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Galway car mechanic needed

123457

Comments

  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 60,497 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gremlinertia


    What's an "indie?"

    Independent, not attached to a particular branded make of car for example a bmw or Renault main dealer garage..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭topcat77


    i just had work done in Firststop kieran farrell in Knocknacarra.

    New CV joint
    4 new Brake disks and pads
    2 new tyres

    €480

    (VW Bora) tyres alone were €180

    VW dealer quoted €300 to replace just the front disks and pads

    So far i'm very happy


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,734 ✭✭✭zarquon


    topcat77 wrote: »
    i just had work done in Firststop kieran farrell in Knocknacarra.

    New CV joint
    4 new Brake disks and pads
    2 new tyres

    €480

    (VW Bora) tyres alone were €180

    VW dealer quoted €300 to replace just the front disks and pads

    So far i'm very happy

    Is that including VAT. If so that is a great price.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭topcat77


    That was the grand total.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 445 ✭✭ladhrann


    Is there any mechanic or workshop in Galway that will drill out a foul spark plug? This is something that needs to be done by someone with reverse thread dies and the ability to work very cleanly and inspect the chamber afterwards to ensure there's no swarf or debris that will blow a valve. Can't find any mechanic willing to do it, they dont want to break the plug trying to remove it and will only do a new head, which is megabucks.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 108 ✭✭whineflu


    ladhrann wrote: »
    Is there any mechanic or workshop in Galway that will drill out a foul spark plug? This is something that needs to be done by someone with reverse thread dies and the ability to work very cleanly and inspect the chamber afterwards to ensure there's no swarf or debris that will blow a valve. Can't find any mechanic willing to do it, they dont want to break the plug trying to remove it and will only do a new head, which is megabucks.

    Sounds like a nightmare job. Maybe O'Toole brothers in Bushy Park.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭topcat77


    I heard a while back (3 years) that autoexmoto was the place to go if you had any tricky work to be carried out (recommended by a garage mechanic). This was back when they were on Dyke Rd and things might of changed.

    http://www.autoexmoto.com/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 445 ✭✭ladhrann


    whineflu wrote: »
    Sounds like a nightmare job. Maybe O'Toole brothers in Bushy Park.

    When I hear the words 'head' and 'gasket' I start to cry inside.

    I'm gonna try autosol and exmoto if the plug snaps. Thing is if the plug snaps a mechanic removes the head and brings it to an engineering workshop to have it removed, but it is possible to have it removed and the combustion chamber inspected and any swarf cleaned out. I just can't find any references to it on boards or elsewhere in Ireland. In the States for instance you can buy a kit to do it, but thats outside my capability.


  • Registered Users Posts: 863 ✭✭✭GastroBoy


    Hi.

    Would anyone know of a car mechanic/garage open on Saturdays that would be able to accommodate a kind of a rush job?
    I've tried a few of the bigger places but no joy.
    Little bit of an awkward situation, I cant be without a car for too long!

    Many thanks!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Did you try ringing the many indies already mentioned in this thread?
    I don't want to suggest people only to hear "already tried" :D
    Also, what job is it you need doing? Brake pads (30 min job) or timing belt (many hours job with special tools)?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 863 ✭✭✭GastroBoy


    biko wrote: »
    Did you try ringing the many indies already mentioned in this thread?
    I don't want to suggest people only to hear "already tried" :D
    Also, what job is it you need doing? Brake pads (30 min job) or timing belt (many hours job with special tools)?


    Thanks Biko.

    Just looking to get an ignition coil changed.
    A lot of the indie spots I tried are closed on Saturdays.
    Just looking to see if anyone would know one that is open for sure. Cheers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Ok, easy job
    Kilduffs on Nun's Island might be open.
    www.rescuu.comHeadford Rd is open Saturday I think
    Advance Pitstop on Headford Rd is open Saturday I think.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,689 ✭✭✭joeKel73


    Can anyone recommend a reliable independent garage around Galway with reasonable labor costs?

