Servicing - who can you trust?

[davhughes]

Its time for my Chimaera’s service. I live in Gloucestershire and I don’t really know of any local trustworthy independents (or dealers) to service the car. So, a number of questions come to mind.

a) How important is a service stamp from an official TVR dealer rather than a specialist sports / prestige garage?

b) Anyone know of a trustworthy garage in my part of the world?

c) I’ve stumbled upon this chappy (seems like a good guy in the know) www.neilgarner.co.uk. Anybody had any dealings with him or know of him?

Thanks in advance.

Dav

[Nuggs]

In relation to (a) - the used-TVR market can be largely regarded as a specialist market, with the majority of buyers at least having done some homework. Therefore, I would say that well know and well respected indies' stamps should carry at least as much (if not more in some cases) credibility than a main dealer's.

Quite frankly, if I ever came to sell the Chim and an Austec stamp puts a would-be purchaser off, they don't deserve the car in any case.

Can't help with (b) or (c) I'm afraid.

[mongoose]

Hi David,i dont know where abouts you are,but i'd happily recommend my local garage.After owning 4 Tvrs over the last few years,i've now given up finding an indie or main dealer nearby that i could trust.I have my servicing done exactly to the schedule,and my local chap is VERY trustworthy to do it all properly,and is a lovely chap to deal with.It's also nice to choose your own,top quality lubricants,and it still works out cheaper,even thogh i actually have a 12k service every 12 months! I no loger care what the stamp says in the book,i'd much rather know that it's been done right.If you want the details,drop me a mail.

[chris watton]

I too have sampled the 'delights' of local (and not so local) dealers, My wife is ringing up Silverstone performance today, to book my car in for its 12K service and MOT.

[chim666]

Hi Dafydd,
Whereabouts in Glos are you?
You might like to get in touch with your local TVRCC region (C3C) www.tvrcc-c3c.co.uk/index.asp I'm sure they'll have experience of local garages.
I live near Chippenham, and my car is currently having it's service with Dulford (Exeter).
Many people prefer to have a well-known TVR indie or dealer's stamp in their service book - but, you pays your money.....

[davhughes]

I'm in Cirencester. I've just dropped an email to TVRCC region (C3C), hopefully they can help.

Thanks for the advice.

Dav

[p400pls]

I'm in the same boat at the moment, living in Nailsworth and the service is due soon. If anyone can recommend an independant please e-mail me. I did think about David Gerald near Worcester but there are few positive reports on this site - unless you know otherwise. All information gratefully recieved.

[v8 racing]

I really dont think that because the history book is stamped with a tvr logo it helps with selling the car! i dont believe in 6000 mile 12000 mile services never have done never will, if you find a guy garage or girl that is happy to go through your car give you a call to tell you what it requires that is a good service to me, whats the point of changing things that dont need doing just because it specifies in the book it does?

[davhughes]

Thanks for all the comments.

Anyone got access to an official TVR service plan i.e. one that lists all those items that need to be carried out?

Cheers.

Dav

[raceboy]

davhughes said:

Anyone got access to an official TVR service plan i.e. one that lists all those items that need to be carried out?

12000 mile service

6000 mile service

[pjac67]

I and several Griff/Chim owners use Tony Gaston in Severn Beach (nrM4/M5) . He is ex Rolls Royce, as honest as they come and extremely trustworthy. He does an excellent job of servicing and/or restoration etc and his own car is a Chimaera!
PM me if you want his details.

[Tripps]

Nuggs said:

In relation to (a) - the used-TVR market can be largely regarded as a specialist market, with the majority of buyers at least having done some homework. Therefore, I would say that well know and well respected indies' stamps should carry at least as much (if not more in some cases) credibility than a main dealer's.

The only time they don't in my experience is when looking to trade with dealers, who seems to be oblivious in some cases to who the specialists are, insisting that the your car hasn't been maintained as well as they would do it.

But if your car is older or you're more likely to trade it to an Indie like Fernies or Adrian Blythe, they'll know the value of those non-dealer service stamps.

[cdt]

David Gerald TVR in Inberrow (Worcester) aren't far from you. They are now a main dealer. 01386 793237.

My Dad and I bought our cars from there and have them serviced there, always been more than happy.

[redleicester]

Wouldn't touch either of your local "main" dealers IMHO.... no further comment.

Would however heartily recommend Horizon Motorsport - just off the M5 on the edge of Birmingham - wonderful service, excellent knowledge and awesome bacon sarnies. Have taken both my Chimaera and Cerbera there and have nothing but praise for the quality (and thriftyness!) of their work. www.horizonmotorsport.co.uk - you'll find quite a lot of the TVRCC Cotswold bunch take their cars there, and Mike and Wendy have been known to frequent the meetings.

[coach]

Another vote for Horizon here....great service and friendly bunch

Coach

[bobs4c]

redleicester said:

- you'll find quite a lot of the TVRCC Cotswold bunch take their cars there, .

Who would that be then?

Bob