they wanted £50 each a tyre and he even admitted they are just budget tyres so will probably be better off going somewhere else for that.

Got my MOT in a couple of months so I'm now hoping it will fly through once I have the new tyres.

The ride comfort is much better with the new springs and drop link, it just bounces over the bumps rather than clunking over them!

Although it is 100% better the steering does feel heavier for some reason, going to check tyre pressures tomorrow

At £583 I think it was money well spent and will hopefully give me a few years trouble free motoring, labour on the invoice was only £190 for all day which I'm pleased with if I'm comparing it to the Stealers which I'm guessing would be about £70 per hour!!

**justin32** · 14th September 2011, 22:56

That sounds a good price mate considering how mch you had done.

Down where i live that would be at least a grand and would have my car for a week.

Possably name the garage so other members can use them??

**john506** · 14th September 2011, 23:43

Yes I am made up it was thanks to people on here as they recommended the garage to me and I probably would have went to the Stealers!

Vauxcare Wirral
2 Valiant Way
Lairdside Technology Park
Birkenhead
CH41 9HS

Good facilities, very professional and friendly, I would recommend them to a friend and I would use them again myself.

**justin32** · 14th September 2011, 23:57

DAMN!! Why is it all the decent garages are miles from me,i think down here we have all the discraced mechanics from all over the country setting up home.

Its like the costa del sol of car mechanics here lol

**john506** · 15th September 2011, 00:00

It definately is a big thought process when it comes to choosing a garage, after all, you could pay good money and they may not even lift the bonnet, or may use the bullsh*t spray as once seen on rogue traders!

**justin32** · 15th September 2011, 00:09

i know what you meen mate.

Im on the lookout for my first Vectra and im pulling my effing hair out because i know that if i get a dud one i wont be able to get it fixed localy due to rouge traders and stupidly high indipendant garage charges.

Ive got a budget of £3,500 but thats my top end so if i get sold a pile of bolts theres no way illl be able to get it fixed anytime soon.My main worry is cambelt,theres hundreds of cars forsale which are due to a change but i cant afford to pay £500-600 after shelling out on a car....BUT ive got no car at the moment and got very limited usage of a family members car so i cant even travel to look or buy a car.

I hate looking for cars lol

**mattster87** · 15th September 2011, 06:23

Sounds like a great price for all that, nice work!

Justin, you should check out the 'Cars for sale' forum..

**IDVAC** · 15th September 2011, 08:20

im sure youll find a decent motor for that justin as im really happy with my vec and i paid that for a nice clean 80k 2005 sri cdti 150 seemed about right for what i could find at the time, i chose a dealer over private as they did a service, the belts and new mot in the price

Ian.

**alankharrison** · 15th September 2011, 10:32

Thats a lot.. I know how you feel I've spent around 650 on mine over the last few months but I want it to last for a good few years yet so I think in the long run it'll pay off.