Club 80-90 Forums

stranger requests have been made here..............

my sisters car, it's 17 years old and they have been fairly trouble free driving it for 7 years. recently moved from camden, london where they had a good guy and will go back there unless anyone can suggest a seriously fine alternative.

By 'fine' do you mean one who, with a wink and an outstretched open hand would 'pass' a potential death trap, or do you mean one who will diligently examine the vehicle and refuse to pass it unless it is safe and legal to be on the road?

Personally, I seek out the latter. Last year my van failed its MoT test because the tester discovered a fault which could have killed me and/or others. A corroded brake pipe burst open while he was doing the braking efficiency test (slamming on hard as in an emergency stop.)
Normally, I only brake gently, anticipating the need to slow down in plenty of time but, had it passed and if I had been caught out by a child suddenly running in front of me, or some other emergency, I or somebody else would have suffered the consequences of my suddenly having no brakes when I needed them most.
My van's MoT test is due again next month and I will be returning to the same test station as last year as I need to know whether or not my van is in top condition and safe to use.

If she doesn't mind a short trip down the coast to Deal, I can recommend GA Vehicle Repairs in Marlborough Road (01304 379922). Decent, honest guy who won't rip you off. There aren't many people we would trust to work on our van but we have used him to Mot and service it for five years now. Recommended to us by another friend.

papa lazaru wrote:If she doesn't mind a short trip down the coast to Deal, I can recommend GA Vehicle Repairs in Marlborough Road (01304 379922). Decent, honest guy who won't rip you off. There aren't many people we would trust to work on our van but we have used him to Mot and service it for five years now. Recommended to us by another friend.

cheers mate, that's the sort of answer i'm after. i'll buy ye a pint when i get over that way.

the bobster, i appreciate your concern and i am quite aware of the danger of ticking time bomb vehicles who's owners do no maintenance themselves and only ever take them to garage when mot time comes round.