I *still* need all you guys help with something!

[Yolanda]

I've always maintained my cars myself. Way back to my first car (Ford 100E Squire) when I was 17. Never used a garage except for MOTs.
.

Me too.

 

[ben]

Me too.

That's no excuse! Mot recommendations are good too!

 

[rmjbn1]

Just added the other independent MoT test centres I've used and would recommend.
I also do my own servicing (except when my OBDII reader wouldn't work...), and have never been to a FIAT specialist, so afraid I can't be of any further help.
The (ex-Lancia works and Citroen factory) mechanics I used to turn to for help have retired. Can't say I blame them.

 

[ben]

Just added the other independent MoT test centres I've used and would recommend.
I also do my own servicing (except when my OBDII reader wouldn't work...), and have never been to a FIAT specialist, so afraid I can't be of any further help.
The (ex-Lancia works and Citroen factory) mechanics I used to turn to for help have retired. Can't say I blame them.

Thanks so much, we're half way there now.

Once there are enough pins on the map, the clustering function will be able to work accurately!

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Hi Ben
Given this tread's getting long, maybe you should re-post the question and link to remind folks what you're asking...
Pete

 

[HughJarsse]

just added my local 'indy' Autocare365 in Bournemouth.
Family run, and they always seem to be able to 'fix it' in an emergency (Cheers again Dan!!)
Used to do almost all my own work, but age, and infirmity have long caught up with me!! and so now just do those little jobbies that don't involve ramps, or laying on the cold concrete any more!!
Used them for 3 years now, for both Multi and Punto, and so far, never had anything but first class service..

 

[Troubles with 500c]

I always get the 500c serviced by;

Heath Garage,
Triangle Road,
Haywards Heath.

The Owner Greg is a lovely chap and he’s done pretty well all the jobs you need to do to keep a 12 year old 500 on the road.

Last week I got him to replace the front struts.

 

[ben]

I always get the 500c serviced by;

Heath Garage,
Triangle Road,
Haywards Heath.

The Owner Greg is a lovely chap and he’s done pretty well all the jobs you need to do to keep a 12 year old 500 on the road.

Last week I got him to replace the front struts.

Sadly I can't convert posts to reviews, so please post it in the directory

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Added to the list.

 

[ben]

Come on you lot! 180 people read this thread, but we only have 30 entries!

Once we get to 50 I'll stop bugging you and throw it out to the Facebook crew!

But for now - head to the directory and do your thang!

 

[mj2k]

Stuck in my review of 'Abarth Workshop' (another version of Jamie Porter Ltd) in - all went in with no issues, though it means you'll end up with two separate reviews (maybe three if you stick Alfas in there...!) for the same place, because there are different websites for the three strands of the stuff Jamie Porter Ltd does, so Google shows them up separately.

@ben just thought of something which might need to be added - moderation for garage reviews, or some sort of disclaimer. I've hopefully been careful not to 'name and shame' an Alfa specialist who ruined the paintwork on my 156 GTA and put me off Alfa garages, but if somebody gives a garage a complete roasting, it could leave the forum in hot water if the garage concerned comes after you.

 

[ben]

but if somebody gives a garage a complete roasting, it could leave the forum in hot water if the garage concerned comes after you.

We've had the garages forum since forever and while I do sometimes get requests to take posts down, if the post looks genuine I'll leave it.

Actually with this new system, a business can "claim" themselves and then be able to respond to reviews (like Google).

Whilst I'm here, come on people, we need more listings! If I group the map pins they look rubbish

 

[ben]

I'm going to keep pushing this for a little while - have now setup the brands page.

So when adding an item, you can also select the brand (if applicable) and it will then show them all grouped together (example).

 

[shawkes]

It's Friday, the weekend is nearly here and you're bored at work - great!

Then can I just ask for a minute of your time?

I've been working on a dealership/garage directory type system for the forum, basically like a Google Maps review thing, but in-house, so it's going to be a lot more relevant to us all.

I think I'm done with the code, but need you guys to test it - which will 1) help me and 2) help everyone else, as we'll get some businesses in there!

Everyone here has (probably) used a garage in the last year, so if you can write me a short review of it that would be great!

So what I need you to do is this (pretty please).

1. Head over to the business directory.
2. Click the Add Item button.
3. Select the type of garage it is (independent or dealership)
4. On the next page, type in the name of it and Google should automatically find it
   View attachment 404376
   
5. Click it and check on the map that it's the correct one - if so, click the "save" button.
6. If everything worked correctly, you should now be forwarded to the add review page
   View attachment 404377
7. Fill it in and hit submit!

If all works, that should have created the garage and added your review. If the garage already existed, it should have just added your review!

Everything should then get added to the map, so over time we'll have an awesome way to find forum member recommended places! Hurrah!

We'll test this over the next week or so (so I'll push it a bit more) - then if all is working, release it properly (link the header etc!)

Thanking you!

Ben,
I wrote a review on my local Fiat dealer, in order to provide some favourable feedback on your new feature. I had intended to delete the review, but this is apparently not possible. The garage is very competent and friendly, but is nowhere close to most forum members and they don't speak a word of English.
If you think that the review is unhelpful or inappropriate, you can delete it.

 

[ben]

Ben,
I wrote a review on my local Fiat dealer, in order to provide some favourable feedback on your new feature. I had intended to delete the review, but this is apparently not possible. The garage is very competent and friendly, but is nowhere close to most forum members and they don't speak a word of English.
If you think that the review is unhelpful or inappropriate, you can delete it.

Not at all mate, I'm really grateful you added it - the more people add (wherever in the world) the more useful the directory becomes

Thank you!

 

[anitaf206]

It's Friday, the weekend is nearly here and you're bored at work - great!

Then can I just ask for a minute of your time?

I've been working on a dealership/garage directory type system for the forum, basically like a Google Maps review thing, but in-house, so it's going to be a lot more relevant to us all.

I think I'm done with the code, but need you guys to test it - which will 1) help me and 2) help everyone else, as we'll get some businesses in there!

Everyone here has (probably) used a garage in the last year, so if you can write me a short review of it that would be great!

So what I need you to do is this (pretty please).

1. Head over to the business directory.
2. Click the Add Item button.
3. Select the type of garage it is (independent or dealership)
4. On the next page, type in the name of it and Google should automatically find it
   View attachment 404376
   
5. Click it and check on the map that it's the correct one - if so, click the "save" button.
6. If everything worked correctly, you should now be forwarded to the add review page
   View attachment 404377
7. Fill it in and hit submit!

If all works, that should have created the garage and added your review. If the garage already existed, it should have just added your review!

Everything should then get added to the map, so over time we'll have an awesome way to find forum member recommended places! Hurrah!

We'll test this over the next week or so (so I'll push it a bit more) - then if all is working, release it properly (link the header etc!)

Thanking you!

Will let you know how our experience goes with garage on Wednesday..