Midlands independants

[neil1003]

I'm looking at buying a 98-2000 996 C2/C4 Coupe, and have found a couple of independants around Coventry - Autobahn (www.autobahn.co.uk) and Shirleys in Meriden (found them via AutoTrader).

Both seem to have a reasonable stock, and competitive prices (though I am no expert), anyone had any experiences (good or bad) with either, or any recommendations of other Midlands dealers I could use?

Thanks, Neil.
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[noony]

We were in the same position as you a few months ago-both seem to have good prices, but autobahn offers a warranty and I'm not sure if shirleys do. Anyway, there are people on this board who have bought cars from both so I'm sure you'll get better advice soon.

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[Peter Bird]

Being a brummy I have visited both garages, Shirleys on several occasions, both were pleasant and informative and did'nt try taking the shirt off my back. At the time, I was looking for a left hooker which autobahn do not deal in, rather than lose immeadiate interest they still gave advice. I did not buy a car from either so therefore are unable to comment about after sales etc, however if you read 911 and porsche world, in their November edition they have included a lengthy spread on Auotobahn which you will find interesting and may lead to other contacts.

I wish you luck. The only piece of advice I would like to offer you from my own experience, if you are in doubt about the car or the seller walk away!!!


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[neil1003]

Thanks for the comments (and for the tip on the 911 & Porsche World article, I'll order a back copy, cheers Peter). I'll go and check both of the dealers out in the New Year - as you say, I'd never spend that sort of money with anyone that I didn't feel comfortable with.

Don't suppose you know if either offer reasonable p/x deals? (though I guess it's very dependant on what car you have to trade, and how badly they want the sale?)

Any more comments from people that have used them would be much appreciated, thanks.
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[noony]

Just wait for luke and makek to pipe up :wink:

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[neil1003]

Quote: Originally posted by noony on 31 December 2003

Just wait for luke and makek to pipe up :wink:

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Are they gonna say good or bad things then?!

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[Peter Bird]

Neil

If you would like to send me your email address I may have some information for you.

Peter

[email protected]


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[neil1003]

Peter, you have e-mail, thanks.
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[luke]

Neil,

Don't know if this is too late for you but...

I bought a 1996 993 carrera 2 from Shirleys in October. I didn't try to beat them up on price as I wanted them to stay friendly on aftersales stuff should the need arise... They fitted non-approved rear tyres (non N-rated) which I only spotted after about 1000 miles, and they have agreed to replace these with approved rubber, which I am getting done tomorrow. Also have had an alternator / battery problem which they are going to look at tomorrow under the 3 month warranty they give as standard on their cars. I've always found them decent to deal with, but will have more to say after I see how they treat the alternator/battery problem.

Out of interest the guys who own/run Autobahn started at Shirleys, and learned their stuff there, then left to set up their own business in competition with them. Needless to say there doesn't seem to be alot of love lost between the businesses!

Good luck with your search


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[neil1003]

Cheers for the comments Luke.

Went to both of them at the weekend - neither really had what I was looking for so I'm still looking. The guy at Shirleys was very helpful, went out in one that was kind of (but not exactly) what I was after, but it wasn't for me. Autobahn didn't really seem interested in me, told them what I was after and it was just "haven't got any, look at the website regularly" and that was it.

So any further recommendations for Midlands area suppliers much welcome.
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[neil1003]

PS. Luke - "96 993 Carrera, Iris Blue", very nice, saw one the other day, looked superb :lol:
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[luke]

Neil

Cheers for the comment on Iris blue 993 - has cheered me right up after a totally sh*t day.

Latest update on the problem with the car - turned out the alternator was fried as whoever did the wiring loom replacement (done shortly before I bought the car apparently) failed to secure the earth lead properly... Anyway Shirleys are replacing all necessary bits under warranty & should have the car back in the next couple of days...


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[Waz2]

I've not had any dealings with Autobahn yet - i wish i could afford some of their cars! But my car is at PCT at the moment who share Autobahn's site and offer servicing and repairs. They're actually rebuilding my confidence in mechanics, not just my gearbox! They're very helpful over the phone, have offered me useful advice in the past and have said they'll show me whats wrong with my gearbox once they've stripped it down, i like that attitude to customers! Shame Autobahn weren't as helpful.

Waz


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