Cost of Alfa repairs driving me nuts

[Mal GTV 2000]

Hi, I have noticed a big increase in the prices to get my Alfa 105 fixed lately. Eg recently $2500K for brake overhaul (not even including disc machined). I was also charged $550 to get a horn wire fixed. I am finding getting my Alfa serviced is now more expensive that Porsche servicing. Also most mechanics need to be cajuled to work on old cars because they say it is too much hassle . I know the price of classic cars is increasing but it seems mechanics are also ramping up their charges. My Alfa ownership is becoming too expensive to be enjoyable any more. Thinking of getting rid of the Alfa as the running costs are insane. Has anyone got any suggestions for reasonably priced Alfa specialists in Sydney?

[SimonR]

I noticed the same when I moved from Melb to Syd a few years ago too. Some of the Syd "Alfa specialists" charged insane prices for simple work which was way higher than back in Melbourne. I relocated home a few years later and noticed the repair prices dropped back to more realistic prices down here. 

You can shop around as I found a place near Artarmon area that was ok and really nice guys, I cant remember their name at the moment though. I am fully aware of the names of some of the other Alfa places up there that just seem to charge what they want. I remember speaking to another AROCA member up there who agreed that they "seemed to charge based on how much money they thought you had in your wallet"!

Have you thought about ringing around first for prices before booking the car in? Or better still, getting a workshop manual for some of the easier stuff to do yourself at home. 105's are not that hard to do much of your own basic servicing stuff etc.

I am sure some of the AROCA NSW members will be able to advise on some of the more reasonable priced workshops up there if you attend a few meetings/events and ask around.

[jazig.k]

I was also charged $550 to get a horn wire fixed.

Wow.

[Neil Choi]

Go and talk to my mate Robert Panetta (very trusted Alfa mechanic)
at Manning Motors
16 West St, Brookvale NSW
(02) 9939 2069

He will help you out, reasonably.

[lombardi]

Hi share your sentiment's totally , Don't want to mention names but one of the culprits charged me $ 750 for a speedo fix , sky's the limit , Rob at Brookvale is a super guy and honest plus very knowledgable.

Max Oddi is very honest as well , he is leichhardt way , i can honestly recommend him plus pit stop motor's , Tony is a good guy , they are on liverpool rd , just off parramatta rd near leichhardt .

[Mal GTV 2000]

Thanks guys for all the tips. I have used Rob in Brookvale and agree he is a top bloke and 105 genius. I guess it is just a fact of life that everything in Aus is just getting so expensive. I do a few things myself which keeps some costs down. Thank goodness for Alfaholics in the UK - I find them amazing in terms of customer service and having plenty of simple parts. With the GBP pound low also a good time to buy stuff now. Although whilst I think the parts are reasonably priced they totally gouge on the shipping costs which is irritating.