    I've a small oil leak coming from in around the timing belt housing seal. The main dealership says it could be just the seal needs replacement or there could be a pump or hose leaking behind. Either way the main cost is the time it takes to get everything moved out of the way to get at it and they said they could be looking at €1600'ish. I've already given them €250 to replace a hose.

    Any suggestions?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 518 ✭✭✭FluffyAngel


    i feel your pain with main dealers and their prices, i would put your question to the guys in the motoring forum ,where they could give greater wisdom


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Thread merged with general mechanic thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 468 ✭✭irishlady29


    Can anybody recommend a mechanic or garage to sort a leak in the rear of my car.


    Has developed small puddles in spare wheel compartment and also the rear sit is also damp.(The rear backrest of the seat is not damp, only the actually seat is.)


    I cant find the source of the leak so not sure what to do.


    Any suggestions?


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 7,411 Mod ✭✭✭✭pleasant Co.


    Can anybody recommend a mechanic or garage to sort a leak in the rear of my car.


    Has developed small puddles in spare wheel compartment and also the rear sit is also damp.(The rear backrest of the seat is not damp, only the actually seat is.)


    I cant find the source of the leak so not sure what to do.


    Any suggestions?

    It's not a ford focus by any chance?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 468 ✭✭irishlady29


    It's not a ford focus by any chance?



    No, its Nissan micra 2005.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Post in car DIY and the peeps there will help you finding the leak.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭James Forde


    It's not a ford focus by any chance?

    Sorry for hijacking, but I have a similar problem with my Ford Focus, it's driving me nuts!

    Any idea of the cause


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,100 ✭✭✭whitelightrider


    Folks, anyone know a mechanic that could fix the linkage rod on a 2010 Qashqai wiper assembly? Wipers stopped working last night but the motor can be heard when they're turned on. When I opened up to look earlier I can see the motor moving but one of the linkage rods has come loose. Its like the nuts has fallen off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,728 ✭✭✭dilallio


    Sorry for hijacking, but I have a similar problem with my Ford Focus, it's driving me nuts!

    Any idea of the cause

    Pollen Filter maybe - where is it wet?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Folks, anyone know a mechanic that could fix the linkage rod on a 2010 Qashqai wiper assembly?
    Any mechanic can do this, it's not a difficult job.
    If you post with a pic in Car DIY the people there can propbably show you how to do it yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,100 ✭✭✭whitelightrider


    biko wrote: »
    Any mechanic can do this, it's not a difficult job.
    If you post with a pic in Car DIY the people there can propbably show you how to do it yourself.

    Thanks a million biko


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,785 ✭✭✭James Forde


    dilallio wrote: »
    Pollen Filter maybe - where is it wet?

    Floor on the Left hand corner on the tail light side, I'm sure it's water run off coming from from the back window.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,100 ✭✭✭whitelightrider


    Floor on the Left hand corner on the tail light side, I'm sure it's water run off coming from from the back window.

    Folks Im back again. Turns out its the linkage on the wiper rod. Mechanic was able to pop it back in again, but it popped out 10 mins later, and Ive been just popping it back on myself.
    Is there anyone in Galway that could repair this without having to purchase a complete linkage kit? It'd be a killer having to spend 300 euro when its just one part that gone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I've responded in your DIY thread.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1 sirenbb


    Could you send me that number please
    lucianot wrote: »
    Ok found it!

    089 <snip, by pm only> , in case someone needs it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭maniac2003


    need to get headlights realigned due to nct fail
    any recommendations and idea of cost please


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭Col200sx


    maniac2003 wrote: »
    need to get headlights realigned due to nct fail
    any recommendations and idea of cost please

    Cheap and easy job.

    I know someone with a Micra that got it done in FirstStop Knocknacarra for only €15 I think it was.


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Kashmeer


    Hey there.

    So I have an Audi that likes to be the centre of attention and seems to particularly like mechanics.

    Another part of the story is that I am a female. A female + car + mechanic = instant rip off.
    Them greedy dirt-handed men just see me as an opportunity to take my money.

    So now I am seriously trying to find a GOOD, TRUSTWORTHY mechanic, preferably someone you guys know personally?


