Independent garages in Sussex/Kent

[motorrunner]

Hello, Can anyone tell me where I can find a good independent Peugeot garage near Battle or Hastings, East Sussex or Kent? One who will actually discuss the problem!!

Is there a list of independents on this forum somewhere?

Many thanks. James

[davidireland]

Whats your problem?

[jmkent]

You don't have to find an independent, just a good dealer. Independents are, in my opinion, just as likely to be problematic. I always use dealer, but it seems I have one that is pretty good!

[motorrunner]

My problem with main dealers is it is difficult to see the chap doing the job and being able to discuss it with him. There is a wall between you and you can only talk to some 'Service Manager' who usually knows little and treats you as if could not possibly be at all technical. Also, they charge astronomical fees in order to fund their glitzy showrooms.

2004 307 1.6 hpi 110hp

My problem with the car is: I have two fault codes showing, P0238, which I believe is related to one of the turbo sensors, and P1351, which is probably one or more failed glow plugs. Also the MIL lamp comes on and goes off for periods. The fan often runs on for long periods, which I understand is quite common and related to DPF regen. The performance is good but the engine has an irritating habit of slightly hesitating occasionlly. Most annoying just when starting off from lights.

I would check and change the glow plugs myself except I understand they are actually below that stupid air cleaner location. I changed the air cleaner in the summer and swore I would never buy such a badly designed car again!!

[jmkent]

Originally Posted by motorrunner

My problem with main dealers is it is difficult to see the chap doing the job and being able to discuss it with him. There is a wall between you and you can only talk to some 'Service Manager' who usually knows little and treats you as if could not possibly be at all technical. Also, they charge astronomical fees in order to fund their glitzy showrooms.

As I say, this isn't the way all dealers operate - I was at my dealer just this week to get them to look at a knocking, and the girl on the service desk got the guy doing the work to speak to me first (was actually allowed into the workshop too). After he had looked at it, he then came out to talk to me again. I can ring the dealer up, and they'll put me through to the workshop.... I even have a direct dial number and email address to the master technician too

Moral of the story.... don't judge all dealers by the bad experience you have had with that one.... they aren't all bad.

They do charge a higher hourly rate admitted (£62.50/hr incl. VAT at mine), however, jobs that I have had done there have taken considerably less time than what the independent my parents have been using for years would have ever done it in, so doesn't really cost that much extra.

[motorrunner]

Yes JMKent, perhaps I am being a bit unfair. I am basing my opinion on just two main dealers. I will look at one or two others.

[davidireland]

P0238 is an overboost fault. Usually caused by the turbo vanes sticking in a certain position.
It can be caused by other things also namly, engine ecu, vac circuit, inlet butterfly housing.
This fault needs looking into.

[motorrunner]

Thank you DavidIreland, I will certainly get this checked as soon as poss.