Looking for an independent Cali / T5 garage/mechanic in (East) Kent?

Pikminja · Oct 29, 2021

Hi, first post (hello!) so sorry if I don't follow the rules or have missed something.

Just picked up a slightly tired 2008 Cali SE after having rented 3 over the years. 88,000 miles. It was priced accordingly, so I'm fine with what I'm taking on. There are a few minor jobs that need doing, and two specialist jobs that are beyond my "have a go" skills.

* Replace the whistling turbo (2.5l 174)
* Replace the bellows and roof seal

I live on the coast in East Kent, does anyone have a mechanic or garage they can recommend for either of the above? Appreciate any help or suggestions.

Pikminja · Feb 12, 2022

I'm going to answer my own post: for Van related mechanics I can recommend Robinson Motors in Sandwich. Bosch Approved, only use genuine VW parts - Barry there runs a T4 and various other VWs - seems to know VW vans inside out. The owner (Matt) is genuine, and they have dedicated office staff that always get back to you and are friendly and prompt.

WELCOME - Robinson Motors

robinsonmotors.boschauto.co.uk

Haven't tried them with any Cali specific bits yet, but for servicing and repairs, I can highly recommend them. Pricing seems fair too, with very detailed invoices.

Smalls74 · Jul 20, 2022

Pikminja said:
I'm going to answer my own post: for Van related mechanics I can recommend Robinson Motors in Sandwich. Bosch Approved, only use genuine VW parts - Barry there runs a T4 and various other VWs - seems to know VW vans inside out. The owner (Matt) is genuine, and they have dedicated office staff that always get back to you and are friendly and prompt.

WELCOME - Robinson Motors

robinsonmotors.boschauto.co.uk

Haven't tried them with any Cali specific bits yet, but for servicing and repairs, I can highly recommend them. Pricing seems fair too, with very detailed invoices.

Hi there,

How’s things going with your van?

Did you find a decent Cali specialist in Kent??

All the bets,

Smalls

Pikminja · Jul 21, 2022

Hi Smalls,

Sadly not - Canterbury VW Commercial seem disinterested - but that might have been the "Covid effect". Haven't tried Ashford yet. Let me know if you have any success.

Rexdinoventures · Feb 25, 2024

I think Canterbury Vw commercial (also do Suzukis interestingly) are good for mechanicals (albeit not cheap, as any main dealer). But I’m not convinced they know anything really about California’s particularly - eg I have an elevating Roof problem and I’m not sure they’d know. To be fair though, they did sort out the roof drainage pipe which I failed to do.