Reliable garages/mechanics
 

Does anyone know of an independent Volvo specialist in the Dorset area?

I'm looking for a good independent Volvo specialist the the north east - I know about Hutton Bros at Slingsby, but they are about 50 miles away. Is there anyone in the Middlesbrough/Stockton/Darlington area?

Regards
Eddy

It could be well worth the drive..Hutton Bros have a superb reputation.
I've met Peter Richardson there ..really nice guy and they know what they are doing.
If I didn't live twice that distance away I would always use them without hesitation.

Neil

Thanks Neil,

I've used Hutton Bros in the past myself, and I cannot fault their service! If there's no-one with a decent reputation in my local area, then I will continue to use Hutton Bros.... At least it's a lovely scenic drive down to them in the summer months :)

Regards
Eddy

Eddy

I think there is an indy in Boro called Volmax or Voltech that has had good reviews.

Independent service N. Ireland
 

Hi,
Can anyone recommend indie in N Ireland ?

Hi, does anyone know of an independant or recommended garage on the Isle of Wight for my XC90?

New recommendation - near Oxford
 

If you're anywhere near Oxford I can heartily recommend VMS Cars Ltd in/near Wantage. It's a new business (set up just this summer I think).

The man you want is called Richard Harbud. He previously worked for Volvo for over 20 years, working his way up from technician to Branch Manager. According to the private recommendation of him that I had (from one of his former colleagues) he knows the cars absolutely inside out. I had him put on a new exhaust last week and he's a thoroughly good, honest, generous and reasonable man - and his rates are very reasonable too.

Do PM me if you want any further info.

One to avoid if you're in Glasgow.... 'Drivers' on St.George Cross road.

.... long story - but rip off merchants - avoid!

'The Garage' in Motherwell are really good.

Non franchised Volvo Servicing in Berkshire
 

Hi all - just wanted to send a "big up" to Volvotech in Berkshire. My beloved V70 SE has had some ongoing suspension problems and (foolishly) I took her to a local outfit for advice and cure. The outcome was that apparently a new shock was needed - I obviously opted for a pair. Car came back and the back end seemed to be riding low. Upon further inspection I found they'd only replaced the left rear ! Took her back - profuse apologies - second unit fitted. Car still ran (to my mind) low at the rear and the diagnosis from these muppets was that the springs had compressed over time and should be replaced as well.
Several months pass - still not happy - took her to Volvotech. Ian (the boss) called me to reveal that the replacement shocks were bog standard Monroe units and should have been Nivomats ! No wonder I was having problems.
Anyway, Ian replaced 'em with proper shocks (at a good price I might add) and did the cambelt change only to discover a series of problems there too - tensioner buggered and a camshaft pulley bearing shot !
Got her back today - engine's a dream and she handles better than ever. The moral of the story - go to someone who really knows their stuff. Ian has a small but expert team, is happy to go through everything in as much detail as you can handle and turns out magnificent work. All in all, 5 stars and no hesitation in recommending Volvotech as the "go to" guys. Thanks Ian - you've made an old man very happy. Cheers.