It is a bit of a problem finding a garage that you can trust that isnt 300 miles away.. I had a great lad in Glasgow but thats a bit far to get pads changed! Also the vw service history is handy to have on an 04... Any older and I would say no way but then again where do you go that is idependent and reliable ??

On a similar thread to the gps recommended retailers...Could we compile a list of garages who are around the country who will not take the proverbial??

I have used two garages near the canal / Luas - Gibson & Laycock, and Martin Plant - both were more than reasonable to deal with and not averse to reconditioning parts or sourcing good used spares rather than using new parts (where appropriate, of course).

They're mechanics, not fitters - which is refreshing!

Definitely worth a try, given the sorts of bills being quoted!

Did he change the discs as well? If he didn't, you've been robbed. Advance Pitstop/Kwikfit/whatever are not worth entrusting your car to. I left a car into one in England to have a timing belt changed and when I came back to pay, and decided to inspect the car, and removed the cambelt cover, lo-and-behold, there was my old belt.

Regarding VW service history, a specialist is just as good, if not better. My mechanic worked for Western Motors (main West of Ireland VW dealer) for 15 years. There just isn't a thing he misses. And he's reasonable. And an enthusiast. He drives a Honda NSX and a Corrado VR6 Storm. He has been performing wonders doing the jobs I can't do on my Golf as it slowly returns to A1 condition and I have the utmost confidence in the man.

Go onto vagdrivers.net. Find a recommended VW specialist. And before you get a job done, check with German Swedish And French to see how much the parts are. Order and collect them, then get a quote for labour.

Better still, get a Haynes Manual and set to work.

Ok, a question on specialists.
I've been using an Alfa one, who is absolutely great. Got my annual service coming up, and was wondering should I get it done at the specialist or an Alfa garage? I'm specifically thinking of the stamp in the service book when I go to sell the car.
Also, it's a big service (timing belt needs to be done, which for this car is apparently A BIG JOB). Specialist will most likely cost less than garage.

I've been told that as long as a mechanic uses authentic model parts (he should be able to give you a receipt from where he bought them) that it doesn't invalidate a warranty.

If you're car isn't under warranty any longer then it probably doesn't matter as I doubt anyone believes the service history on a log book anyway.

What makes an Alfa timing belt a BIG JOB is that it requires a very expensive specialist tool that inserts into the block to hold the crankshaft in place and ultimately get the timing exactly right. If a mechanic hasn't got this, chances are your lovely block will knock like mad.

If your specialist has the tool (ask!) then there's no problem. dino is right, if proper parts are used then a specialist service history is the same thing as a main dealer one. Also, when did you ever buy a used car in Ireland with service history, unless it was a UK import or a fastidious owner?

Here is another point. Thanks to Klaus and his handy website VAGdrivers I found a review for a place called P & G vw in Newry which was getting good reviews. Out of curiosity I phoned for a quote for a 40k service for my passat which I just paid 400 euro for in McAllisters. P & G are a main dealer and quoted 200 pounds which is about 300 or so euro so even with my oil leak it probably would have been cheaper. A good option then might be to look north if you dont mind the drive. I will be doing my homework next time especially when the timing belt needs done!

Sorry for digging up a really old thread!
Not sure if Paul is on here much, but just in case:

Did you ever get your Passat remapped? What's the verdict?

Hey Fjon- Nope never went ahead with it. 2 reasons- first cash flow(!) and second being conflicting info re pressure on the fuel pump by the remap. Load of forum info elsewhere saying that it is perfectly safe but didnt want to risk it. The auld passat has to last a few more years ! Sorry for the delay. Was on holiday and havent been active in a while.