Technical Bit of fun - my car used for couple of new 'how to' guides by Fiat Workshop Royston

[Herts Hillhopper]

I think this place is brilliant: the Fiat Workshop (aka The Alfa Workshop or Jamie Porter Ltd) in Royston, North Herts. Very impressed by their openness, along with a clearly very dedicated team and prices that are well below main dealer service fees, yet (I'd suggest) doing a more 'careful' job too. My 4x4 MJ went to them recently for its 36,000 mile service, and seems on the way past to have provided a good opportunity for them to add to their growing collection of (free to access) how-to guides for the Panda.
How to change the oil in a Euro 6 Panda Multijet: https://www.fiatworkshop.co.uk/fiat_Panda_1.3_JTDM_oil_filter_replacement.shtml
And related: How to replace the diesel fuel filter on the same car: https://www.fiatworkshop.co.uk/fiat_Panda_1.3_fuel_filter_replacement.shtml

 

[Liteboy]

Totally agree with you, always took my Alfa Brera to them and they provided first class service. I use them for the service kit for our TwinAir Trekking as now live a bit further away. Means that we always get the correct parts with no issues.

 

[Panda IIs]

I think this place is brilliant: the Fiat Workshop (aka The Alfa Workshop or Jamie Porter Ltd) in Royston, North Herts. Very impressed by their openness, along with a clearly very dedicated team and prices that are well below main dealer service fees, yet (I'd suggest) doing a more 'careful' job too. My 4x4 MJ went to them recently for its 36,000 mile service, and seems on the way past to have provided a good opportunity for them to add to their growing collection of (free to access) how-to guides for the Panda.
How to change the oil in a Euro 6 Panda Multijet: https://www.fiatworkshop.co.uk/fiat_Panda_1.3_JTDM_oil_filter_replacement.shtml
And related: How to replace the diesel fuel filter on the same car: https://www.fiatworkshop.co.uk/fiat_Panda_1.3_fuel_filter_replacement.shtml

Agree 100%. I have known Jamie since he was operating out of a "barn" near Hertford servicing and tuning Alfa's - probably 30+ years ago!

They always give frank, honest advice and very good value considering a fully equipped workshop.

The "free to air" buying and service guides/advice are excellent and do not push their own services at all.

 

[lunchbeers]

Not used them as they're a bit far from me, but spoken to Jamie about a couple of Alfa-related issues and found him great, happy to help despite being nothing in it for him.

Also one of my go-to sources for parts too.

 

[mj2k]

Ooh, didn't know they did Fiats too, they're not far down the road from me

Shame really, they got rubbished a bit on the main UK Alfa owner forum in favor of another Alfa specialist (who tbh were pretty rubbish themselves, at least for bodywork done at the Herts branch, but nobody would say anything openly against them!) so prob do a bit less business than they should do.

 

[lunchbeers]

I can't say I ever heard anyone knocking them personally, but other people's experiences are subjective, I've had poor service from some garages that others rave about.

 

[mj2k]

I can't say I ever heard anyone knocking them personally, but other people's experiences are subjective, I've had poor service from some garages that others rave about.

Indeed, I'm not going to name the forum or the rival specialist, but anyone who's been on the forum will know what I'm talking about; if you search for Jamie Porter or Alfa Workshop all you find is a post ranting about them, whereas if you search for the other all you'll find are rave reviews (even though some contacted me personally after I posted about poor quality paintwork issues I'd had with them).

I'll be giving them a try to replace a front wheel bearing I think, I can do most stuff myself but the front wheel bearings are a load of hassle to DIY replace

 

[gar074]

I've already resolved to give them a try next time my Cross needs work, based on Pete's (HH's) recommendation, as it's not too far to travel when I'm staying over in Cambridge.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

I've already resolved to give them a try next time my Cross needs work, based on Pete's (HH's) recommendation, as it's not too far to travel when I'm staying over in Cambridge.

You won’t regret it. They work on the cars in the order they arrive in the morning (or previous evening I suppose). I’m in Stevenage so only 30 mins or less drive time. I went for a walk up onto the nearby Therfield Heath while they did the car: stunning views (could just make out Ely Cathedral on the far horizon!). They are an easy walk to Royston station too.