Hi all (as posted in the general chat but with no replies [:^(] ), After the demise of Autotechnik here in Southampton, has anyone got any recommendations for a good VAG specialist nearby, preferably in Hampshire or Dorset, or even West Sussex/Surrey etc.? I'm looking for a place that will do a MAJOR service (i.e everything including cam. belt) on my '88 16v that's covered just over 140k. I have no real idea how long ago it had a good service, definitely not in the last 16 months I've had it I'm not too worried about cost, I'd rather pay a little more for a good job (I have neither the time or skill to do a good job myself). Would a VW main dealer have any idea what to do with regards to a full service for a '88 16v or would it just be a bunch of spotty youths taking it for a joy ride around the dealership car park ? Would also like a quote on valve stem seal replacement so any place that undertakes partial engine re-builds would also be good! Any ideas appreciated
I use Martin Harrison in Portsmouth for over 10 years now had two engines built and he is the only guy i let do work on my G60 and other vws.He only deales with vw/audi.Lots of people in the scene use him.Tel 023 92 365016.Or theres Darren @Gwerks over in littlehampton not sue of his phone number but you can get that of internet.
As Ian has said ^^^^^ Martin Harrison. I wouldn't go to vw myself as I would fear a massive bill for things that don't need doing , such as brake pads with 8mm still left to go and discs allround
Thanks for the advice guys. The Martin Harrison Guy sounds good; is it just him or does he have select staff too - if its the former I fear a huge lead time for work! Would you trust him to do valve stem seals and HG, cam belt, possibly oil pump as well as a major service? I'll try and get some work done before the MOT in a month's time, not that it should need much mind but I'd like it to be good, not just MOT pass level! Any more suggestions welcome!
I think he books about two-three weeks which isn't too bad. My mates that use him trust him with there cars and one in particularis very picky and has used him for years. I've only ever heard really good things said about martin.
I would certainly trust him as i have said i have had two engines rebuilt by him one about 8-9 years ago and i still have the car and it still pulls well and no problems.I also had him rebuild my G60 head six years ago and still going well. he has one guy now but he is very good and knows his stuff.There is always that addaed bonus that there is a top auto sparky working next door to him.!!
Sad news about the demise of Autotechnik, I had been going there for years and couldn’t rate them high enough, it’s unlucky when these things happen, and after Alan’s departure things were certainly not the same. I like you have been stumped to find anyone to rebuild my VR6. But I got lucky and found the man himself, he is setting up again as a mobile mechanic, as Autotechnik like in the early days before they set up the garage, If you’re in the Southampton area & looking for the service and quality that made the “old Autotechnik” what we loved, give him a shout. Alan White vwuk@aol.com 07703101618
thanks Vroom looking like my head gaskets gone and was looking for someone who could be trusted to skim my head, do various work. i would have tried autotechniks if they were still open. this alan guy is ok then ?
I dont know anyone with more knowlage than Alan, he certanly knows his stuff, won't be the cheapest, & sometimes not the fastest, but you can be rest assured it will be done right!
i talked to the guys at southampton GSF and they recommend alan and sing his praises so i guess he will be the person i will go to when i need work done on my 8v. thanks Vroom
just had some work done by Alan. i will be using him again. didnt think his prices were bad either. good service and value for money.
He is a VW guru! I have used his VW expertise for years, and i for one am glad he is back on the VW scene.
spread the word then folks, he's mobile so will travel about a bit. have to arrange for him to service my car (to keep the stamps going and get the teacup back he drove off with in his boot )
Right here's an update. I have not managed to get Alan to come and service my car. I have spoken to him on odd occassion but he never turns up! Oh well. Next, I went to independant VW sercvicing in Chandlers Ford.... Went for an MOT, and for the first time my MK4 failed on the notorious rear axle bushes... they qutoed me 350 to do the job! (jaw-drop!!!). Got it done from Monks in North Baddesley for 173!!! Now that is a serious saving! Went back for re-test it went through. Independent VW servicing... friendly, nice, quick, but Bloody Pricey!!! Seems to have gone the same as Autotechnics did.
