Belsey Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 Hi, I have owned my TR6 for almost 2 years and I am looking at getting serviced next month before using it for the spring. It was serviced last year by the dealer I bought it from as part of the package when I bought it. My question is are there different levels of servicing as when I looked at a nearby classic car Triumph specialist their price for a full service is £795! As a first time classic car owner that seems very expensive compared to my normal daily car servicing cost. Is that the norm or is that over the top? Is there a cheaper alternative (dont say do it yourself as I dont have a clue) I am not sure if all the stuff they do in this service is necessary or if its a waste of money and there is a more basic cheaper alternative that will be sufficient. This is what their service includes http://www.maidstonesportscars.co.uk/car-marques/triumph/servicing-mot/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mk2 Chopper Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 Seems pretty high to me, but then I would do the servicing myself. They also list things to do with carburettor models but not PI, so you shouldn't pay for them, unless yours was a US import. A lot run electronic ignition, so the points replacement maybe unnecessary. You also get transmission and diff oil, air filter and valve adjustment, clutch and brake fluids, coolant all changed for the full service. I would say if any of those oils or fluids have been done in the last year, they would be unnecessary, and just checked and topped up if needed. I would be inclined with the PI, to have valve adjustment checked and change the air filter though. I think it might be worth shopping around, they seem to be geared up for the person who wants a classic but knows nothing and has deep pockets. And I could do the 'inspect engine & transmission for oil leaks' from here...yes they do! Gareth Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jonny TR6 Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 (edited) £30 for engine oil, say £20 each for diff and gearbox oil, £12 for plugs, £10 for air filter, therefore around all in £100 for consumables with the antifreeze. Draining the oils can be done whilst inspecting for leaks/checking the underside and the brakes can be checked whilst the oil is draining and being topped up. Spark plugs are 10 mins to change if you take your time. Greasing various nipples also done whilst the car is in the air being drained. Those who do this much more often than me will no doubt offer much more experienced advice, but 2hrs seems reasonable for a full service. Looks like the labour rate is around £250/hr plus VAT on very rough figures ? That’s Ferrari territory. Personally, I’d find some local owners and get them to help/show you how to do stuff. It makes the ownership experience so much more rewarding and you can spend the money you save on fuel and having fun with the car. Edited February 26 by Jonny TR6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 Interesting that they charge more for a TR250 than a TR5/6 By the looks of it theyve downloaded a main agent service plan and added a bit. (My Volvo main agents full service is £650 now) Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Martin50 Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 Does seem high, but looking at it from what Jonny put it would be good idea to ask them what their all in labour rate is per hour excluding parts. Would give you an idea of the hours they are billing. Would be a reasonable question in my view. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 It all depends on what a full service is. If it includes all fluids (inc brake diff, gearbox, antifreeze), filters, greasing, valves and a good check of car it is still a lot of money but prpbably warranted based on 100 per hour + parts + VAT. But I wouldn't pay that. None of it is complicated to do yourself and part of the joy of ownership IMO Maybe ask someone like TRGB for a comparative quote Quote Link to post Share on other sites
roy53 Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 14 hours ago, Belsey said: Hi, I have owned my TR6 for almost 2 years and I am looking at getting serviced next month before using it for the spring. It was serviced last year by the dealer I bought it from as part of the package when I bought it. My question is are there different levels of servicing as when I looked at a nearby classic car Triumph specialist their price for a full service is £795! As a first time classic car owner that seems very expensive compared to my normal daily car servicing cost. Is that the norm or is that over the top? Is there a cheaper alternative (dont say do it yourself as I dont have a clue) I am not sure if all the stuff they do in this service is necessary or if its a waste of money and there is a more basic cheaper alternative that will be sufficient. This is what their service includes http://www.maidstonesportscars.co.uk/car-marques/triumph/servicing-mot/ your location ? as i assume Kent. May be able to advise Roy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mleadbeater Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 Belsey, I would suggest that you go along to some owners club meetings, ask for recommendations for services, and listen to other members experience. You say you have no idea on DIY, why not get some? Youtube is a good start, plus adult education courses, and of course manuals, Haynes for example. If you don’t have tools, buy some,, plus some ramps, and get out and get under as the song goes, what you save on servicing will soon pay for these, next you use them they will be for free. It can also be very satisfying, and the increase in confidence you gain will help you to enjoy your driving experience and understanding of your car’s many foubles. You don’t say how many miles the car had done since its last service, this could be helpful if seeking advice from us. Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Belsey Posted February 26 Author Report Share Posted February 26 Thank you all for your helpful advice. The car has done 1500 miles since last years service but as it was included in the buying price and didn't have to pay for it I've no idea what was actually included or what they did. I really would love to have a pop myself but when I say I haven't got a clue I really mean it, I couldn't be less mechanically or engineering minded if I tried, It all goes straight over my head. I really don't have the confidence to even change the oil and I panic in case I will mess it up and makes things worse if I try myself. I fitted a new alternator last year which as you know involved undoing 1 bolt, I was so chuffed with myself you would have thought I had invented the wheel! I would genuinely love to buy the tools and try myself but I'm so clueless I just don't have the confidence or even know where to even start. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Belsey Posted February 26 Author Report Share Posted February 26 And yes Roy I am in Kent and would appreciate your advice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
charlie74 Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 47 minutes ago, Belsey said: I fitted a new alternator last year which as you know involved undoing 1 bolt, I was so chuffed with myself you would have thought I had invented the wheel! That’s where it starts! Resources like this forum and others like Youtube are a huge help and the satisfaction you get from doing things yourself (as well as saving a tonne of money) is a great feeling. These cars are dead easy to keep going if you’re motivated enough. Don’t sell yourself short! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jonny TR6 Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 1 hour ago, charlie74 said: That’s where it starts! Resources like this forum and others like Youtube are a huge help and the satisfaction you get from doing things yourself (as well as saving a tonne of money) is a great feeling. These cars are dead easy to keep going if you’re motivated enough. Don’t sell yourself short! I spend more time tinkering than driving - nothing beats the feeling of doing something on your own car that you were scared to try in case it went wrong. As others have said, get you hands dirty and you’ll double the pleasure you get from your car. If I were down your way I’d happily pop round and give you some help. I sense a mechanic about to be born ! Nb - well done on the alternator change. Not done that myself yet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dblenk Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 i used a garage once due to time and work commitments last year classic car therefore increase in price trying to remember all the things i used to do myself its coming back to me although much easier to crawl underneath when younger David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
poolboy Posted February 26 Report Share Posted February 26 (edited) No one was born knowing anything other than to suckle ...you got to at least try and try to learn and like most of us, learn from any mistakes we make. Edited February 26 by poolboy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 Hunt out an old school mechanic who works on his own. They may well have worked on cars before serving became just an oil & filter change at 18000 miles and other things like cam belts when the computer says so. What is involved in a service? Oil and filter change. Air filter change. Remove rear wheels & drums. Inspect. lubricate handbrake assembly. Put drums back and adjust Check gearbox and diff oil levels and top up. Diff has no drainage. Gearbox oil change isn’t a routine service activity. Remove front wheels inspect brakes. Check front wheel bearing end float and adjust if required. Inspect callipers/pads/lines. Check & Grease propshaft and outer driveshaft u/j unless sealed items are fitted. Check and grease trunnions and top ball joints and track rod ends (may also be sealed for life) inspect steering. Change plugs if required. Points and condenser may need replacing unless electronic ignition fitted. Inspect dizzy cap and rotor arm, replacing if needed. Lubricate dizzy whilst the rotor arm is off. Check ignition timing. Check tappets and adjust. Replace rocker gasket unless long life alternative has been fitted. Check and adjust throttle butterflies. Can be time consuming and frequent screwed up if rushed. Check coolant and replace if overdue. If you allow £100 for the consumables. (Depends on the vehicle modifications) Ask yourself do you think the charge is justified? If not do it yourself. In the process you will learn more about your car in case you need to fix something in future. Part of the fun of classic cars is learning what is needed to keep them on the road. