Best place to service in the Eastern Suburbs?

[Age 156]

Hey guys!

I'm new to all the alfa forums out there after just purchasing my beloved 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 JTS Manual with 60k's on the clock.  It's my first Alfa and im in my early 20's. I'm looking to take great care of the car and not cut any corners with servicing...

What are everyone's thoughts on a quality service centre around the Templestowe area or Eastern suburbs?  Not too fussed if I have to travel to get to a place we're they're not going to rip me off and do a great job. 

I'd prefer an alfa specialist over dealer Lance Dixon because i've heard they can be quite pricey? 

The nearest specialist i've researched is is Beninca Motors in Surrey hills, thoughts? Does anyone go there?

Only other one i know of around the area is Ringwood Prestige in Ringwood – though not sure how much of an alfa "specialist" they are, anyone?

The other place within reasonable distance is the Italian Job in Oakleigh which i've heard is brilliant. 

I really just want a place that's honest to deal with at a competitive price. 

Feedback would be most appreciated!
Thanks a lot

Cheers
Age

[dehne]

benincas would be the place to go then. check out the sponsors page you can get all the info there

[Alfalfa]

welcome mate,

I live in Donvale and in my early 20s as well so it's nice to see another local boy and some more young blood on here! (sorry you old codgers, just stating fact!)

I take mine to Ital Motors in Hawthorn. Michael is an absolute champion and is a genuine, honest fella and knows his shit. Did his apprenticeship with Fiat/Alfa back in the old country. He is a bit more expensive but IMO it's worth it. Just got my car serviced last week and he's continued to impress me 3 years on. It feels rejuvenated!

Other place I would consider near us would be Monza Motors in Bayswater (it's only about 20 mins away). I'm not sure if Vin Sharp does servicing (someone like to correct me?) but he's also just down the road in Park Orchards

If you have any more questions feel free to ask

See ya round the area

Christian

[Andrew156]

Being new to the world of Alfa also, I've recently used Donnini Motors on Dandenong Road in East Malvern. I felt confident that he too knows his stuff, is passionate and no dearer, cheaper than anyone else. I didn't contact other workshops I admit as he was recommended to me and was close to home. He also has the Alfa diagnostic/scan tools with the most recent updates which gave me some comfort too.

So far so good!

[Doug Gould]

Despite their reputation, personally, I have never had a good experience with Benninca's. And they don't feature as a club sponsor. I'd be looking to Hugh Harrisson at Alfpa Repair in Bayswater, or Bruno at Maranello in Brunswick or Mauceri's in Clayton - all of whom are active in the club. At the end of the day its who you get on well with. I'd go and meet them & see.

Doug

[turboalfa]

I Also live in donvale with my silver gtv6 with a 3 litre in her . I'm 19 an do everything myself ..me and my father built the 3 litre and placed her in there .. A personel opinion stay away from the Italian job complete rip offs. Keep an eye out for me . I will be driving up to te
mountains one Sunday sooon :-) I will post on here I will be taking the blackspur especially :-)

[gergory]

personal experience is to avoid monza motors (in particular hugh harrison) like the plague

[Evan Bottcher]

personal experience is to ...

Don't think you'll get much love around here - Hugh is a long term club supporter and trusted mechanic/restorer/race-preparer for many folk on here.

If you don't have something nice to say, how about you don't say it at all?

[GTV-074]

Hey 'gergory' ....your not 'ceci' on another forum by any chance?

Same line...... same rubbish...

[massiveluvbuddy67]

Hello 'gergory',
I respect everyones opinion, but, may not necessarily agree. Your comment is a case in point. I am a stong advocate for Hugh and his team at Monza Motors.
Best Regards
Phil

[alfagtv58]

Hello 'gergory',
I respect everyones opinion, but, may not necessarily agree. Your comment is a case in point. I am a stong advocate for Hugh and his team at Monza Motors.
Best Regards
Phil

+1 for Phil's comment.

Hugh has gone above and beyond for me time and again.  I cannot speak highly enough of the crew at Monza Motors (well except for Mick, he's a gumby).

[gergory]

yes you are all correct ...........someone asks for opinions on where to get the best service and mechanical skills................we should all back the sponsors .............at any cost

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Hey 'gergory' ....your not 'ceci' on another forum by any chance?
Same line...... same rubbish...

I wonder if it is the same person?  Is this the same "ceci" that had the following to say on another forum..........

12-14-2007 - try the italian job in melbourne or ital motors in hawthorn

04-29-2008 - at all costs try not to use the italian job they are rude VERY EXPENSIVE and generally too lazy to look for rare parts.  you will pay through the nose for their parts

03-17-2010 - the italian job is the best, I have been to nearly all of them, stay clear of hugh harrison and lance dixon


Man, this 'ceci' character sure does change his mind a lot doesn't he?

yes you are all correct ...........someone asks for opinions on where to get the best service and mechanical skills................we should all back the sponsors .............at any cost

Wow gergory, I really hope that 'ceci' person is not you, cos that person sounds like a right fucktard.  And going by some of his other posts on another forum, if he behaves like that on this forum he'll be banned pretty quickly.

[hmd]

yes you are all correct ...........someone asks for opinions on where to get the best service and mechanical skills................we should all back the sponsors .............at any cost

It's ok to express your opinion but to make such a sweeping statement you need to at least come up with some supporting evidence.

I am new to the Alfa world and had lots of work done on my historic group S with Hugh and have no issue what so ever.
He is always busy with lots of historic race car so he could not be as bad as you say