Any good garages in the Manchester Area

[Clairelhowarth]

Hi Guys,

I am just wondering for future reference for when I get my MOT done in January.

Many Thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Guys,

I am just wondering for future reference for when I get my MOT done in January.

Many Thanks

Hi,
what car..??

maybe ask on of the Lancs. based regulars (@TheBeard)

or maybe even attend the NW meet night..,

Charlie

 

[varesecrazy]

The Beard

 

[The Beard]

Hi Clare,

I can recommend a very good garage that I use for the Panda, the 156 and, when it's due, the Giulietta, but it's a bit of a drive. It might depend on whereabouts in Mancland you live, but we go to: http://www.heathroadgarage.co.uk/

We live in Tameside to the east of the city but find the drive well worth while. I Generally have things done when one of us is on a day off, leave just after rush hour, say about 9.30 and usually get there about 10.15. We then walk into Sandbach which is about 10 minutes away and there are plenty of coffee shops, one Italian and run by Italians, restaurants, again an Italian run by Italians and pubs to have a brew or a bite to eat in. There's also a market on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you're the sort of person who likes to get a service or MOT done in as short a time as possible, or alternatively can't get time off in the week, this might not be the most convenient place for you, but it's run by a good egg called Alfie (Alfredo) Martone who is not only Italian, but apprenticed and worked for some years at Mangoletsi the FIAT/Alfa dealer near Knutsford.

It's a well equipped garage with four ramps, a pit and a diagnostic bay so he can deal with most issues you'll have (he hasn't had any problems with our cars anyway) but it's also small enough that he can keep an eye on everything that's going on. I'm also pretty sure he does all the test drives after work has been done as well so the boss has to ok all work carried out.

If I don't get a discount after this there'll be trouble......

Hope this helps. Oh, he's also on the Good Garage guide on Alfaowner as well.

 

[The Beard]

Hi Guys,

I am just wondering for future reference for when I get my MOT done in January.

Many Thanks

Oh, had the 156 in for service a couple of months ago and it's going back in September for cambelts and an MOT. Also had the Panda serviced and MOT'd about the same time. It passed with no advisories which isn't bad for a 10 year old Italian/Polish car with 100,000 miles on the clock.

 

[Clairelhowarth]

Hi,
what car..??

maybe ask on of the Lancs. based regulars (@TheBeard)

or maybe even attend the NW meet night..,

Charlie

Sorry my car is fiat 500 2009 1.2 pop

 

[varesecrazy]

Sorry my car is fiat 500 2009 1.2 pop

Hi,
so pretty simple mechanically,

could be serviced most places that are reputable

Charlie

 

[The Beard]

Any company that operates in a service type industry, whether it be car maintenance, a restaurant, a decorator or a valet parking company at an airport will have customers who swear by them, and others who wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole.

With me, I came across Alfie by accident and I'm quite happy with he service his garage provides. Although the 156 is a bit more specialised, the Panda MJ is, like your 500, a car that any half competent mechanic should be able to deal with easily. But, as I mentioned earlier, I like him and his mechanics. I like the idea of taking a day and having a walk into Sandbach. We don't take the time often enough to have a wander round a pretty town with some good eating places and a few pubs, market and a small range of independent shops. I like coming back home through Holmes Chapel and Knutsford on A-roads instead of battling up the motorway, and I like the way it feels like a nice change to have a bit of a day out take the time to do something a bit different.

I can vouch for his workmanship and consider his prices reasonable, but, ultimately, if you can find somewhere you like then stick with it. But if after a while you find you don't like or trust where you go, change. You're the customer, so feel free to dictate terms and if they don't like it, bog off somewhere else.

Good luck and enjoy your 500.

 

[The Beard]

Just re-read my last post.....I've turned into my Dad; er correction, my Grandad. I must admit that any item of clothing that's beige or brown is starting to look a lot more attractive than it did a few years ago, and I've noticed how useful shoes with Velcro fastenings are.

The last few times we've been out for the day I've asked Mrs. Beard to make up a packed lunch containing cheese sandwiches, cottage cheese, obviously, and those containing meat paste are becoming far more appealing. And a flask, tea, naturally but with only one sugar; well, don't want to overdo it. Oh, and some stale bread for the ducks.

Just looked on t'internet thingy, and it seems Gola do velcro fastening trainers. Woo-hoo! I'm trendy again.