Hi everyone

I seem to be a walking disaster area were cars are concerned.
My X reg Vauxhall Corsa broke down today while I was out and the guy from the RAC tells me that I am going to need a new clutch, I've been ripped off by people a lot over the last few months of owning a car and I worry that unless I get a personal recomendation for a mechanic that its only going to happen again.

Could somebody please recomend a GOOD mechanic to help me... I'm in the Wallasey area, and give me a rough idea how much I need to spend on having a new clutch bought and fitted.

chris_gilly

A quick look through the forum will bring up more mentions of that name than a cat's got fleas!

He's either a very well respected mechanic or an even better hypnotist!!

heres a number 07598859738 good mechanic say lee give you the number he will look after you

Chris Gilly

Ive always used E&R Services in Bridle Road Seacome, bit of a mucky hole but the mechanic is honest and relaible, Gary his name is 0151 638 6898 tell him Louise sent you

Good luck

Chris guilly all day long!

Agree Chris Gilly is who you want

if you are in wallasey go to mike hurst on seabank road..he is the most trustworthy garage I have ever found in 80 years of driving 638 5054

Too expensive.

I have used Wirral Motor Services in Moreton for many years, and never had a problem - their phone number is 0151 677 4410. Also referred a lot of people there, and all have praised them - Bing Map. I seem to recall they did an RX8 clutch for £160, so cheap as chips, when other places were quoting £500 upwards, saying it was a specialist job just because the engine is different lol (its a bloody clutch, no different from any other clutch).

Can't recommend Chris Gilly, after the state he left my mates (Rhys off these forums) RX8 in, and the "bodge job" he did to try put it right (which left it somewhat dangerous) and cover-up the problem. This was a couple of years ago however, and I suspect he may have cleaned up his act by now, but once bitten, twice shy. In addition, he has still not paid him the money he promised him back to cover the cost of replacing the part he broke, after promising to pay it back on countless occasions, coming out with allsorts of excuses as to why he could not afford it - it was only £20, but you asked for a trustworthy mechanic and that to me does not seem very trustworthy.

I bought a car from Chris, he listed all of the faults and left me with the lasting impression of a trust worthey guy as the car lasted me 2000 and I got a good price on it for a trade in. Im not sure of what work was carried out on rhys's car but I just cant but feel that it couldnt have been that serious after meeting chris in the flesh.

To promise to pay back money, and never to pay it back, despite repeated requests (I still have a PM where he said he would to me and Rhys), is not a good sign of character.

If you want to question how bad a bodge job it was fella, ask Rhys, and you know Rhys, he has zero reason and isnt the type to lie, and certainly isnt someone who gets quoted a price, and then haggles it down (in fact, quite the oppsite, talk about Mr Moneybags lol). On this occasion, the price for the work, after the bodge job, doubled from the £60 estimate, to £120. He even made as simple an error as putting the rubbers back on in the wrong direction, I know as I noticed it and helped him swap them over.

As I say, I've little doubt his business practices have changed over the years, but thats the reason I would never go near him with one of my cars. I wouldnt have bought it up, but for the fact he still hasnt bothered to pay the money back that they mutually agreed to settle the issue (me and Rhys put the replacement part on ourselves), which in reality was pennies, and does not make much sense to me for him not to pay it back. People need to hear all opinions, not just the good (or bad) opinions, before using a trader.

hairy muff bud

I always use Neil at Park Garage on the Old Chester Road.

647 6430

Think their going to become my new local garage lol, seem quite genuine the few times I have been there, and your approval is reassuring.

Thanks for the replies guys

It's really helpful, someone is sending me a PM tomorow with a quote

Thanks so much... I have soooo much to learn as a new driver x

my cousin has got his own place he has not opened long he was the manger in kwickfit then desided to go on his own. if u want me to get him to have a look at it 4 u and give u a price PM me hes not like most of theses places who charge loads by the hour hes cheap and good at wat he does let me no an i wil sort it 4 u

Chris has done work for me,on my M3,third of the price Williams L/pool quoted. Quick and reliable.

You get what you pay for. I've used Mike for years and always been happy with the service. I'd rather pay him a few more quid and be assured of an honest job than be ripped off by some back street garage I don't know (been there, done that).

he also gives you an honest opinion - no bullshit.

Yeah well not all people have got £300-£350 to spend on a new clutch eh?

Last month I had some work done by Chris Gilly's garage, I asked for the 2 front springs to be changed, job was done, week later one of the front shocks started to leak so I thought I'd do the work myself having served my time in garages many years ago, so last week I stripped the front end down and to my horror only 1 spring had been changed and the shock that was leaking had mole grip teeth makes in it which in my mind lead to it leaking in the first place, anyway I rang Chris explained to what I found and I wasn't a happy chappy, I agreed to meet him at his garage and a refund was sorted out, Chris seems an honest nice guy but would I take my car there again the answer is no, would I recommend someone to his garage again no.

This is just an account of my experience in using his garage.

Car has now gone to be fixed

I get it back this afternoon, thankyou for all your help

Chris has done work on my car twice - new alternator and tracking and he did the jobs impeccably. He would have done my clutch but he was a bit snowed under with work and I had a tight window to work to.

I'd certainly go to him again, and so would the O/H.

In the end I got my clutch replaced at Wirral Car and Clutch on Birkenhead Road, near East Float. They were about £20 dearer than Chris and the big clutch place over the water but did it on the day I needed and lent me a car as well.

Just had my car back..

Thankyou to the lovely guys at Manganese Motors who have been really helpful!

No problem, anytime you need anything sorting give us a shout

The car is running really well, can't believe the difference in it! Will be back in a couple of weeks to get the next job on it done

My Mum and Stepdad are having a few problems with their car... they bought theirs from the same showroom I did so I've sent them to you

Glad we could help:)