Good Morning All,

I have been using an independent garage in Folkestone for the last couple of years to service and MOT our two Range Rovers and Discovery 4.

Yesterday the Discovery 4 was in for several repairs of MOT advisories and to fit an AMK Air Compressor purchased from Duckworth's. The garage stated that they couldn't fit the air compressor, which is in fact a like for like replacement, because they did not have the ability to re-flash the settings. Likewise they refused to work on a couple of suspension items as they were unable to calibrate the suspension after the work.

My 2012 4.4 TDV8 is due to have substantial work carried out on the suspension when I return to the UK in the next few weeks, tat work normally being carried out at the aforementioned workshop. The requirement will be to fit two ne rear shocks and two complete front suspension legs.

I really o need to find an independent Range Rover specialist in SE Kent, preferably in the Folkestone / Dover / Canterbury area.

Can anyone recommend an indie in that area please?

Many thanks...

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Hi John,

A little bit further away than you would like in East Peckham, but I have used these guys for servicing and repairs and they are good :-

https://www.rcv.co.uk

They provide courtesy cars if required. About 40 minutes drive from Folkestone (my original home town so I know the journey well!).

Cheers,

Andy SDV8 AB MY 2019
SDV8 VSE MY 2015 - Gone
5.0 S/C AB MY 2010 - Gone
4.2 S/C VSE MY 2006 - Gone

Dartford Transmissions and Autocare. Martin Hind runs it. Ex-LR and an enthusiast.
RCV also in Kent
AHL Enginnering in Kent too Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Hi Andy and Dr RoB,

Great stuff - will give them both a call

Thanks for the info and very best to you and yours.

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Try Discovery Garage near Whitstable (5mins walk from train station).

01227 277833

They do get very busy so may have to book up a couple of weeks in advance.

I recommend them personally.

Nearer to you (but nowhere near a station or regular buses) is Landmark Landrover.

01233 740833

Never used them but they have been there for decade. 2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6

I swapped the complete front struts myself earlier this year when one of the airbags sprung a leak, and not aware anything needed recalibrating/flashing after that. I did use my IID diagnostic tool to help deflate the airbags prior to removal, but that was it, and that possibly wasn't completely necessary.

It may just be that the garage is slightly nervous about working on what is a fairly electrically complicated vehicle, but certainly for the front suspension (and I suspect the rear, although haven't done it myself), I'm not sure why any competent garage couldn't do it, without needing fancy diagnostics tools.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the recommendations and info.... Have lots to choose from. Will make a few calls next week to make an appointment.

Very best...

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Hi Paul,

I agree with you and am a little disappointed in the garage as they have done all work previously for years without an issue.

MOTs were always straight forward with few if any advisories and advisories were always carried out by the garage immediately after the MOT.

I note that they have changed their MOT technician, as the previous chap has now retired. He was old school with lots of common sense. The new chap seems to be a total nit picker.

Advisories:
1 Rear seats folded away, therefore unable to check??????? Well unfold the !!!
2 Side Repeater slightly discoloured???? Eh??? Then fit a new one!!!
3 Offside & nearside suspension arm pins or bushes worn but not resulting in excessive movement????? Then replace them for Christ's sake!!!
4 Both brake pipes corroded although most of the pipes are not visible due to the routing behind components on the vehicle. Again - replace them, that's what mechanics do!!!!
5 When rotating offside rear wheel by hand it feels as if the parking brake linings are catching within the disc/drum assembly. OK then strip them down and check them!!!
6 Parking brake requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. Again either adjust or replace.

I do ensure that the vehicles are in top condition and have always had the advisory work done at the aforementioned garage. on two L332 Range Rovers. I do not believe that the above items require any programming.

The final requirement was for them to fit a new air compressor supplied by Duckworths - Like for like with the original AMK compressor.

Not sure whether this item would require programming.

Net result for the garage is that they have now lost my custom after several years looking after four of our vehicles; 2 x FFR 1x D4 and the Peugeot used by her indoors.

It is what it is, service often gores downhill if there is a management change.....

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Vote with your wallet and use someone else for sure  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Agreed - certainly all of that list seems very routine, and whilst they may show up as advisories that the garage then immediately rectifies if the owner so chooses, none should present any particular problem to most mechanics.

As you say, maybe with a change of personnel their approach to work has changed - I'm sure with the below choice of garages/specialists in Kent you'll have plenty of new options to try!

Thank you everyone for your comments....

Monday morning I will start calling the recommended specialists to get the car booked in = hopefully for Tuesday this week or Tuesday next week as that is the only day we can have the car off the road for the day

Very best to all....

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Just to add one more, East Kent Automotive, near lydden on the A2 - same site as AB Crush Bodywork which you'll probably know as your local

They had an ex LR technician and seem very comfortable working on higher end stuff, have done work on my last two L322 and critically, have full 4 wheel laser alignment which you will need if you are doing suspension replacement.

Cheers,

MM 2011 TDV8 AB
2006 TD6 AB (Gone to Wales)

L R technics maidstone

Many thanks everyone for your recommendations.

We decided to take the car to Landmark Landrover as recommended by Brian Considine and dropped it off there today. Welcoming and friendly reception.

Will report back when the work is completed.

Very best to all....


John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Looking forward to hearing how it worked out. I'm a local too! 2017 SDV8 Autobiography