Any Alternative To Ford Main Dealer For Cambelt Change?

[spongebob_antspants]

Good evening all

 

Having chanced on this useful forum this evening, I've read all the threads about the 40k/60k cambelt change question. As my Galaxy is due for its 60k service next week I reckon that having the work done is pretty much a given. The local Ford main dealer have informed me that the cambelt is long overdue for changing and have quoted me

[mumof4]

I always shop around and also speak to others and see what garage they recommend for work..word of mouth is better than any advertiseing campaign!

 

What gal have you got?

[spongebob_antspants]

Thanks mumof4, I've updated my profile with the details of my Galaxy.

 

As for word of mouth, I don't happen to know anyone locally with another Galaxy (or even another Ford, come to think of it). I plan to call around some local garages in the Yellow Pages on Monday.

 

I'm not sure if it's permitted to give recommendations of individual garages on this forum but if it is, does anyone know of any reliable garages in the South Manchester / Stockport area that could do this job for me?

[Guest VR6!]

does anyone know of any reliable garages in the South Manchester / Stockport area that could do this job for me?

 

 

try Awesome GTI IIRC they are manc based or any other indy VW garage, also grab a copy of a decent VW motoring mag and ring a few of the garages advertising in there

[seatkid]

The things you have to watch with independents (and probably a lot of main dealers too) are

 

1. They change all the relevant parts, tensioners, idler rollers, camcover gaskets etc. Often old parts are reused.

 

2. They use good quality (OEM) parts, highly unlikely with independents in my experience.

 

3. They know exactly what they're doing with regard to precise setting of timing...especially if they remove pulleys as per TIS. There is some evidence that some people have had running/economy problems after a belt change.

 

Unfortunately, its almost impossible to check their work, its all down to trust.

 

I would be wary about a general garage that "services all makes" doing this job.

 

 

[jkspoff]

I had my Galaxy Tdi cambelt changed at 'NationWide' Garages, they charged

[jwilliams]

2003 was the year they cahnged the interval for the cam belt. Mine is every 40k and was an april build, later they changed things a couple of months later to 60k but not sure if they changed it back again.

[spongebob_antspants]

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

jkspoff, there is a Nationwide garage very close to me so I'll give them a call on Monday to discuss and get a quote, will let you know what I decide.

 

On a similar topic, what about general servicing being undertaken by independent garages? I've had my Galaxy serviced by a Ford dealer every 10k since I got it (with 13k on the clock). However, I've found various independent garages and national chains (e.g. KwikFit) offering service and MOT (due next month) for significantly cheaper prices than what I've been quoted by the Ford main dealer.

 

I did this on the reasoning that a service history with Ford main dealer stamps all the way through would keep the resale value up but is that really the case?

 

Again, any advice much appreciated.

[seatkid]

Full Dealer Service History will add to your resale value for a newish car, but this effect tapers off with the car's age and mileage. i.e. by the time your car is six years old I would say it adds very little value. At six years having a working air con would be more important than FDSH.

Full Service History (dealer or non dealer) is more important but even this becomes relatively unimportant once the car hits 9 or 10 years old.

[PhilT]

If you were in Cornwall I'd recommend D&T Motors of Penryn. Ex-Ford Service manager with the main dealer over the back wall for access to OEM parts, but about half the price.

 

Phil.

[tim-spam]

If you're reasonably handy, try DIY - not that difficult, and you can be sure it's done right.

[zeplin43]

My solution for all these noises is to put in a nice cd and hit the volume,cant even hear the motor.Auto tranny chooses the right gear, and you can even sing along.

 

Sorry guys somehow this answer got in the wrong post (too much whisky after lunch)