    I tried TORA - In my opinion the best place, but their recent mention about my timing belt (1 year old and apparently to be changed again?!) put me off.

    I know of the guys in Lisoban, Autotek I think, but they seem like complete "know it alls" and are too sleazy.

    Guys from Bosch/Renmore Motors- they are ok, talk too much, charge ok, but too sleazy so I had to go somewhere else in the end.

    Sasha Motors - heard very bad opinions, was almost ripped off myself- he desperately wanted to "check" my car for only 30 quid... Dude, for looking at the belt??!


    So now I don't know where else to go. I guess Tora was very very very good to me and my Audi for the last year, but I am not sure whether to fall for the explanation I got. The guy stood there with me and y boyfriend to show what exactly was wrong, but the problem is... I didn't hear the noise he was on about, leading me into believing he may have been lying.

    Please, could anyone recommend a good lad in Galway to fix my Audi?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 83,441 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    M


    What kind of Audi is it and how old?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭George Dalton


    What kind of Audi is it and how old?

    And what is actually wrong with it?


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Kashmeer


    May 2003 Audi A3 8P1 1.6 petrol, bought last April, 120k miles on it

    Nothing major wrong with it right now, however one mechanic says the water pump is whining and the belt is too tight, other said the belt is worn and too loose. So I guess I want a third opinion and essentially the timing belt kit fitting.

    On top of that I have some drop links and bushings to change before NCT, so I would rather stick to one mechanic if I know they don't rip me off.

    I forgot to mention, Audi dealer is good, but their comp didn't detect half as many faults as Tora garage did, so I don't know if I can trust them either. AND they are EXPENSIVE!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭George Dalton


    So for some reason your car needs the timing belt changed despite the existing belt only being a year old?

    That doesn't make a whole lot of sense tbh. Which garage did the timing belt replacement a year ago? Did they change the water pump at the same time?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,232 ✭✭✭orm0nd


    Brendan Dowling, Shantalla,


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Kashmeer


    The car was serviced in Dublin.. friend of my neighbour, apparently a good lad.... ?!

    The water pump was done also, not sure about the tensioner though.
    But yes, the belt does look a bit worn, I did see it (went to Advance Pitstop in the meantime, where a lad took the cover off and showed me all).

    I don't understand why would I need it done again, I only did 11k miles since the last change....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 797 ✭✭✭cplwhisper


    Larry walsh out at barna woods


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,301 ✭✭✭Supergurrier


    What part of Galway, my mechanic near Lydons of Knockdoe is a great guy to deal with and very fast


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,133 ✭✭✭Mervyn Skidmore


    I used the place beside the nct centre last year,Galway service centre I think it's called. Thought they were very professional.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    As said, try Brendan Dowling mentioned above.
    He can be a pain to get hold of but is what you're looking for.

    Else have a read of this thread, many suggestions there


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭Craftylee


    Try out Galway Car Service Centre - right opposite the NCT centre in Doughiska. Been there twice so far and they're great. Good prices and service.


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Kashmeer


    @ SpecialCircumstances: are you saying you did the belt twice in the end? Was it done in Galway? I will probably have to do mine, but as I say, not sure if I should use the current guys, who are NOT sleazy in the slightest. Just worrying me that there seems to be an issue which I do not see/hear. Hard to say, I don't think they'd lie.

    @ Craftylee: I did go there, but on Saturday..., when they were closed! I definitely will try them again this week, but I work Mon to Fri and it is sometimes an issue for me to go during the week. Ideally I need someone open on weekends or closer to the centre!

    @orm0nd: hey, Brendan sounds good. I cannot think of where he is though, given that I lived in Shantalla previously, I should know... Might see if he could see me.