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PodOne Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 Agree with Andy buy yourself some half decent basic tools, trolly jack, axel stands, grease gun and get stuck in I'm sure there must be a member in your area who for a cup of tea, biscuits and a chat will guide you through the basics. Andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve-B Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 2 hours ago, PodOne said: Agree with Andy buy yourself some half decent basic tools, trolly jack, axel stands, grease gun and get stuck in I'm sure there must be a member in your area who for a cup of tea, biscuits and a chat will guide you through the basics. Andy make sure when you do buy to have a mix of metric and universal sockets/spanners in your toolbox... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mleadbeater Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 As you’ve only driven 1500 miles, the service needs for the spring should only be minimal, you should get at least double this before needing a fuller one. Main things to check are the brakes: are they working fully , are the discs not corroded apart from a very light bit of rust, which should clear on a drive round the block. Also, tyre pressures, oil and coolant levels, hose condition and leaks, screen wash level, wiper blades, battery condition ( a battery condition tester is only about a tenner on ebay), brake fluid level and leaks, flexible hoses, Storage conditions make a difference, ie outside, under cover, or in a dry garage, any damp will cause electrical terminal problems, eg fuse terminals etc, lights all working, I strongly suggest you buy a Haynes manual, usually plenty for sale, used, on ebay, at least you can use the servicing chapter as a guide. Have a go! Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 I'm not so sure DIY is a good idea for someone who has no confidence in his mechanical ability. Most of the advice on here comes from life-long petrolheads. Mechanic'ing is not a innate ability. My advice would be to find a local TR enthusiast who will show what is needed to do a service in his own garage. Its not only a question of fettling the car to ensure it is safe to drive, it is also a question of fettling it safely, especially when it is on jacks. I am in the process of teaching a grandson his way around the TR6 and it is obvious that letting him loose without tutoring would not be wise ! Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard65 Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 The price seems high for just the items listed under service list. I have taken a halfway approach as I also am wary of making things worse. My ‘ old school mechanic’ changes and checks oils that I supply and greases/ lubricates the suspension. He also checks brakes etc. With electronic ignition fitted it does not need adjustment and I was advised on purchasing the TR not fiddle with the PI setup. I also have the car MOT’d by another person at the same service. Minor things like bulb, horn , plugs I do myself. Last year I was charged £120 inc MOT. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 In terms of not fiddling with the PI set up means leave the metering unit alone. It doesn't go out of adjustment. The throttles do need balancing from time to time in the same way the linkages on carbs do. Not at every service. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kcsun Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 I bought a complete set of metric, AF and whit worth spanners from Lidl for under a tenner all joking aside, do you attend your local club meets, I am sure a couple of members would pop round on a saturday for a demo on a simple TR6 service for a constant supply of bacon butties, coffee and hobnobs kc Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Moltu Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 I'm sure many of us like digging ourselves I to a hole and then figure out how to get out of it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve-B Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 I'm sure there are plenty of us here who have slowly evolved from "mechanical numpties" to being "reasonably competent" with a spanner and hammer. Also there's a number of folks here who are seriously experienced for whom I thank every time I get answers to something I think I've got right (or help me understand what is right!). The strength of this club centres on helping others, and I am incredibly grateful for all help. That being said, there are some jobs I just don't have time to take on, so I do get them done locally (if I cannot wait to fumble through them towards ectasy) however a yearly service should be doable by anyone. As politely pointed out, your local Triumph club is well suited to advise and I've approached several owners in our area at them so going along would be well advised. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted February 28 Report Share Posted February 28 I dont underestimate the level of blissful ignorance the less technically minded can display. A fellow prof, in the Arts faculty, decided to cut his hedge. After slicing through his phone cable, he was amazed that a simple butt-joint held together with cellotape, failed to work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.