Calling all Type-R owners! What do YOU look for in a tuning garage?

[antstarr]

Experience, knowledge, cost, location and service/attitude. Then again the garage I go to is all done by one person as I have a trust issue on who works on my car but I don't really fix or work on them I just like to drive them really fast.

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[masta_cutz]

You're right on the money there mate, trust is key ;-)

 

[truupR]

For me it's about knowledge, customer service and honesty.

Nothing worse than dealing with garages where you feel like they're taking you for a bit of a ride with charges for this that and the other.

I've skipped around several garages with all my past cars and typically what I look for is good customer service to start. I'm sure I've probably spoken to a few very skilled mechanics in the past, but their personality and interpersonal skills are dreadful. And by that I get the feeling that some garages really don't want to be talking to you. They show no passion for their work when you're talking to them.

I've recently started using a new garage (I won't plug the name in-case I'm not supposed to) but on the first visit they were incredibly interested in all the details about my car. The one lad even spent about 45 mins showing me around all the customer cars that were being worked on and how they'd been built. I mean it wasn't your typical fiat panda coming in for an MOT - we're talking 1000bhp supra's, R35 GTR's etc. all custom built by them from the ground up. But it was so refreshing to talk to him and you could see just how passionate he was about his work.

I'd gladly pay slightly more for a garage that're going to approach your car with care and enthusiasm to get the job done 110% right, than a garage that just wants to slap dash and rush a job and get your money asap. Apologies for the long-ish post.

 

[masta_cutz]

Great feedback truupR!

Just shows how easily garages can screw up the whole experience and lose your custom.

Keep the feedback and poll votes coming!

 

[masta_cutz]

bump

 

[p1tse]

If you're a car enthusiast having used, experienced, heard of stories; then should be a good basis to start with

Where are you based and hoping to open up, with what experience?

 

[Topgeezer]

If you're a car enthusiast having used, experienced, heard of stories; then should be a good basis to start with

Where are you based and hoping to open up, with what experience?

Agree ^ you've picked our brains now give us your info about where this is going.

T.G.

 

[masta_cutz]

Agree ^ you've picked our brains now give us your info about where this is going.

T.G.

Okay, okay, I guess it's time I give you a few more details...but I don't want to give too much away just yet.

I'm based somewhere in Northamptonshire and will cater ONLY to Hondas, I've been working with and around Honda's for the last 15 years and have built up a very wide skill-base in all types of mechanical & electrical vehicle work.

Cutz

 

[p1tse]

The specialists Indy's I've used ie BMW, VAG, they have trained and been in the trade on those brands, but they don't limit themselves to just those brands. You'll be missing out on bread and butter trade money like oil services, brakes etc from the average joe in my opinion; unless you get the volume through or specialist work where you can earn enough to cover costs

Good luck in the venture

 

[masta_cutz]

Servicing is only a small part of what I'll be offering but thanks for the info, all opinions matter

 

[antstarr]

If you are good at what you do and are technical I'm sure you will do well. My mate is a Honda /Evo specialist and he use to work on cars full time before. (Engine swaps/race prep etc).

Now he has a full time job as an engineer and still gets booked up on his free time from old clients and friends recommendations. Prob helps cos he is London based as well although Northampton is a good location middle of England. Best of luck!

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[wj51fut]

I've had my Teg for over eight years now and it's been to a few garages for various bits. But to be honest I like to do the work myself. I always feel disappointed when I leave a 'well known' garage because something wasn't done right and I have to go back. Something simple takes twice as long. The garage is over two hours away. Double booked or left waiting to see when your car will be ready.

I've lost a lot of faith in the garages I have used. And now wouldn't recommend them.

I understand that running a business is hard, but first and foremost with me is telling the truth. If your too busy to do it then say so! Don't try and 'squeeze me in' when it could hinder me and someone else or cause a rush job.

Second is car care not customer care. I love my car, people on here know that. What I hate is garages not treating it with respect. I don't mean ragging it around McDonald's car park when my back is turned. But always putting in a seat cover, using gloves, using wing protectors, not leaving bolts or parts out... maybe a quick wash afterwards. Treat it as your own car.

Thirdly would be customer care and affordability. I would pay top notch if a garage done all these things. I don't expect it all but it's a nice surprise if you do.

There's a garage I've been wanting to try in Oxford that are renowned for their work. But that might wait for the new venture...

 

[p1tse]

Off topic, but trying to Guess Gok new car choice lol

Must be something a bit more complex to require a garage to travel to or modern.

Thorney is that direction I think
Trying to think what else
APS for VAG

 

[abbey132]

Off topic, but trying to Guess Gok new car choice lol

FD2

 

[p1tse]

FD2

Sure he mentioned bigger is better or something lol
Maybe you're right

 

[FireDance]

Off topic also, stop calling people lads. It is really annoying to those with boobs


On topic, knowledge & customer service.

 

[masta_cutz]

Off topic also, stop calling people lads. It is really annoying to those with boobs


On topic, knowledge & customer service.

Whoops, I do apologise for that :xredface:

Just out of interest FireDance.... do you feel you get treated differently by a garage (better/worse) because you're female?

People have tried to pull the wool of my missus' eyes when it comes to garage charges, but I've taught her well and she don't stand for it! :xgrin:

Cutz

 

[moodyedge]

Whoops, I do apologise for that :xredface:

Just out of interest FireDance.... do you feel you get treated differently by a garage (better/worse) because you're female?

People have tried to pull the wool of my missus' eyes when it comes to garage charges, but I've taught her well and she don't stand for it! :xgrin:

Cutz

Are you doing a degree in garage sociality?

Off topic also, stop calling people lads. It is really annoying to those with boobs


On topic, knowledge & customer service.

It's annoying full stop, almost as bad as "guys"

 

[masta_cutz]

Can I interest anyone else in taking part in the poll?

Males and females alike, all votes matter

Cutz