(Home) Another Townie friendly garage in bristol

I have recently put my Townie through it latest MOT.

First Garage I sent it to it failed on :
Front Side lights(not white)
Rear Anti-Roll Bar brackets
Emissions (Over 10.2 avg)

Advisory note on Turbo noise.

Garage owner said :
"Not willing to do anything about emissions as doesn't like imports, and suspect would be difficult!"
"Offered to do the Anti-Roll bar and side lights but said it would be a lengthy job as he is unfamiliar with the vehicle."

I decided I would chance my arm at another garage.

I rang A1 Test Centre who are based in Bishopsworth in Bristol. Owner said pop it in and he would have a look.

Said no problems with the side lights 2 minute job. Emissions was the major problem and would require injector refurbishing and a couple a minor parts for the Anti-Roll bar.

Booked in for the following day,Wednesday, turned out one of the injectors had been damaged at some point so had to be fully replaced, sourced a replacement, parts ordered from Toyota arrived Friday morning. Friday lunchtime had an MOT'd Townie that doesn't smoke noticably even on fairly hard acceleration(unless you floor it!), more power, sounds smoother and is already showing signs of being slightly more economical.

Had a chat with the proprietor (can't remember his flipping name though!) He also said the Turbo was a little noisy but was not serious yet, but would be if left indefinately. Gave me a quote of £300 inclusive to source and replace the turbo.(anyone know if this is a fair price?)

Seemed like he knew his way around the vehicle, didn't take a sharp breath in when I said "Jap Import". All in all a much more pleasant experience parting with nearly £300 (including a new MOT) than I was expecting.

Tony

- (#8299) Tony Meese, 3 Feb 04 07:23