Mechanic Recommendation in Sydney

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 11:19

ThreadID: 89700 Views:3585 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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Daniel Knight

hi there,

apologies if this topic has been done to death, but i've search the forum and come up dry. i've recently purchase an 80 series land cruiser and am planning a trip around Australia - off the beaten track. i have a few things on the vehicle that i'd like to get fixed. can anybody on the forum recommend a mechanic? i have the truck booked in for a safety check (red slip) at Foxman Auto in Randwick as they are close to where i live just to see what kind of service they provide. has anybody had any experience with them? always good to get a recommendation to point you in the right direction with these things.

also looking to have a snorkel and spare wheel carrier fitted and have found a few places that do this (ARB and TJM), but both seem overly expensive. i don't mind paying the money as long as this is the standard cost to be expected for the these things. ARB have quoted $1400 for the spare wheel carrier - seems a lot for a hunk of metal?

also looking for some nice camping areas close to sydney to take the truck out for a test run weekend.

advice much appreciated.

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Reply By: Peterbilt - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 13:24

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 13:24

Daniel,
I had my Toyota serviced at Foxman for 2 years but I wouldn’t recommend them. Overcharging is widespread in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in a wide range of products and services. I found this garage to be very expensive, average $550 for oil change and filters, other services from $1500-2000.

When I stopped using them, I began servicing my 4WD myself so I copied Toyota’s service schedule into a spreadsheet to ensure I followed items and intervals correctly. I checked through past invoices against the schedule and found some items were overserviced, some underserviced (eg. driveline oil changes). Copper washes were used instead of crush washers on oil drain plugs and when I changed gear box oil, found the casing split by overtightening. I’m not a mechanic but I’ve managed truck fleets for 20 years and know my way around equipment. Hopefully others can advise you on good service garages. rgds, Peter

AnswerID: 468391

Reply By: Mills5 - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 14:52

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 14:52

Why do you need a snorkel ? and what sort of 'things' need fixing ?...Had an 80 series myself for 10 years, in Sydney so been around ! Plenty of camp spots too !

AnswerID: 468398

Follow Up By: Daniel Knight - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 15:24

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 15:24

Mills5,
in answer to your question i'm planning a trip up to the top of the cape york peninsula - i'm told there are a number of river crossing on the way there. didn't purchase the vehicle just to drive around the eastern suburbs! :)

in terms of "things" that need doing, the vehicle has a minor oil leak. and i'd like to have the bushes on the suspension fixed at some point. plus i need to put the vehicle through a full service. its almost due according to the km's that have been done (based on recommended servicing stats for this type of vehicle) and i also want a starting point for any future work i'll have done on it.

can you provide any advice now that i have provided further detail?

FollowupID: 742667

Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 19:07

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 19:07

Have used these guys before - can recommend them - they know thier 4wd and deisel stuff

http://www.beachwheels.com.au/index.html

over on the Northside, however they service fleet buses and heavy vehicles

BTW - I have no affiliation ...

AnswerID: 468405

Reply By: Kimba10 - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 20:33

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 20:33

I swear by this bloke......

Total Care 4WD (02) 9838 9779
2 Artisan Rd
Seven HillsNSW2147

His name is Jason and knows his 4wd's inside out, he does fitment of all the after market gear as well as all the usual mechanical stuff and is a wiz when it comes to major mods. My wifes boss has his 200 series cruiser done by him, I have had work done by him and 2 people I know of on this website has as well. Only problem is probably to far for you to travel and leave the vehicle to get the work done then get back to pick it back up again ?? ....................

AnswerID: 468408

Follow Up By: Member - Richard W (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 07:19

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 07:19

Ditto.
Been using him since 2006 after he resolved the issue I had with the fan going through the radiator on water crossings.

FollowupID: 742774

Follow Up By: Daniel Knight - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 21:28

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 21:28

2 recommendations. So will check this guy out.
Thanks for the help.

As a side note I took the car tofoxman's for a safety check and he quoted me 2370.00 in repairs to achieve my pink slip! I thought I was hallucinating.

FollowupID: 742834

Reply By: Member - Rob S (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 20:36

Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 20:36

Check out this spare wheel carrier on ebay, its the same as i have an opposit lock about $1000 new

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Rob

I only ever made one mistake
and that's when I thought I was wrong!

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AnswerID: 468409

Follow Up By: Daniel Knight - Monday, Oct 24, 2011 at 20:33

Monday, Oct 24, 2011 at 20:33

Checked it out. Much appreciated. Have since looked through eBay for other items. Seems to be quite a bit out there. And prices are good.

FollowupID: 742745

Reply By: Penchy - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 18:39

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011 at 18:39

Gemini Diesel at Carlton are good. I dont know about servicing costs but repairs seem well priced and quality and service are both very good. If you are after a hunk of metal than $1400 would seem like alot, I can get you some for half that. If you want a wheel carrier than think outside the TJM/ARB box. Powerful4x4 do them, as do plenty of other businesses. Check the classifieds in mags and you are spoilt for choice with an 80. Barrington Tops, Yalwal, Zig Zag, Bendethera/Duera are all easy drives from Sydney with plenty of easy and difficult tracks to explore with camp grounds close by. Hope that helps.

AnswerID: 468527