West London repairs?

[ReneR]

First tentative post here, so apologies in advance for any etiquet blunders.

I am wondering if forum members have a garage to recommend for servicing and repairs in West London (Shephards Bush, Latimer Rd, Ladbroke Grove). Have only used the two relatively local approved repair centres, but while I have no complaints up to now, neither are very convenient to reach and are also pricey.

I have a 1.9D diesel that my wife bought in Italy in ealry 1999 and yesterday we had our first major breakdown. On the way back from the weekly shopping at the local supermarket, stopped to check tyres at the petrol station and while checking the front tyres noticed a pale red liquid trickling out from under the engine on the front right hand side of the car. My guess that it was the coolant was confirmed upon opening the bonnet and seeing the coolant reservoir virtually empty. Since not far from the house decided to see how far I could get before lights started flashing and temp climbed. Had to pull-up about half a mile on (temp still OK, but indicator started flashing) and carry the shopping to the house, but what was eating away at me more than this inconvenience was that just under two months ago I had forked out close to 700 quid following the annual service that incuded changing the timing belt because it was recommended that I also change the coolant/water pump at the same time as, if it failed during the life of the new belt they would have to do the whole lot again and charge me accordingly.

I am looking to avoid the recovery cost to get the car taken to the approved repairers and there are a few places nearby I could get the car to myself, so wondering if any of the non-approved places are any good or am I better off for such a repair to stick to the approved repairers?

[NOZ]

Another London Polo

You need to join Dub-London

It's the local VW forum where you can get all the info you want as well as meet other enthusiasts at any of the London VW meets.

[ReneR]

Thanks NOZ

Had a quick look and will try and register later.

Found an independent VAG specialist nearby open despite the snow and with a bunch of 70s camper vans outside and they seemed like a really dedicated VW bunch so took it in and waiting to hear back what the damage is going to be.

Will post on the experience if of interets to others.

[NOZ]

Join the site as you'd get local discount info too. There are plenty of North/West boys with Polo's on the forum so they'd be able to help you out ith stuff too.