North London cheap good garagist

parisbear
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Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:32 pm

North London cheap good garagist

Post by parisbear »

Now that I have my 2002 Peugeot I just got my first flat tyre. Whilst changing the tyre it came to our attention that the brake discs and pads need replacing pretty soon. I ask Kwik Fit to give me a Kwik Quote and they quoted it in at £290!! which I most certainly cannot afford.

Please can someone tell me 1. if there is a garage in Kentish Town/ Camden area which is really good and cheap and honest and etc 2. my husband suggested that I do what he does, and source the parts myself and pay for them online and have them sent to the garage of my choice.

Please some recommendations here as to best and most cost effective way to proceed?

Bless

ParisBear

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Capncol
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Location: Reading & Southampton

Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by Capncol »

I take it that it's not a 206cc and it has drum rear brakes?
Is this price just for the front discs & pads?
Cheers Col.


206cc 1.6ltr (Wifes toy)
Mercedes ML (workhorse)
Corvette C3 (my toy)

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gazza82
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Location: Buckinghamshire, UK

Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by gazza82 »

If you are buying your own parts then there are several sites you can get the parts from for £100-150. I get most of my brakes from http://www.buypartsby.co.uk and also check http://www.carpart4less.co.uk as they do some deals.

Front brakes are pretty simple and quick and don't need any special tools.

The rear brakes can be a pain:

a) discs really need a rewind tool to get the pistons back and the small mounting screws can round off when you try and remove them (Philips heads) ... I've had two new ones snap off putting them back too!

b) with drums you have to take the hub nut off so you need a large socket and breaker bar (and torque wrench to put it back with a new nut!).


PS Only my opinion, but I'd avoid KwikFit ... they messed up a simple exhaust replacement for me years ago ... and were about to take a welding torch to it next to a plastic fuel tank! :no: I wouldn't trust them to change my tyres now, let alone brakes ... plus I've found them to be expensive, when compared to local independent garages, etc. :hmm:


PPS I'll ask about garages/mechanics on a couple of other 206 forums for you ... :)
Family Fleet: ex-Cayman Green 206 CC 2.0 LE, Indigo Blue 206 1.4 HDi Hatchback, Subaru BRZ Auto, Alfa Romeo MiTo

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Capncol
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Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by Capncol »

I agree about Kwikfit.
Cheers Col.


206cc 1.6ltr (Wifes toy)
Mercedes ML (workhorse)
Corvette C3 (my toy)

When requesting help of a technical nature, please give as much detail of the fault as possible along with details of exact model, engine size & type, gearbox, year, mileage, and any relevant work carried out to try to solve the problem to help us help you.
Better still, put the details in your signature.

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GrandadMonkey
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Location: Leicestershire

Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by GrandadMonkey »

Me too. They'll be targeted to sell other products when a customer arrives needing a tyre.

Did you actually see that your brake pads and discs are actually nearly worn out? Chances are they'll last you at least until your next MOT if Kwikfit are telling you they'll "SOON NEED REPLACING".

What is the thickness of pad remaining? What is the problem with the discs? Are the brakes working OK at present?
Ron
"If it ain't broke don't fix it!"
Golf 1.5 Tsi Evo SE Nav Estate Atlantic Blue
Polo 1.0 SEL DSG Reef Blue (wife's)
(Previously owned a 2005 206CC 1.6 Allure Moonstone for 10 years)

parisbear
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Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:32 pm

Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by parisbear »

Hiya all
Thank you so much for your replies
It was actually the RAC guy who showed me the discs and they are very worn down. The discs are not flush, as they should be.They are not making bad noise yet and working fine but he seemed to think it wouldn't be long. They work fine. The remaining pads are very thin.

Yes I agree about Kwikfit. Since this is the case I would love to know a cheap very good garagist in North London preferably around Kentish Town. I have owned cars in France and Australia but this is my first in the UK so I wish to find a guy I know and trust to do my car regularly

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gazza82
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Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by gazza82 »

Can you get to Bethnal Green? Someone on www.206info.co.uk might be able to help you out with your brakes!
Family Fleet: ex-Cayman Green 206 CC 2.0 LE, Indigo Blue 206 1.4 HDi Hatchback, Subaru BRZ Auto, Alfa Romeo MiTo

parisbear
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:32 pm

Re: North London cheap good garagist

Post by parisbear »

Thanks Gazza...Bethnal Green is a little far. I ideally wish to find someone around the corner. Thanks for the link