A servicing recommendation

[becky]

I recently had my Griffith serviced at Fernhurst Motor Company in Surrey and feel that a recommendation for their servicing is due. The car is 1998 but low mileage (8000).It also needed an MOT.

I used them this time last year for a 'small' service and an MOT when they were main dealers because the car was under warranty having been supplied in Autumn 2000 by another TVR main dealer who I chose not to revisit for the service.Choosing Fernhurst for the initial service last April was a reflection of their courtesy and attention, especially from Simon in Sales, on many previous occasions when I visited them before actually buying a car (it was just unfortunate that my dream car became available elsewhere!).

On both occasions that I have used them for servicing I have been very impressed with all aspects of the job and the service they provide and the attention to detail given to the job. On both occasions the eventual bill has matched the initially quoted price for the work (something which I know is not always the case with main dealers).I have to admit that for the service last week with the car at four years old (albeit low mileage) I was expecting to have a call half way through the day with some additional items of necessary work reported but Bryan Sutton and his team found no such items needed and did not trouble me.The eventual bill including an MOT WAS £567. In lieu of a valet of the car at the end of the day they fitted a Leven Technology throttle pedal assembly for me.A free loan car for the day was included too. I was badly delayed on the M25 and A3 travelling to Fernhurst from Essex and did not arrive until 9.30am but all this was taken in their stride and the car was ready for collection at 4.30pm as promised.

This weekend the car had a run down to Badminton from Essex and went like a train (TGV, that is).

I have no connection with Fernhurst other than as a very satisfied customer and would suggest that other readers would do well to consider them for servicing if they have decided to go down the 'independent route'.

[lateconvert]

My Chimaera 500 is booked in for the first time with them on thursday so reading your post is most reassuring. Was the Leven throttle your idea or their's? What's the advantage of changing the pedal?

[basher]

I have been saying for a long time that Brian at Fernhurst and Jools at joospeed are really the only choices in my book as owning a Cerbie is based on a lot of trust and expertise in those who service it and advise on potential issues, two characteristics which these two guys have both of in vast quantities.

[RolexBlue]

I only let Bryan and his team look after my 2yr Chimaera which I bought from Simon “Yes Sir!” when they were main dealers. Going back in couple of months for a 36k service and MOT.

Paul

[becky]

Hello lateconvert. I have steadily put Leven bits on my Griff and can speak very highly of their quality, visual effect and benefits for control and driving. I initially bought the pedal kit from Leven which replaced the brake and the clutch pedal pads and included a new pad for the originally fitted throttle pedal. Unfortunately, the pedal rubber wouldn't come off the throttle pedal so upgraded the kit to include the whole throttle arm and new pedal plate. Initially daunted by fitting this but Simon at Leven was very helpful and talked me through it to the stage where I felt reasonably confident about undoing bits. Then managed to crack a rib rolling around in the footwell and on the sill trying to do it....so put it on the shelf in the garage for a while!! Decided to resume efforts some weeks later but then 'bottled' it (shameful, I know) because of concern that could end up with car on drive with throttle cable bits all over the show and no way back. I knew the car was due a service and decided that I would ask Bryan to do it. They've made a very good job of it and even got me in the car before I left to do final adjustments. The finished effect is much improved appearance and good 'feel'. A friend was round in his 'new' 1999 Griff yesterday and have to say the difference between the original factory fitted items and the Leven kit I have is pretty astounding....it really does transform the look of the car. Not only that but you'd struggle to find two more enthuisiastic and helpful people than Simon and Julie at Leven. A final point, I have taken the precaution of advising my insurers about the Leven kit I have fitted just in case there's ever an issue about it...they are content, but better to be sure I think.

Best of luck with your service at Fernhurst.....I hope you are pleased with the attention you get. You may like to mention this thread to them as I checked with them that they would be happy with me recommending them.

[nigel2]

I've had mine (Chim 4.0)serviced & MOT'd there & they've been excellent, Even sprayed the hubs & calipers with silver Hammerite.

Problem is you can't now say FTVRSH when selling, as they are no loner on the list. I wonder if that matters, as long as they are qualified?

[MikeyT]

quote:
Problem is you can't now say FTVRSH when selling, as they are no loner on the list. I wonder if that matters, as long as they are qualified?

Maters not a jot to anyone who knows about TVRs IMO.

[marco]

quote:
Maters not a jot to anyone who knows about TVRs IMO.

Couldn't agree more!


Marco

[beljames]

And you know I agree Mike!

New buyers beware. TVR's can lead to sub-optimal decision making. 'FTVRSH', 'FSH', 'SH', 'H', ' '. All of these phrases became irrelevant once the engine had started.

JB (still touching wood, still all okay....!)