Subaru Specialist in or near N Essex

[Steve Baker]

Have been using Extreme Scoobies near Chelmsford but would appear business has been dissolved.
looking for specialist for cambelt change and service. Any recommendations welcome please .

[texaxile]

I know it’s Suffolk, but not too far away. AFM racing in ipswich did ( on my 04 impreza )cam belt, water pump, thermostat and a service. Great communication throughout and a really good job. It’s the second one they’ve done on the car and they know their stuff.

As a tip, buy a spare water pump gasket if you’re getting that done. Mine was slightly bent and crimped so was useless. Luckily the mechanic spotted it before installing (still in the packet!).

I’ll dig the bill out, iirc it was about 5 hours labour.

[Steve Baker]

Thank you.

[Roman Moroni]

Steve Baker said:

Have been using Extreme Scoobies near Chelmsford but would appear business has been dissolved.
looking for specialist for cambelt change and service. Any recommendations welcome please .

I don't for one moment wish to teach you to suck eggs, but it appears that Xtreme has been dissolved but Extreme are still a going concern. Google still shows them with opening & closing times so it maybe worth giving them a call on Monday to see whats what. They don't appear to have a website, although thats because Paul is old school and probably still uses dial-up

I'd been using them since they first opened; I would take my 'Classic' there (plus other stuff) and was generally happy with the service. It changed when I took the car in for an MOT and, in my mind, a bit of a liberty was taken so I voted with my feet.

I appreciate it's a long way from you, but I ended up using https://fbtuning.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR3pNhsNF1fegxZat... The issue is, like Xtreme/Extreme there is NOTHING to do on the industrial estate where they are base and standing around watching them work on the car for 5+ hours isn't an option. In the end I would leave the car there for a few days and collect it once all the work was completed. HTH

[Steve Baker]

Thanks for reply.
Yes have tried to phone Paul but number isn't recognised any more. Last time I saw Paul about 18 months ago his health wasn't great and I'm not surprised he has packed up.
170 mile round trip isn't an option really, will have to use dealer in Weeley or Slow Boy near Brands Hatch.

[Roman Moroni]

Fair enough. I totally understand why you don't fancy the trek over to Princes Risborough.

I'm sorry to hear that Paul has been unwell. He really did know his way around Subarus, although at heart he was primarily an auto-electrician.

Best of luck with finding someone new.

[Cambs_Stuart]

I'm in cambridge and have been using Tim Farmer for all sorts of Subaru jobs for years. He's mobile and a Subaru specialist. He does everything from big power engine/gearbox builds to servicing. But he is based out of Kings Lynn so you may be out of range for him.

[Steve Baker]

Thank you.
Do you have contact number for him please ?

[plenty]

Roman Moroni said:

The issue is, like Xtreme/Extreme there is NOTHING to do on the industrial estate where they are base and standing around watching them work on the car for 5+ hours isn't an option. In the end I would leave the car there for a few days and collect it once all the work was completed. HTH

There is a lovely cafe in Princes Risborough serving excellent fry-ups about 20 minutes walk from FB's unit. I've whiled away many an hour there with my laptop while FB was fettling. FB will even meet you there to collect and drop off your car if you ask nicely.

[Cambs_Stuart]

Steve Baker said:

Thank you.
Do you have contact number for him please ?

It's 07880661866

[Steve Baker]

Thanks,
Have made contact. 👍

[Roman Moroni]

plenty said:

Roman Moroni said:

The issue is, like Xtreme/Extreme there is NOTHING to do on the industrial estate where they are base and standing around watching them work on the car for 5+ hours isn't an option. In the end I would leave the car there for a few days and collect it once all the work was completed. HTH

There is a lovely cafe in Princes Risborough serving excellent fry-ups about 20 minutes walk from FB's unit. I've whiled away many an hour there with my laptop while FB was fettling. FB will even meet you there to collect and drop off your car if you ask nicely.

Thanks for the Cafe recommendation :thumb:

Rich is a VERY good mechanic & a top lad; the last time I was over there he dropped me at the Station so I could come home by train. Likewise, he picked me up when I returned the following week. My issue is, it's a long way (for me) to go to get the car serviced. I have no reseveration recommending him.

OP: I was chatting to someone this morning who is very much in the know. As you rightly say, Paul isn't in great health

[Smint]

Cambs_Stuart said:

I'm in cambridge and have been using Tim Farmer for all sorts of Subaru jobs for years. He's mobile and a Subaru specialist. He does everything from big power engine/gearbox builds to servicing. But he is based out of Kings Lynn so you may be out of range for him.

I'll 2nd Tim, he does good work, busy man.
The distances he travels and then does his thing only to have to drive home again hours later is something else, how he keeps going i don't know.

[designforlife]

Highly recommend Perfect Touch Performance nr Enfield (Sewardstone). Have used them for several years on all my JDM imports, and will be taking my hawk sti to them come service time.

[Drummer_DL]

Smint said:

Cambs_Stuart said:

I'm in cambridge and have been using Tim Farmer for all sorts of Subaru jobs for years. He's mobile and a Subaru specialist. He does everything from big power engine/gearbox builds to servicing. But he is based out of Kings Lynn so you may be out of range for him.

I'll 2nd Tim, he does good work, busy man.
The distances he travels and then does his thing only to have to drive home again hours later is something else, how he keeps going i don't know.

Another vote for Tim Farmer here, he came all the way out to Bristol to do an engine rebuild on my WRX (removed, took back with him for rebuild, then returned and refitted in my garage) and only charged me a small amount extra for the fuel going back and forth. Very reasonable prices for the level of knowledge and service he offers.

[Cambs_Stuart]

Drummer_DL said:

Another vote for Tim Farmer here, he came all the way out to Bristol to do an engine rebuild on my WRX (removed, took back with him for rebuild, then returned and refitted in my garage) and only charged me a small amount extra for the fuel going back and forth. Very reasonable prices for the level of knowledge and service he offers.

Blimey. Makes me feel less guilty about dragging him to Cambridge...