    Thanks for the responses guys.
    Still not sure what to do about the belt. What's more, the lad from Sasha told me there are oil leaks and to be honest, there is quite a lot of oil there under the engine cover. Guess I just need a solid mechanic.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 429 ✭✭Craftylee


    Ah yeah - give them a call and see if they can leave the car outside for you afterwards, they kindly let me do it. I just give them the spare, then pick it up in the evening with the main key, then pay the next day and get my key back :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,569 ✭✭✭Special Circumstances


    Kashmeer wrote: »
    @ SpecialCircumstances: are you saying you did the belt twice in the end? Was it done in Galway?
    Done twice within a year, yes.
    Was the second job absolutely necessary? Dunno.
    Did they do a full job or just adjust the tensioner? Dunno.
    It would seem to me to boil down to Garage A being incompetent, or Garage B being unscrupulous.
    Not done in Galway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,491 ✭✭✭bidiots


    Kashmeer wrote: »
    @ SpecialCircumstances: are you saying you did the belt twice in the end? Was it done in Galway? I will probably have to do mine, but as I say, not sure if I should use the current guys, who are NOT sleazy in the slightest. Just worrying me that there seems to be an issue which I do not see/hear. Hard to say, I don't think they'd lie.

    @ Craftylee: I did go there, but on Saturday..., when they were closed! I definitely will try them again this week, but I work Mon to Fri and it is sometimes an issue for me to go during the week. Ideally I need someone open on weekends or closer to the centre!

    @orm0nd: hey, Brendan sounds good. I cannot think of where he is though, given that I lived in Shantalla previously, I should know... Might see if he could see me.


    Thanks for the responses guys.
    Still not sure what to do about the belt. What's more, the lad from Sasha told me there are oil leaks and to be honest, there is quite a lot of oil there under the engine cover. Guess I just need a solid mechanic.
    Couple of years ago I had a 02 A6 that I wanted some decent work done on it.
    Had same issue as you, not knowing who I could bring it to.
    In the end, I brought it to Audi in Parkmore. I wanted a full diagnostic of all that was going on with the car so was prepared to be hit in the pocket a bit more than if I went indi.
    Somehow my car managed to fit under the Audi Cover, no idea how, I didn't question it but was thankful for it. This basically meant that I got a discount on parts that I needed. In the end, the cost of the main garage should have been excessive compared to any indi. It wasn't, it worked out the same except I had a Audi Garage stamp on my service book. This was the main reason I was able to sell it for what I did.

    Its worth a phone call anyway, Audi Galway, ask for Patrick(a pure gent) in Servicing.

    I'd recommend anyone with an Audi to give him a call just to get a test on pricing at the very least.
    My 2 cents...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Good point, start with a call to Audi and try to get a quote from them.
    You can then compare this quote to indy mechanics and decide what to do.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭Fozzie Bear


    Kashmeer wrote: »
    Please, could anyone recommend a good lad in Galway to fix my Audi?

    Gareth in RescuU about 2 miles out the Headford Road. Always found them excellent to deal with and very fair price wise. Highly receommend them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,224 ✭✭✭marklazarcovic


    know a lad who is 100 % but he is about 25 mins from the city


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Kashmeer


    @ Craftylee: awesome idea mate, but I only have one key!! Won't work, ha!
    But I think I might go to them to get the belt looked at first. Then decide where to go with fitting the kit....

    @ bidiots: I dealt with Patrick 3 times already, Audi fitted my accelerator pedal. €130 for a part, which would have been the same on ebay (maybe 10-15 less, but postage from UK was making up for it...) but the fitting was €60. Bit much, considering the job was not difficult - most petrolheads would do it themselves, apparently 10 minutes of work. But I wanted to be safe than sorry.

    Another thing- Audi diagnostics hasn't picked up on half of the faults the other garage did. I paid €70 in Audi and €40 elsewhere. Turned out the car stopped playing up in the end, but the fault of it acting weird is not known till today and I have lost €110 on it!! :O

    I could go to Audi, they did advise me to change bushings and bearings and I did want to keep going to them as I think it is much better to get it done at the dealer. However, I think their belt kit is €350 and elsewhere €250. €100 is a lot. And I wonder would they just take a look at it, for free?


    @ marklazarcovic: which direction out from the city? I go to Moycullen/Oughterard every now and then, so could try him. Like my father, I like mechanics who let you look at what they're doing. At least then you are sure you're not being fooled.


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